UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



 

FORM 10-K



 

 
(MARK ONE)
þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20152017

OR

 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM            TO           

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-11204



 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



 

 
PENNSYLVANIA 25-1424278
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 
MAIN & FRANKLIN STREETS,
P.O. BOX 430, JOHNSTOWN,
PENNSYLVANIA
 15907-0430
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (814) 533-5300



 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Title Of Each Class Name Of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
8.45% Beneficial Unsecured Securities, Series A
(AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I)
  
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None



 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.o Yesþ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.o Yesþ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 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.þ Yeso No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).þ Yeso No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

   
Large accelerated filero Accelerated filero Non-accelerated filero Smaller reporting companyþ
Emerging growth companyo

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.o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).o Yesþ No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value was $62,809,831$69,492,588 as of June 30, 2015.2017.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. There were 18,870,81118,128,247 shares outstanding as of January 29, 2016.31, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders’ meeting are incorporated by reference in Parts II and III.

 

 


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K INDEX

 
 Page No.
PART I
     

Item 1.

Business

  1 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

  11 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

  11 

Item 2.

Properties

  11 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

  11 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

  11 
PART II
     

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  12 

Item 6.

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

  13 

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

  14 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  34 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  3536 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  9193 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

  9193 

Item 9B.

Other Information

  9193 
PART III
     

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

  9294 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

  9294 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

  9395 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

  9395 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  9395 
PART IV
     

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

  9496 
Signatures  9698 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company organized under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law. The Company became a holding company upon acquiring all of the outstanding shares of AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank) in January 1983. The Company’s other wholly owned subsidiaries include AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (the Trust Company), formed in October 1992, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life), formed in October 1987. When used in this report, the “Company” may refer to AmeriServ Financial, Inc. individually or AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The Company’s principal activities consist of owning and operating its three wholly owned subsidiary entities. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company had, on a consolidated basis, total assets, deposits, and shareholders’ equity of $1.149$1.168 billion, $903$948 million, and $119$95 million, respectively. The Company and its subsidiaries derive substantially all of their income from banking and bank-related services. The Company functions primarily as a coordinating and servicing unit for its subsidiary entities in general management, accounting and taxes, loan review, auditing, investment accounting, marketing and risk management.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the PDB). The Company is also under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for matters relating to registered offerings and sales of its securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s common stock is listed on theThe NASDAQ Stock Market under the trading symbol “ASRV,” and the Company is subject to the NASDAQ rules applicable to listed companies.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANKING SUBSIDIARY
AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANK

The Bank is a state bank chartered under the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended (the Banking Code). Through 1715 locations in Allegheny, Cambria, Centre, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania, the Bank conducts a general banking business. It is a full-service bank offering (i) retail banking services, such as demand, savings and time deposits, checking accounts, money market accounts, secured and unsecured consumer loans, mortgage loans, safe deposit boxes, holiday club accounts, money orders, and traveler’s checks; and (ii) lending, depository and related financial services to commercial, industrial, financial, and governmental customers, such as commercial real estate mortgage loans (CRE), short and medium-term loans, revolving credit arrangements, lines of credit, inventory and accounts receivable financing, real estate-construction loans, business savings accounts, certificates of deposit, wire transfers, night depository, and lock box services. The Bank also operates 1916 automated bank teller machines (ATMs) through its 24-hour banking network that is linked with NYCE, a regional ATM network, and CIRRUS, a national ATM network. West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA), a SEC registered investment advisor, is also a subsidiary of the Bank. The Company also operates loan production offices (LPOs) in Monroeville and Altoona in Pennsylvania, and in Hagerstown, in Maryland and Harrisonburg in Virginia.Maryland.

We believe that the Bank’s deposit base is such that loss of one depositor or a related group of depositors would not have a materially adverse effect on its business. The Bank’s business is not seasonal, nor does it have any risks attendant to foreign sources. A significant majority of the Bank’s customer base is located within a 150 mile radius of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Bank’s headquarters.


 

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The Bank is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the PDB. Various federal and state laws and regulations govern many aspects of its banking operations. The following is a summary of key data (dollars in thousands) and ratios of the Bank at December 31, 2015:2017:

  
Headquarters Johnstown, PA Johnstown, PA
Total Assets $1,108,994  $1,151,205 
Total Investment Securities  129,902   159,956 
Total Loans and Loans Held for Sale (net of unearned income)  883,987   892,758 
Total Deposits  903,494   948,145 
Total Net Income  5,938   4,337 
Asset Leverage Ratio  8.97%   8.75% 
Return on Average Assets  0.55   0.38 
Return on Average Equity  5.80   4.37 
Total Full-time Equivalent Employees  247   232 
RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW:

Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, which includes credit, interest rate and market, liquidity, operational, legal/compliance, strategic/reputational and security risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of oversight from the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board) and management. The Company has both a Management Enterprise Risk Committee with Board of Director representation and a Board Enterprise Risk Committee to help manage and monitor the Company’s risk position.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets and liabilities. The Company uses its asset liability management policy to control and manage interest rate risk.

Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as the obligations to depositors, debtholders and the funding of operating costs. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk.

Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms resulting in an economic loss to the organization. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses (the ALL) to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities. The following summarizes and describes the Company’s various loan categories and the underwriting standards applied to each:

Commercial Loans

This category includes credit extensions to commercial and industrial borrowers. Business assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and/or equipment, typically secure these credits. In appropriate instances, extensions of credit in this category are subject to collateral advance formulas. Balance sheet strength and profitability are considered when analyzing these credits, with special attention given to historical, current and prospective sources of cash flow, and the ability of the customer to sustain cash flow at acceptable levels. The Bank’s policy permits flexibility in determining acceptable debt service coverage ratios, with a minimum level of 1.1 to 1x desired.ratios. Personal guarantees are frequently required; however, as the financial strength of the borrower increases, the Bank’s ability to obtain personal guarantees decreases. In addition to economic risk, this category is impacted by the strength of the borrower’s management, industry risk and portfolio concentration risk each of which are also monitored and considered during the underwriting process.


 

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Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate

This category includes various types of loans, including acquisition and construction of investment property, owner-occupied property and operating property. Maximum term, minimum cash flow coverage, leasing requirements, maximum amortization and maximum loan to value ratios are controlled by the Bank’s credit policy and follow industry guidelines and norms, and regulatory limitations. Personal guarantees are normally required during the construction phase on construction credits and are frequently obtained on mid to smaller CRE loans. In addition to economic risk, this category is subject to geographic and portfolio concentration risk, each of which are monitored and considered in underwriting.

Residential Real Estate — Mortgages

This category includes mortgages that are secured by residential property. Underwriting of loans within this category is pursuant to Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines, with the exception of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) loans, which have more liberal standards. The major risk in this category is that a significant downward economic trend would increase unemployment and cause payment default. The Bank does not engage and has never engaged, in subprime residential mortgage lending.

Consumer Loans

This category includes consumer installment loans and revolving credit plans. Underwriting is pursuant to industry norms and guidelines. The major risk in this category is a significant economic downturn.

INVESTMENTS

The strategic focus of the investment securities portfolio of the Company and its subsidiaries is managed primarily to provide amplefor liquidity to fund, for example, loan growth and secondarily for earnings in a prudent manner that is consistent with proper bank asset/liability management and current banking practices. The objectives of portfolio management include consideration of proper liquidity levels, interest rate and market valuation sensitivity, and profitability. The investment portfolio of the Company and its subsidiaries are proactively managed in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The investment portfolio is primarily made up of AAA rated agency mortgage-backed securities, and short maturity agency securities. Beginning in 2012, the Company began to addsecurities, high quality corporate securities and select taxable municipal securities to the portfolio.securities. Management strives to maintain a relatively shortportfolio duration in the portfolio.that is less than 60 months. All holdings must meet standards documented in its investment policy.

Investment securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost while investment securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair market value. The following table sets forth the cost basis and fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of the periods indicated:

Investment securities available for sale at:

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency $2,900  $5,931  $6,926  $6,612  $400  $2,900 
Taxable municipal  7,198   3,793    
Corporate bonds  18,541   15,497   11,992   35,886   34,403   18,541 
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  96,801   102,888   121,480   79,854   88,738   96,801 
Total cost basis of investment securities available for sale $118,242  $124,316  $140,398  $129,550  $127,334  $118,242 
Total fair value of investment securities available for sale $119,467  $127,110  $141,978  $129,138  $127,077  $119,467 

 

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Investment securities held to maturity at:

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Taxable municipal $5,592  $3,364  $1,521  $22,970  $13,441  $5,592 
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  10,827   12,481   12,671   9,740   11,177   10,827 
Corporate bonds and other securities  5,000   3,995   3,995   6,042   6,047   5,000 
Total cost basis of investment securities held to maturity $21,419  $19,840  $18,187  $38,752  $30,665  $21,419 
Total fair value of investment securities held to maturity $21,533  $20,213  $17,788  $38,811  $30,420  $21,533 

DEPOSITS AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

The Bank has a stable core deposit base made up of traditional commercial bank products that exhibits little fluctuation, other than jumbo certificates of deposits (CDs), which demonstrate some seasonality. The Company also utilizes certain Trust Company specialty deposits related to the ERECT Fund as a funding source which serve as an alternative to wholesale borrowings and can exhibit some limited degree of volatility.

The following table sets forth the average balance of the Company’s deposits and average rates paid thereon for the past three calendar years:

            
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Demand:
                                                            
Non-interest bearing $171,175   —%  $155,365    $158,169    $182,301   —%  $182,732    $171,175   
Interest bearing  97,201   0.21   97,641   0.20   75,126   0.18   129,589   0.49   108,350   0.29   97,201   0.21 
Savings  94,425   0.17   89,554   0.16   87,819   0.16   97,405   0.17   95,986   0.17   94,425   0.17 
Money market  242,298   0.34   228,150   0.33   212,735   0.35   275,636   0.52   277,967   0.43   242,298   0.34 
Other time  287,783   1.24   300,915   1.26   312,741   1.33   291,475   1.38   290,612   1.28   287,783   1.24 
Total deposits $892,882   0.66%  $871,625   0.68 $846,590   0.75 $976,406   0.79%  $955,647   0.70 $892,882   0.66
LoansLOANS

The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $181,115  $139,158  $120,120  $102,864  $83,124  $159,218  $171,563  $181,115  $139,158  $120,120 
Commercial loans secured by real estate(1)  422,145   410,851   412,254   383,934   350,224   464,153   447,040   422,145   410,851   412,254 
Real estate-mortgage(1)  257,937   258,616   235,689   217,584   212,669   247,278   245,765   257,937   258,616   235,689 
Consumer  20,344   19,009   15,864   17,420   18,172   19,383   19,872   20,344   19,009   15,864 
Total loans  881,541   827,634   783,927   721,802   664,189   890,032   884,240   881,541   827,634   783,927 
Less: Unearned income  557   554   581   637   452   399   476   557   554   581 
Total loans, net of unearned income $880,984  $827,080  $783,346  $721,165  $663,737  $889,633  $883,764  $880,984  $827,080  $783,346 

(1)For each of the periods presented beginning with December 31, 2015,2017, real estate-construction loans constituted 3.0%4.1%, 3.5%4.7%, 3.0%, 2.0%3.5% and 1.9%3.0% of the Company’s total loans, net of unearned income, respectively.

 

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Secondary Market Activities

The residential lending department of the Bank continues to originate one-to-four family mortgage loans for customers, the majority of which are sold to outside investors in the secondary market and some of which are retained for the Bank’s portfolio. Mortgages sold on the secondary market are sold to investors on a “flow” basis; mortgages are priced and delivered on a “best efforts” pricing basis, with servicing released to the investor. Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines are used in underwriting all mortgages with the exception of a limited amount of CRA loans. Mortgages with longer terms, such as 20-year, 30-year, FHA, and VA loans, are usually sold. The remaining production of the department includes construction, adjustable rate mortgages, quality non-salable loans, and bi-weekly mortgages. These loans are usually kept in the Bank’s portfolio. New portfolio production is predominately adjustable rate mortgages.

Non-performing Assets

The following table presents information concerning non-performing assets:

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Non-accrual loans:
                                                  
Commercial $4,260  $  $  $  $  $353  $496  $4,260  $  $ 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  18   778   1,632   4,623   3,870   1,406   178   18   778   1,632 
Real estate-mortgage  1,788   1,417   1,239   1,191   1,205   1,257   929   1,788   1,417   1,239 
Total  6,066   2,195   2,871   5,814   5,075   3,016   1,603   6,066   2,195   2,871 
Other real estate owned:
                                                  
Commercial loans secured by real estate     384   344   1,101   20            384   344 
Real estate-mortgage  75   128   673   127   104   18   21   75   128   673 
Total  75   512   1,017   1,228   124   18   21   75   512   1,017 
Total restructured loans not in
non-accrual (TDR)
  156   210   221   182            156   210   221 
Total non-performing assets including TDR $6,297  $2,917  $4,109  $7,224  $5,199  $3,034  $1,624  $6,297  $2,917  $4,109 
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned  0.71%   0.35  0.52  1.00  0.78  0.34%   0.18  0.71  0.35  0.52

The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned (OREO) is measured at fair value based on appraisals, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure. The Company had no loans past due 90 days or more, still accruing, for the periods presented.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (2) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (3) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.

