The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Peoples Financial Services Corp. (the “Parent Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company ( “Peoples Bank” or when consolidated with the Parent Company, the “Company” or “Peoples”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Peoples Financial Services Corp., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, provides a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. The Company services its retail and commercial customers through twenty-eight full-service community banking offices located within Allegheny, Bucks, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties of Pennsylvania, Middlesex County of New Jersey and Broome County of New York.

Peoples Bank is a state-chartered bank and trust company under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Peoples Bank’s primary product is loans to small and medium-sized businesses. Other lending products include one-to-four family residential mortgages and consumer loans. Peoples Bank primarily funds its loans by offering deposits to commercial enterprises and individuals. Deposit product offerings include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposits.

The Company faces competition primarily from commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions within its market, many of which are larger in terms of assets and capital. In addition, mutual funds and security brokers compete for various types of deposits, and consumer, mortgage, leasing and insurance companies compete for various types of loans and leases. Principal methods of competing for banking and permitted nonbanking services include price, nature of product, quality of service and convenience of location.

Peoples Financial Services Corp. and Peoples Bank are subject to regulations of certain federal and state regulatory agencies and undergo periodic examinations.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), Regulation S-X and reporting practices applied in the banking industry. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also presents herein condensed parent company only financial information regarding the Parent Company. Prior period amounts are reclassified when necessary to conform with the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on financial position or results of operations.

The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of December 31, 2022, for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these consolidated financial statements. The evaluation was conducted through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the valuation of derivative instruments and impairment of goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment securities are classified and accounted for as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale securities based on management’s intent at the time of acquisition. Management is required to reassess the appropriateness of such classifications at each reporting date. The Company classifies debt securities as held-to maturity when management has the positive intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Investment securities are designated as available-for-sale when they are to be held for indefinite periods of time as management intends to use such securities to implement asset/liability strategies or to sell them in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk, liquidity requirements, or other circumstances identified by management. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. All marketable equity securities are accounted for at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. Estimated fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices from a national pricing service. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income. Premiums on callable debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date from the maturity date. Premiums on non-callable securities are amortized and discounts are accreted using the interest method over the expected life of the security. Investment securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, in order to generate profits from market appreciation, are classified as trading account securities. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of the transfer, with the accounting treatment of unrealized gains or losses determined by the category into which the security is transferred.

Management evaluates each investment security to determine if a decline in fair value below its amortized cost is an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant an evaluation. Factors considered in determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment was incurred include: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) whether a decline in fair value is attributable to adverse conditions specifically related to the security or specific conditions in an industry or geographic area; (iv) the credit-worthiness of the issuer of the security; (v) whether dividend or interest payments have been reduced or have not been made; (vi) an adverse change in the remaining expected cash flows from the security such that the Company will not recover the amortized cost of the security; (vii) whether management intends to sell the security; and (viii) if it is more likely than not that management will be required to sell the security before recovery. If a decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, the individual security is written-down to fair value with the credit related component of the write-down included in earnings. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on information available to management at a point in time.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Loans held for sale consist of one-to-four family residential mortgages originated and intended for sale in the secondary market. The loans are carried in aggregate at the lower of cost or estimated market value, based upon current delivery prices in the secondary mortgage market. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by corresponding charges to income. Gains or losses on the sale of these loans are recognized in noninterest income at the time of sale using the specific identification method. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs, are included in net gains or losses upon the sale of the related mortgage loan.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized as adjustments to interest income using the effective interest method. Delinquency fees are recognized in income at the time when they are paid by customer.

The loan portfolio is segmented into commercial and retail loans. Commercial loans consist of commercial, commercial real estate, municipal and other related tax free loans. Retail loans consist of residential real estate and other consumer loans.

The Company makes commercial loans for real estate development and other business purposes to its customers. The Company’s credit policies establish advance rates against the different forms of collateral that can be pledged against various commercial loans. Typically, the majority of loans will be underwritten to a percentage of their underlying collateral values such as real estate values, equipment, eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Individual loan advance rates may be higher or lower depending upon the financial strength of the borrower and/or term of the loan. Generally, assets financed through commercial loans are used for the operations of the business. Repayment for these types of loans generally comes from the cash flow of the business or the ongoing conversion of assets. Commercial real estate loans include construction, mini-perm, or longer term loans financing commercial properties. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon either the ongoing business cash flow from an owner occupied property or the lease/rental income or sale of a non-owner occupied property. Commercial real estate loans typically require a loan to value of not greater than 80 percent and vary in terms. In addition, the payment expectations on loans secured by income-producing properties typically depend on the successful operations of the related business and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the general economy.

