Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation: First West Virginia Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a West Virginia Company. The Company provides a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses through the branch network of its affiliate bank (the “Bank”). The Bank operates nine full service branches located in Wheeling (3), Wellsburg, Moundsville, New Martinsville, Buckhannon, and Weston, West Virginia and Bellaire, Ohio. Primary deposit products consist of checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Primary lending products consist of commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer loans, and business loans.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the financial statements of the parent and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Progressive Bank, N.A. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and amounts due from banks and federal funds sold with maturities of less than 90 days.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities: Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase, based on management’s intention and ability, as securities available for sale or held to maturity. Debt securities classified as held to maturity are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount which are computed using the interest method and recognized as adjustments of interest income. Certain other debt and equity securities have been classified as available for sale to serve principally as a source of liquidity. Unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Realized securities gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on investment securities are recognized as income when earned.

Securities are periodically reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment based upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition of the underlying issuer, the ability of the issuer to meet contractual obligations, the likelihood of the security’s ability to recover any decline in its market value, and management’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in market value. Among the factors that are considered in determining management’s intent and ability is a review of the Company’s capital adequacy, interest rate risk position and liquidity. The assessment of a security’s ability to recover any decline in market value, the ability of the issuer to meet contractual obligations and management’s intent and ability requires considerable judgment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, if the investor does not intend to sell the security, and it is more-likely-than-not that it will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of credit loss. Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost (the difference defined as the non-credit portion) is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Otherwise, the entire difference between fair value and amortized cost is charged to earnings. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no investment securities identified by management to be other-than-temporarily impaired. If investments decline in fair value due to adverse changes in the financial markets, charges to income could occur in future periods.

Common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank represents ownership interest in institutions that are wholly owned by other financial institutions. These equity securities are accounted for at cost and are classified with other assets. The Bank is a member of the FHLB and, as such, is required to maintain a minimum investment in stock of the FHLB that varies with the level of advances outstanding with the FHLB. The stock is bought from and sold to the FHLB based upon its $100 par value. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and, as such, is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated by management. The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared with the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation has persisted, (b) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance, (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the FHLB, and (d) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

The FHLB had incurred losses in 2009 and for parts of 2010 due primarily to other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on its private- label mortgage-backed securities portfolio. These securities were the most affected by the extreme economic conditions in place during the previous several years. As a result, the FHLB had suspended the payment of dividends and limited the amount of capital stock repurchases. The FHLB had reported net income for both the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2011, and has declared a $.10 percent annualized dividend to its shareholders effective February 23, 2012. While the FHLB has not committed to regular dividend payments or future limited repurchases of excess capital stock, it will continue to monitor the overall financial performance of the FHLB in order to determine the status of limited repurchases of excess capital or dividends in the future. Management evaluated the stock and concluded that the stock was not impaired for the periods presented herein. More consideration was given to the long-term prospects for the FHLB as opposed to the recent stress caused by the extreme economic conditions the world is facing. Management also considered that the FHLB’s regulatory capital ratios have increased from the prior year, liquidity appears adequate, new shares of FHLB stock continue to exchange hands at $100 par value, and the resumption of dividends.

Loans and Loans Held for Sale

Loans and Loans Held for Sale: Loans are generally reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned income. Interest income on loans is accrued based on the principal outstanding. It is the Company’s policy to discontinue the accrual of interest when either the principal or interest is past due 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. It is the Company’s policy not to recognize interest income on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of future loss is remote. Interest payments received on such loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Nonaccrual loans may be returned to accrual status when none of its principal and interest payments are due and there has been a sustained period of repayment performance. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount amortized over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. There were no loans held for sale as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The Company has entered into an agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) under which the bank may sell conforming one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to the FHLB. The current agreement dated December 28, 2011 provides for a maximum commitment of $5,000,000. This commitment expires on December 28, 2012. Loans sold to the FHLB are sold with limited recourse or credit risk based upon utilization of the original commitment. The bank also maintains the servicing of these loans, for which it is paid a servicing fee. The total amount of loans sold and outstanding to the FHLB were $9,911,832 and $9,470,840 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These loans were also subject to recourse obligation or credit risk in the amount of $415,152 and $383,269 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The amount of income recognized as of a result of this agreement was $14,562 and $20,173 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $57,838 and $50,330 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses represents the amount which management estimates is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in its loan portfolio. The allowance method is used in providing for loan losses. Accordingly, all loan losses are charged to the allowance, and all recoveries are credited to it. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses that is charged to operations. The provision is based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses which encompasses the overall risk characteristics of the various portfolio segments, past experience with losses, the impact of economic conditions on borrowers, and other relevant factors. The estimates used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected on impaired loans, are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term.