          
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Interest income due in accordance with original terms $94  $136  $178  $231  $376  $103  $118  $94  $136  $178 
Interest income recorded              (167  (75)             
Net reduction in interest income $94  $136  $178  $231  $209  $28  $118  $94  $136  $178 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL NON-BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
AMERISERV TRUST AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company is a trust company organized under Pennsylvania law in October 1992. Its staff of approximately 4845 professionals administers assets valued at approximately $2.0$2.2 billion that are not recognized on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2015.2017. The Trust Company focuses on wealth management. Wealth management includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. This segment also includes financial services, which include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. The wealth management business also includes the union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD funds which are designed to use union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The BUILD fund iscontinues in the process of liquidation. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Trust Company had total assets of $4.9$5.1 million and total stockholder’s equity of $4.6$5.1 million. In 2015,2017, the Trust Company contributed earnings to the Company as its gross revenue amounted to $8.5$8.8 million and the net income contribution was $1.3$1.1 million. The Trust Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the PDB.

AMERISERV LIFE

AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Arizona. AmeriServ Life engages in underwriting as reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance within the Company’s market area. Operations of AmeriServ Life are conducted in each office of the Company’s banking subsidiary. AmeriServ Life is subject to supervision and regulation by the Arizona Department of Insurance, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve). At December 31, 2015,2017, AmeriServ Life had total assets of $389,000.$284,000.

MONETARY POLICIES

Commercial banks are affected by policies of various regulatory authorities including the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the national supply of bank credit. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve are: open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate and discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements on bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and may also affect interest rate charges on loans or interest paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have had, and will continue to have, a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

COMPETITION

Our subsidiaries face strong competition from other commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, and other financial or investment service institutions for business in the communities they serve. Several of these institutions are affiliated with major banking and financial institutions which are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than the Bank and the Trust Company. As the financial services industry continues to consolidate, the scope of potential competition affecting our subsidiaries will also increase. Brokerage houses, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and pension trusts are important competitors for various types of financial services. In addition, personal and corporate trust investment counseling services are offered by insurance companies, other firms, and individuals.

MARKET AREA & ECONOMY

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where the Company is headquartered, continues to have a cost of living that is lower than the national average. Johnstown is home to The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Cambria-Rowe Business College.Conemaugh Health System. The high-tech defense industry is now the main non-health care staple of the Johnstown economy, with the region fulfilling many Federal government contracts, punctuated by one of the premier defense trade shows in the U.S., the annual Showcase


 

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Showcase For Commerce. The city also hosts annual events such as the Flood City Music Festival and the Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally, which draw several thousand visitors. The Johnstown, PA MSA unemployment rate improveddecreased from a 6.9%6.8% average in 20142016 to a 6.5%6.0% average in 2015.2017. The Johnstown, PA MSA continues to have one of the highest jobless rates among the 18 metropolitan statistical areas across the state. This coupled with a declining population trend creates a challenge moving forward.

Economic conditions are stronger in the State College market and have demonstrated the same improvement experienced in the national economy. The community is a college town, dominated economically and demographically by the presence of the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University. “Happy Valley” is another often-used term to refer to the State College area, including the borough and the townships of College, Harris, Patton, and Ferguson. The unemployment rate for State College MSA improveddecreased from a 4.2%4.1% average in 20142016 to a 3.8%3.7% average in 20152017 and remains the one of the lowest of all regions in the Commonwealth. A large percentage of the population in State College falls into the 18 to 34 year old age group, while potential customers in the Cambria/Somerset markets tend to be over 50 years of age.

The Company also has loan production offices in Monroeville in Allegheny county,County, Altoona in Blair county,County, Pennsylvania, and Hagerstown in Washington county, Maryland and Harrisonburg in Rockingham county, Virginia.County, Maryland. Monroeville in Allegheny county,County, Pennsylvania is located 15 miles east of the city of Pittsburgh. While the city is historically known for its steel industry, today its economy is largely based on healthcare, education, technology and financial services. The city of Pittsburgh is home to many colleges, universities and research facilities, the most well-known of which are Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is rich in art and culture. Pittsburgh museums and cultural sites include the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Frick Art & Historical Center, and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts among numerous others. Pittsburgh is also the home of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. The unemployment rate for Pittsburgh MSA improveddecreased from a 5.6%5.7% average in 20142016 to a 5.2%5.0% average in 2015.2017.

Altoona is the business center of Blair county,County, Pennsylvania with a strong retail, government and manufacturing base. The top field of employment in Altoona and the metro area is healthcare. Its location along I-99 draws from a large trade area over a wide geographic area that extends to State College and Johnstown. It serves as the headquarters for Sheetz Corporation, which ranks on Forbes list of the top privately owned companies. In addition to being located adjacent to I-99 and a major highway system, Altoona also has easy access to rail and air transportation. The unemployment rate in the Altoona MSA decreased from a 5.6%5.3% average in 20142016 to a 5.1%4.8% average in 2015.2017.

Hagerstown andin Washington county,County, Maryland offers a rare combination of business advantages providing a major crossroads location that is convenient to the entire East Coast at the intersection of I-81 and I-70. It has a workforce of over 400,000 with strengths in manufacturing and technology. It also offers an affordable cost of doing business and living within an hour of the Washington, D.C./Baltimore regions. There are also plenty of facilities and land slated for industrial/commercial development. Hagerstown has become a choice location for manufacturers, financial services, and distribution companies. The Hagerstown, MD-Martinsburg, WV MSA unemployment rate improved from a 6.0% average in 2014 to a 5.5% average in 2015.

Harrisonburg is located on I-81, providing convenient access via interstate to Northern Virginia/Washington D.C., and Richmond, in addition to points north and south along I-81. The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport provides the same amenities as larger airports and is located 20 minutes from Harrisonburg via I-81. It has a diverse and vibrant economy, with a good blend of business interests and employment opportunities. Rockingham county is one of the top agricultural producers in Virginia. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University. Continuing growth in education, health services and technology, plus a diverse mix of manufacturing, agriculture, retail, service and tourism helps Harrisonburg/Rockingham county prosper. The City of Harrisonburg Economic Development Department has established Harrisonburg Technology Park and the Harrison Downtown Technology Zone to attract technology based firms. The Harrisonburg MSA unemployment rate improved from a 5.2% average in 2014 to a 4.6% average in 2015.


TABLE OF CONTENTS2016 to a 3.7% average in 2017.

EMPLOYEES

The Company employed 341321 people as of December 31, 20152017 in full- and part-time positions. Approximately 162155 non-supervisory employees of the Company are represented by the United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local Union 2635-06. The Company is under a four year labor contract with the United Steelworkers Local that will expire on October 15, 2017.2021. The contract calls for annual wage increases of 3.0%. Additionally, effective January 1, 2014, the Company implemented a soft freeze of its defined benefit pension plan for union employees. A soft freeze means that all existing union employees as of December 31, 2013 currently participating will remain in the defined benefit pension plan but any new union employees hired after January 1, 2014 will no longer be part of the defined benefit plan but instead will be offered retirement benefits under an enhanced 401(k) program. The Company has not experienced a work stoppage since 1979. The Company is one of an estimated ten union-represented banks nationwide.


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INDUSTRY REGULATION

The banking and trust industry, and the operation of bank holding companies, is highly regulated by federal and state law, and by numerous regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies and state banking agencies. Bank regulation affects all aspects of conducting business as a bank, including such major items as minimum capital requirements, limits on types and amounts of investments, loans and other assets, as well as borrowings and other liabilities, and numerous restrictions or requirements on the loan terms and other products made available to customers, particularly consumers. Federal deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) is required for all banks in the United States, and maintaining FDIC insurance requires observation of the various rules of the FDIC, as well as payment of deposit premiums. New branches, or acquisitions or mergers, are required to be pre-approved by the responsible agency, which in the case of the Company and the Bank is the Federal Reserve and the PDB. The Bank provides detailed financial information to its regulators, including a quarterly call report that is filed pursuant to detailed prescribed instructions to ensure that all U.S. banks report the same way. The U.S. banking laws and regulations are frequently updated and amended, especially in response to crises in the financial industry, such as the global financial crisis of 2008, which resulted in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act enacted in 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act), a statute affecting many facets of the financial industry.

While it is impractical to discuss all laws and regulations that regularly affect the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, set forth below is an overview of some of the major provisions and statutes that apply.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

One of the most significant regulatory requirements for banking institutions is minimal capital, imposed as a ratio of capital to assets. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the FDIA), identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. It requires U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements based on these categories. The FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Unless a bank is well capitalized, it is subject to restrictions on its ability to utilize brokered deposits and on other aspects of its operations. Generally, a bank is prohibited from paying any dividend or making any capital distribution or paying any management fee to its holding company if the bank would thereafter be undercapitalized.


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As of December 31, 2015,2017, the Company believes that its bank subsidiary was well capitalized, based on the prompt corrective action guidelines described above. As discussed below, however,On January 1, 2015, U.S. federal banking agencies implemented the new Basel III capital requirements for all banks are being increased understandards, which establish the Dodd-Frank Act. Specifically, on July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved final rules that substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Company and the Bank. The final rules implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms, as well as certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The July 2013 final rules generally implement higher minimum capital levels to be considered well-capitalized and revise the prompt corrective action requirements addunder banking regulations. The revisions from the previous standards include a newrevised definition of capital, the introduction of a minimum common equity tier 1 capital requirement,ratio and establish criteria that instruments must meet tochanged risk weightings for certain assets. The implementation of the new rules will be considered common equity tierphased in over a four year period ending January 1, 2019 with minimum capital additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital.requirements becoming increasingly more strict each year of the transition. The new minimum capital to risk-adjusted assets requirements (which includes the impact of the capital conservation buffer effective January 1, 2016)applicable to each year) are as follows:

      
 Minimum Capital Minimum Capital Well Capitalized
 Effective January 1, Well
Capitalized
 Effective January 1, Well Capitalized
 2015 2016 2016
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio  4.5  5.125  6.5  5.125  5.75
Tier 1 capital ratio  6.0  6.625  8.0  6.625  7.25  8.0
Total capital ratio  8.0  8.625  10.0  8.625  9.25  10.0

Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements, in an amount greater than 2.5%which increases over the transition


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period, from 0.625% of total risk-weighted assets. The capital conservation buffer, which is composed of common equity tier 1 capital, began on January 1,risk weighted assets in 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phasedto 2.50% in over a three year period (increasing by that amount on each January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019).2019. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity tier 1 capital began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015, 60% on January 1, 2016 and an additional 20% per year thereafter). The Company is continuing to review the impact of these new rules and currently expects that its capital position will be more than adequate to meet the revised regulatory capital requirements.

DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

The primary source of cash to pay dividends, if any, to the Company’s shareholders and to meet the Company’s obligations is dividends paid to the Company by the Bank and the Trust Company. Dividend payments by the Bank to the Company are subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Banking Code, the FDIA and the regulation of the PDB and of the Federal Reserve. Under the Banking Act and the FDIA, a bank may not pay any dividends if, after paying such dividends, it would be undercapitalized under applicable capital requirements. In addition to these explicit limitations, the federal regulatory agencies are authorized to prohibit a banking subsidiary or bank holding company from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices. Depending upon the circumstances, the agencies could take the position that paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

It is the policy of the Federal Reserve that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available from the immediately preceding year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividend that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiary. A bank holding company may not pay dividends when it is insolvent.


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The Company resumed paying quarterly cash dividends to common shareholders in 2013. For more information regarding quarterly cash dividends, see Part II, Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities below.

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is not a banking law, but contains important requirements for public companies in the area of financial disclosure and corporate governance. In accordance with Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, written certifications by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are required. These certifications attest, among other things, that the Company’s quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. In response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company adopted a series of procedures to further strengthen its corporate governance practices. The Company also requires signed certifications from managers who are responsible for internal controls throughout the Company as to the integrity of the information they prepare. These procedures supplement the Company’s Code of Conduct Policy and other procedures that were previously in place. In 2005, theThe Company implemented and has since maintainedmaintains a program designed to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This program included the identification of key processes and accounts, documentation of the design of control effectiveness over process and entity level controls, and testing of the effectiveness of key controls.

PRIVACY PROVISIONS

Federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about customers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to non-affiliated third parties. The privacy provisions affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors. The Company believes it is in compliance with the various provisions.

USA PATRIOT ACT

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA Patriot Act substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The United States Treasury Department has issued and, in some cases, proposed a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect,


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prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the Company.

DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

On July 21, 2010, the PresidentThe Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act.on July 21, 2010. This law significantly changed the previous bank regulatory structure and affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.

A provision of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminates the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor.

Bank and thrift holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009, such as the Company, are permitted to include trust preferred securities that were issued before May 19, 2010, such as the Company’s 8.45% Trust Preferred Securities, as Tier 1 capital; however, trust preferred securities issued by


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a bank or thrift holding company (other than those with assets of less than $500 million) after May 19, 2010, will no longer count as Tier 1 capital. Such trust preferred securities still will be entitled to be treated as Tier 2 capital.

The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB), a new independent regulatory agency with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets such as the Company will continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations and gives state attorney generals the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public on the Internet at the SEC’sSEC��s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.

Our Internet address ishttp://www.ameriserv.com. We make available free of charge onhttp://www.ameriserv.com our annual, quarterly and current reports, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not applicable.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

The Company has no unresolved staff comments from the SEC for the reporting periods presented.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The principal offices of the Company and the Bank occupy the five-story AmeriServ Financial building at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets in Johnstown plus twelve floors of the building adjacent thereto. The Company occupies the main office and its subsidiary entities have 13 other locations which are owned. NineSix additional locations are leased with terms expiring from January 1, 20162018 to AugustJuly 31, 2030.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential legal claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of both management and legal counsel, there is no present basis to conclude that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.


 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

COMMON STOCK

As of January 29, 2016,31, 2018, the Company had 3,4162,983 shareholders of record for its common stock. The Company’s common stock is traded on theThe NASDAQ GlobalStock Market System under the symbol “ASRV.” The following table sets forth the actual high and low closing prices and the cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated:

      
 PRICES CASH
DIVIDENDS
DECLARED
 PRICES CASH
DIVIDENDS
DECLARED
 HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
Year ended December 31, 2015:
               
Year ended December 31, 2017:
               
First Quarter $3.13  $2.88  $0.01  $4.00  $3.60  $0.015 
Second Quarter  3.44   3.00   0.01   4.20   3.70   0.015 
Third Quarter  3.41   3.20   0.01   4.05   3.80   0.015 
Fourth Quarter  3.39   3.16   0.01   4.35   3.85   0.015 
Year ended December 31, 2014
               
Year ended December 31, 2016
               
First Quarter $3.91  $3.00  $0.01  $3.36  $2.96  $0.01 
Second Quarter  3.88   3.40   0.01   3.27   2.95   0.01 
Third Quarter  3.52   3.14   0.01   3.34   3.02   0.015 
Fourth Quarter  3.31   3.02   0.01   3.80   3.15   0.015 

The declaration of cash dividends on the Company’s common stock is at the discretion of the Board, and any decision to declare a dividend is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, earnings, prospects, financial condition, regulatory capital levels, applicable covenants under any credit agreements and other contractual restrictions, Pennsylvania law, federal and Pennsylvania bank regulatory law, and other factors deemed relevant. Additionally, on January 24, 2017, the Company’s previously announcedBoard of Directors approved a common stock repurchase programs have been completed.program that called for AmeriServ Financial, Inc. to buy back up to 5% or approximately 945,000 shares of its outstanding common stock over an 18 month time period beginning on the day of announcement.

Following are the Company’s monthly common stock purchases during the fourth quarter of 2017. All shares are repurchased under Board of Directors authorization.

    
Period Total number of
shares purchased
 Average price
paid per share
 Total number of
shares purchased
as part of
publicly
announced plan
 Maximum number
of shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plan
October 1 – 31, 2017  19,900  $4.12   19,900   238,740 
November 1 – 30, 2017  61,194   4.17   61,194   177,546 
December 1 – 31, 2017  71,883   4.31   71,883   105,663 
Total  152,977  $4.23   152,977      

In first nine months of 2017, the Company was able to repurchase 686,360 shares at an average price of $4.02. Through December 31, 2017, the Board of Director approved repurchase plan had a total of 839,337 shares repurchased at an average price of $4.06. This represents approximately 89% of the authorized repurchase plan.


 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

SELECTED FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

          
 AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
SUMMARY OF INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
                                                  
Total interest income $41,881  $40,441  $39,343  $39,917  $41,964  $44,356  $41,869  $41,881  $40,441  $39,343 
Total interest expense  6,520   6,397   6,482   7,714   9,681   8,795   7,735   6,520   6,397   6,482 
Net interest income  35,361   34,044   32,861   32,203   32,283   35,561   34,134   35,361   34,044   32,861 
Provision (credit) for loan losses  1,250   375   (1,100  (775  (3,575  800   3,950   1,250   375   (1,100
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses  34,111   33,669   33,961   32,978   35,858   34,761   30,184   34,111   33,669   33,961 
Total non-interest income  15,267   14,323   15,744   14,943   13,569   14,645   14,638   15,267   14,323   15,744 
Total non-interest expense  41,038   43,371   42,223   40,641   40,037   40,766   41,615   41,038   43,371   42,223 
Income before income taxes  8,340   4,621   7,482   7,280   9,390   8,640   3,207   8,340   4,621   7,482 
Provision for income taxes  2,343   1,598   2,289   2,241   2,853   5,347   897   2,343   1,598   2,289 
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $5,039  $6,537  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997  $3,023  $5,193 
Net income available to common shareholders $5,787  $2,813  $4,984  $4,211  $5,152  $3,293  $2,295  $5,787  $2,813  $4,984 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
                                                  
Basic earnings per share $0.31  $0.15  $0.26  $0.21  $0.24  $0.18  $0.12  $0.31  $0.15  $0.26 
Diluted earnings per share  0.31   0.15   0.26   0.21   0.24   0.18   0.12   0.31   0.15   0.26 
Cash dividends declared  0.04   0.04   0.03   0.00   0.00   0.06   0.05   0.04   0.04   0.03 
Book value at period end  5.19   4.97   4.91   4.67   4.37   5.25   5.05   5.19   4.97   4.91 
BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER DATA:
                                                  
Total assets $1,148,922  $1,089,263  $1,056,036  $1,000,991  $979,076  $1,167,655  $1,153,780  $1,148,497  $1,089,263  $1,056,036 
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income  883,987   832,131   786,748   731,741   670,847   892,758   886,858   883,987   832,131   786,748 
Allowance for loan losses  9,921   9,623   10,104   12,571   14,623   10,214   9,932   9,921   9,623   10,104 
Investment securities available for sale  119,467   127,110   141,978   151,538   182,923   129,138   127,077   119,467   127,110   141,978 
Investment securities held to maturity  21,419   19,840   18,187   13,723   12,280   38,752   30,665   21,419   19,840   18,187 
Deposits  903,294   869,881   854,522   835,734   816,420   947,945   967,786   903,294   869,881   854,522 
Total borrowed funds  117,483   93,965   79,640   41,745   34,850   115,701   78,645   117,058   93,965   79,640 
Stockholders’ equity  118,973   114,407   113,307   110,468   112,352   95,102   95,395   118,973   114,407   113,307 
Full-time equivalent employees  318   314   352   350   347   302   305   318   314   352 
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
                                                  
Return on average assets  0.54%   0.29  0.51  0.51  0.68  0.28%   0.20  0.54  0.29  0.51
Return on average total equity  5.10   2.61   4.69   4.51   5.90   3.42   2.30   5.10   2.61   4.69 
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, as a percent of deposits, at period end  97.86   95.66   92.07   87.56   82.17   94.18   91.64   97.86   95.66   92.07 
Ratio of average total equity to average assets  10.65   10.92   10.86   11.36   11.49   8.24   8.79   10.65   10.92   10.86 
Common stock cash dividends as a percent of net income available to common shareholders  13.03   26.73   11.36         33.80   41.18   13.03   26.73   11.36 
Interest rate spread  3.33   3.36   3.39   3.43   3.47   3.14   3.08   3.33   3.36   3.39 
Net interest margin  3.49   3.52   3.56   3.65   3.72   3.32   3.26   3.49   3.52   3.56 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans, net of unearned income, at period end  1.13   1.16   1.29   1.74   2.20   1.15   1.12   1.13   1.16   1.29 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans and other real estate owned, at period end  0.71   0.35   0.52   1.00   0.78   0.34   0.18   0.71   0.35   0.52 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans  0.11   0.11   0.18   0.19   0.24   0.06   0.44   0.11   0.11   0.18 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends:(1)
                                                  
Excluding interest on deposits  4.68X   3.30X   5.13X   3.80X   4.11X   4.22X   2.26X   4.68X   3.30X   5.13X 
Including interest on deposits  2.19   1.67   2.07   1.80   1.83   1.97   1.40   2.19   1.67   2.07 
Cumulative one year interest rate sensitivity gap ratio, at period end  1.23   1.13   1.09   1.30   1.29   1.22   1.44   1.23   1.13   1.09 

(1)The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends is computed by dividing the sum of income before taxes, fixed charges, and preferred dividends by the sum of fixed charges and preferred dividends. Fixed charges represent interest expense and are shown as both excluding and including interest on deposits.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company including the related notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, AND 2013

2015

20152017 SUMMARY OVERVIEW:

NetThe new Tax Cut and Jobs Act became law on December 21, 2017. Subsequently, AmeriServ and most other banks in the nation were caught up in the technical accounting issues the legislation created. We recalculated our Federal tax position for 2017 as of December 31, 2017. The result was a one-time $2.6 million charge against 2017 earnings. This action was taken as of December 21, 2017 and reported in an 8-K filing on January 11, 2018. With those issues completed, we begin this year with a new statutory tax rate of 21%, replacing the previous rate of 34%. We believe that this will be an opportunity for the Company.

This new tax code arrived at a favorable time for AmeriServ. Our goal for 2017 was to re-establish the financial performance level that we reported in mid-2015. The result of this strong emphasis was that AmeriServ ended 2017 with the highest level of average loans for a full year on record. AmeriServ also ended 2017 with the highest level of average deposits on record, the highest level of total revenue on record and a reduced level of operating expenses. It is possible that had it not been necessary to recalculate the tax accounting process and accept a one-time charge against earnings, that 2017 may have been the best year since the restructure of the franchise in 2000.

That one-time charge resulted in AmeriServ announcing on January 23, 2018 net income for 2017 of $3,293,000 or $0.18 per common share. This was $1,374,000,a 43% improvement in net income and a 50% improvement in earnings per share over 2016 which reported net income of $2,295,000 or $0.07$0.12 per share. Parenthetically, it is a fact that if the Tax Cut and Jobs Act had never occurred and the Company would not have been required to recognize an additional income tax charge of $2,624,000, AmeriServ would have reported net income of $5,917,000 or $0.32 per share for the fourth quarter of 2015.2017. This was $625,000, or $0.03 per share, higher than the fourth quarter of 2014. Net incomeour year-long goal for the full year was $5,997,000, or $0.31 per share, which represents an increase by $2,974,000, or $0.16 per share, from 2014. The Company’s 2015 results illustrate the effectiveness from very specific profitability improvement actions executed to permit the Company to continue2017.

AmeriServ is growing the business but to avoid expense increases so as to improve per share profitability.

We have previously emphasized the Company’s determination to become a significant competitor in every market where the company has a presence. The reports from the marketplace continue to be encouraging. Net loan growthstronger year over year, totaled almost $52 million whilebut challenges remain. AmeriServ has become a very active lender to small and mid-size businesses. AmeriServ finished 2017 for the fourth consecutive year with a record of lending over 90% of deposits increased by $33 million as bothinto our regional markets. This means we are always seeking fresh deposits because it is our responsibility to provide affordable loans to the local and regional businesses and consumers who are the backbone of our local economies.

AmeriServ also has been a company with a higher level of overhead than most community banks our size. We are working to improve this through technical advances which allow for higher productivity. A relationship has been established with a company who is the largest provider of banking software in the U.S. The goal is to continue to improve productivity and to consequently further reduce expenses.

It is important to note that AmeriServ is now fully focused on executing the 2017 – 2019 Strategic Plan. Perhaps the biggest challenge in that plan is to improve shareholder return. It was especially gratifying to meet and exceed the shareholder return target established in the strategic plan. That target is to return up to 75% of earnings to shareholders annually, subject to maintaining sufficient capital to support balance sheet growth. Using the adjusted net income figure prior to the one-time charge required under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the total capital return in 2017 was 76.4%. This was composed of quarterly cash dividend payments totaling $1,113,000. Also, a stock repurchase program returned $3,405,000 to shareholders. Upon completion of these activities set new year ending records for AmeriServ. These marketplace successes also found support from a more efficient company. Operating non-interest expense was $1.7 million, or 3.9%, lower than 2014. The now proven effectivenessentries, AmeriServ still met and exceeded the capital requirements established by the regulators enabling AmeriServ to operate successfully and to respond to expansion opportunities.

As has been our aim, we are setting forth in 2018 with all of the 2014 profitability efforts has resulted in a new enthusiasm among staff members for ways to trim expenses.