Loans secured by commercial real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Of primary concern in commercial real estate lending is the borrower’s and any guarantor’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the financed project. Additional considerations include: location, market and geographic concentration risks, loan to value, strength of guarantors and quality of tenants. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a higher level of risk than residential real estate loans, which could be caused by unfavorable conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To effectively monitor loans on income properties, the Company requires borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on commercial real estate loans and rent rolls where applicable. In reaching a decision on whether to make a commercial real estate loan, the Company considers and reviews a cash flow analysis of the borrower and guarantor, when applicable. In addition, the Company evaluates business cash flows, if applicable, net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and the value of the underlying property. The Company has generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios, which is net cash flow before debt service to debt service, of at least 1.2 times. An environmental report is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.

Commercial loans are generally made on the basis of a business entity or individual borrower’s ability to make repayment from business cash flows or individual borrowers’ employment and other income. Commercial business loans tend to have a slightly higher risk than commercial real estate loans because collateral usually consists of business assets versus real estate. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time and could be difficult to appraise and liquidate. As a result, repayment of commercial business loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.

Residential mortgages, including home equity loans, are secured by the borrower’s residential real estate in either a first or second lien position. Residential mortgages have varying loan rates depending on the financial condition of the borrower, loan to value ratio and term. Residential mortgages may have amortizations up to 30 years.

Consumer loans include installment loans, car loans, and overdraft lines of credit. These loans are both secured and unsecured. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, unused portions of lines of credit and standby letters of credit. These financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded. Fees on commercial letters of credit and on unused available lines of credit are recorded as interest and fees on loans and are included in interest income when paid. The Company records an allowance for off-balance sheet credit losses, if deemed necessary, separately as a liability.

Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned. Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructured loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Generally, a loan is classified as nonaccrual when it is determined that the collection of all or a portion of interest or principal is doubtful or when a default of interest or principal has existed for 90 days or more, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, interest accruals discontinue and uncollected accrued interest is reversed against income in the current period. Interest collections after a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status are credited to a suspense account until either the loan is returned to performing status or charged-off. The interest accumulated in the suspense account is credited to income over the remaining life of the loan using the effective yield method if the nonaccrual loan is returned to performing status. However, if the nonaccrual loan is charged-off, the accumulated interest is applied as a reduction to principal at the time the loan is charged-off. A nonaccrual loan is returned to performing status when the loan is current as to principal and interest and has performed according to the contractual terms for a minimum of six months.

Troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”) are loans with original terms, interest rate, or both, that have been modified as a result of a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition and a concession has been granted that the Company would not otherwise consider. Unless on nonaccrual, interest income on these loans is recognized when earned, using the interest method. The Company offers a variety of modifications to borrowers that would be considered concessions. The modification categories offered can generally fall within the following categories:

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Rate Modification — A modification in which the interest rate is changed to a below market rate.

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Term Modification — A modification in which the maturity date, timing of payments or frequency of payments is changed.

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Interest Only Modification — A modification in which the loan is converted to interest only payments for a period of time.

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Payment Modification — A modification in which the dollar amount of the payment is changed, other than an interest only modification described above.

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Combination Modification — Any other type of modification, including the use of multiple categories above.

The Company segments loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. Loans are individually analyzed for credit risk by classifying them within the Company’s internal risk rating system. The Company’s risk rating classifications are defined as follows:

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Pass — A loan to borrowers with acceptable credit quality and risk that is not adversely classified as Substandard, Doubtful, Loss nor designated as Special Mention.

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Special Mention — A loan that has potential weaknesses that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified since they do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

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Substandard — A loan that is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

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Doubtful — A loan classified as Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make the collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

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Loss — A loan classified as Loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance as a bankable loan is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be effected in the future.

