OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Jersey Shore State Bank (“JSSB”), Luzerne Bank ("Luzerne" and collectively with JSSB , the "Banks"), Woods Real Estate Development Co., Inc., Woods Investment Company, Inc., The M Group Inc. D/B/A The Comprehensive Financial Group (“The M Group”), a wholly owned subsidiary of JSSB and an eighty percent owned subsidiary, United Insurance Solutions, LLC, (collectively, the “Corporation”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements 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.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, valuation of net deferred tax assets, impairment of goodwill, other than temporary impairment of debt and equity securities, fair value of financial instruments, and the valuation of real estate acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure on settlement of debt.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks and federal funds sold.  Interest-earning deposits mature within 90 days and are carried at cost.  Net cash flows are reported for loan, deposit, and short-term borrowing transactions.

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

Based on deposit levels, the Banks must maintain cash and other reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia ("FRB").

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase, based on management’s intention and ability, as securities held to maturity, securities available for sale, or securities held for trading.  Debt securities acquired with the intent and ability to hold 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 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 shareholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Equity securities are carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses for equity securities are recognized as a separate component within the income statement. Realized security gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method for debt securities and the average cost method for marketable equity securities.  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 fair 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 fair value, whether it is more likely than not that the Corporation would be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in fair value, and a review of the Corporation’s capital adequacy, interest rate risk position, and liquidity. The assessment of a security’s ability to recover any decline in fair value, the ability of the issuer to meet contractual obligations, and management’s intent and ability requires considerable judgment. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Fair values of investment securities are based on observed market prices.  Certain investment securities do not have observed bid prices and their fair value is based on instruments with similar risk elements. Since regulatory stock is redeemable at par, the Corporation carries it at cost.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff generally are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred fees and discounts, unamortized loan fees and costs, and the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is recognized as income when earned on the accrual method.  The Corporation’s general policy has been to stop accruing interest on loans when it is determined a reasonable doubt exists as to the collectability of additional interest. Income is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received provided the loan is not delinquent in payment and, in management’s judgment, the borrower has the ability and intent to make future principal payments.  Otherwise, payments are applied to the unpaid principal balance of the loan.  Loans are restored to accrual status if certain conditions are met, including but not limited to, the repayment of all unpaid interest and scheduled principal due, ongoing performance consistent with the contractual agreement, and the future expectation of continued, timely payments.

Loan origination and commitment fees as well as certain direct loan origination costs are being deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the related loan’s yield over the contractual lives of the related loans.

Loans Held for Sale

In general, fixed rate residential mortgage loans originated by the Banks are held for sale and are carried at cost due to their short holding period, which can range from less than two weeks to a maximum of thirty days.  Sold loans are not serviced by the Banks. Proceeds from the sale of loans in excess of the carrying value are accounted for as a gain.  Total gains on the sale of loans are shown as a component of non-interest income within the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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 as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date.  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 charged to operations.  The provision for loan losses is based upon management’s quarterly review of the loan portfolio.  The purpose of the review is to assess loan quality, identify impaired loans, analyze delinquencies, ascertain loan growth, evaluate potential charge-offs and recoveries, and assess general economic conditions in the markets served.  An external independent loan review is also performed semi-annually for the Bank.  Management remains committed to an aggressive program of problem loan identification and resolution.

The allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans by type, excluding loans for which a specific allowance has been determined.  Loss factors are based on management’s consideration of the nature of the portfolio segments, changes in mix and volume of the loan portfolio, historical loan loss experience, and general economic conditions.  In addition, management considers industry standards and trends with respect to nonperforming loans and its knowledge and experience with specific lending segments.

Although management believes that it uses the best information available to make such determinations and that the allowance for loan losses is adequate at December 31, 2019, future adjustments could be necessary if circumstances or economic conditions

differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the initial determinations.  A downturn in the local economy, rising unemployment, or negative performance trends in financial information from borrowers could be indicators of subsequent increased levels of nonperforming assets and possible charge-offs, which would normally require increased loan loss provisions. An integral part of the periodic regulatory examination process is the review of the adequacy of the Banks' loan loss allowance. The regulatory agencies could require the Banks, based on their evaluation of information available at the time of their examination, to provide additional loan loss provisions to further supplement the allowance.

Impaired loans are commercial and commercial real estate loans for which it is probable the Banks will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The Banks individually evaluate such loans for impairment and do 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 Banks may choose to place a loan on nonaccrual status due to payment delinquency or uncertain collectability, while not classifying the loan as impaired if the loan is not a commercial or commercial real estate loan. 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.

Mortgage loans on 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 surrounding the loan and the borrower including the length of the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Loan Charge-off Policies

Loan Charge-off Policies

Loans are generally fully or partially charged down to the fair value of collateral securing the asset when:

•   management judges the asset to be uncollectible;

• repayment is deemed to be protracted beyond reasonable time frames;

• the asset has been classified as a loss by either the internal loan review process or external examiners;

• the borrower has filed bankruptcy and the loss becomes evident due to a lack of assets; or

•

the loan is 180 days past due unless both well secured and in the process of collection.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, management may grant a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered, the related loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). Management strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status. These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance, and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. In cases where borrowers are granted new terms that provide for a reduction of either interest or principal, management measures any impairment on the restructuring as noted above for impaired loans.