This is not to say that 2015 was without its challenges. The worldwide energy turmoil resultedissues contained in the bankruptcy of a Western Pennsylvania energy related company. However, the Company’s total loan portfolio still contains a lower level of troubled loans than the average level at the Company’s peer banks across the nation. The lending standards of the Company remain consistent with the goal of supporting qualified borrowers over the upsTax Cut and downs of the business cycle.

The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies that were adopted in 2008 have severely punished the thrifty, those living on pensions and community banks throughout the country. The squeeze on the banker’s net interest margin hurts the availability of credit.Jobs Act as we know them today behind us. It is understandable thatour job to use the Federal Reserve would respondnew lower tax rate to events likebuild an even stronger and more profitable company. We will not chase the freezing of credit markets in 2008, but this seemed to encourage the Federal Reserve to seek to manage the entire economy permanently. Let us hope they can unwind their involvement without further disturbances in this very large and complex economy.

The Board and the management team of the Company remain committed to a continuation of time tested banking management practices. These include strong capital, deep liquidity and a conservative balance sheet. To further these goals, in January 2016, the Company paid off the $21 million of US Treasury preferred shares related to the SBLF program using cash on hand and net proceeds from the private placement of $7.65 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.5% fixed rate subordinated notes. These SBLF funds were a way for the Treasury to encourage banks to lend to small businesses. It worked very well! The Company increased its roster of small business borrowers throughout its regions. However, the Treasury would have increased its dividend rate on the preferred shares from 1% per year to 9% per year in February 2016. The Companylatest “fad.” Instead, we will continue to lend to small businessesbuild strength in our balance sheet and will continuethen leverage that strength for the benefit of our customers and our shareholders. We think these are exciting times to be a well-capitalized community bank, but the Company will not experience this dividend rate increase for those shares are retired. This action was spelled out in detail in the Company’s press release from January 28, 2016.

Finally, a comment about the turmoil in financial markets. The domestic economy of the U.S. has been dynamic and ever-changing throughout history. The question we are all forced to answer is how much risk to accept in our economic affairs. The events of 2015 would suggest that it is best to limit risk when contemplating a dynamic economy. This has been and will be our guiding principle as we pursue our climb to financial respectability in 2016 and beyond.bankers.


 

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PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The following table summarizes some of the Company’s key profitability performance indicators for each of the past three years.

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
Net income available to common shareholders  5,787   2,813   4,984   3,293   2,295   5,787 
Diluted earnings per share  0.31   0.15   0.26   0.18   0.12   0.31 
Return on average assets  0.54%   0.29  0.51  0.28%   0.20  0.54
Return on average equity  5.10   2.61   4.69   3.42   2.30   5.10 

The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $3,293,000, or $0.18 per diluted common share. This represents an improvement of $998,000 from the full year of 2016 where net income available to common shareholders totaled $2,295,000, or $0.12 per diluted common share. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the enactment into law of “H.R.1.”, known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, necessitated the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax asset because of the new lower corporate tax rate. This revaluation required that the Company recognize additional income tax expense of $2.6 million, which is consistent with the information previously disclosed in an 8-K filed on January 11, 2018. The additional income tax expense negatively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.14 for both the fourth quarter and full year of 2017.

The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $2.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted common share, for 2016. This represented a 61% decrease in earnings per share from 2015 where net income available to common shareholders totaled $5.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. This reduction reflects, 1.) a substantially higher than typical provision for loan losses and net loan charge offs that were recorded in the first quarter of 2016 to resolve the Company’s only meaningful direct loan exposure to the energy industry, 2.) a reduced level of net interest income that results from net interest margin compression, which is prevalent in the banking industry, as well as a lower level of loan prepayment fee income and additional interest expense related to the issuance of subordinated debt, and 3.) operating expenses increasing by $577,000, or 1.4% due to non-recurring costs for legal and accounting services that were necessary to address a trust operations trading error.

The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $5.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted common share, for 2015. This represented a 107% increase in earnings per share from 2014 where net income available to common shareholders totaledtotalled $2.8 million, or $0.15 per diluted share. Factors causing this increase in earnings were solid loan and deposit growth in our community banking business which contributed to an increase of $1.3 million, or 3.9%, in net interest income while increasing revenue from our trust and wealth management business contributed to 7.5%6.6% growth in non-interest income in 2015. Additionally, operating expenses declined by $2.3 million, or 5.4%, as we improved the ongoing efficiency of the Company by successfully executing several profitability improvement initiatives.

The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $2.8 million, or $0.15 per diluted common share, for 2014. This represented a 42.3% decrease in earnings per share from 2013 where net income available to common shareholders totalled $5.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share. Factors contributing to this reduction in earnings were a $1.5 million unfavorable swing in the provision for loan losses, a $1.4 million reduction in non-interest revenue, and a $1.1 million increase in non-interest expense. The non-interest expense increase included a $669,000 goodwill impairment charge and a $376,000 fourth quarter pension charge related to 25 employees who elected to participate in an early retirement incentive program. These negative items were partially offset by a $1.2 million increase in net interest income due to continued growth of our loan portfolio while maintaining excellent asset quality.

The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $5.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted common share, for 2013. This represented a 23.8% increase in earnings per share from 2012 where net income available to common shareholders totalled $4.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share. Growth in total revenue, improved asset quality, and effective capital management caused the increase in earnings per share in 2013. Specifically, a $658,000 increase in net interest income resulted from continued strong growth of our loan portfolio, as total loans grew by $55 million, or 7.5%. Material loan growth occurred in loan categories that qualified for the SBLF through the Company’s loan production offices. As a result of this growth in SBLF qualified loans, the Company locked in the lowest preferred dividend rate available under the program of 1% until its redemption in the first quarter of 2016. This lower rate saved the Company $619,000 in preferred stock dividend payments in 2013 and was a key factor contributing to the earnings per share growth. Additionally, the calculation of earnings per share benefitted from a 713,000, or 3.6%, reduction in average shares outstanding due to the success of the Company’s common stock repurchase program that was completed in the second quarter of 2013. There was also $325,000 more earnings benefit from negative loan loss provisions in 2013 due to the Company’s improved asset quality. These positive items were partially offset by a $1.6 million or 3.9% increase in non-interest expense and slightly higher income tax expense.


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NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN... The Company’s net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a primary source of the Company’s earnings; it is affected by interest rate fluctuations as well as changes in the amount and mix of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income performance for each of the past three years:

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Interest income $41,881  $40,441  $39,343  $44,356  $41,869  $41,881 
Interest expense  6,520   6,397   6,482   8,795   7,735   6,520 
Net interest income  35,361   34,044   32,861   35,561   34,134   35,361 
Net interest margin  3.49%   3.52  3.56  3.32%   3.26  3.49

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20152017 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The Company’s net interest income for the full year of 2017 increased by $1.3$1.4 million, or 3.9%4.2%, when compared to the full year of 2016. The Company’s net interest margin was 3.32% for the full year of 2017 representing a six basis point improvement from the full year of 2016. The 2017 increase in net interest income is a result of a higher level of total earning assets and favorable balance sheet positioning which contributed to the improved net interest margin performance. The Company continues to grow earning assets while also limiting increases in its cost of funds through disciplined deposit pricing. Specifically, the earning asset growth occurred in both the loan and investment securities portfolios. Investment securities averaged $173 million for the full year of 2017 which is $25.3 million, or 17.2%, higher than the full year 2016 average. Total loans averaged $894 million for the full year 2017 which is $6.2 million, or 0.7%, higher than the 2016 full year average.

The Company experienced growth in average deposits which we believe reflects the loyalty of our core deposit base that provides a strong foundation upon which this growth builds. Specifically, total deposits averaged $976 million in 2017 which is $20.8 million, or 2.2%, higher than the $956 million average for the full year of 2016 The deposit growth occurred in interest bearing deposits while the total non-interest bearing demand deposit account balances remained relatively stable between years. As a result of this strong deposit growth, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio ended the year at 91.5% which indicates that the Company has ample capacity to further grow its loan portfolio in 2018.

Total interest expense increased by $1,060,000, or 13.7%, for the full year of 20152017 when compared to 2016, due to higher levels of both deposit and borrowing interest expense. Deposit interest expense in 2017 increased by $855,000, or 15.8%, due to the higher balance of deposits along with certain indexed money market accounts repricing upward after the Federal Reserve interest rate increases. The Company experienced a $205,000 increase in the interest cost for borrowings in 2017 primarily due to the immediate impact that the increases in the Federal Funds Rate had on the cost of overnight borrowed funds as well as matured FHLB term advances that were replaced with advances at higher rates. For the full year of 2017, total average FHLB borrowed funds of $62.6 million, increased by $4.9 million, or 8.4%.

COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2017 VERSUS 2016... Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income in 2017 increased by $2.5 million when compared to 2016. Total average earnings assets in 2017 grew by $23.7 million due to increases in both average loans and average securities, which was complemented by a 15 basis point increase in the earning asset yield from 3.99% to 4.14%. Within the earning asset base, investment securities interest revenue increased by $1.1 million or 27.8% in 2017 due to a $25.3 million increase in the average investment securities portfolio. The yield on total investment securities increased by 24 basis points from 2.66% to 2.90%. The growth in the investment securities portfolio is the result of management electing to diversify the mix of the investment securities portfolio through purchases of high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities. This revised strategy for securities purchases was facilitated by the increase in national interest rates that resulted in improved opportunities to purchase additional securities and grow the portfolio. Total loan interest income increased by $1.4 million as the yield on the total loan portfolio increased by 12 basis points from 4.27% to 4.39%. Even though loan production slowed somewhat during the fourth quarter because of the uncertainty that existed in the market from potential borrowers due to the timing that corporate tax reform would be enacted, the loan portfolio still demonstrated an increase. This increase was the result of the successful results of the Company’s business development efforts, with an emphasis on generating all types of commercial business loans particularly through its loan production offices. Loan interest income increased by $1,356,000, or 3.6%, for the full year of 2017 when compared to last year. The higher loan interest income also results from new loans originating at higher yields due to the higher interest rates and also reflects the upward repricing of certain loans tied to LIBOR or the prime rate as both of these indices have moved up with the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase the target federal funds interest rate by 25 basis points three times in 2017.

The Company’s total interest expense increased by $1,060,000, or 13.7%, in 2017 when compared to 2016, due to higher levels of both deposit and borrowing interest expense. The Company experienced growth in average deposits which we believe reflects the loyalty of our core deposit base that provides a strong foundation upon which this growth builds. Management’s ability to acquire new core deposit funding from outside of our traditional market areas as well as our ongoing efforts to offer new loan customers deposit


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products were the primary reasons for this growth. Specifically, total interest bearing deposits averaged $794 million in 2017 which is $21.2 million, or 2.7%, higher than the $773 million average for the full year of 2016. Deposit interest expense in 2017 increased by $855,000, or 15.8%, due to the higher balance of interest bearing deposits along with certain indexed money market accounts repricing upward after the Federal Reserve interest rate increases. The cost of interest bearing deposits increased by nine basis points in 2017 to 0.79% due to the impact of increasing national interest rates. Management continues to carefully price interest rates paid on all deposit categories. The Company experienced a $205,000 increase in the interest cost for borrowings in 2017 due to the immediate impact that the increases in the Federal Funds Rate had on the cost of overnight borrowed funds, FHLB term advances and a higher level of total borrowed funds. Total overnight borrowings increased by $7.9 million while their cost increased by 64 basis points to 1.21%. The Company also continued to utilize term advances from the FHLB, with maturities ranging between three and five years, to help fund earning asset growth and manage interest rate risk. The average balance of FHLB term advances decreased by $3.1 million while the average cost of these advances increased by 20 basis points to 1.52% as matured term advances were replaced by advances with higher interest rates. Total FHLB borrowed funds, including overnight borrowed funds, averaged $62.6 million or 5.4% of total average assets and increased by $4.9 million, or 8.4%. Overall, total interest bearing funding costs increased by nine basis points to 1.00%.

Overall, the Company expects that continued growth of earning assets as well as an increasing net interest margin will result in net interest income growth in 2018. The net interest margin stabilized in 2017 after a period of compression and also demonstrated improvement in the second half of the year. It is expected that this moderate pace of improvement in the net interest margin should continue in 2018. Solid commercial pipelines suggest that the Company should be able to grow the loan portfolio in 2018 although we expect the pricing pressures on new commercial loans to continue to be intense.