Other real estate owned is comprised of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or in-substance foreclosures. A loan is classified as in-substance foreclosure when the Company has taken possession of the collateral regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings take place. Other real estate owned is included in other assets and recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the time of acquisition, establishing a new cost basis. Any excess of the loan balance over the recorded value is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent declines in the recorded values of the properties prior to their disposal and costs to maintain the assets are included in other expenses. Any gain or loss realized upon disposal of other real estate owned is included in noninterest expense.

Allowance for loan losses:

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses account is maintained through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, determined to be confirmed losses are charged against the allowance account and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the account. A loss is considered confirmed when information available at the financial statement date indicates the loan, or a portion thereof, is uncollectible. Nonaccrual, troubled debt restructured and loans deemed impaired at the time of acquisition are reviewed monthly to determine if carrying value reductions are warranted or if these classifications should be changed. Consumer loans are considered losses and charged-off when they are 120 days past due.

Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account quarterly. This assessment is based on past charge-off experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Regulators, in reviewing the loan portfolio as part of the scope of a regulatory examination, may require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses or take other actions that would require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be adequate to absorb probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. This consists of a specific allowance for impaired loans individually evaluated and a portion for loss contingencies on those loans collectively evaluated.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest and principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, ability to pay and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Company recognizes interest income on impaired loans, including the recording of cash receipts, for nonaccrual, restructured loans or accruing loans depending on the status of the impaired loan. Loans considered impaired are measured for impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a specific allowance for the loan will be established.

The collectively evaluated portion of the allowance for loan losses relates to large pools of smaller-balance homogeneous loans and those identified loans considered not individually impaired having similar characteristics as these loan pools. Loss contingencies for each of the major loan pools are determined by applying a total loss factor to the current balance outstanding for each individual pool. The total loss factor is comprised of a historical loss factor using a loss migration method plus qualitative factors, which adjusts the historical loss factor for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that may affect repayment of the loans in these pools as of the evaluation date. Loss migration involves determining the percentage of each pool that is expected to ultimately result in loss based on historical loss experience.

The historical loss factor for each pool is a weighted average of the Company’s historical net charge-off ratio for the most recent rolling twelve quarters. Management adjusts these historical loss factors by qualitative factors that represents a number of environmental risks that may cause estimated credit losses associated with the current portfolio to differ from historical loss experience. These environmental risks include: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices; (ii) changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio; (iii) changes in national, local and industry conditions, including the effects of such changes on the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; (iv) changes in the volume and severity of classified loans, including past due, nonaccrual, troubled debt restructures and other loan modifications; (v) changes in the levels of, and trends in, charge-offs and recoveries; (vi) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations; (vii) changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; (viii) changes in the quality of the loan review system and the degree of oversight by the board of directors; and (ix) the effect of external factors such as competition, pandemics and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the current loan portfolio. Each environmental risk factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Qualitative loss factors are based on specific quantitative and qualitative criteria that are used to assess the level of loss exposure arising from key sources of risk within the loan portfolio segments.

Management believes the level of the allowance for loan losses was adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers:

The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

The Company’s primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. The Company has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the consolidated statements of income was not necessary. The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. The following is a discussion of revenues within the scope of the guidance:

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Service charges, fees, commissions and other. Service charges, fees and commissions on deposit accounts include fees for banking services provided, overdrafts and non-sufficient funds. Revenue is generally recognized in accordance with published deposit account agreements for retail accounts or contractual agreements for commercial accounts. The Company’s deposit services also include our ATM and debit card interchange revenue that is presented gross of the associated costs. Interchange revenue is generated by the Company’s deposit customers’ usage and volume of activity. Interchange rates are not controlled by the Company, which effectively acts as processor that collects and remits payments associated with customer debit card transactions.

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Commission and fees on fiduciary activities. Commission and fees on fiduciary activities includes fees and commissions from investment management, administrative and advisory services primarily for individuals, and to a lesser extent, partnerships and corporations. Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis at the time the services are performed and when the Company has a right to invoice and are based on either the market value of the assets managed or the services provided.

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Wealth management income. Wealth management income includes fees and commissions charged when the Company arranges for another party to transfer brokerage services to a customer. The fees and commissions under this agent relationship are based upon stated fee schedules based upon the type of transaction, volume, and value of the services provided.

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Merchant services income. Merchant services revenue is derived from a third party vendor that processes credit card transactions on behalf of the Company’s merchant customers. Merchant services revenue is primarily comprised of residual fee income based on the referred merchant’s processing volumes and/or margin.

Premises, equipment and lease commitments:

Land is stated at cost. Premises, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The cost of routine maintenance and repairs is expensed as incurred. The cost of major replacements, renewals and betterments is capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in noninterest income. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the related assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, to the expected terms of the leases, if shorter:


Premises and leasehold improvements		7 – 40 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		3 – 10 years

A right-of-use asset and related lease liability is recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition for operating leases Peoples Bank has entered to lease certain office facilities. These amounts are reported as components of premises and equipment and other liabilities. Short-term operating leases, which are leases with an original term of 12 months or less and do not have a purchase option that is likely to be exercised, are not recognized as part of the right-of-use asset or lease liability.

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net:

The Company accounts for its acquisitions using the purchase accounting method. Purchase accounting requires the total purchase price to be allocated to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets that must be recognized. Typically, this allocation results in the purchase price exceeding the fair value of net assets acquired, which is recorded as goodwill. Core deposit intangibles are a measure of the value of checking, money market and savings deposits acquired in business combinations. Core deposit intangibles and other identified intangibles with finite useful lives are amortized using the sum of the year’s digits over their estimated useful lives of up to ten years.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment annually at December 31st or when circumstances arise indicating impairment may have occurred. In making this assessment that impairment may have occurred, management considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and current market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of impairment. Changes in economic and operating conditions, as well as other factors, could result in impairment in future periods. Any impairment losses arising from such testing would be reported in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as a separate line item within operations. There were no impairment losses recognized as a result of periodic impairment testing in each of the three-years ended December 31, 2022.

Mortgage servicing rights:

Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as a separate asset upon the sale and servicing of mortgage loans by the Company. The Company calculates a mortgage servicing right by allocating the total costs incurred between the loan sold and the servicing right, based on their relative fair values at the date of the sale. Mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying mortgage loans. In addition, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment at each reporting date based on the fair value of those rights. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified by loan type, term and interest rate. The amount of impairment recognized, through a valuation allowance, is the amount by which the mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceed their fair value.

Restricted equity securities:

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”), the Company is required to purchase and hold stock in the FHLB to satisfy membership and borrowing requirements. This stock is restricted in that it can only be redeemed by the FHLB or transferred to another member institution, and all redemptions of FHLB stock must be at par. As a result of these restrictions, FHLB stock is unlike other investment securities as there is no trading market for FHLB stock and the transfer price is determined by FHLB membership rules and not by market participants. The carrying value of restricted stock is included in other assets.

Bank owned life insurance:

The Company invests in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) as a source of funding for employee benefit expenses. BOLI involves the purchasing of life insurance on certain employees or directors. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of the policies. This life insurance investment is carried at the cash surrender value of the underlying policies. Income from increases in cash surrender value of the policies is included in noninterest income. The policies can be liquidated, if necessary, with associated tax costs. However, the Company intends to hold these policies and, accordingly, the Company has not provided for income taxes on the earnings from the increase in cash surrender value.

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans:

The Company sponsors a separate Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) and Retirement Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan and maintains Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (“SERPs”) and an employee pension plan, which is currently frozen. The Company also provides post-retirement benefit plans other than pensions, consisting principally of life insurance benefits, to eligible retirees. The liabilities and annual income or expense of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans are determined using methodologies that involve several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate and the long-term rate of asset return, based on the market-related value of assets. The fair values of plan assets are determined based on prevailing market prices or estimated fair value for investments with no available quoted prices.

Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The Company has elected to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Fair value of financial instruments:

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosure under GAAP. Fair value estimates are calculated without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of certain assets and liabilities that are not considered financial. Accordingly, such assets and liabilities are excluded from disclosure requirements.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets. In many cases, these values cannot be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

Current fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale between participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

In accordance with GAAP, the Company groups its assets and liabilities generally measured at fair value into three levels based on market information or other fair value estimates in which the assets and liabilities are traded or valued and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels include:

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Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

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Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

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Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company to construct the summary table in Note 14 containing the fair values and related carrying amounts of financial instruments measured at fair value:

Investment securities: The fair values of marketable equity securities are based on quoted market prices from active exchange markets. The fair values of debt securities are based on pricing from a matrix pricing model and quoted market prices.

Impaired loans: Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis determined by the loan review function or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

Interest rate swaps and floors: Values of these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing source utilizing information which may include market observed quotations for swaps, Libor rates, forward rates and rate volatility. Derivative contracts create exposure to interest rate movements as well as risks from the potential of non-performance of the counterparty.

Income taxes:

Deferred income taxes are provided on the balance sheet method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the effective date. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a likelihood of being realized on examination of more than 50 percent. For tax positions not meeting the more likely than not threshold, no tax benefit is recorded. Under the more likely than not threshold guidelines, the Company believes no significant uncertain tax positions exist, either individually or in the aggregate, that would give rise to the non-recognition of an existing tax benefit. The Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties for any year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022.

As applicable, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties assessed as a result of a taxing authority examination through income tax expense. The Company files consolidated income tax returns in the United States of America and various state jurisdictions. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2019.

Other comprehensive income (loss):

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and their related tax effects are reported in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the consolidated balance sheets relates to net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale, the net change in derivative fair value and the unfunded benefit plan amounts which include prior service costs and unrealized net losses.

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share represent income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to awards of restricted stock units, and are determined using the treasury stock method.


	2022				2021				2020
(Dollars in thousands, except percents)	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
Net income	$	38,090	$	38,090	$	43,519	$	43,519	$	29,354	$	29,354
Average common shares outstanding		7,168,092		7,211,643		7,196,160		7,235,303		7,304,956		7,337,843
Earnings per share	$	5.31	$	5.28	$	6.05	$	6.02	$	4.02	$	4.00

Stock-based compensation:

The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income based on their fair values. The fair value of such equity instruments is recognized as an expense in the consolidated financial statements as services are performed. The Company has granted restricted stock awards and units to employees at a price equal to the fair value of the shares underlying the awards at the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock awards and units are equivalent to the fair value on the date of grant and is amortized over the vesting period.

Recent accounting standards:

Recently Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, as modified by subsequent ASUs, changes accounting for credit losses on loans receivable and debt securities from an incurred loss methodology to an expected credit loss methodology. Among other things, ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accordingly, ASU 2016-13 requires the use of forward-looking information to form credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, though the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The effect of implementing this ASU is recorded through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company has formed a committee and engaged outside vendors to implement a platform to utilize the alternative loss estimation methodologies in determining the impact that adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company has adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2023. The Company has largely completed its assessment of related processes, internal controls, and data sources and has developed, documented, and validated an advanced probability of default/loss given default model utilizing a third-party software provider. Our allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) estimate uses this model and estimation techniques based on historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, forecasts of future economic conditions and other relevant factors. The Company will use models and other loss estimation techniques that are responsive to changes in forecasted economic conditions to interpret borrower and economic factors in order to estimate the ACL. The Company also applies qualitative factors to account for information that may not be reflected in quantitatively derived results. Qualitative factors include: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; changes in management; changes in the quality of the Bank’s loan review process; the existence of any concentrations of credit and other external factors to ensure the ACL reflects our expected credit losses. The Company expects its ACL estimate to be sensitive to various factors such as current and forecasted economic conditions. The ACL includes off-balance sheet components such as unfunded loan commitments and loss estimates for held to maturity debt securities.

Based upon the Company’s fourth quarter parallel run, assessment of the composition, characteristics and credit quality of the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolio, as well as the economic conditions in effect as of the adoption date, management estimates the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in a decrease of approximately $2.5 - $3.0 million to the Company’s ACL. The Company estimates that the impact of adoption to retained earnings, net of tax, will be an increase of approximately $2.1 to $2.5 million.

ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The amendments in Update 2020-04 are elective and apply to all entities that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance includes a general principle that permits an entity to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract re-measurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. Some specific optional expedients are as follows:

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Simplifies accounting for contract modifications, including modifications to loans receivable and debt, by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate.

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Simplifies the assessment of hedge effectiveness and allows hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform to continue.

The amendments in ASU 2020-04 are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company applied the amendments prospectively for applicable loan and other contracts within the effective period of ASU 2020-04.