Management tracks and assigns a historical loss percentage for each loan rating category within each loan type. A rolling three-year historical loss ratio is used, calculated on a quarterly basis.

Management currently utilizes nine qualitative factors that are adjusted based on changes in the lending environment and economic conditions. The qualitative factors include the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies, non-accruals, and charge-offs; trends within the loan portfolio; changes in lending policies and procedures; experience of lending personnel and management oversight; national and local economic trends; concentrations of credit; external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements; changes in the quality of loan review and Board oversight; and changes in the value of underlying collateral. The number of qualitative factors can change. Factors can be added for new risks or taken away if the risk no longer applies. Each loan type will have its own risk profile and management will evaluate and adjust each qualitative factor for each loan type quarterly, if necessary. For example, if one area of the loan portfolio is experiencing sharp increases in growth, it is likely the qualitative factor for trends in the loan portfolio would be increased for that loan type. As levels of delinquencies and non-accrual loans decline for commercial real estate and commercial loans it is likely that factor would be reduced.

In terms of the Company’s loan portfolio, the commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans are deemed to have more risk than the consumer real estate loans and other consumer loans in the portfolio. The commercial loans not secured by real estate are highly dependent on financial condition and are more dependent on economic conditions. The commercial loans secured by real estate are also dependent on economic conditions but generally have stronger forms of collateral. More recently, commercial real estate has been negatively impacted by devaluation so these commercial loans carry a higher qualitative factor for changes in the value of collateral. The commercial loans and commercial real estate loans have historically been responsible for the majority of the Company’s delinquencies, non-accrual loans, and charge-offs so both of these categories carry higher qualitative factors than consumer real estate loans and other consumer loans. The Company has historically experienced very low levels of consumer real estate and consumer loan charge-offs so these qualitative factors are set lower than the commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.

Mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family properties and all consumer loans are large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans and are measured for impairment collectively. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays, which are defined as 90 days or less, generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration all circumstances concerning the loan, the credit worthiness and payment history of the borrower, the length of the payment delay, and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company individually evaluates such loans for impairment and does not aggregate loans by major risk classifications. The definition of “impaired loans” is not the same as the definition of “nonaccrual loans,” although the two categories overlap.

The Company may choose to place a loan on nonaccrual status due to payment delinquency or uncertain collectibility while not classifying the loan as impaired, provided the loan is not a commercial or commercial real estate classification. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and collateral value. The amount of impairment for these types of loans is determined by the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows related to the loan, using the original interest rate, and its recorded value, or as a practical expedient in the case of collateralized loans, the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the recorded amount of the loans. When foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral.

Individual loan reviews are based upon specific quantitative and qualitative criteria, including the size of the loan, loan quality ratings, value of collateral, repayment ability of borrowers, and historical experience factors. The historical experience factors utilized for individual loan reviews are based upon past loss experience, known trends in losses and delinquencies, the growth of loans in particular markets and industries, and known changes in economic conditions in the particular lending markets. Allowances for homogeneous loans (such as residential mortgage loans, personal loans, etc.) are evaluated based upon historical loss experience, trends in losses and delinquencies, growth of loans in particular markets, and known changes in economic conditions in each lending market. There can be no assurance the allowance for loan losses will be adequate to cover all losses, but management believes the allowance for loan losses in the amount of $2,512,909 at September 30, 2012, was adequate to provide for probable losses from existing loans based on information currently available. While management uses available information to provide for loan losses, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio, and the need for future additions to the allowance, will be based on changes in economic conditions and other relevant factors. As such, an adverse change in economic activity could reduce cash flows for both commercial and individual borrowers, which would likely cause the Company to experience increases in problem assets, delinquencies and losses on loans.