In addition to the allowance for the pooled portfolios, management has developed a separate allowance for loans that are identified as impaired through a TDR. These loans are excluded from pooled loss forecasts and a separate reserve is provided under the accounting guidance for loan impairment. Consumer loans whose terms have been modified in a TDR are also individually analyzed for estimated impairment.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs.  Prior to foreclosure, the value of the underlying loan is written down to the fair value of the real estate to be acquired by a charge to the allowance for loan losses, if necessary. Any subsequent write-downs are charged against operating expenses.  Net operating expenses and gains and losses realized from disposition are included in non-interest expense and income, respectively, within the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost.  Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from five to ten years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment and fifteen to forty years for buildings and improvements.  Costs incurred for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Corporation has purchased life insurance policies on certain officers and directors.  Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized.  Increases in the cash surrender value are recognized as a component of non-interest income within the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Goodwill

Goodwill

The Corporation performs an annual impairment analysis of goodwill for its purchased subsidiaries, Luzerne and The M Group.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had intangible assets of $281,000 as a result of the acquisition of Luzerne National Bank Corporation, which is net of accumulated amortization of $1,733,000. These intangible assets will continue to be amortized using the sum-of-the-years digits method of amortization over ten years. The Corporation also had intangible assets of $617,000, which is net of accumulated amortization of $403,000, as a result of the purchase of two books of business related to investment product sales. The book of business intangible is being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of ten years.

Investments in Limited Partnerships

Investments in Limited Partnerships

The Corporation is a limited partner in two partnerships at December 31, 2019 that provide low income elderly housing in the Corporation’s geographic market area. The carrying value of the Corporation’s investments in limited partnerships was $630,000 at December 31, 2019 and $218,000 at December 31, 2018. The investments are being amortized over the ten-year tax credit receipt period utilizing the straight-line method.  The partnerships are amortized once the projects reach the level of occupancy needed to begin the ten year tax credit recognition period.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments. Those instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. When those instruments are funded or become payable, the Corporation reports the amounts in its financial statements.

Marketing Cost

Marketing Cost

Marketing costs are generally expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Corporation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the

appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences in financial and income tax methods of accounting, and are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or 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.  The Corporation analyzed its deferred tax asset position and determined that there was not a need for a valuation allowance due to the Corporation’s ability to generate future ordinary and capital taxable income.

On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cut and Jobs Act was signed into law. ASC 740 (Income Taxes) requires the recognition of the effect of changes in tax laws or rates in the period in which the legislation is enacted. The changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities remeasured at the new 21% federal tax rate are reflected in income tax expense for fiscal year 2017.

The Corporation when applicable recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax provision.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Corporation provides dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share.  Basic earnings per share is calculated utilizing net income as reported in the numerator and weighted average shares outstanding in the denominator.  The computation of diluted earnings per share differs in that the dilutive effects of any stock options are adjusted in the denominator.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits

Pension and employee benefits include contributions, determined actuarially, to a defined benefit retirement plan covering the eligible employees of JSSB.  The plan is funded on a current basis to the extent that it is deductible under existing federal tax regulations.  Pension and other employee benefits also include contributions to a defined contribution Section 401(k) plan covering eligible employees.  Contributions matching those made by eligible employees are funded throughout the year. In addition, an elective contribution may be made annually at the discretion of the board of directors for the employees of JSSB with no contributions made since 2015.

The M Group Products and Income Recognition

The M Group Products and Income Recognition

The M Group product line is comprised primarily of annuities, life insurance, and mutual funds.  The revenues generated from life insurance sales are commission only, as The M Group does not underwrite the policies.  Life insurance sales include permanent and term policies with the majority of the policies written being permanent.  Term life insurance policies are written for 10, 15, 20, and 30 year terms with the majority of the policies being written for 20 years.  None of these products are offered as an integral part of lending activities.

Commissions from the sale of annuities are recognized at the time notice is received from the third party broker/dealer or an insurance company that the transaction has been accepted and approved, which is also the time when commission income is received.

Life insurance commissions are recognized at varying points based on the payment option chosen by the customer.  Commissions from monthly and annual payment plans are recognized at the start of each annual period for the life insurance, while quarterly and semi-annual premium payments are recognized quarterly and semi-annually when the earnings process is complete.  For example, semi-annual payments on the first of January and July would result in commission income recognition on the first of January and July, while payments on the first of January, April, July, and October would result in commission income recognition on those dates. The potential for chargebacks only exists for those policies on a monthly payment plan since income is recognized at the beginning of the annual coverage period versus at the time of each monthly payment.  No liability is maintained for chargebacks as these are removed from income at the time of the occurrence.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Corporation is required to present accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements for all periods presented. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of unrealized holding gains

(losses) on the available for sale securities portfolio and the unrecognized components of net periodic benefit costs of the defined benefit pension plan.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

The Corporation has determined that its only reportable segment is Community Banking.

Reclassification of Comparative Amounts

Reclassification of Comparative Amounts

Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s reporting format.  Such reclassifications did not affect net income or shareholders’ equity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued the Leasing Standard, which is codified in ASC 842, Leases, and is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations and require lessees to record a right-of-use (ROU) asset and a liability representing the obligation to make lease payments for long-term leases. Accounting by lessors remains largely unchanged. The Company adopted the Standard on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition under the option to apply the Leasing Standard at its effective date without adjusting the prior period comparative financial statements. Among other things, these updates require lessees to recognize a lease liability, measured on a discounted basis, related to the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising under a lease contract; and a right-of-use asset related to the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. On January 1, 2019, the Company recorded operating lease liabilities and ROU asset of $4,300,000 and finance lease liabilities and ROU asset of $6,000,000 million upon adoption of the Standard. The balance sheet effects of the new lease accounting standard also impacted regulatory capital ratios, performance ratios and other measures which are dependent upon asset or liability balances. For additional information and required disclosures related to ASC 842, see Note 25, “Leases.”

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted