FNRN 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2022 | Alphaminr
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

FNRN 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2022

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2022
OR
T RANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File Number 000-30707
First Northern Community Bancorp
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California
68-0450397
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
195 N. First Street , Dixon , California
95620
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

707 - 678-3041
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbols(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
None
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 7, 2022 was 13,918,905 .



FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
INDEX

Page
3
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
33
50
50
50
50
50
52
52
52
52
52
53

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
ITEM I.    – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
September 30, 2022
December 31 , 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
264,403
$
345,929
Certificates of deposit
11,091
13,272
Investment securities – available-for-sale
607,985
632,213
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $ 14,771 at September 30 , 2022 and $ 13,952 at December 31 , 2021
971,249
852,717
Loans held-for-sale
1,063
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost
9,440
7,097
Premises and equipment, net
6,018
6,552
Interest receivable and other assets
62,527
40,244
Total Assets
$
1,932,713
$
1,899,087
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Demand deposits
$
846,037
$
820,412
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
455,365
432,479
Savings and MMDA's
452,696
426,026
Time, $250,000 or less
35,328
38,388
Time, over $250,000
10,179
10,997
Total deposits
1,799,605
1,728,302
Interest payable and other liabilities
19,748
19,874
Total Liabilities
1,819,353
1,748,176
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, no par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized; 13,922,049 shares issued and outstanding at September 30 , 2022 and 13,848,904 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021
110,557
109,793
Additional paid-in capital
977
977
Retained earnings
55,119
44,338
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
( 53,293
)
( 4,197
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
113,360
150,911
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
1,932,713
$
1,899,087
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three months
ended
September 30, 2022
Three months
ended
September 30, 2021
Nine months
ended
September 30, 2022
Nine months
ended
September 30, 2021
Interest and dividend income:
Loans
$
10,857
$
9,905
$
30,979
$
29,616
Due from banks interest bearing accounts
1,118
211
1,793
503
Investment securities
Taxable
2,122
1,635
5,783
4,612
Non-taxable
250
153
634
436
Other earning assets
137
104
361
289
Total interest and dividend income
14,484
12,008
39,550
35,456
Interest expense:
Deposits
271
231
691
686
Total interest expense
271
231
691
686
Net interest income
14,213
11,777
38,859
34,770
Provision (reversal of provision) for loan losses
300
( 1,800
)
900
( 1,500
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
13,913
13,577
37,959
36,270
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts
414
437
1,308
1,203
Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
27
305
145
1,351
Investment and brokerage services income
137
174
443
470
Mortgage brokerage income
10
53
21
67
Loan servicing income
78
78
569
538
Debit card income
635
658
1,915
1,929
Losses on sales/calls of available-for-sale securities
( 20
)
( 152
)
( 221
)
Other income
769
223
1,231
645
Total non-interest income
2,070
1,908
5,480
5,982
Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits
6,164
5,995
17,578
17,223
Occupancy and equipment
896
841
2,645
2,547
Data processing
912
839
2,587
2,557
Stationery and supplies
75
60
203
193
Advertising
99
100
276
250
Directors’ fees
60
88
196
210
Other expense
1,703
1,311
4,854
4,111
Total non-interest expenses
9,909
9,234
28,339
27,091
Income before provision for income taxes
6,074
6,251
15,100
15,161
Provision for income taxes
1,506
1,742
3,945
4,168
Net income
$
4,568
$
4,509
$
11,155
$
10,993
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.81
$
0.78
Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.80
$
0.77

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)
Three months
ended
September 30, 2022
Three months
ended
September 30, 2021
Nine months
ended
September 30, 2022
Nine months
ended
September 30, 2021
Net income
$
4,568
$
4,509
$
11,155
$
10,993
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, net of tax effect of $( 7,461 ) and $( 463 ) for the three months ended September 30 , 2022 and September 30 , 2021 , respectively, and $( 19,850 ) and $( 2,145 ) for the nine months ended September 30 , 2022 and September 30 , 2021 , respectively
( 18,492
)
( 1,147
)
( 49,204
)
( 5,316
)
Less: reclassification adjustment due to losses realized on sales of securities, net of tax effect of $ and $ 6 for the three months ended September 30 , 2022 and September 30 , 2021 , respectively, and $ 44 and $ 64 for the nine months ended September 30 , 2022 and September 30 , 2021 , respectively
14
108
157
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
$
( 18,492
)
$
( 1,133
)
$
( 49,096
)
$
( 5,159
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
( 13,924
)
$
3,376
$
( 37,941
)
$
5,834

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share data)

Common Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Retained
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
Shares
Amounts
Capital
Earnings
net of tax
Total
B alance at December 31, 2020
13,634,463
$
107,527
$
977
$
37,115
$
5,038
$
150,657
Net income
3,178
3,178
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
( 4,172
)
( 4,172
)
Stock dividend adjustment
1,282
329
( 329
)
Cash in lieu of fractional shares
( 168
)
( 8
)
( 8
)
Stock-based compensation
144
144
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants
38,400
Stock options exercised, net
6,108
Balance at March 31, 2021
13,680,085
$
108,000
$
977
$
39,956
$
866
$
149,799
Net income
3,306
3,306
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
146
146
Stock-based compensation
148
148
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants
3,000
Stock repurchase and retirement
( 82,549 ) ( 925 ) ( 925 )
Balance at June 30, 2021
13,600,536
$
107,223
$
977
$
43,262
$
1,012
$
152,474
Net income
4,509 4,509
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
( 1,133 ) ( 1,133 )
Stock-based compensation
148 148
Restricted stock forfeited
( 468 )
Stock repurchase and retirement
( 132,334 ) ( 1,454 ) ( 1,454 )
Balance at September 30, 2021 13,467,734 $ 105,917 $ 977 $
47,771 $
( 121 ) $
154,544
Balance at December 31, 2021
13,848,904
$
109,793
$
977
$
44,338
$
( 4,197
)
$
150,911
Net income
3,041
3,041
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
( 19,963
)
( 19,963
)
Stock dividend adjustment
3,276
366
( 366
)
Cash in lieu of fractional shares
( 161
)
( 8
)
( 8
)
Stock-based compensation
164
164
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants
67,596
Stock options exercised, net
11,615
Stock repurchase and retirement
( 1,401 ) ( 15 ) ( 15 )
Balance at March 31, 2022
13,929,829
$
110,308
$
977
$
47,005
$
( 24,160
)
$
134,130
Net income
3,546
3,546
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
( 10,641
)
( 10,641
)
Stock-based compensation
168
168
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants
1,500
Stock repurchase and retirement
( 7,280
)
( 69
)
( 69
)
Balance at June 30, 2022
13,924,049
$
110,407
$
977
$
50,551
$
( 34,801
)
$
127,134
Net income
4,568 4,568
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
( 18,492 ) ( 18,492 )
Stock-based compensation
168 168
Stock repurchase and retirement
( 2,000 ) ( 18 ) ( 18 )
Balance at September 30, 2022 13,922,049 $
110,557 $
977 $
55,119 $
( 53,293 ) $
113,360

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2022
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income
$
11,155
$
10,993
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
571
562
Accretion and amortization of investment securities premiums and discounts, net
3,545
3,039
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights
( 276
)
24
(Decrease) increase in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net
( 2,259
)
49
Provision (reversal of provision) for loan losses
900
( 1,500
)
Stock-based compensation
500
440
Losses on sales/calls of available-for-sale securities
152
221
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset
835
781
Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
( 145
)
( 1,351
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale
10,206
58,529
Originations of loans held-for-sale
( 8,998
)
( 51,914
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease  in interest receivable and other assets
( 2,167
)
1,019
Decrease in interest payable and other liabilities
( 995
)
( 1,587
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
13,024
19,305
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from calls or maturities of available-for-sale securities
11,090
15,190
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
6,349
21,917
Principal repayments on available-for-sale securities
77,635
68,753
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
( 143,445
)
( 298,390
)
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit
4,416
5,145
Proceeds from sales of certificates of deposit
493
Purchases of certificates of deposit
( 2,728
)
( 1,733
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans
( 117,173
)
55,576
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other equity securities, at cost
( 2,343 ) ( 617 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
( 37
)
( 803
)
Net cash used in investing activities
( 165,743
)
( 134,962
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net increase in deposits
71,303
271,495
Principal payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances ( 5,000 )
Cash dividends paid in lieu of fractional shares
( 8
)
( 8
)
Repurchases of common stock
( 102
)
( 2,379
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
71,193
264,108
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
( 81,526
)
148,451
Cash and Cash Equivalents , beginning of period
345,929
267,177
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
$
264,403
$
415,628
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$
644
$
679
Income taxes
$ 3,810 $ 3,270
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Stock dividend distributed
$
6,992
$
6,636
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes
$
( 49,096
)
$
( 5,159
)
Transfer of loans held-for-sale to loans held-for-investment
$
$
1,765
Market value of shares tendered in-lieu of cash to pay for exercise of options
$ 65 $ 32
Recognition of right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
$ 869 $ 285

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021

1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission .  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The preparation of 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 financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

2.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES


The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, Management has identified the allowance for loan losses accounting to be the accounting area requiring the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such the accounting area that could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. A discussion of the factors affecting accounting for the allowance for loan losses is included in the “Asset Quality” and “Allowance for Loan Losses” discussions below.


Application of these principles requires the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:


In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU adds an SEC paragraph pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 on loan losses to the FASB Codification Topic 326. This ASU also updates the SEC section of the Codification for the change in the effective date of Topic 842.  This ASU was effective upon addition to the FASB Codification. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), is effective on January 1, 2023 for smaller reporting companies with less than $250 million in public float as defined in the SEC's rules.  The Company presently is a smaller reporting company.  The Company will apply the amendment's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the first period the amendment is effective.  The Company has formed a team that is working on an implementation plan to adopt the amendment.  The implementation plan will include developing policies, procedures and internal controls over the model.  The Company is also working with a software vendor to measure expected losses required by the amendment.  The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this amendment will have on its consolidated financial statements and expects that the portfolio composition and economic conditions at the time of adoption will influence the accounting adjustment made at the time the amendment is adopted .


In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) .  This ASU provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform.  This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform.  This ASU was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.  As of January 1, 2022, the Company is no longer originating LIBOR-based loans and is originating new variable rate loans using the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).  For existing LIBOR based loans, the Company is monitoring the development and reporting of fallback indices.  The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) .  This ASU applies to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other rate references expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are elective and apply to all entities that have derivative instruments that use an interest rate that will be modified by reference rate reform. This ASU provides implementation guidance to clarify that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 may be applied to derivative instruments. This ASU may be elected on a full retrospective basis for any interim period subsequent to March 12, 2020, or on a prospective basis to new modifications from any date subsequent to the date of issuance.  The Company is evaluating the optional election of this ASU for the transition from LIBOR to a new reference rate. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. These amendments eliminate the TDR recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, require that an entity evaluate (consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications) whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.  For public business entities, these amendments require that an entity disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20.  This ASU is effective on January 1, 2023, the same effective date as ASU 2016-13.  The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of these amendments will have on its consolidated financial statements.



In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value.   This ASU is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023.  The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at September 30, 2022 are summarized as follows:

(in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Unrealized
gains
Unrealized
losses
Estimated
fair value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
115,583
$
$
( 6,385
)
$
109,198
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
120,824
( 10,457
)
110,367
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
59,263
3
( 7,710
)
51,556
Collateralized mortgage obligations
117,695
( 19,553
)
98,142
Mortgage-backed securities
267,401
( 28,679
)
238,722
Total debt securities
$
680,766
$
3
$
( 72,784
)
$
607,985

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:

(in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Unrealized
gains
Unrealized
losses
Estimated
fair value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
86,534
$
388
$
( 711
)
$
86,211
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
104,106
330
( 1,826
)
102,610
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
44,842
1,444
( 301
)
45,985
Collateralized mortgage obligations
137,872
665
( 2,885
)
135,652
Mortgage-backed securities
262,738
1,971
( 2,954
)
261,755
Total debt securities
$
636,092
$
4,798
$
( 8,677
)
$
632,213

The Company had $ 0 and $ 2,470 ,000 in proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  The Company had $ 6,349 ,000 and $ 21,917 ,000 in proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  There were no gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities were $ 0 and $ 20 ,000 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities were $ 0 and $ 322 ,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities were $ 152 ,000 and $ 543 ,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt and other securities at September 30, 2022, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table:

(in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Estimated
fair value
Maturity in years:
Due in one year or less
$
33,806
$
33,355
Due after one year through five years
188,827
175,412
Due after five years through ten years
39,515
34,802
Due after ten years
33,522
27,552
Subtotal
295,670
271,121
Mortgage-backed securities & Collateralized mortgage obligations
385,096
336,864
Total
$
680,766
$
607,985

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  In addition, factors such as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yield on the carrying value of mortgage-related securities.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2022, follows:


Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$
66,255
$
( 2,844
)
$
42,943
$
( 3,541
)
$
109,198
$
( 6,385
)
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
43,768
( 1,913
)
62,099
( 8,544
)
105,867
( 10,457
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
42,252
( 5,103
)
7,598
( 2,607
)
49,850
( 7,710
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
44,515
( 5,086
)
51,469
( 14,467
)
95,984
( 19,553
)
Mortgage-backed securities
127,156
( 11,660
)
105,959
( 17,019
)
233,115
( 28,679
)
Total
$
323,946
$
( 26,606
)
$
270,068
$
( 46,178
)
$
594,014
$
( 72,784
)

No decline in value related to investment securities was considered “other-than-temporary” during the first nine months of 2022. Four hundred sixteen securities, all considered investment grade, which had an aggregate fair value of $ 323,946 ,000 and a total unrealized loss of $ 26,606 ,000, have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of September 30, 2022. One hundred forty-six securities, all considered investment grade, which had an aggregate fair value of $ 270,068 ,000 and a total unrealized loss of $ 46,178 ,000, have been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of September 30, 2022.  The unrealized losses on the Company's investment securities were caused by market conditions for these types of investments, particularly changes in risk-free interest rates.The Company does not intend to sell the securities and has concluded it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of their anticipated cost basis. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2022.

The fair value of investment securities could decline in the future if the general economy deteriorates, inflation increases, credit ratings decline, the issuer's financial condition deteriorates, or the liquidity for securities declines. As a result, other than temporary impairments may occur in the future. The coronavirus pandemic and the impact of governmental health measures in response thereto may increase the likelihood of such other than temporary impairments.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2021, follows:


Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
Fair Value
Unrealized
losses
U.S. Treasury Securities
$
63,254
$
( 673
)
$
2,066
$
( 38
)
$
65,320
$
( 711
)
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
48,288
( 942
)
30,158
( 884
)
78,446
( 1,826
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
11,680
( 233
)
934
( 68
)
12,614
( 301
)
Collateralized Mortgage obligations
90,299
( 2,850
)
1,298
( 35
)
91,597
( 2,885
)
Mortgage-backed securities
175,943
( 2,816
)
6,997
( 138
)
182,940
( 2,954
)
Total
$
389,464
$
( 7,514
)
$
41,453
$
( 1,163
)
$
430,917
$
( 8,677
)

Investment securities carried at $ 50,540 ,000 and $ 39,695 ,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

4.
LOANS

The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio, by loan class, as of September 30, 2022  and December 31, 2021 was as follows:

($ in thousands)
September 30,
2022
December 31,
2021
Commercial
$
107,958
$
135,894
Commercial Real Estate
646,365
526,924
Agriculture
118,929
107,183
Residential Mortgage
88,765
76,160
Residential Construction
7,407
4,482
Consumer
15,569
17,258
984,993 867,901
Allowance for loan losses
( 14,771
)
( 13,952
)
Net deferred origination fees and costs
1,027
( 1,232
)
Loans, net
$
971,249
$
852,717

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times. Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies.

Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses. These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above. Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans outstanding included in Commercial loans totaled $ 0.5 million and $ 37.3 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.



Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories, owner-occupied and non-owner occupied.  Loans secured by owner-occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the market conditions of the related business.  This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions, and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to commercial loans whether secured by equipment, receivables or other personal property or unsecured.  Problem commercial real estate loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, payment history of the borrower, and site inspections.  Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral.  When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default.  Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often, these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resulting over-supply of space.  Losses are dependent on the value of underlying collateral at the time of default.  Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, sales invoices, or other appropriate means.

Agricultural loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to producers and processors of crops and livestock. Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service. Agricultural loans are generally secured by inventory, receivables, equipment, and other real property. Agricultural loans primarily are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities. This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions such as drought or floods. Problem agricultural loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, crop budgets, payment history, and crop inspections. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.

Residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real estate, are primarily susceptible to four risks: non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower's cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfalls in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and follows general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movement in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Construction loans, whether owner-occupied or non-owner occupied residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the related risks described above but the added risks of construction, including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand and market changes experienced at time of completion. Losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above. Problem construction loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors, or repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.

Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured, are primarily susceptible to four risks: non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower's cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfall in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and will follow general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movements in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, inflation and demand shifts.

Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation. Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit. Once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified, collateral valuations are obtained periodically (generally annually but may be more frequent depending on the collateral type).

As of September 30, 2022, approximately 11 % in principal amount of the Company's loans were for general commercial uses, including professional, retail and small businesses. Approximately 65 % in principal amount of the Company’s loans were secured by commercial real estate, consisting primarily of loans secured by commercial properties and construction and land development loans. Approximately 12 % in principal amount of the Company's loans were for agriculture, approximately 9 % in principal amount of the Company’s loans were residential mortgage loans, approximately 1 % in principal amount of the Company’s loans were residential construction loans and approximately 2 % in principal amount of the Company’s loans were consumer loans.

Once a loan becomes delinquent or repayment becomes questionable, a Company collection officer will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral or a principal payment. If this is not forthcoming and payment of principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement becomes unlikely, the Company will consider the loan to be impaired and will estimate its probable loss, using the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For collateral dependent loans, the Company will utilize a recent valuation of the underlying collateral less estimated costs of sale, and charge-off the loan down to the estimated net realizable amount. Depending on the length of time until final collection, the Company may periodically revalue the estimated loss and take additional charge-offs or specific reserves as warranted. Revaluations may occur as often as every 3 - 12 months depending on the underlying collateral and volatility of values. Final charge-offs or recoveries are taken when the collateral is liquidated and the actual loss is confirmed. Unpaid balances on loans after or during collection and liquidation may also be pursued through legal action and attachment of wages or judgment liens on the borrower's other assets.

At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all loans were pledged under a blanket collateral lien to secure actual or potential borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).

Non-accrual and Past Due Loans

The Company’s loans by delinquency and non-accrual status, as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, were as follows:

($ in thousands)
Current & Accruing
30-59 Days Past Due & Accruing
60-89 Days Past Due & Accruing
90 Days or
More Past
Due &
Accruing
Nonaccrual
Total Loans
September 30 , 2022
Commercial
$
106,987
$
164
$
404
$
403
$
$
107,958
Commercial Real Estate
646,365
646,365
Agriculture
111,304
7,625
118,929
Residential Mortgage
88,520
78
41
126
88,765
Residential Construction
7,260
147
7,407
Consumer
14,846
723
15,569
Total
$
975,282
$
389
$
445
$
403
$
8,474
$
984,993
December 31, 2021
Commercial
$
134,890
$
394
$
477
$
$
133
$
135,894
Commercial Real Estate
526,337
32
555
526,924
Agriculture
98,471
8,712
107,183
Residential Mortgage
75,861
161
138
76,160
Residential Construction
4,482
4,482
Consumer
16,523
76
659
17,258
Total
$
856,564
$
587
$
553
$
$
10,197
$
867,901

Non-accrual loans amounted to $ 8,474,000 at September 30, 2022 and were comprised of three agriculture loans totaling $ 7,625,000 , one residential mortgage loan totaling $ 126,000 , and five consumer loans totaling $ 723,000 . Non-accrual loans amounted to $ 10,197,000 at December 31, 2021 and were comprised of two commercial loans totaling $ 133,000 , one commercial real estate loan totaling $ 555,000 , three agriculture loans totaling $ 8,712,000 , one residential mortgage loan totaling $ 138,000 , and four consumer loans totaling $ 659,000 .

Impaired Loans
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, including scheduled interest payments. Loans to be considered for impairment include non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and loans with a risk rating of 5 (special mention) or worse and an aggregate exposure of $ 500,000 or more. Once identified, impaired loans are measured individually for impairment using one of three methods: present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate; the loan's observable market price; or fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measurement of a non-accrual loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an impairment is recognized through the establishment of a specific reserve sufficient to cover expected losses and/or a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. In general, any portion of the recorded investment in a collateral dependent loan in excess of the fair value of the collateral that can be identified as uncollectible, and is, therefore, deemed a confirmed loss, is promptly charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.

Impaired loans, segregated by loan class, as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

($ in thousands)
Unpaid Contractual
Principal Balance
Recorded
Investment
with
No Allowance
Recorded
Investment with
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related Allowance
September 30 , 2022
Commercial
$
$
$
$
$
Commercial Real Estate
Agriculture
10,127
7,625
7,625
Residential Mortgage
680
126
503
629
76
Residential Construction
Consumer
902
723
64
787
4
Total
$
11,709
$
8,474
$
567
$
9,041
$
80
December 31, 2021
Commercial
$
142
$
133
$
$
133
$
Commercial Real Estate
555
555
555
Agriculture
10,680
8,712
8,712
Residential Mortgage
701
138
517
655
81
Residential Construction
241
241
241
10
Consumer
815
659
64
723
2
Total
$
13,134
$
10,197
$
822
$
11,019
$
93

The average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest income recognized on impaired loans during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was as follows:

($ in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Commercial
$
17
$
$
30
$
Commercial Real Estate
681
19
4,297
466
Agriculture
7,855
9,130
Residential Mortgage
634
5
666
5
Residential Construction
248
4
Consumer
741
1
747
3
Total
$
9,928
$
25
$
15,118
$
478

The average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest income recognized on impaired loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was as follows:

($ in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Commercial
$
50
$
2
$
342
$
7
Commercial Real Estate
479
32
5,068
466
Agriculture
8,205
9,130
Residential Mortgage
643
14
848
18
Residential Construction
60
351
11
Consumer
746
16
750
5
Total
$
10,183
$
64
$
16,489
$
507

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The Company's loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR"), which are loans on which concessions in terms have been granted because of the borrowers' financial difficulties and, as a result, the Company receives less than the current market-based compensation for the loan. These concessions may include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are placed on non-accrual status at the time of restructure and may be returned to accruing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months .

When a loan is modified, it is measured based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or the fair value of collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent. If the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through a specific allowance or a charge-off of the loan.

The Company had $ 8,698,000 and $ 10,103,000 in TDR loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Specific reserves for TDR loans totaled $ 80,000 and $ 93,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. TDR loans performing in compliance with modified terms totaled $ 8,623,000 and $ 10,006,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. There were no commitments to advance additional funds on existing TDR loans as of September 30, 2022.

There were no loans modified as TDRs during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Loans modified as TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were as follows:

($ in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Number of
Contracts
Pre-modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Post-
modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Consumer 1 $
75 $
75
Total
1
$
75
$
75

Loans modified as TDRs during the three months ended September 30, 2021 were as follows:

($ in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Number of
Contracts
Pre-modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Post-
modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Agriculture
3 9,130 9,130
Consumer 1 $
494 $
494
Total
4
$
9,624
$
9,624

Loans modified as TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were as follows:

($ in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Number of
Contracts
Pre-modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Post-
modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
Agriculture 3 9,130 9,130
Consumer 2 $
593 $
593
Total
5
$
9,723
$
9,723

Loan modifications generally involve reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, or forbearance. No loans were modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.

Credit Quality Indicators

All loans are rated using the credit risk ratings and criteria adopted by the Company.  Risk ratings are adjusted as future circumstances warrant.  All credits risk rated 1, 2, 3 or 4 equate to a Pass as indicated by Federal and State bank regulatory agencies; a 5 equates to a Special Mention; a 6 equates to Substandard; a 7 equates to Doubtful; and an 8 equates to a Loss.  For the definitions of each risk rating, see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

The following table presents the risk ratings by loan class as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

($ in thousands)
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Loss
Total
September 30, 2022
Commercial
$
105,357
$
2,376
$
225
$
$
$
107,958
Commercial Real Estate
628,377
14,927
3,061
646,365
Agriculture
109,005
2,299
7,625
118,929
Residential Mortgage
88,376
220
169
88,765
Residential Construction
7,407
7,407
Consumer
14,846
723
15,569
Total
$
953,368
$
19,822
$
11,803
$
$
$
984,993
December 31, 2021
Commercial
$
132,425
$
2,376
$
1,093
$
$
$
135,894
Commercial Real Estate
516,120
6,524
4,280
526,924
Agriculture
98,471
8,712
107,183
Residential Mortgage
76,020
140
76,160
Residential Construction
4,482
4,482
Consumer
16,599
659
17,258
Total
$
844,117
$
8,900
$
14,884
$
$
$
867,901

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

T h ree months ended September 30, 2022
($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2022
$
1,650
$
9,571
$
1,694
$
802
$
151
$
179
$
228
$
14,275
Provision for loan losses
( 385
)
566
128
45
( 21
)
26
( 59
)
300
Charge-offs
( 30
)
( 30
)
Recoveries
225
1
226
Net charge-offs
225
( 29
)
196
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
1,490
$
10,137
$
1,822
$
847
$
130
$
176
$
169
$
14,771

Nine months ended September 30, 2022
($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
1,604
$
8,808
$
1,482
$
742
$
74
$
167
$
1,075
$
13,952
Provision for loan losses
( 66
)
1,329
340
105
56
42
( 906
)
900
Charge-offs
( 297
)
( 39
)
( 336
)
Recoveries
249
6
255
Net charge-offs
( 48
)
( 33
)
( 81
)
Balance as of September 30 , 2022
$
1,490
$
10,137
$
1,822
$
847
$
130
$
176
$
169
$
14,771

The following table details the allowance for loan losses allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment by loan class as of September 30, 2022.

($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Period-end amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
$
$
$
76
$
$
4
$
$
80
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
1,490
10,137
1,822
771
130
172
169
14,691
Ending Balance
$
1,490
$
10,137
$
1,822
$
847
$
130
$
176
$
169
$
14,771

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Three months ended September 30, 2021
($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2021
$
1,555
$
7,338
$
5,259
$
634
$
55
$
186
$
352
$
15,379
Provision for loan losses
119
797
( 3,227
)
91
26
( 55
)
449
( 1,800
)
Charge-offs
( 36
)
( 6
)
( 42
)
Recoveries
415
49
464
Net charge-offs
379
43
422
Balance as of September 30 , 2021
$
2,053
$
8,135
$
2,032
$
725
$
81
$
174
$
801
$
14,001

Nine months ended September 30, 2021
($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
2,252
$
7,915
$
3,834
$
635
$
128
$
214
$
438
$
15,416
Provision for loan losses
( 239
)
220
( 1,802
)
90
( 47
)
( 85
)
363
( 1,500
)
Charge-offs
( 383
)
( 12
)
( 395
)
Recoveries
423
57
480
Net charge-offs
40
45
85
Balance as of September 30, 2021
$
2,053
$
8,135
$
2,032
$
725
$
81
$
174
$
801
$
14,001

The following table details the allowance for loan losses allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment by loan class as of September 30, 2021.

($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Period-end amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
$
$
818
$
82
$
7
$
3
$
$
910
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
2,053
8,135
1,214
643
74
171
801
13,091
Ending Balance
$
2,053
$
8,135
$
2,032
$
725
$
81
$
174
$
801
$
14,001

The Company’s investment in loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by loan class and disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:

($ in thousands)
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential
Mortgage
Residential
Construction
Consumer
Total
September 30, 2022
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
$
$
7,625
$
629
$
$
787
$
9,041
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
107,958
646,365
111,304
88,136
7,407
14,782
975,952
Ending Balance
$
107,958
$
646,365
$
118,929
$
88,765
$
7,407
$
15,569
$
984,993
December 31, 2021
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
133
$
555
$
8,712
$
655
$
241
$
723
$
11,019
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
135,761
526,369
98,471
75,505
4,241
16,535
856,882
Ending Balance
$
135,894
$
526,924
$
107,183
$
76,160
$
4,482
$
17,258
$
867,901

5.
MORTGAGE OPERATIONS

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities are accounted for and reported based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control.  Transfers of financial assets that are sales are distinguished from transfers that are secured borrowings.  Retained servicing rights on loans sold are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount of the transferred assets between the loans sold and retained interest, if any, based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer.  Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current market interest rate.

The Company recognizes a gain and a related asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold.The Company sold a substantial portion of its portfolio of conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans.  The Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others totaling $ 200,435 ,000 and $ 208,169 ,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

The recorded value of mortgage servicing rights is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues.  The Company assesses capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based upon the fair value of those rights at each reporting date. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified based upon the product type, term and interest rates.  Fair value is determined by discounting estimated net future cash flows from mortgage servicing activities using discount rates that approximate current market rates and estimated prepayment rates, among other assumptions.  The amount of impairment recognized, if any, is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceeds their fair value.  Impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum.  Changes in the carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights are reported in earnings under other operating income on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Constant prepayment rate

8.18
%
15.73
%
Discount rate
9.00
%
9.50
%
Weighted average life (years)
6.99
4.95

The following table summarizes the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Mortgage servicing rights are included in Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

(in thousands)
December 31, 2021
Additions
Reductions
September 30, 2022
Mortgage servicing rights
$
1,807
$
129
$
( 221
)
$
1,715
Valuation allowance
( 276
)
276
Mortgage servicing rights, net of valuation allowance
$
1,531
$
129
$
55
$
1,715

At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the estimated fair market value of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets was $ 2,137 ,000 and $ 1,531 ,000, respectively. The changes in fair value of mortgage servicing rights during 2022 was primarily due to changes in prepayment speeds.

The Company received contractually specified servicing fees of $ 126 ,000 and $ 136 ,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.  The Company received contractually specified servicing fees of $ 385 ,000 and $ 399 ,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Loan servicing income on the condensed consolidated statements of income include contractually specified servicing fees, mortgage servicing rights additions, amortization and changes in the valuation allowance.

6.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale and trading securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a non-recurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, loans held-for-investment and certain other assets. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally corresponds with the Company’s quarterly valuation process.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.


(in thousands)
September 30 , 2022
Fair Value
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities
$
109,198
$
109,198
$
$
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
110,367
110,367
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
51,556
51,556
Collateralized mortgage obligations
98,142
98,142
Mortgage-backed securities
238,722
238,722
Total investments at fair value
$
607,985
$
109,198
$
498,787
$


(in thousands)
December 31, 2021
Fair Value
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities
$
86,211
$
86,211
$
$
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
102,610
102,610
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
45,985
45,985
Collateralized mortgage obligations
135,652
135,652
Mortgage-backed securities
261,755
261,755
Total investments at fair value
$
632,213
$
86,211
$
546,002
$

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2022.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2021:


(in thousands)
December 31, 2021
Carrying
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Impaired loans
$
33
$
$
$
33
Mortgage servicing rights
1,531
1,531
Total assets at fair value
$
1,564
$
$
$
1,564
There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Key methods and assumptions used in measuring the fair value of impaired loans and mortgage servicing rights as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Method
Assumption Inputs
Impaired loans
Collateral, market, income, enterprise, liquidation, and discounted cash flows
External appraised values, management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors, selling costs generally ranging from 6 % to 10 %, or the amount and timing of cash flows based on the loan's effective interest rate.
Mortgage servicing rights
Discounted cash flows
Present value of expected future cash flows was estimated using a weighted average discount rate factor of 9.50 % as of December 31, 2021. A weighted average constant prepayment rate of 15.73 % as of December 31, 2021 was utilized.

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale

Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets where valuations include significant unobservable assumptions.

Impaired Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, the Company measures impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Those impaired loans not requiring charge-off or specific allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.

Certain impaired loans were considered collateral dependent and were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan. Impaired loans where a charge-off is recorded based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When a loan is evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3 given the valuation includes significant unobservable assumptions.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are subject to impairment testing. All mortgage servicing rights are initially measured and recorded at fair value at the time loans are sold. The fair value of MSRs is determined based on the price that would be received to sell the MSRs in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Subsequent fair value measurements are determined using a discounted cash flow model. In order to determine the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights, the present value of expected future cash flows is estimated. Assumptions used include market discount rates, anticipated prepayment speeds, delinquency and foreclosure rates, and ancillary fee income.

The model used to calculate the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is periodically validated. The model assumptions and the MSRs fair value estimates are also compared to observable trades of similar portfolios as well as to MSR broker valuations and industry surveys, as available. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, MSRs are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, the Company classifies MSRs subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for the periods ended September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were approximately as follows:

(in thousands)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Level
Carrying
amount
Fair value
Carrying
amount
Fair value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
1
$
264,403
$
264,403
$
345,929
$
345,929
Certificates of deposit
2
11,091
10,699
13,272
13,443
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities
3
9,440
9,440
7,097
7,097
Loans receivable:
Net loans
3
971,249
922,116
852,717
830,967
Loans held-for-sale
2
1,063
1,089
Interest receivable
2
5,543
5,543
4,571
4,571
Financial liabilities:
Deposits
3
1,799,605
1,423,719
1,728,302
1,678,658
Interest payable
2
89
89
42
42

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument and expected exit prices. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.

7.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans or through standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent credit risk at the indicated periods, were as follows:

(in thousands)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Undisbursed loan commitments
$
203,324
$
192,874
Standby letters of credit
2,714
2,305
Commitments to sell loans
1,500
$
206,038
$
196,679

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. The types of collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Bank issues both financial and performance standby letters of credit.  The financial standby letters of credit are primarily to guarantee payment to third parties.  At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no financial standby letters of credit outstanding.  The performance standby letters of credit are typically issued to municipalities as specific performance bonds.  Performance standby letters of credit totaled $ 2,714 ,000 and $ 2,305 ,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The Bank had experienced no draws on outstanding letters of credit, resulting in no related liability included on its balance sheet; however, should a triggering event occur, the Bank either has collateral in excess of the letter of credit or imbedded agreements of recourse from the customer.  The Bank has set aside a reserve for unfunded commitments in the amount of $ 700 ,000 and $ 650 ,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, which is recorded in "interest payable and other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit bear similar credit risk characteristics as outstanding loans.  As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had no off-balance sheet derivatives requiring additional disclosure.

The Company may enter into interest rate lock commitments in connection with its mortgage banking activities to fund residential mortgage loans within specified times in the future. These commitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the loan underlying the interest rate lock commitment might decline from the inception of the interest rate lock to the funding of the mortgage loan. To protect against this risk, the Company may enter into commitments to sell loans to economically hedge the risk of potential changes in the value of the loans that would result from the commitment. These commitments totaled $ 0 and $ 1,500 ,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  Mortgage loans sold to investors may be sold with servicing rights retained, for which the Company makes only standard legal representations and warranties as to meeting certain underwriting and collateral documentation standards. During 2021 and year to date 2022, the Company has not had to repurchase any loans due to deficiencies in underwriting or loan documentation.  Management believes that any liabilities that may result from such recourse provisions are not significant.
8.
STOCK PLANS

On January 27, 2022 , the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 5 % stock dividend payable as of March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2022 . All stock options and restricted stock outstanding have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
Options outstanding at Beginning of Period
652,255
$
8.83
Granted
Expired
Cancelled / Forfeited
Exercised
Options outstanding at End of Period
652,255
$
8.83
$
488,177
5.53
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
488,666
$
8.41
$
488,177
4.77

The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
Options outstanding at Beginning of Period
627,814
$
8.58
Granted
42,965

10.25
Expired

Cancelled / Forfeited
Exercised
( 18,524
)
3.51
Options outstanding at End of Period
652,255
$
8.83
$
488,177
5.53
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
488,666
$
8.41
$
488,177
4.77

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $ 2.33 per share.

The intrinsic value of options exercised was $ 125,000 and $ 63,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The fair value of awards vested was $ 142,000 and $ 182,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022, there was $ 188,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.28 years.

There was $ 32,000 and $ 91,000 of recognized compensation cost related to stock options granted for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 is presented below:


Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022*
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Risk Free Interest Rate

2.54
%
Expected Dividend Yield

0.00
%
Expected Life in Years

5
Expected Price Volatility

19.70
%



* There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

The following table presents the activity related to non-vested restricted stock for the three months ended September 30,2022.

Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
Non-vested Restricted stock outstanding at Beginning of Period

209,725
$
9.99


Granted
Cancelled / Forfeited
Exercised/Released/Vested
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
209,725
$
9.99
$
1,772,176
2.74

The following table presents the activity related to non-vested restricted stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
Non-vested Restricted stock outstanding at Beginning of Period
167,397
$
9.97


Granted
72,473
10.31
Cancelled / Forfeited
Exercised/Released/Vested
( 30,145
)
10.68
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
209,725
$
9.99
$
1,772,176
2.74

The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $ 10.31 per share.

As of September 30, 2022, there was $ 1,105,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.74 years.

There was $ 128,000 and $ 384,000 of recognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). There are 341,820 shares authorized for issuance under the ESPP. The total number of shares authorized has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends and stock splits, including the 5 % stock dividend declared on January 27, 2022 , payable March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2022 . The ESPP will expire on March 16, 2026.

The ESPP is implemented by participation periods of not more than 27 months each. The Board of Directors determines the commencement date and duration of each participation period. The Board of Directors approved the current participation period of November 24, 2021 to November 23, 2022. An eligible employee is one who has been continually employed for at least 90 days prior to commencement of a participation period. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 10 percent of their compensation withheld to purchase the Company’s common stock each participation period. The purchase price of the stock is 85 percent of the lower of the fair value on the last trading day before the date of participation or the fair value on the last trading day during the participation period.

As of September 30, 2022, there was $ 9,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.25 years.

There was $ 8,000 and $ 25,000 of recognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

The weighted average fair value option at issuance date during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $ 2.50 per share.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing ESPP issuances during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 is presented below.


Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Risk Free Interest Rate
0.21
%
0.21
%
Expected Dividend Yield
0.00
%
0.00
%
Expected Life in Years
1.00
1.00
Expected Price Volatility
25.73
%
25.73
%

9.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

(in thousands)
Unrealized
losses on
securities
Officers’
retirement
plan
Directors’
retirement
plan
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Balance as of June 30, 2022
$
( 33,368
)
$
( 1,420
)
$
( 13
)
$
( 34,801
)
Current period other comprehensive loss
( 18,492
)
( 18,492
)
Balance as of September 30 , 2022
$
( 51,860
)
$
( 1,420
)
$
( 13
)
$
( 53,293
)

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

(in thousands)
Unrealized
losses on
securities
Officers’
retirement
plan
Directors’
retirement
plan
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
( 2,764
)
$
( 1,420
)
$
( 13
)
$
( 4,197
)
Current period other comprehensive loss
( 49,096
)
( 49,096
)
Balance as of September 30, 2022
$
( 51,860
)
$
( 1,420
)
$
( 13
)
$
( 53,293
)

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

(in thousands)
Unrealized
gains on
securities
Officers’
retirement
plan
Directors’
retirement
plan
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Balance as of June 30, 2021
$
3,170
$
( 2,105
)
$
( 53
)
$
1,012
Current period other comprehensive loss
( 1,133
)
( 1,133
)
Balance as of September 30 , 2021
$
2,037
$
( 2,105
)
$
( 53
)
$
( 121
)

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

(in thousands)
Unrealized
gains on
securities
Officers’
retirement
plan
Directors’
retirement
plan
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
7,196
$
( 2,105
)
$
( 53
)
$
5,038
Current period other comprehensive loss
( 5,159
)
( 5,159
)
Balance as of September 30, 2021
$
2,037
$
( 2,105
)
$
( 53
)
$
( 121
)

10.
OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On January 27, 2022 , the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 5 % stock dividend payable March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2022 . All income per share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus dilutive shares for the quarter. Diluted shares include all common stock equivalents (“in-the-money” stock options, unvested restricted stock, stock units, warrants and rights, convertible bonds and preferred stock), which reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company.

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands except per share amounts):

Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Basic earnings per share:
Net income
$
4,568
$
4,509
$
11,155
$
10,993
Weighted average common shares outstanding
13,713,657
14,018,259
13,704,178
14,115,162
Basic EPS
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.81
$
0.78
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income
$
4,568
$
4,509
$
11,155
$
10,993
Weighted average common shares outstanding
13,713,657
14,018,259
13,704,178
14,115,162
Effect of dilutive shares
143,497
188,615
154,998
178,363
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
13,857,154
14,206,874
13,859,176
14,293,525
Diluted EPS
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.80
$
0.77

Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 488,627 shares and 267,950 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unvested restricted stock which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 70,973 shares and 0 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 393,652 shares and 288,774 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unvested restricted stock which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 59,015 shares and 13,957 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

11.
LEASES

The Company leases 11 branch and administrative locations under operating leases expiring on various dates through 2031. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Topic 842, the Company combines lease and nonlease components. The Company had no financing leases as of September 30, 2022.

Most leases include options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 3 to 10 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. Most leases are currently in the extension period. For the remaining leases with options to renew, the Company has not included the extended lease terms in the calculation of lease liabilities as the options are not reasonably certain of being exercised. Certain lease agreements include rental payments that are adjusted periodically for inflation. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

The Company uses its FHLB advance fixed rates, which are its incremental borrowing rates for secured borrowings, as the discount rates to calculate lease liabilities.

The Company had right-of-use assets totaling $ 5,172,000 and $ 5,138,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company had lease liabilities totaling $ 5,692,000 and $ 5,664,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company recognized lease expense totaling $ 286,000 and $ 293,000 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 874,000 and $ 878,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Lease expense includes operating lease costs, short term lease costs and variable lease costs.  Lease expense is included in Occupancy and equipment expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The table below summarizes the maturity of remaining lease liabilities at September 30, 2022:

(in thousands)
September 30, 2022
2022 (remaining 3 months)
$
283
2023
1,097
2024
1,000
2025
962
2026
672
2027 and thereafter
2,131
Total lease payments
6,145
Less: interest
( 453
)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
5,692

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:


Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30 ,
(in thousands)
2022
2021
2022
2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
345
$
318
$
948
$
901
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
162
285
869
285

The following table presents the weighted average operating lease term and discount rate as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:


September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases, in years
6.30
6.32
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases
2.37
%
2.36
%

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 5, 2022, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the “Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Columbia State Bank, a Washington state-chartered commercial bank (“Columbia”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc., to acquire three branches of Columbia located at: 558 Market Street, Colusa, California; 328 Walker Street, Orland, California; and 155 N. Tehama Street, Willows, California.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Bank will acquire these branches for consideration totaling 3.15 % of the average daily closing balance of certain deposit accounts plus the net book values of certain assets of Columbia and accrued interest and fees with respect to certain loans.  At the closing of the acquisition, and subject to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Bank will assume the deposit liabilities related to certain accounts. The aggregate deposits to be assumed totaled approximately $ 128 million, and the aggregate principal balance of the loans to be acquired totaled approximately $ 4 million. The final consideration will be based on balances at closing.
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
ITEM 2.   – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may include forward-looking statements, which may include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and the other risks described in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other risks described in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.
This report and other reports or statements which we may release may include forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “strive,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date any forward-looking statements are made.

In this document and in other SEC filings or other public statements, for example, we make forward-looking statements relating to the following topics, among others:


Our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, our organizational structure, the growth of our business and our competitive position and prospects, and the effect of competition on our business and strategies


Our assessment of significant factors and developments that have affected or may affect our results


Legal and regulatory actions, and future legislative and regulatory developments, including the effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “EGRRCPA”), and other legislation and governmental measures introduced in response to the financial crisis which began in 2008 and the ensuing recession affecting the banking system, financial markets and the U.S. economy, as well as the effect of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), enacted in March 2020, in an effort to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the governmental actions in response to the pandemic


Regulatory and compliance controls, processes and requirements and their impact on our business


The costs and effects of legal or regulatory actions


Expectations regarding draws on performance letters of credit and liabilities that may result from recourse provisions in standby letters of credit


Our intent to sell or hold, and the likelihood that we would be required to sell, various investment securities


Our regulatory capital requirements, including the capital rules established after the 2008 financial crisis by the U.S. federal banking agencies and our current intention not to elect to use the community bank leverage ratio framework


Expectations regarding our non-payment of a cash dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future


Credit quality and provision for credit losses and management of asset quality and credit risk, expectations regarding collections and expectations regarding the forgiveness and SBA reimbursement and guarantee of loans made under the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") and the timing thereof


Our allowances for loan losses, including the conditions we consider in determining the unallocated allowance and our portfolio credit quality, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, underwriting standards, and risk grading


Our assessment of economic conditions and trends and credit cycles and their impact on our business


The seasonal nature of our business


The impact of changes in interest rates and our strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile and the possible effect of changes in residential mortgage interest rates on new originations and refinancing of existing residential mortgage loans


Loan portfolio composition and risk grade trends, expected charge-offs, portfolio credit quality, our strategy regarding troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), delinquency rates and our underwriting standards and our expectations regarding our recognition of interest income on loans that were provided payment deferrals upon completion of the payment forbearance period


Our deposit base including renewal of time deposits


The impact on our net interest income and net interest margin


The effect of possible changes in the initiatives and policies of the federal and state bank regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Securities and Exchange Commission and other standard setters


Tax rates and the impact of changes in the U.S. tax laws, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act


Our pension and retirement plan costs


Our liquidity strategies and beliefs concerning the adequacy of our liquidity position


Critical accounting policies and estimates, the impact or anticipated impact of recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting principles


Expected rates of return, maturities, loss exposure, growth rates, yields, and projected results


The possible impact of weather-related or other natural conditions, including drought, fire or flooding, seismic events, and related governmental responses, including related electrical power outages, on economic conditions, especially in the agricultural sector


Maintenance of insurance coverages appropriate for our operations


Threats to the banking sector and our business due to cybersecurity issues and attacks and regulatory expectations related to cybersecurity


Our expectations regarding the implementation of the expected loss model for determining the allowance for credit losses


The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S., California and global economies and the actions of governments to reduce the spread of the virus and to mitigate the resulting economic consequences


The possible adverse impacts on the banking industry and our business from a period of significant, prolonged inflation


Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing

Readers of this document should not rely on any forward-looking statements, which reflect only our management’s belief as of the date of this report. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those listed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part II of this Form 10-Q, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Part I of this Form 10-Q and "Risk Factors" and “Supervision and Regulation” in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our other reports to the SEC.
INTRODUCTION

This overview of Management’s Discussion and Analysis highlights selected information in this report and may not contain all of the information that is important to you.  For a more complete understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources and critical accounting policies and estimates, you should carefully read this entire report and any other reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Our subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the “Bank”), is a California state-chartered bank that derives most of its revenues from lending and deposit taking in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California. Interest rates, business conditions and customer confidence all affect our ability to generate revenues. In addition, the regulatory and compliance environment and competition can present challenges to our ability to generate those revenues.

Significant results and developments during the third quarter and year-to-date 2022 included:

Net income of $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 1.5% from $11.0 million earned for the same period last year. Net income of $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 1.3% from $4.5 million for the same period last year.
Diluted income per share of $0.80 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 3.9% from diluted income per share of $0.77 in the same period last year. Diluted income per share of $0.33 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 3.1% from diluted income per share of $0.32 for the same period last year.

Net interest income of $38.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 11.8% from $34.8 million for the same period last year. Net interest income of $14.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 20.7% from $11.8 million for the same period last year.

Net interest margin of 2.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 9.0% from 2.68% for the same period last year. Net interest margin of 3.12% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 20.9% from 2.58% for the same period last year.

Provision for loan losses of $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to reversal of provision for loan losses of $1.5 million for the same period last year. Provision for loan losses of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to reversal of provision for loan losses of $1.8 million for the same period last year.

Total assets of $1.9 billion as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Total net loans (including loans held-for-sale) of $971.2 million as of September 30, 2022, up 13.8% from $853.8 million as of December 31, 2021.

Total investment securities of $608.0 million as of September 30, 2022, down 3.8% from $632.2 million as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in investment securities was primarily due to the increase in unrealized losses on the investment portfolio due to the increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased.

Total deposits of $1.8 billion as of September 30, 2022, up 4.1% from $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2021.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

The Company recorded net income of $11,155,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $162,000 or 1.5% from net income of $10,993,000 for the same period in 2021. The Company recorded net income of $4,568,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $59,000, or 1.3%, from net income of $4,509,000 for the same period in 2021.
The following tables present a summary of the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and a summary of financial condition at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Three Months
Ended September
30, 2022
Three Months
Ended September
30, 2021
Nine Months
Ended September
30, 2022
Nine Months
Ended September
30, 2021
(dollars in thousands except for per share amounts)
For the Period:
Net Income
$
4,568
$
4,509
$
11,155
$
10,993
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.81
$
0.78
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$
0.33
$
0.32
$
0.80
$
0.77
Net Income to Average Assets (annualized)
0.95
%
0.94
%
0.79
%
0.81
%
Net Income to Average Equity (annualized)
14.07
%
11.62
%
11.00
%
9.71
%
Average Equity to Average Assets
6.75
%
8.11
%
7.19
%
8.34
%

September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in thousands except for ratios)
At Period End:
Total Assets
$
1,932,713
$
1,899,087
Total Investment Securities, at fair value
$
607,985
$
632,213
Total Loans, Net (including loans held-for-sale)
$
971,249
$
853,780
Total Deposits
$
1,799,605
$
1,728,302
Loan-To-Deposit Ratio
54.0
%
49.4
%

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

Three months ended
September 30, 2022
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate (4)
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate (4)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)
$
949,424
$
10,857
4.54
%
$
851,221
$
9,905
4.62
%
Certificate of deposits
11,423
57
1.98
%
13,358
69
2.05
%
Interest bearing due from banks
208,059
1,061
2.02
%
353,891
142
0.16
%
Investment securities, taxable
589,082
2,122
1.43
%
558,317
1,635
1.16
%
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
40,272
250
2.46
%
28,569
153
2.12
%
Other interest earning assets
9,440
137
5.76
%
7,097
104
5.81
%
Total average interest-earning assets
1,807,700
14,484
3.18
%
1,812,453
12,008
2.63
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks
41,157
41,600
Premises and equipment, net
6,125
6,441
Interest receivable and other assets
54,289
38,869
Total average assets
$
1,909,271
$
1,899,363
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
452,708
69
0.06
%
428,485
64
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
447,797
171
0.15
%
451,340
124
0.11
%
Time, $250,000 or less
36,456
23
0.25
%
39,509
27
0.27
%
Time, over $250,000
10,504
8
0.30
%
13,572
16
0.47
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
947,465
271
0.11
%
932,906
231
0.10
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
814,300
792,951
Interest payable and other liabilities
18,662
19,560
Total liabilities
1,780,427
1,745,417
Total average stockholders’ equity
128,844
153,946
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,909,271
$
1,899,363
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
$
14,213
3.12
%
$
11,777
2.58
%
(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded. Loan interest income includes net loan fees of approximately $223 and $1,194 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Net loan fees for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 include $154 and $1,134 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield /rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

Nine months ended
September 30, 2022
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate (4)
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate (4)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)
$
896,708
$
30,979
4.62
%
$
892,348
$
29,616
4.44
%
Certificate of deposits
11,659
167
1.92
%
14,531
231
2.13
%
Interest bearing due from banks
231,712
1,626
0.94
%
305,667
272
0.12
%
Investment securities, taxable
597,040
5,783
1.30
%
485,291
4,612
1.27
%
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
36,656
634
2.31
%
27,181
436
2.14
%
Other interest earning assets
8,513
361
5.67
%
6,860
289
5.63
%
Total average interest-earning assets
1,782,288
39,550
2.97
%
1,731,878
35,456
2.74
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks
46,737
38,326
Premises and equipment, net
6,298
6,458
Interest receivable and other assets
49,547
38,502
Total average assets
$
1,884,870
$
1,815,164
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
441,819
205
0.06
%
418,159
184
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
443,063
395
0.12
%
432,662
345
0.11
%
Time, $250,000 or less
37,374
68
0.24
%
41,492
101
0.33
%
Time, over $250,000
10,769
23
0.29
%
14,253
56
0.53
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
933,025
691
0.10
%
906,566
686
0.10
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
2,418
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
797,890
735,777
Interest payable and other liabilities
18,380
19,064
Total liabilities
1,749,295
1,663,825
Total average stockholders’ equity
135,575
151,339
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,884,870
$
1,815,164
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
$
38,859
2.92
%
$
34,770
2.68
%

(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded. Loan interest income includes net loan fees of approximately $2,703 and $4,202 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Net loan fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 include $2,706 and $3,478 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield /rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

Three months ended
September 30, 2022
Three months ended
June 30, 2022
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
Interest
Yield/
Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)
$
949,424
$
10,857
4.54
%
$
897,608
$
10,465
4.68
%
Certificates of deposit
11,423
57
1.98
%
11,056
53
1.92
%
Interest bearing due from banks
208,059
1,061
2.02
%
215,098
456
0.85
%
Investment securities, taxable
589,082
2,122
1.43
%
603,796
1,933
1.28
%
Investment securities, non-taxable (2)
40,272
250
2.46
%
35,190
206
2.35
%
Other interest earning assets
9,440
137
5.76
%
8,976
106
4.74
%
Total average interest-earning assets
1,807,700
14,484
3.18
%
1,771,724
13,219
2.99
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks
41,157
47,651
Premises and equipment, net
6,125
6,294
Interest receivable and other assets
54,289
51,856
Total average assets
$
1,909,271
$
1,877,525
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
452,708
69
0.06
%
440,466
67
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
447,797
171
0.15
%
446,890
115
0.10
%
Time, $250,000 and under
36,456
23
0.25
%
38,235
22
0.23
%
Time, over $250,000
10,504
8
0.30
%
10,542
7
0.27
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
947,465
271
0.11
%
936,133
211
0.09
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
814,300
793,243
Interest payable and other liabilities
18,662
17,730
Total liabilities
1,780,427
1,747,106
Total average stockholders’ equity
128,844
130,419
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,909,271
$
1,877,525
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
$
14,213
3.12
%
$
13,008
2.94
%
(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest is excluded.  Loan interest income includes net loan fees of approximately $223 and $1,174 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively.  Net loan fees for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022 include $154 and $1,185 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield/rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

Analysis of Changes
in Interest Income and Interest Expense
(Dollars in thousands)

Following is an analysis of changes in interest income and expense (dollars in thousands) for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the three months ended September 30, 2021, the nine months ended September 30, 2022 over the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the three months ended June 30, 2022.  Changes not solely due to interest rate or volume have been allocated proportionately to interest rate and volume.

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022
Over
Over
Over
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022
Volume
Interest
Rate
Change
Volume
Interest
Rate
Change
Volume
Interest
Rate
Change
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Income:
Loans
$
1,124
$
(172
)
$
952
$
147
$
1,216
$
1,363
$
672
$
(280
)
$
392
Certificates of Deposit
(10
)
(2
)
(12
)
(43
)
(21
)
(64
)
2
2
4
Due From Banks
(82
)
1,001
919
(83
)
1,437
1,354
(15
)
620
605
Investment Securities - Taxable
93
394
487
1,061
110
1,171
(46
)
235
189
Investment Securities - Non-taxable
70
27
97
161
37
198
33
11
44
Other Assets
34
(1
)
33
70
2
72
6
25
31
$
1,229
$
1,247
$
2,476
$
1,313
$
2,781
$
4,094
$
652
$
613
$
1,265
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense:
Deposits:
Interest-Bearing Transaction Deposits
$
5
$
$
5
$
21
$
$
21
$
2
$
$
2
Savings & MMDAs
(1
)
48
47
10
40
50
56
56
Time Certificates
(4
)
(8
)
(12
)
(17
)
(49
)
(66
)
(3
)
5
2
$
$
40
$
40
$
14
$
(9
)
$
5
$
(1
)
$
61
$
60
Increase in Net Interest Income:
$
1,229
$
1,207
$
2,436
$
1,299
$
2,790
$
4,089
$
653
$
552
$
1,205

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a $81,526,000, or 23.6%, decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $2,181,000, or 16.4%, decrease in certificates of deposit, a $24,228,000, or 3.8%, decrease in investment securities available-for-sale, a $118,532,000, or 13.9%, increase in net loans held-for-investment, and a $1,063,000, or 100.0%, decrease in loans held-for-sale from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to originations of loans held-for-investment and purchases of investment securities, which was partially offset by increases in deposit liabilities. The decrease in certificates of deposit was due to maturities of certificates of deposit and allocating the cash flows from those maturities towards additional purchases of available-for-sale securities. The decrease in investment securities was primarily due to the increase in unrealized losses on the investment portfolio due to the increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The increase in net loans held-for-investment was primarily due to commercial real estate loan, agriculture, and residential mortgage loan originations, which was partially offset by SBA forgiveness payments on PPP loans. The decrease in loans held-for-sale was due to a decrease in originations of loans held-for-sale due to rising interest rates coupled with the timing of funding and sale of the loans held-for-sale pipeline.

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect an increase in total deposits of $71,303,000, or 4.1%, from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The overall increase in total deposits was largely due to seasonal fluctuations.

CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Interest Income

The Federal Open Market Committee increased the Federal Funds rate by 300 basis points to a target range of 3.00% to 3.25% during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Interest income on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was up 4.6% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $29,616,000 to $30,979,000, and was up 9.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $9,905,000 to $10,857,000. The increase in interest income on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balance of loans and an 18 basis point increase in yield on loans, which was partially offset by a decrease in PPP fee recognition. The increase in interest income on loans for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balance of loans, which was partially offset by an 8 basis point decrease in yield on loans and a decrease in PPP fee recognition. PPP processing fees received from the SBA for PPP loans originated in 2020 and 2021 are being recognized as an adjustment to the effective yield over the loan’s life and fully recognized in income upon repayment or SBA forgiveness of the loan. PPP processing fees totaling approximately $2.7 million and $3.5 million were recognized in interest income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. PPP processing fees totaling approximately $0.2 million and $1.1 million were recognized in interest income for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Bank had unearned PPP processing fees totaling $0 and $2.7 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Bank had PPP loans outstanding totaling $0.5 million and $37 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Interest income on certificates of deposit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was down 27.7% from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $231,000 to $167,000, and was down 17.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, decreasing from $69,000 to $57,000. The decrease in interest income on certificates of deposit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average balances of certificates of deposit and a 21 basis point decrease in yield on certificates of deposit. The decrease in interest income on certificates of deposit for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average balances of certificates of deposit and a 7 basis point decrease in yield on certificates of deposit.

Interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was up 497.8% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $272,000 to $1,626,000, and was up 647.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $142,000 to $1,061,000. This income is primarily derived from interest on excess reserves held at the Federal Reserve. The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to increases in the Federal Funds rate in 2022 resulting in an 82 basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing due from banks, which was partially offset by a decrease in average balances of interest-bearing due from banks. The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 186 basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing due from banks, which was partially offset by a decrease in average balances of interest-bearing due from banks.

Interest income on investment securities available-for-sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was up 27.1% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $5,048,000 to $6,417,000, and was up 32.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $1,788,000 to $2,372,000. The increase in interest income on investment securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities coupled with a 3 basis point increase in investment yields. The increase in interest income on investment securities for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities coupled with a 29 basis point increase in investment yields.

Interest income on other earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was up 24.9% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $289,000 to $361,000, and was up 31.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $104,000 to $137,000. This income is primarily derived from dividends received by the Federal Home Loan Bank. The increase in interest income on other earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balances of other earning assets coupled with a 4 basis point increase in yield on other earning assets. The increase in interest income on other earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balances of other earning assets, which was partially offset by a 5 basis point decrease in yield on other earning assets.

The Company had no Federal Funds sold balances during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.
Interest Expense

Interest expense on deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was up 0.7% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $686,000 to $691,000, and was up 17.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $231,000 to $271,000. The increase in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balance of interest-bearing liabilities coupled with a 1 basis point increase in the Company’s average cost of funds.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provision for loan losses totaled $900,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to a reversal of provision for loan losses of $1,500,000 for the same period in 2021. Provision for loan losses totaled $300,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to a reversal of provision for loan losses of $1,800,000 for the same period in 2021. The provision for loan loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to current year loan growth. The reversal of provision for loan loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in specific reserves on loans to one borrower. The allowance for loan losses was approximately $14,771,000 or 1.50% of total loans, at September 30, 2022, compared to $13,952,000, or 1.61% of total loans, at December 31, 2021. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses to total loans from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022 was primarily due to current year loan growth. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

Provision for unfunded lending commitment losses was $50,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to a reversal of unfunded lending commitment losses of $300,000 for the same period in 2021.  There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.

Provisions for unfunded lending commitment losses are included in other non-interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income was down 8.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $5,982,000 to $5,480,000.

The decrease was primarily due to decreases in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale, which was partially offset by increases in other income. The decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale was primarily due to a decrease in loan origination volumes due to an increase in interest rates and slowdown in refinancing activity. The increase in other income was primarily due to non-taxable income from a bank owned life insurance policy.

Non-interest income was up 8.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $1,908,000 to $2,070,000.

The increase was primarily due to increases in other income, which was partially offset by a decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale. The increase in other income was primarily due to non-taxable income from a bank owned life insurance policy. The decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale was primarily due to a decrease in loan origination volumes due to an increase in interest rates and slowdown in refinancing activity.

Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expenses were up 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $27,091,000 to $28,339,000.

The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense and other expenses. The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense was primarily due to increases in contingent compensation and deferred compensation expenses, and a decrease in capitalization of loan origination costs, which was partially offset by a decrease in commissions expense. The increase in other expenses was primarily due to increases in the provision for unfunded commitments and legal fees, which was partially offset by a decrease in loan collection expense.

Total non-interest expenses were up 7.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $9,234,000 to $9,909,000.

The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense and other expenses. The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense was primarily due to an increase in contingent compensation expense and a decrease in capitalization of loan origination costs, which was partially offset by a decrease in commissions and profit-sharing expense.

The following table sets forth other non-interest expenses by category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
(in thousands)
Three months ended
September 30, 2022
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
Nine months ended
September 30, 2022
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
Other non-interest expenses
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded loan commitments
$
$
$
50
$
(300
)
FDIC assessments
126
170
401
425
Contributions
66
29
148
109
Legal fees
151
53
474
226
Accounting and audit fees
135
115
404
346
Consulting fees
239
123
428
340
Postage expense
36
35
129
120
Telephone expense
36
36
109
104
Public relations
52
32
183
89
Training expense
34
26
115
61
Loan origination expense
29
29
178
149
Computer software depreciation
9
17
32
50
Sundry losses
80
34
184
202
Loan collection expense
114
85
292
680
Debit card expense
246
238
722
646
Other non-interest expense
350
289
1,005
864
Total other non-interest expenses
$
1,703
$
1,311
$
4,854
$
4,111
Income Taxes

The Company’s tax rate, the Company’s income before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by non-taxable earnings affect the Company’s provision for income taxes. Provision for income taxes decreased 5.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $4,168,000 to $3,945,000, and decreased 13.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $1,742,000 to $1,506,000. The decrease in provision for income taxes was primarily due to non-taxable income from a bank owned life insurance policy totaling $548,000. The effective tax rate was 26.1% and 27.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The effective tax rate was 24.8% and 27.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

The following table shows the distribution of the Company’s undisbursed loan commitments at the dates indicated.

(in thousands)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Undisbursed loan commitments
$
203,324
$
192,874
Standby letters of credit
2,714
2,305
Commitments to sell loans
1,500
$
206,038
$
196,679
The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $700,000 and $650,000 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, "Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk," for additional information.

Asset Quality
The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times.  Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk-rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies. The federal bank regulatory agencies utilize the following definitions for assets adversely classified for supervisory purposes:


Substandard Assets – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets 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 institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.


Doubtful Assets – An asset classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Other Real Estate Owned and loans rated Substandard and Doubtful are deemed "classified assets". This category, which includes both performing and non-performing assets, receives an elevated level of attention regarding collection.

The following table summarizes the Company’s non-accrual loans net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government by loan category at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

At September 30, 2022
At December 31, 2021
Gross
Guaranteed
Net
Gross
Guaranteed
Net
(in thousands)
Commercial
$
$
$
$
133
$
33
$
100
Commercial real estate
555
555
Agriculture
7,625
7,625
8,712
8,712
Residential mortgage
126
126
138
138
Residential construction
Consumer
723
723
659
659
Total non-accrual loans
$
8,474
$
$
8,474
$
10,197
$
33
$
10,164

It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due for a period of 90 days as to interest or principal payments unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against principal. A loan may only be restored to an accruing basis when it again becomes well secured and in the process of collection or all past due amounts have been collected or there is an extended period of positive performance and a high probability that the loan will continue to pay according to original terms.

Non-accrual loans amounted to $8,474,000 at September 30, 2022 and were comprised of three agriculture loans totaling $7,625,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $126,000, and five consumer loans totaling $723,000. Non-accrual loans amounted to $10,197,000 at December 31, 2021 and were comprised of two commercial loans totaling $133,000, one commercial real estate loan totaling $555,000, three agriculture loans totaling $8,712,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $138,000 and four consumer loans totaling $659,000. If the loan is considered collateral dependent, it is generally the Company’s policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan that the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Non-performing impaired loans are non-accrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing. Non-performing impaired loans at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 totaled $8,877,000 and $10,197,000, respectively. A restructuring of a loan can constitute a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. The Company had $8,698,000 and $10,103,000 in TDR loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. A loan that is restructured in a TDR is considered an impaired loan. Performing impaired loans, which solely consisted of loans modified as TDRs, totaled $567,000 and $822,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company expects to collect all principal and interest due from performing impaired loans. These loans are not on non-accrual status. No assurance can be given that the existing or any additional collateral will be sufficient to secure full recovery of the obligations owed under these loans.

As the following table illustrates, total non-performing assets, net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, decreased $1,287,000, or 12.7%, to $8,877,000 during the first nine months of 2022. Non-performing assets, net of guarantees, represented 0.5% of total assets at September 30, 2022.

At September 30, 2022
At December 31, 2021
Gross
Guaranteed
Net
Gross
Guaranteed
Net
(dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans
$
8,474
$
$
8,474
$
10,197
$
33
$
10,164
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
403
403
Total non-performing loans
8,877
8,877
10,197
33
10,164
Other real estate owned
Total non-performing assets
$
8,877
$
$
8,877
$
10,197
$
33
$
10,164
Non-performing loans (net of guarantees) to total loans
0.9
%
1.2
%
Non-performing assets (net of guarantees) to total assets
0.5
%
0.5
%
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans (net of guarantees)
166.4
%
137.3
%

The Company had one loan totaling $403,000 that was 90 days or more past due and still accruing at September 30, 2022. The Company had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2021.

Excluding the non-performing loans cited previously, loans totaling $3,329,000 and $4,687,000 were classified as substandard loans, representing potential problem loans at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. In Management’s opinion, the potential loss related to these problem loans was sufficiently covered by the Bank’s existing loan loss reserve (Allowance for Loan Losses) at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The ratio of the Allowance for Loan Losses to total loans at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 1.50% and 1.61%, respectively.
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure. The estimated fair value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to OREO. The balance transferred to OREO is the estimated fair value of the property less estimated cost to sell.  Impairment may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value. Appraisals or loan officer evaluations are then conducted periodically thereafter charging any additional impairment to the appropriate expense account. The Company had no OREO as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company's Allowance for Loan Losses is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to provide for loan and other credit losses that can be estimated based upon specific and general conditions. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs. The Company contracts with vendors for credit reviews of the loan portfolio as well as considers current economic conditions, loan loss experience, and other factors in determining the adequacy of the reserve balance. The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses may vary from current estimates.

The following table summarizes the Allowance for Loan Losses of the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
(Amounts in thousands, except percentage amounts)

Nine months ended
September 30,
Year ended
December 31,
2022
2021
2021
Balance at beginning of period
$
13,952
$
15,416
$
15,416
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
900
(1,500
)
(1,500
)
Loans charged-off:
Commercial
(297
)
(383
)
(502
)
Commercial Real Estate
Agriculture
Residential Mortgage
(5
)
Residential Construction
Consumer
(39
)
(12
)
(12
)
Total charged-off
(336
)
(395
)
(519
)
Recoveries:
Commercial
249
423
429
Commercial Real Estate
14
Agriculture
Residential Mortgage
Residential Construction
Consumer
6
57
112
Total recoveries
255
480
555
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
(81
)
85
36
Balance at end of period
$
14,771
$
14,001
$
13,952
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (annualized)
(0.01
%)
0.01
%
0.00
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
1.50
%
1.67
%
1.61
%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans
0.9
%
1.4
%
1.2
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
174.3
%
116.6
%
136.8
%

Deposits

Deposits are one of the Company’s primary sources of funds. At September 30, 2022, the Company had the following deposit mix: 25.1% in savings and MMDA deposits, 2.6% in time deposits, 25.3% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 47.0% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits. At December 31, 2021, the Company had the following deposit mix: 24.6% in savings and MMDA deposits, 2.9% in time deposits, 25.0% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 47.5% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits. Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits increased the Company’s net interest income by lowering its cost of funds.

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves. The Company believes that no material portion of its deposits has been obtained from or is dependent on any one person or industry. The Company accepts deposits in excess of $250,000 from customers.  These deposits are priced to remain competitive.

Maturities of time certificates of deposits of over $250,000 outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:

(in thousands)
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Three months or less
$
2,255
$
1,400
Over three to six months
1,210
1,940
Over six to twelve months
3,157
3,253
Over twelve months
3,557
4,404
Total
$
10,179
$
10,997

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to serve our market area and comply with banking regulations, the Company must maintain adequate liquidity and adequate capital.  Liquidity is measured by various ratios, in management’s opinion, the most common being the ratio of net loans to deposits (including loans held-for-sale). This ratio was 54.0% on September 30, 2022. In addition, on September 30, 2022, the Company had the following short-term investments (based on remaining maturity and/or next repricing date):  $31,950,000 in securities due within one year or less; and $188,535,000 in securities due in one to five years.

To meet unanticipated funding requirements, the Company maintains short-term unsecured lines of credit with other banks which totaled $122,000,000 at September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Company has a line of credit with the FHLB, with a remaining borrowing capacity at September 30, 2022 of $356,741,000; credit availability is subject to certain collateral requirements.

The Company’s primary source of liquidity on a stand-alone basis is dividends from the Bank. Dividends from the Bank are subject to regulatory restrictions.

In July 2013, the FRB and the other U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules making significant changes to the U.S. regulatory capital framework for U.S. banking organizations and to conform this framework to the guidelines published by the Basel Committee known as the Basel III Global Regulatory Framework for Capital and Liquidity. The Basel Committee is a committee of banking supervisory authorities from major countries in the global financial system which formulates broad supervisory standards and guidelines relating to financial institutions for implementation on a country-by-country basis. These rules adopted by the FRB and the other federal banking agencies (the U.S. Basel III Capital Rules) replaced the federal banking agencies’ general risk-based capital rules, advanced approaches rule, market risk rule, and leverage rules, in accordance with certain transition provisions.

Banks, such as First Northern, became subject to the final rules on January 1, 2015. The final rules implement higher minimum capital requirements, include a new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement, and establish criteria that instruments must meet in order to be considered common equity Tier 1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital, or Tier 2 capital. The final rules provide for increased minimum capital ratios as follows: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (b) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; (c) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (d) a Tier 1 leverage ratio to average consolidated assets of 4%. Under these rules, in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity Tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements (equal to 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets). The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress.

Pursuant to the EGRRCPA, the FRB adopted a final rule, effective August 31, 2018, amending the Small Bank Holding Company and Savings and Loan Holding Company Policy Statement (the “policy statement”) to increase the consolidated assets threshold to qualify to utilize the provisions of the policy statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. Bank holding companies, such as the Company, are subject to capital adequacy requirements of the FRB; however, bank holding companies which are subject to the policy statement are not subject to compliance with the regulatory capital requirements until they hold $3 billion or more in consolidated total assets. As a consequence, the Company is not required to comply with the FRB’s regulatory capital requirements until such time that its consolidated total assets equal $3 billion or more or if the FRB determines that the Company is no longer deemed to be a small bank holding company. However, if the Company had been subject to these regulatory capital requirements, it would have exceeded all regulatory requirements.

In August of 2020, the Federal banking agencies adopted the final version of the community bank leverage ratio framework rule (the “CBLR”), implementing two interim final rules adopted in April of 2020. The rule provides an optional, simplified measure of capital adequacy. Under the optional CBLR framework, the CBLR was 8.5 percent through calendar year 2021 and 9 percent thereafter. The rule is applicable to all non-advanced approaches FDIC-supervised institutions with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. Banks not electing the CBLR framework will continue to be subject to the generally applicable risk-based capital rule. At the present time, the Company and the Bank do not intend to elect to use the CBLR framework.

As of September 30, 2022, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. The following table presents the capital ratios for the Bank, compared to the regulatory standards for well-capitalized depository institutions, as of September 30, 2022.

(amounts in thousands except percentage amounts)
Actual
Well Capitalized
Ratio
Requirement
Capital
Ratio
Leverage
$
165,756
8.50
%
5.0
%
Common Equity Tier 1
$
165,756
14.29
%
6.5
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based
$
165,756
14.29
%
8.0
%
Total Risk-Based
$
180,266
15.54
%
10.0
%

ITEM 3.   – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company believes that there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of September 30, 2022, from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which are incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 4.   – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)  We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet reasonable assurance standards. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2022.  This conclusion is based on an evaluation conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management.

(b)  During the quarter ended September 30, 2022, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II   – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is any of their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, except ordinary routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business and incidental to its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s or the Bank’s business, financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of risk factors relating to our business, please refer to Part I, Item 1A of our 2021 Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, and to the following:

Increases in the Allowance for Loan Losses Would Adversely Affect the Bank’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Bank’s allowance for estimated losses on loans was approximately $14.8 million, or 1.50% of total loans, at September 30, 2022, compared to $14.0 million, or 1.61% of total loans, at December 31, 2021, and 166.4% of total non-performing loans, net of guaranteed portions at September 30, 2022, compared to 137.3% of total non-performing loans, net of guaranteed portions at December 31, 2021. Provision for loan losses totaled $900,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and reversal of provision for loan losses totaled $1,500,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Provision for loan losses totaled $300,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and reversal of provision for loan losses totaled $1,800,00 for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related responses to the pandemic by federal, state and local governments have negatively impacted the U.S., California and global economies, significantly increased economic uncertainty, reduced economic activity, increased unemployment levels, and resulted in temporary and permanent closures of many businesses and restrictions on business and social activities in many states and communities, including many markets where we have operations. The pandemic has resulted and can be expected to continue to result in the recognition of credit losses in our loan portfolios and increases in our allowance for credit losses.  Material future additions to the allowance for estimated losses on loans may be necessary if such material adverse changes in economic conditions continue to occur and the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio deteriorates.
In addition, the pandemic may significantly affect the commercial and residential real estate markets in the U.S. generally, and in California in particular, decreasing property values, increasing the risk of defaults and reducing the value of real estate collateral.  An allowance for losses on other real estate owned may also be required in order to reflect changes in the markets for real estate in which the Bank’s other real estate owned is located and other factors which may result in adjustments which are necessary to ensure that the Bank’s foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to dispose of the properties.  Moreover, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for estimated losses on loans and the carrying value of its assets.  Increases in the provisions for estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets would adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Bank’s Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses, Particularly Given the Continuing or Worsening Economic and Financial Market Conditions Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
At September 30, 2022, approximately 85% of the Bank’s loans in principal amount (excluding loans held-for-sale) were secured by real estate.  We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S., California or global economies, or our market areas in particular.  In 2021, the widespread availability in the U.S. of new vaccines began to moderate the impact of the pandemic, but various new strains of the virus emerged, some with a higher rate of infectiousness even in vaccinated persons, that have continued the pandemic.  There can be no assurance that further vaccine-resistant strains of the virus will not emerge.  In addition, a significant portion of the population in California remains unvaccinated and therefore exposed to the pandemic.  Accordingly, the risk remains that the pandemic could again worsen and result in prolonged recessionary economic and financial market conditions in the market areas we serve.  If this were to occur, the value of our real estate loan portfolio and the collateral supporting it could be adversely and materially impacted.

The Bank’s primary lending focus has historically been commercial (including agricultural), construction, and real estate mortgage.  At September 30, 2022, real estate mortgage (excluding loans held-for-sale) and construction loans (residential and other) comprised approximately 83% and 2%, respectively, of the total loans in the Bank’s portfolio.  At September 30, 2022, all of the Bank’s real estate mortgage and construction loans and approximately 2% of its commercial loans were secured fully or in part by deeds of trust on underlying real estate.  The Company’s dependence on real estate increases the risk of loss in both the Bank’s loan portfolio and its holdings of other real estate owned if economic conditions in Northern California deteriorate. Deterioration of the real estate market in Northern California would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The CFPB has adopted various regulations which have impacted, and will continue to impact, our residential mortgage lending business.

ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Repurchases of Equity Securities

On May 20, 2021, the Company approved a stock repurchase program effective June 15, 2021.  The stock repurchase program, which will remain in effect until June 14, 2023, allows repurchases by the Company in an aggregate amount of no more than 4% of the Company’s 13,680,085 outstanding shares of common stock as of March 31, 2021. This represents total shares of 547,203 eligible for repurchase. The Company repurchased 10,765 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock during the nine month period ended September 30, 2022.

The Company made the following purchases of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2022:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Period
Total number of
shares purchased
Average price
paid per share
Number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
Maximum number of
shares that may yet be
purchased under the
plans or programs
July 1 - July 31, 2022
32,614
August 1 - August 31, 2022
32,614
September 1 - September 30, 2022
2,000
$
8.77
2,000
30,614
Total
2,000
2,000

A 5% stock dividend was declared on January 27, 2022 with a record date of February 28, 2022 and is reflected in the number of shares purchased and average price paid per share.
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION

None.
ITEM 6.   – EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Statement of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
Statement of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) .
*
Management contract or compensatory plan, contract, or arrangement.

**
In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
Date:
November 9, 2022
By:
/s/  Kevin Spink
Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)


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