Goodwill

Goodwill: Goodwill resulted from the Company’s purchase of a less-than-whole financial institution (the “branch”). The goodwill value of $1.6 million is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost effective services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill that could adversely impact earnings in future periods.

Goodwill is periodically reviewed for impairment. No impairment losses were recognized. Additionally, future events could cause management to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the goodwill is impaired, which would result in the Company recording an impairment loss. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material, adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs")

Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”): The Company has agreements for the express purpose of selling loans in the secondary market. The Company maintains all servicing rights for these loans. Originated MSRs are recorded by allocating total costs incurred between the loan and servicing rights based on their relative fair values. MSRs are amortized in proportion to the estimated servicing income over the estimated life of the servicing portfolio. Impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of the right, based on portfolio interest rates and prepayment characteristics.

Bank-owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned Life Insurance: Bank owned life insurance consists of investments in life insurance policies on executive officers and other members of the bank’s management. The policies are carried at their net cash surrender value. Changes in the policy value are recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value with the corresponding amount recognized as non-interest income or expense. Earnings on these policies are based on the net earnings on the cash surrender value of the policies. The net cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance was $3,597,816 and $3,518,450 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The death benefit value of the bank-owned life insurance at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $8.7 million and $8.8 million, respectively. An agreement has been executed with all officers whereby a $40,000 death benefit is payable upon the participant’s death while employed by the Company to their designated beneficiary

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs are expensed as the costs are incurred. Advertising expenses amounted to $55,299 and $40,280 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 advertising expenses amounted to $162,372 and $98,650, respectively.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Provisions for depreciation and amortization are computed generally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When units of property are disposed of, the premises and equipment accounts are relieved of the cost and the accumulated depreciation related to such units. Any resulting gains or losses are credited to or charged against income. Cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Additions and improvements are capitalized at cost.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets: 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.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned are carried at the lower of cost or their estimated current fair value, less estimated costs to sell and are included in other assets. Other real estate owned consist primarily of properties acquired through, or in lieu of foreclosures. Any subsequent declines in fair value, and gains or losses on the disposition of these assets are credited to or charged against income.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return. There is currently no liability for uncertain tax positions and no known unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Statement of Income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the deferred tax asset or liability from period to period.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share: Earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The Company has no securities which would be considered potential common stock.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in this Update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early application by public entities is not permitted. The expanded disclosures have been provided in Notes 9 and 10.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this Update improve the comparability, clarity, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. To increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. All entities that report items of comprehensive income, in any period presented, will be affected by the changes in this Update. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, and interim and annual periods thereafter. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has provided the necessary disclosure in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Topics (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in the Update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have goodwill reported in their financial statements and are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-09, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. The amendments in this Update will require additional disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer pension plan to enable users of financial statements to assess the potential cash flow implications relating to an employer’s participation in multiemployer pension plans. The disclosures also will indicate the financial health of all of the significant plans in which the employer participates and assist a financial statement user to access additional information that is available outside the financial statements. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate-a Scope Clarification. The amendments in this Update affect entities that cease to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt. Under the amendments in this Update, when a parent (reporting entity) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. That is, even if the reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest under Subtopic 810-10, the reporting entity would continue to include the real estate, debt, and the results of the subsidiary’s operations in its consolidated financial statements until legal title to the real estate is transferred to legally satisfy the debt. The amendments in this Update should be applied on a prospective basis to deconsolidation events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted even if the reporting entity has continuing involvement with previously derecognized in substance real estate entities. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2013, and interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in this Update affect all entities that have financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The requirements amend the disclosure requirements on offsetting in Section 210-20-50. This information will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position, including the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial instruments and derivative instruments in the scope of this Update. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. In order to defer only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments, the paragraphs in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Update 2011-05. Entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before Update 2011-05. All other requirements in Update 2011-05 are not affected by this Update, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Public entities should apply these requirements for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Nonpublic entities should begin applying these requirements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, and interim and annual periods thereafter. The Company has provided the necessary disclosure in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.