2016 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The Company’s net interest income for the full year of 2016 decreased by $1,227,000, or 3.5%, when compared to the full year 2014 asof 2015. The Company’s net interest margin compressionof 3.26% for the full year of 2016 was more23 basis points lower than fully mitigated by earning asset growth, a greater level of prepayment fees on early loan payoffs and an increased dividend from the FHLB of Pittsburgh. The Company’s net interest margin of 3.49% for the full year 2015 wasof 2015. The 2016 reduction in net interest income has been significantly impacted by the following three basis points lower than thefactors: 1.) net interest margin compression that results from the prolonged low interest rate environment that exists in the economy and is pressuring community bank net interest margins, 2.) additional interest expense that was associated with the Company’s late fourth quarter 2015 issuance of 3.52%subordinated debt, and 3.) a significantly lower level of loan prepayment fee income, which decreased by approximately $300,000 for the full year 2014. Theof 2016. These factors more than offset the Company’s continued growth in earning assets and control of its cost of funds through disciplined deposit pricing. Specifically, the earning asset growth occurred in the loan portfolio as total loans averaged $857$888 million for the full year of 20152016, which is $52$31 million, or 6.5%3.6%, higher than the $805$857 million average for the full year of 2014.2015. This loan growth reflects the successful results of the Company’s sales callingbusiness development efforts, with an emphasis on generating commercial loans and owner occupied commercial real estate loans particularly through its loan production offices in the stronger growth markets of Pittsburgh and Altoona in Pennsylvania, Hagerstown, Maryland and Harrisonburg, Virginia. Overall, totaloffices. However, loan interest income increased by $1.4 million,is $134,000, or 3.6%0.4%, lower for the full year 2015.

Total interest expense has been well controlled in 2015 as it increased by $123,000, or 1.9%, forof 2016 when compared to the full year of 2015 due primarily to tight controlthe previously mentioned decline in loan prepayment fees between years. Interest income on short-term investments and investment securities grew by $122,000 or 3.1% for the full year as the Company benefited from a higher balance of investment securities in 2016. Overall, total interest income decreased by $12,000, or 0.03%, in 2016.

The Company experienced significant growth in deposits between years which is a reflection of the loyalty and stability of our cost of funds through disciplined deposit pricing. Total deposit interest expense decreased by $137,000, or 2.8%, in 2015 when compared to last year. Even with this reduction in deposit costs, the Company continues to have a strong loyal core deposit base and success in cross-sellingthat provides a strong foundation upon which this growth builds. Management’s ability to acquire new core deposit funding from outside of our traditional market areas as well as our ongoing efforts to offer new loan customers into deposit products.products were the primary reasons for this growth. Specifically, total deposits averaged $893$956 million for the full year of 20152016 which is $21$63 million, or 2.4%7.0%, higher than the $872$893 million average in 2014.for the full year of 2015. The Company is also pleased that a meaningful portion of this deposit growth occurred in non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts. This decreasedDeposit interest expense for the full year of 2016 increased by $648,000, or 13.6%, due to the higher balance of deposits has been more than offsetalong with certain money market accounts repricing upward after Federal Reserve fed funds interest rate increases. As a result of this strong deposit growth, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio ended the year at 91.6%.


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Total interest expense increased for the full year of 2016 by $1,215,000, or 18.6%, as compared to 2015 due to higher levels of both borrowings and deposit interest expense. The Company experienced a $260,000$567,000 increase in the interest cost for borrowings asin 2016, with $515,000 of this increase attributable to the Company’s subordinated debt issuance which occurred late in December of 2015. Specifically, the Company issued $7.65 million of subordinated debt which has utilized morea 6.50% fixed interest rate. The proceeds from the subordinated debt issuance, along with other cash on hand, was used to redeem all $21 million of our outstanding SBLF preferred stock on January 27, 2016. The remainder of the increase in borrowings interest expense was due to a greater utilization of FHLB term advances to extend borrowings and provide protection against rising interest rates.

Overall, the Company expects that it will need to continue to grow earning assets to achieve net interest income growth in 2016 as net interest margin compression is expected to continue given the ongoing challenges of the exceptionally lowfor interest rate environment. Solid commercial loan pipelines suggest that the Company should be able to again grow the loan portfolio in 2016 although we expect pricing pressures on new commercial loans to continue to be intense.risk management purposes.

COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 20152016 VERSUS 2014...2015... Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income in 2015 increased2016 decreased by $1.4 million, or 3.6%,$12,000 when compared to 2014.2015. This increase was due tois evidenced by a $44.4$36.9 million increase in average earning assets due to an increaseincreases in both average loans partiallyand average securities, which was more than offset by a four15 basis point decline in the earning asset yield from 4.18%4.14% to 4.14%3.99%. Within the earning asset base, total loan interest income decreased by $134,000 as the yield on the total loan portfolio decreased by eight17 basis points from 4.52%4.44% to 4.44% as a4.27%. The greater level of prepayment fees on early loan payoffstotal average loans in 2016 was more than offset by the impact fromof new loans having yields that are below the rate on the maturing instruments that they are replacing. Also negatively impacting loan interest income in 2016 was the reduced level of loan prepayment fee income. Investment securities interest revenue increased by $47,000 in 2016 due to a $2.3 million increase in the average investment securities portfolio. However, the yield on total investment securities increaseddecreased by sevenone basis points from 2.60%2.67% to 2.67%2.66% due to net interest margin compression as well as an increased dividend from the FHLB of Pittsburgh and a reductionincrease in premium amortization on mortgage backed securities, which resulted from a slowdownan increase in mortgage prepayment speeds in 2015. Investment securities interest revenue declined by $223,000 in 2015 due to a $12 million decrease in the average investment securities portfolio as the Company has utilized cash flow from securities to help fund the previously mentioned loan growth.


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The Company’s total interest expense for 20152016 increased by $123,000,$1.2 million, or 1.9%18.6%, when compared to 2014. This increase in2015. Total interest bearing deposits increased by $51.2 million or 7.1% due to management’s ability to acquire new core deposit funding from outside our traditional market areas as well as our ongoing efforts to offer new loan customers deposit products. Total interest bearing deposit interest expense wasincreased by $648,000 in 2016 due to the higher volume of interest bearing deposits and an increased levelincrease of average FHLB borrowed funds which more than offset a lower cost of funds asfour basis points in the cost of interest bearing liabilities declined by one basis pointdeposits to 0.81%0.70%. Management’s strategyManagement continues to carefully price interest rates paid on all deposit categories has not hadcategories. The Company experienced a negative impact on deposit growth and reflects the loyalty of the bank’s core deposit base. The overall cost of interest bearing deposits decreased by two basis points to 0.66% in spite of a $5.4 million$567,000 increase in the interest cost for borrowings in 2016, with $515,000 of this increase attributable to the Company’s subordinated debt issuance which occurred late in December of 2015. The increase in borrowings interest expense is also reflective of a greater usage total average volume.FHLB term advances. The Company has utilized term advances from the FHLB, with maturities ranging between three and five years, to help fund its earning asset growth and manage interest rate risk. The average balance of FHLB term advances has increased by $13$2.6 million while the average cost of these advances has increased by 2011 basis pointspoint to 1.21%1.32%. Overall, totalTotal FHLB borrowings, including overnight borrowed funds, averaged $71$57.8 million or 6.4%5.1% of total assets during 2015.

2014 NET INTEREST INCOME PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The Company’s net interest income for the full year 2014 increased by $1.2 million, or 3.6%, when compared to the full year 2013. The Company’s net interest margin of 3.52% for the full year 2014 was four basis points lower than the net interest margin of 3.56% for the full year 2013. The Company has been able to mitigate this net interest margin pressure and to increase net interest income by both growing its earning assets and reducing its cost of funds. Specifically, the earning asset growth has occurred in the loan portfolio as total loans averaged a record $805 million for the full year 2014 which is $58 million, or 7.8%, higher than the $746 million average for the 2013 year. This loan growth reflects the successful results of the Company’s more intensive sales calling efforts, with an emphasis on generating commercial loans and owner occupied CRE loans, which qualify as SBLF loans. Interest income in 2014 has also benefitted from reduced premium amortization on mortgage backed securities due to slower mortgage prepayment speeds.2016. Overall, total interest income increased by $1.1 million in 2014. Additionally, the increase in loans caused the Company’s loan to deposit ratio to average 92.3% in 2014 compared to 88.2% in 2013.

Total interest expense for the 2014 year declined by $85,000 from the full year 2013 due to the Company’s proactive efforts to reduce deposit costs. Even with this reduction in depositbearing funding costs the Company still experienced growth in deposits which reflects the loyalty of our core deposit base and ongoing efforts to cross sell new loan customers into deposit products. Specifically, total deposits averaged a record level of $872 million for the full year 2014 which is $25 million, or 3.0%, higher than the $847 million average for the full year 2013. This decreased interest expense for deposits has been partially offset by a $190,000 increase in the interest cost for borrowings as the Company has utilized more Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) term advances to extend borrowings and provide protection against rising interest rates.

COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2014 VERSUS 2013... Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income in 2014 increased by $1.1 million when compared to 2013. This increase was due to a $44.1 million increase in average earning assets due to an increase in average loans partially offset by a nine basis point decline in the earning asset yield from 4.27% to 4.18%. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio decreased by 19 basis points from 4.71% to 4.52% as new loans typically have yields that are below the rate on the maturing instruments that they are replacing. However, the yield on total investment securities increased by 10 basis points from 2.50% to 2.60% due primarily to a reduction in premium amortization on mortgage backed securities due to a slowdown in mortgage prepayment speeds in 2014. Investment securities interest revenue declined by $122,000 in 2014 due to an $11 million decrease in the average investment securities portfolio as the Company has utilized cash flow from securities to help fund the previously mentioned loan growth0.91%.

The Company’s total interest expense for 2014 decreased by $85,000, or 1.3%, when compared to 2013. This decrease in interest expense was due to a lower cost of funds as the cost of interest bearing liabilities declined by six basis points to 0.82%. Management’s decision to further reduce interest rates paid on all deposit categories has not had a negative impact on deposit growth and reflects the loyalty of the bank’s core deposit base. This decrease in funding costs occurred in spite of a $43.4 million increase in the volume of average interest bearing liabilities. The Company has utilized term advances from the FHLB, with maturities ranging between three and five years, to help fund its earning asset growth and manage interest rate risk. The average balance of FHLB term advances has increased by $15 million while the average cost of these advances has increased by only 17 basis points to 1.01%. Overall, total FHLB borrowings averaged $52 million or 4.9% of total assets during 2014.


 

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The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis setting forth (i) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest earning assets and average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iv) interest rate spread (the difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities), and (v) net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest earning assets). For purposes of these tables loan balances include non-accrual loans, and interest income on loans includes loan fees or amortization of such fees which have been deferred, as well as interest recorded on certain non-accrual loans as cash is received. Regulatory stock is included within available for sale investment securities for this analysis. Additionally, a tax rate of approximately 34% is used to compute tax-equivalent yields.

                  
                  
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 AVERAGE
BALANCE
 INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
 YIELD/
RATE
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Interest earning assets:
                                                                                          
Loans, net of unearned income $857,015  $38,024   4.44%  $804,721  $36,366   4.52 $746,490  $35,145   4.71 $893,849  $39,257   4.39 $887,679  $37,891   4.27 $857,015  $38,024   4.44
Deposits with banks  2,198   8   0.34   7,227   5   0.07   8,027   6   0.08   1,028   11   1.11   1,668   13   0.70   2,198   8   0.34 
Federal funds sold                    79      0.05 
Short-term investment in money market funds  10,700   14   0.14   1,243   7   0.49   3,260   8   0.24   7,996   130   1.63   15,156   84   0.56   10,700   14   0.14 
Investment securities:
                                                                                          
Available for sale  124,383   3,250   2.61   137,839   3,528   2.56   150,621   3,701   2.46   135,131   3,800   2.81   121,630   3,132   2.58   124,383   3,250   2.61 
Held to maturity  20,576   614   2.98   19,399   559   2.88   17,900   508   2.84   37,484   1,198   3.20   25,649   779   3.04   20,576   614   2.98 
Total investment securities  144,959   3,864   2.67   157,238   4,087   2.60   168,521   4,209   2.50   172,615   4,998   2.90   147,279   3,911   2.66   144,959   3,864   2.67 
TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS/INTEREST INCOME  1,014,872   41,910   4.14   970,429   40,465   4.18   926,377   39,368   4.27   1,075,488   44,396   4.14   1,051,782   41,899   3.99   1,014,872   41,910   4.14 
Non-interest earning assets:
                                                                                          
Cash and due from banks  17,312             16,919             16,795             22,393             20,626             17,312           
Premises and equipment  12,617             13,282             12,839             12,273             11,930             12,617           
Other assets  69,201             69,423             75,360             67,169             68,046             69,201           
Allowance for loan losses  (9,766)         (9,951        (11,434        (10,241)         (9,790        (9,766      
TOTAL ASSETS $1,104,236        $1,060,102        $1,019,937        $1,167,082        $1,142,594        $1,104,236       
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                                          
Interest bearing deposits:
                                                                                          
Interest bearing demand $97,201  $199   0.21%  $97,641  $191   0.20 $75,126  $138   0.18 $129,589  $638   0.49%  $108,350  $317   0.29 $97,201  $199   0.21
Savings  94,425   156   0.17   89,554   144   0.16   87,819   139   0.16   97,405   162   0.17   95,986   159   0.17   94,425   156   0.17 
Money market  242,298   817   0.34   228,150   761   0.33   212,735   736   0.35   275,636   1,446   0.52   277,967   1,198   0.43   242,298   817   0.34 
Other time  287,783   3,580   1.24   300,915   3,793   1.26   312,741   4,151   1.33   291,475   4,009   1.38   290,612   3,726   1.28   287,783   3,580   1.24 
Total interest bearing
deposits
  721,707   4,752   0.66   716,260   4,889   0.68   688,421   5,164   0.75   794,105   6,255   0.79   772,915   5,400   0.70   721,707   4,752   0.66 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings  24,582   86   0.35   18,783   55   0.29   17,973   46   0.26   16,972   206   1.21   9,030   52   0.57   24,582   86   0.35 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  46,166   558   1.21   32,885   333   1.01   18,170   152   0.84   45,657   694   1.52   48,720   644   1.32   46,166   558   1.21 
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures  13,085   1,120   8.57   13,085   1,120   8.57   13,085   1,120   8.57   13,085   1,120   8.57   13,085   1,120   8.57   13,085   1,120   8.57 
Subordinated debt  62   4   6.72                     7,650   520   6.80   7,650   519   6.79   62   4   6.72 
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES/INTEREST EXPENSE  805,602   6,520   0.81   781,013   6,397   0.82   737,649   6,482   0.88   877,469   8,795   1.00   851,400   7,735   0.91   805,602   6,520   0.81 
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                                          
Demand deposits  171,175             155,365             158,169             182,301             182,732             171,175           
Other liabilities  9,871             7,969             13,378             11,119             8,074             9,871           
Stockholders’ equity  117,588         115,755         110,741         96,193         100,388         117,588       
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $1,104,236        $1,060,102        $1,019,937        $1,167,082        $1,142,594        $1,104,236       
Interest rate spread            3.33             3.36             3.39             3.14             3.08             3.33 
Net interest income/net interest margin       35,390   3.49%        34,068   3.52       32,886   3.56       35,601   3.32%        34,164   3.26       35,390   3.49
Tax-equivalent adjustment     (29)         (24        (25        (40)         (30        (29   
Net interest income    $35,361        $34,044        $32,861        $35,561        $34,134        $35,361    

 

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Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The table below sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and interest expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective percentage changes in average balances and average rates. Changes in net interest income that could not be specifically identified as either a rate or volume change were allocated proportionately to changes in volume and changes in rate.

            
 2015 vs. 2014 2014 vs. 2013 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
 INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
 INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
 INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
 INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
 AVERAGE
VOLUME
 RATE TOTAL AVERAGE
VOLUME
 RATE TOTAL AVERAGE
VOLUME
 RATE TOTAL AVERAGE
VOLUME
 RATE TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
INTEREST EARNED ON:
                                                            
Loans, net of unearned income $1,398  $260  $1,658  $3,853  $(2,632 $1,221  $271  $1,095  $1,366  $247  $(380 $(133
Deposits with banks  16   (13)   3      (1  (1  (6)   4   (2)   (1  6   5 
Short-term investments in money market funds  42   (35)   7   (1     (1  (15)   61   46   7   63   70 
Investment securities:
                                                            
Available for sale  (276)   (2)   (278)   (332  159   (173  370   298   668   (78  (40  (118
Held to maturity  53   2   55   44   7   51   376   43   419   153   12   165 
Total investment securities  (223)      (223)   (288  166   (122  746   341   1,087   75   (28  47 
Total interest income  1,233   212   1,445   3,564   (2,467  1,097   996   1,501   2,497   328   (339  (11
INTEREST PAID ON:
                                                            
Interest bearing demand deposits  9   (1)   8   39   14   53   71   250   321   27   91   118 
Savings deposits  17   (5)   12   5      5   3      3   3      3 
Money market  70   (14)   56   118   (93  25   (10)   258   248   136   245   381 
Other time deposits  (226)   13   (213)   (150  (208  (358  10   273   283   34   112   146 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings  28   3   31   3   6   9   68   86   154   (64  30   (34
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  200   25   225   145   36   181   (35)   85   50   33   53   86 
Subordinated debt  4      4               1   1   515      515 
Total interest expense  102   21   123   160   (245  (85  107   953   1,060   684   531   1,215 
Change in net interest income $1,131  $191  $1,322  $3,404  $(2,222 $1,182  $889  $548  $1,437  $(356 $(870 $(1,226

 

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LOAN QUALITY...The Company’s written lending policies require underwriting, loan documentation, and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding any loan. After the loan has been approved and funded, continued periodic credit review is required. The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, each of its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business relationships with aggregate balances of $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and removed from the pool if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment. The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s loan delinquency and other non-performing assets.

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PERCENTAGES)
Total accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days $4,396  $2,643  $3,264  $8,178  $3,278  $4,396 
Total non-accrual loans  6,066   2,195   2,871   3,016   1,603   6,066 
Total non-performing assets including TDRs(1)  6,297   2,917   4,109   3,034   1,624   6,297 
Loan delinquency as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income  0.50%   0.32  0.42  0.92%   0.37  0.50
Non-accrual loans as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income  0.69   0.27   0.37   0.34   0.18   0.69 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned  0.71   0.35   0.52   0.34   0.18   0.71 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets  0.55   0.27   0.39   0.26   0.14   0.55 
Total classified loans (loans rated substandard or doubtful) $8,566  $11,229  $11,779  $5,433  $6,039  $8,566 

(1)Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans that are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest and principal payments, (iii) performing loans classified as troubled debt restructuring and (iv) other real estate owned.

The Company continues to maintain strongexcellent asset quality even though non-performing loansquality. Non-performing assets increased late in 2015. The increase was largely due toby $1.4 million since the transfer into non-accrual status of a $4.1 million loan to a customer in the fracking industry that filed for bankruptcy protection in the fourth quarter. Of thisprior year-end and now total $4.1 million loan, $2.5 million relates to an equipment loan that was used to finance certain components of a new frack water treatment plant and $1.6 million relates to a loan that was used to finance the purchase of 10 truck tractors and 5 truck trailers. At year-end 2015, the Company had established specific reserves within its allowance for loan losses of $865,000 on the water treatment plant loan and $469,000 on the tractor and trailer loan. Recent developments from the bankruptcy process indicate that the truck tractors and trailers should be returned from the borrower to the Company for disposition in the near future. In regards to the frack water treatment plant, the Company has not yet been able to determine if the plant is fully operational despite the borrower’s intent to get the plant in that condition in order to maximize potential value. The Company’s ultimate loss on this loan would increase significantly should the plant not be able to be sold as a turn-key operation ready plant. This is the Company’s only meaningful direct loan exposure to the energy industry.$3.0 million. The continued successful ongoing problem credit resolution efforts of the Company is demonstrated in the table above as levels of non-accrual loans, non-performing assets, classified loans and low loan delinquency levels are well below 1% of total loans. We continue to closely monitor the loan portfolio given the uneven recovery in the economy and the number of relatively large-sized commercial and CRE loans within the portfolio. As of December 31, 2015,2017, the 25 largest credits represented 24.0%26.4% of total loans outstanding.


 

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ALLOWANCE AND PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES...As described in more detail in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of this MD&A, the Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an ALL to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The following table sets forth changes in the ALL and certain ratios for the periods ended.

          
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)
Balance at beginning of year $9,623  $10,104  $12,571  $14,623  $19,765  $9,932  $9,921  $9,623  $10,104  $12,571 
Charge-offs:
                                                  
Commercial  (170)   (172  (50  (345  (953  (278)   (3,648  (170  (172  (50
Commercial loans secured by real
estate
  (250)   (708  (1,777  (796  (1,700  (165)   (13  (250  (708  (1,777
Real estate-mortgage  (753)   (322  (139  (420  (85  (313)   (291  (753  (322  (139
Consumer  (188)   (121  (154  (200  (203  (172)   (344  (188  (121  (154
Total charge-offs  (1,361)   (1,323  (2,120  (1,761  (2,941  (928)   (4,296  (1,361  (1,323  (2,120
Recoveries:
                                                  
Commercial  101   141   80   138   831   27   140   101   141   80 
Commercial loans secured by real
estate
  111   231   481   245   331   14   40   111   231   481 
Real estate-mortgage  171   71   122   54   53   250   147   171   71   122 
Consumer  26   24   70   47   159   119   30   26   24   70 
Total recoveries  409   467   753   484   1,374   410   357   409   467   753 
Net charge-offs  (952)   (856  (1,367  (1,277  (1,567  (518)   (3,939  (952  (856  (1,367
Provision (credit) for loan losses  1,250   375   (1,100  (775  (3,575  800   3,950   1,250   375   (1,100
Balance at end of year $9,921  $9,623  $10,104  $12,571  $14,623  $10,214  $9,932  $9,921  $9,623  $10,104 
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income:
                                                  
Average for the year $857,015  $804,721  $746,490  $688,736  $662,746  $893,849  $887,679  $857,015  $804,721  $746,490 
At December 31  880,984   827,080   786,748   731,741   670,847   892,758   886,858   880,984   827,080   786,748 
As a percent of average loans:
                                                  
Net charge-offs  0.11%   0.11  0.18  0.19  0.24  0.06%   0.44  0.11  0.11  0.18
Provision (credit) for loan losses  0.15   0.05   (0.15  (0.11  (0.54  0.09   0.44   0.15   0.05   (0.15
Allowance as a percent of each of the following:
                                                  
Total loans, net of unearned income  1.13   1.16   1.29   1.74   2.20   1.15   1.12   1.13   1.16   1.29 
Total accruing delinquent loans (past due 30 to 89 days)  225.68   364.09   309.56   363.74   440.58   124.90   302.99   225.68   364.09   309.56 
Total non-accrual loans  163.55   438.21   351.93   216.22   288.14   338.66   619.59   163.55   438.21   351.93 
Total non-performing assets  157.55   329.89   245.90   174.02   281.27   336.65   611.58   157.55   329.89   245.90 
Allowance as a multiple of net charge-offs  10.42x   11.24x   7.39x   9.84x   9.33x   19.72x   2.52x   10.42x   11.24x   7.39x 

For 2015,2017, the Company recorded an $800,000 provision for loan losses compared to a $3,950,000 provision for loan losses in 2016 or a decrease of $3.2 million between years. Both, the loan loss provision and net charge-offs were at more typical levels this year than the substantially higher levels that were necessary early last year to resolve a troubled loan exposure to the energy industry. The provision recorded in 2017 supported commercial loan growth and more than covered the low level of net loan charge-offs in 2017 resulting in the allowance for loan losses growing between years. The Company experienced net loan


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charge-offs of $518,000, or 0.06% of total loans in 2017 compared to net loan charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.44%, of total loans in 2016. Overall, the Company continued to maintain strong asset quality as its nonperforming assets totaled $3.0 million, or 0.34%, of total loans, at December 31, 2017. In summary, the allowance for loan losses provided 337% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.15% of total loans, at December 31, 2017, compared to 612% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.12% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. The Company presently expects that it will have a typical loan loss provision in 2018. The expected provision will be necessary to cover loan charge-offs and support the anticipated growth in the loan portfolio.

For 2016, the Company recorded a $3,950,000 provision for loan losses compared to a $1,250,000 provision for loan losses which representedfor the full year of 2015 or an increase of $875,000 when compared$2.7 million between years. A substantially higher than typical provision and net loan charge-offs were recorded in the first quarter of 2016 and were necessary to resolve the Company’s only meaningful direct loan exposure to the 2014 full year provision of $375,000. The higher provision that was needed this year was largely due to the transfer into non-accrual status of a $4.1 million loanenergy industry. These loans were related to a customersingle borrower in the fracking industry thatwho had filed for bankruptcy protection in the fourth quarter.quarter of 2015. The higher provision recorded in 2015 wasbankruptcy changed from Chapter 11 (reorganization) to Chapter 7 (liquidation), and the Company concluded that its previously established reserves on these non-accrual loans were not sufficient to cover the discounted collateral values that resulted from the liquidation process. As a result of this action, the Company also needed to support the continuing growth of the loan portfolio and coverexperienced heightened net loan charge-offs. For the full year, there werecharge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.44%, of total loans in 2016, compared to net loan charge-offs of $952,000, or 0.11% of total loans, in 2015 compared to net loan charge-offs of $856,000, or 0.11% of total loans, in 2014.2015. Overall, even with the fourth quarter


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increase in non-performing assets, the Company continued to maintain strongexcellent asset quality in 2015.quality. At December 31, 2015,2016, non-performing assets totaled $6.3$1.6 million, or 0.71%only 0.18% of total loans. When determiningloans, which is down by $4.7 million from the provision for loan losses,prior year-end and is one of the Company considers a number of factors, some of which include periodic credit reviews, non-performing assets, loan delinquency and charge-off trends, concentrations of credit, loan volume trends and broader local and national economic trends.lowest levels ever reported by the Company. In summary, the allowance for loan losses provided a strong 612% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.12% of total loans, at December 31, 2016, compared to 158% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.13% of total loans, at December 31, 2015, compared to 400% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.16% of total loans, at December 31, 2014. The Company presently expects that it will have greater positive loan loss provisions in 2016 to support the expected growth of the loan portfolio.

For 2014, the Company recorded a $375,000 provision for loan losses compared to a $1.1 million negative provision for the 2013 year. This represents an unfavorable swing of $1.5 million between years and is a significant factor contributing to the lower earnings in 2014. The positive provision in 2014 was needed to partially cover net loan charge-offs and support the continuing growth of the loan portfolio. In 2014, actual credit losses realized through net charge-offs totaled $856,000, or 0.11% of average total loans, which represents a decrease from the 2013 year when net charge-offs totaled $1.4 million, or 0.18% of average total loans. Overall, for the 2014 year, the Company continued to maintain outstanding asset quality. At December 31, 2014, non-performing assets totaled $2.9 million, or only 0.35% of total loans, which represents the first time that our non-performing assets have been under $3 million since 2007. In summary, the ALL provided a strong 400% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.16% of total loans, at December 31, 2014, compared to 327% coverage of non-performing loans, and 1.29% of total loans, at December 31, 2013.2015.

The following schedule sets forth the allocation of the ALL among various loan categories. This allocation is determined by using the consistent quarterly procedural discipline that was previously discussed. The entire ALL is available to absorb future loan losses in any loan category.

                    
                    
  AT DECEMBER 31,       AT DECEMBER 31,   
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN EACH
CATEGORY
TO TOTAL
LOANS
 AMOUNT PERCENT OF LOANS IN EACH
CATEGORY TO TOTAL
LOANS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Commercial $4,244   20.6%  $3,262   16.8 $2,844   15.3 $2,596   14.3 $2,365   12.5 $4,299   17.8%  $4,041   19.3 $4,244   20.6 $3,262   16.8 $2,844   15.3
Commercial loans secured by real estate  3,449   47.9   3,902   49.6   4,885   52.6   7,796   53.2   9,400   52.8   3,666   52.0   3,584   50.4   3,449   47.9   3,902   49.6   4,885   52.6 
Real estate-mortgage  1,173   29.3   1,310   31.3   1,260   30.1   1,269   30.2   1,270   32.0   1,102   28.0   1,169   28.1   1,173   29.3   1,310   31.3   1,260   30.1 
Consumer  151   2.2   190   2.3   136   2.0   150   2.3   174   2.7   128   2.2   151   2.2   151   2.2   190   2.3   136   2.0 
Allocation to general risk  904      959      979      760      1,414      1,019      987      904      959      979    
Total $9,921   100.0%  $9,623   100.0 $10,104   100.0 $12,571   100.0 $14,623   100.0 $10,214   100.0%  $9,932   100.0 $9,921   100.0 $9,623   100.0 $10,104   100.0

Even though residential real estate-mortgage loans comprise 29.3%28.0% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, only $1.2$1.1 million or 11.8%10.8% of the total ALL is allocated against this loan category. The residential real estate-mortgage loan allocation is based upon the Company’s three-year historical average of actual loan charge-offs experienced in that category and other qualitative factors. The disproportionately higher allocations for commercial loans and commercial loans secured by real estate reflect the increased credit risk associated with this type of lending, the Company’s historical loss experience in these categories, and other qualitative factors. The large declinestability in the part of the allowance allocated to commercial loans secured by real estateeach loan category reflects the continued strong asset quality improvements in thisof each sector.


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Based on the Company’s ALL methodology and the related assessment of the inherent risk factors contained within the Company’s loan portfolio, we believe that the ALL is adequate at December 31, 20152017 to cover losses within the Company’s loan portfolio.


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NON-INTEREST INCOME...Non-interest income for 20152017 totalled $15.3$14.6 million, an increase of $944,000,$7,000, or 6.6%0.1%, from 2014.2016. Factors contributing to this higher level of non-interest income in 20152017 included:

a $869,000$258,000, or 10.2%, increase in other income as the Company benefited from additional revenue resulting from a more aggressive business development strategy within its Financial Services Division. Also, fee revenue from Trust and investment advisory fees increased by a $129,000, or 1.6% as the Company benefited from increasing market values for assets under management in 2017. Wealth management continues to be an important strategic focus as it contributed over 29% of the Company’s total revenue in 2017.

a $62,000 increase in Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) revenue forafter the full year due to the receipt of fourCompany received one death claimsclaim in 2015.2017.

a $579,000,$287,000, or 7.5%22.9%, increasedecrease in trustmortgage loan sale gains and investment advisorymortgage related fees asdue to reduced refinance activity and a resultlower level of increased assets under management which reflects successful new business development activities as well as effective management of existing customer accounts in this volatile market environment. Trust assets under administration totalled $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2015.mortgage loan originations when compared to 2016.

a $207,000,$93,000, or 10.6%5.6%, decrease in service charges on deposit accounts due to fewer overdraft charges.

a $62,000 decrease in revenue from investment security sale transactions due to the increase in national interest rates which resulted in the market value of existing securities in the Company’s portfolio decreasing since last year.

Non-interest income for 2016 totalled $14.6 million, a decrease of $629,000, or 4.1%, from 2015. Factors contributing to this lower level of non-interest income in 2016 included:

a $942,000 decrease in BOLI revenue after the Company received four death claims in 2015 and there were no such claims in 2016.

a $201,000, or 8.6%, increase in other income as the Company benefited from additional revenue resulting from a more aggressive business development strategy within its Financial Services Division.

a $106,000 increase in revenue from investment security sale transactions as the Company recognized a higher level of gains on the sale of rapidly prepaying, low balance mortgage backed securities.

a $93,000, or 8.0%, increase in mortgage loan sale gains and mortgage related fees due to increased refinance activity and a comparable level of new mortgage loan originations when compared to 2015.

a $76,000, or 4.3%, decrease in service charges on deposit accounts due to fewer overdraft charges and account analysis fees as customers have generally maintained higher balances in their checking accounts in 2015.
mortgage related fees dropped by $199,000 for the full year due to less mortgage refinance activity in 2015.
there was a decrease of $106,000 in revenue from investment security sale transactions as the Company recognized a lower level of gains on the sale of securities with low balances in 2015 compared to gains realized on the sale of rapidly pre-paying mortgage backed securities in 2014.

Non-interest income for 2014 totalled $14.3 million, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 9.0%, from 2013. Factors contributing to this lower level of non-interest income in 2014 included:

reduced revenue from residential mortgage banking activities was caused by both lower refinance activity due to higher mortgage rates and reduced purchase activity in 2014. As a result, gains realized on residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market declined by $341,000 or 31.3% and mortgage related fees dropped by $183,000 due largely to lower mortgage origination and underwriting fees.
a $216,000, or 9.9% decrease in service charges on deposit accounts due to fewer overdraft charges and account analysis fees as customers have generally maintained higher balances in their checking accounts in 2014.
a $250,000, or 25.1%, decrease in Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) revenue due largely to the receipt of a death claim payment in 2013.
a $357,000 decrease in other income due to a $226,000 reduction in financial services commission revenue and a net unfavorable swing of $140,000 on OREO property transactions.2016.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE...Non-interest expense for 20152017 totalled $41.0$40.8 million, which represents a $2.3 million,an $849,000, or 5.4%2.0%, decrease from 2014.2016. Factors contributing to the lower non-interest expense in 20152017 included:

salaries and employee benefitsother expenses were down $413,000, or 7.8%, while professional fees declined by $918,000,$222,000, or 3.7%4.2%, for the full year of 2015, due to 21 fewer average full time equivalent employees as certain employees who elected to participate in an early retirement program in late 2014 were not replaced in order to achieve efficiencies identified as part of a profitability improvement program. As part of this early retirement program, the Company recognized a $400,000 pension charge in the fourth quarter of 2014.
the recognition of a $669,000 goodwill impairment charge related to its investment advisory subsidiary in the third quarter of 2014. There was no such charge in 2015.
professional fees decreased by $406,000, or 7.5% for the year as a result of lower legal fees director’s fees and consultinglitigation costs and the non-recurrence of costs related to resolving a trust operations trading error in 2015.2016.

 

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occupancy expenses were lower by $182,000, or 6.5%, and equipment costs declined by $103, 000, or 6.1%, as a result of the management’s continued efforts to control costs. Specifically, a branch consolidation and closure of an unprofitable loan production office were the primary reasons for these expenses decreasing between years.

Total salaries and benefits increased by $93,000, or 0.4%. The increase between years was limited by our ongoing cost control focus despite additional investment in talent, particularly in our wealth management division.

Non-interest expense for 20142016 totalled $43.4$41.6 million, which represents a $1.1 million,$577,000, or 2.7%1.4%, increase from 2013.2015. Factors contributing to the higher non-interest expense in 20142016 included:

other expenses were up $544,000, or 11.5% and professional fees increased by $1.1 million in 2014 due$277,000, or 5.5% for the year as a result of non-recurring costs for legal and accounting services that were necessary to higher legal costs related to litigation against WCCA’s former CEO, the consulting costs associated with our profitability improvement project and new recurring costs related to outsourcing our computeraddress a trust operations and statement processing to a third party vendor. The overall cost savings benefit from outsourcing these services is captured in lower personnel costs in these departments and reduced software expense, which is a key factor contributing to the decline in other expenses of $199,000 in 2014.trading error.

the recognitionoccupancy and equipment related expenses are lower by $244,000, or 5.2%, as a result of a $669,000 goodwill impairment charge during the third quarter of 2014. The voluntary departure of WCCA’s former CEO,management’s continued efforts to improve efficiencies and the related litigation against him for violations of his employment agreement, caused disruption within the WCCA customer base during 2014. This disruption ultimately led to the loss of certain clients and a reduction in the projected earnings capacity of WCCA which caused the Company to incur the goodwill impairment charge.
a $293,000 decrease in miscellaneous taxes and insurance due to reduced Pennsylvania bank shares tax expense resulting from a change in the calculation methodology that took effect January 1, 2014.
a $155,000, or 0.6%, decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense due to lower salaries and incentive compensation in 2014. This reduction occurred even with a $376,000 pension charge in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to 25 employees who elected to participate in an early retirement incentive program.control costs.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE... The Company recorded an income tax expense of $2.3$5.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 28.1%61.9%, in 2015 compared to the income tax expense of $1.6 million, or an effective tax rate of 34.6%, for 2014.2017. The higher income tax expense is due to the enactment into law of “H.R.1.”, known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, which necessitated the revaluation of the Company’s increased earningsdeferred tax asset because of the new lower corporate tax rate. The revaluation required that the Company recognize additional income tax expense of $2.6 million which was recorded in 2015 asDecember of 2017. Without this charge, the Company’s effective tax rate is lower than 2014 due towould have approximated 31.5% in 2017. In 2016, income tax expense totalled $897,000, or an increase in tax free revenue from bank owned life insurance. BOLI is the Company’s largest source of tax-free earnings. Contributing to the higher effective tax rate of 28.0%. Beginning in 2014 was2018, we expect a reduction in the non-deductibility of the goodwill impairment charge forCompany’s effective tax purposes.rate to approximately 20% which we believe will provide a meaningful boost to future earnings. The Company’s deferred tax asset was $9.0$6.0 million at December 31, 20152017 and relates primarily to AMT carryforwards and the ALL.

SEGMENT RESULTS...Retail banking’s net income contribution was $2.7 million in 2017 and decreased from the $3.0 million contribution in 2016 and $3.0 million in 2015 compared to $2.2 million2015. The decrease in 2014 and $2.8 million in 2013. The increased net income contribution in 20152017 reflects increased net interest income and reduced non-interest expense. Net interest income was positively impacted by an increased funding benefit from deposits provided by this segment, which more than fully mitigated the ongoing net interest margin pressure from the continued low interesta higher volume of fixed rate environment. Lower personnel costs and increased efficiencies related to the profitability improvement program were the primary contributor to the reduced level of non-interest expense as a result of fewer FTEs after certain employees elected to participateresidential mortgage loans being sold in the early retirement program latesecondary market resulting in 2014. These positive items more than offseta lower volume held on our balance sheet. Interest expense is also higher between years due to higher deposit totals and certain indexed money market accounts repriced upward with the increases in the fed funds rate. Favorably impacting the retail segment’s income was a lower level of non-interest income as increased revenue from BOLI was more than offset by reduced deposit service chargesexpense due to the Company’s focus on reducing and controlling costs which resulted in lower residential mortgage banking revenues.employee and occupancy expenses due to a branch consolidation. Finally, FDIC insurance expense and miscellaneous expenses are lower in 2017.

The commercial banking segment reported net income of $5.4$5.8 million in 20152017 compared to net income of $4.2$3.3 million in 20142016 and $5.0$5.4 million in 2013.2015. The net income contribution for 20152017 increased asdue to the lower provision for loan losses. The higher loan loss provision in 2016 was necessary to resolve the troubled energy sector loan that had a resultsignificant negative impact to reported net income in 2016. Also, a decrease in classified assets and the level of strong growthdelinquency during the year contributed to the lower provision expense. Growth in the commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios which resulted in aloans over the past year also contributed to the higher level of net interest income. Also positively impacting net income wasIn addition to the growth experienced in the CRE portfolio the commercial banking segment also benefitted from a greaterlower level of prepayment fees on early loan payoffs. Additionally, similar to the retail segment, total non-interest expenses were lowerexpense due to the early retirement programclosure of a loan production office and other increased efficiencies from the profitability program. Partially offsetting these favorable items was an increase of $740,000 in the provision for loan losses.additional operation efficiencies.

The trust segment’s net income contribution was $1.4 million in 2017 compared to $1.1 million in 2016 and $1.3 million in 2015 compared2015. The increase to $564,000total income occurred as expenses returned to a more normal level after additional costs were necessary in 2014 and $1.2 million in 2013. The2016 to address a trust operations trading error. Also, the higher level of net income contribution for 2015 reflects increased trust and investment advisory fees as a result of increased assets under management which reflects successful new business development activities as well asresults from continued effective management of existing customer accounts as asset market values have improved. Finally, income from the Financial Services business unit increased as wealth management continues to be an important strategic focus of the Company. Additionally, and slightly offsetting the favorable items mentioned above was additional investment in this volatile market environment. Also, WCCA returnedtalent, which contributed to profitability as the client base stabilized and began to exhibit growth. The 2014 year was negatively impacted by the previously discussed $669,000 goodwill impairment charge at WCCA.higher salaries


 

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Slightly offsetting these favorable items was lower financial services revenue due to fewer production personnel in 2015. Additionally, expenses for the trust segment were negatively impacted by approximately $300,000 of professional fees related to addressing a trust operations trading error. We expect to incur an additional $300,000 to $400,000 of costs in the first quarter of 2016 to complete and resolve this matter.benefits expense. Overall, the fair market value of trust assets under administration totaled $1.975$2.186 billion at December 31, 2015,2017, an increase of $90.9$193 million, or 4.8%9.7%, from the December 31, 20142016 total of $1.884$1.993 billion.

The investment/parent segment reported a net loss of $3.8$6.7 million in 20152017, which was comparable withhigher than the net loss of $3.9$5.2 million in 20142016 and $3.8 million in 2013. Overall this2015. The increased loss between years is solely reflective of the higher income tax expense that resulted from the additional income tax charge of $2.6 million recorded in December of 2017 and is related to corporate income tax reform. This additional tax expense more than offset the favourable impact of the higher level of investment securities on the Company’s balance sheet in 2017 that resulted from the Company’s strategic decision to purchase more high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities. This segment has feltcontinues to feel the most earnings pressure from the continued low interest rate environment and declining investment security balances which have been utilized to help fund loan growth. Additionally, all of the interest expense of the trust preferred securities is allocated to this segment.environment. The Company did generate investment security gains of $71,000$115,000 in 20152017 and $177,000 in 20142016 from the sale of certain low balance, rapidly prepaying mortgage backed securities which had a favorable impact on earnings in this segment.

For greater discussion on the future strategic direction of the Company’s key business segments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Forward Looking Statements.” For a more detailed analysis of the segment results, see Footnote 22.

BALANCE SHEET... The Company’s total consolidated assets of $1.149$1.168 billion at December 31, 20152017 grew by $60$13.9 million or 5.5%1.2% from the $1.089$1.154 billion level at December 31, 2014.2016. This asset growth was due primarily to a $51.9$10.1 million or 6.2%6.4% increase in total loansinvestment securities in 2015.2017. The growth in the investment securities portfolio is the result of management electing to diversify the mix of the investment securities portfolio through purchases of high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities. This revised strategy for securities purchases was facilitated by the increase in national interest rates that resulted in improved opportunities to purchase additional securities and grow the portfolio. This investment securities increase was partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in short term investments. Total loan growth reflectsof $5.9 million or 0.7% between years was lower than what is typically experienced as loan production slowed in the second half of the year because of the uncertainty in the market from potential regarding the timing that corporate tax reform would be enacted. The loan growth that did occur was due to continued successful results of the Company’s more intensive sales calling efforts with an emphasis on generating commercial loans and owner occupied CRE loans particularly through its loan production offices. This loan increase

The Company’s deposits at period end declined by $19.8 million and was partially offset by a $6.1 million decreasean increase in investment securities as the Company utilized this item to help fund the loan growth.

The Company also funded the previously mentioned asset growth with a combination of both increased deposits ($33 million) and FHLB borrowings ($1637 million). The increase in FHLB borrowings occurred in overnight borrowed funds. The FHLB term advances, with maturities between 3 and 5 years, now total $48remained relatively stable at $46 million as the Company has utilized these advances to help managemitigate interest rate risk in a rising rate environment. Late in December, the Company successfully completed a $7.65 million subordinated debt issuance.risk. Other liabilities decreased by $1.8$3.0 million due to a decrease in the Company’s pension liability. Total stockholders’ equity increaseddecreased by $4.6 million$293,000 since year-end 2014 mainly2016 due to increasedthe impact of the Company returning more capital to its shareholders through the common stock repurchase program. This along with the negative impact that the additional income tax charge had on total equity more than offset retained earnings as the Company’s net income available to common shareholders more than exceeded funds used for common stock cash dividend payments.growth. The Company continues to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes with a risk based capital ratio of 15.55%13.21% and an asset leverage ratio of 11.41%9.32% at December 31, 2015.2017. The Company’s book value per common share was $5.19,$5.25, its tangible book value per common share was $4.56$4.59 and its tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.57%7.20% at December 31, 2015.2017.

LIQUIDITY... The Company’s liquidity position has been strong during the last several years. Our core retail deposit base has grown over the past four years and has been adequate to fund the Company’s operations. Cash flow from maturities, prepayments and amortization of securities was also used to help fund loan growth. We strive to operate our loan to deposit ratio in a range of 85% to 100%. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio was 97.9%91.5%. Given current commercial loan pipelines and the continued development of our fourthree existing loan production offices, we are optimistic that we can maintaingrow our loan to deposit ratio at its current level and remain within our guideline parameters.

Liquidity can also be analyzed by utilizing the Consolidated StatementStatements of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $15.6 million$115,000 from December 31, 2014,2016, to December 31, 2015,2017, due to $55.7$12.7 million of cash provided by financing activities and $9.8$7.7 million of cash provided by operating activities. This was partially offset


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by $49.9$20.2 million of cash used in investing activities. Within investing activities, cash advanced for new loan fundings and purchases totalled $261.3$166.4 million and was $54.2$6.3 million higher than the $207.2$160.1 million of cash received from loan principal payments and sales. Within financing activities, deposits increaseddecreased by $33.3 million, which was used to help fund the overall loan growth experienced in 2015.$19.8 million. Total FHLB borrowings increased as advances, both short-term and long term, exceeded pay downswere increased by $6 million and was also utilized to fund earning asset growth. Late$37.0 million. Early in December,the first quarter of 2016, the Company successfully completed a $7.65redeemed the $21 million subordinated debt issuance.


TABLE OF CONTENTSpreferred stock issued to the US Treasury under the SBLF program.

The holding company had a total of $30.4$9.9 million of cash, short-term investments, and investment securities at December 31, 2015.2017. Additionally, dividend payments from our subsidiaries can also provide ongoing cash to the holding company. At December 31, 2015,2017, our subsidiary Bank had $3.5$2.7 million of cash available for immediate dividends to the holding company under applicable regulatory formulas. As such, the holding company has strong liquidity to meet its trust preferred debt service requirements, its subordinated debt interest payments, and its common stock dividends, and support its common stock repurchase program, which in total should approximate $2.1$3.3 million over the next twelve months.

Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, take advantage of market opportunities, and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. Sources of asset liquidity are provided by short-term investment securities, time deposits with banks, federal funds sold, and short-term investments in money market funds. These assets totaled $45$42 million and $33$38 million at December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Maturing and repaying loans, as well as the monthly cash flow associated with mortgage-backed securities and security maturities are other significant sources of asset liquidity for the Company.

Liability liquidity can be met by attracting deposits with competitive rates, using repurchase agreements, buying federal funds, or utilizing the facilities of the Federal Reserve or the FHLB systems. The Company utilizes a variety of these methods of liability liquidity. Additionally, the Company’s subsidiary bank is a member of the FHLB, which provides the opportunity to obtain short- to longer-term advances based upon the Company’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company had $350$371 million of overnight borrowing availability at the FHLB, $33$34 million of short-term borrowing availability at the Federal Reserve Bank and $39$35 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks. The Company believes it has ample liquidity available to fund outstanding loan commitments if they were fully drawn upon.

CAPITAL RESOURCES...The Company meaningfully exceeds all regulatory capital ratios for each of the periods presented and is considered well capitalized. The asset leverage ratio was 11.41%9.32% and the risk based capital ratio was 15.55%13.21% at December 31, 2015.2017. We anticipate that we will maintain our strong capital ratios throughout 2016.2018. On January 24, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program that called for AmeriServ Financial, Inc. to buy back up to 5% or approximately 945,000 shares of its outstanding common stock over an 18 month time period beginning on the day of announcement. The shares may be purchased from time to time in open market, privately negotiated, or block transactions. This common stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During 2017, the Company returned $3.4 million of capital to its shareholders through the repurchase of 839,337 shares of its common stock in 2017. This represents approximately 89% of the authorized common stock repurchase program. Capital generated from earnings will be utilized to pay the common stock cash dividend, support the stock repurchase program and will also support anticipatedcontrolled balance sheet growth. Our common dividend payout ratio for the full year 20152017 was 13.0%33.7%. Late in 2015, theTotal Parent Company issued $7.65 million of subordinated debt which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital calculation purposes. This resulted in the holding company cash position being $30.3was $9.9 million at year end 2015. InDecember 31, 2017.

On January 1, 2015, U.S. federal banking agencies implemented the first quarter of 2016, we have usednew Basel III capital standards, which establish the net proceedsminimum capital levels to be considered well-capitalized and revise the prompt corrective action requirements under banking regulations. The revisions from the subordinated debt issuance along withprevious standards include a meaningful portionrevised definition of holding company cash to redeemcapital, the SBLF preferred stock prior to the interest rate on the SBLF increasing from 1% to 9%. Asintroduction of a resultminimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio and changed risk weightings for certain assets. The implementation of the SBLF redemption, we expect that holding company cashnew rules will be approximately $10.0 million byphased in over a four year period ending January 1, 2019 with minimum capital requirements becoming increasingly more strict each year of the transition. The new minimum capital requirements for each ratio, both, initially on January 1, 2015 and at the end of the first quarter of 2016 and then buildtransition on January 1, 2019, are as the year progresses.

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved final rules that substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Company and the Bank. The final rules implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms, as well as certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The July 2013 final rules generally implement higher minimum capital requirements, add a new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, and establish criteria that instruments must meet to be considered common equity tier 1 capital, additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital. The new minimum capital to risk-adjusted assets requirements are afollows: A common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% (6.5% to be considered “well capitalized”)


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initially and 7.0% at January 1, 2019; a tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, increased from 4.0% (and increased from 6.0% to 8.0% to be considered “well capitalized”) and 8.50%; thea total capital ratio remains atof 8.0% under the new rules (10.0% to be considered “well capitalized”)and 10.50%; and a tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.00% and 5.00%. Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements, in an amount greater than 2.5%which increases over the transition period, from 0.625% of total risk-weighted assets.risk weighted assets in 2016 to 2.5% in 2019. The new minimumCompany continues to be committed to maintaining strong capital levels that exceed regulatory requirements are effective on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirements phase in overwhile also supporting balance sheet growth and providing a three-year period beginning January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustmentsreturn to common equity tier 1 capital began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015, 60% on January 1, 2016 and an additional 20% per year thereafter).


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The Company’s capital position will be more than adequate to meet the revised regulatory capital requirements.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY... Asset/liability management involves managing the risks associated with changing interest rates and the resulting impact on the Company’s net interest income, net income and capital. The management and measurement of interest rate risk at the Company is performed by using the following tools: 1) simulation modeling, which analyzes the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income, net income and capital levels over specific future time periods. The simulation modeling forecasts earnings under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in the absolute level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, prepayments and changes in the volumes and rates of various loan and deposit categories. The simulation modeling incorporates assumptions about reinvestment and the repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities without stated contractual maturities; 2) market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis, and 3) static GAP analysis, which analyzes the extent to which interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities are matched at specific points in time. The overall interest rate risk position and strategies are reviewed by senior management and the Company’s Board on an ongoing basis.

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s static GAP positions at December 31, 2015:2017:

          
INTEREST SENSITIVITY PERIOD 3 MONTHS
OR LESS
 OVER
3 MONTHS
THROUGH
6 MONTHS
 OVER
6 MONTHS
THROUGH
1 YEAR
 OVER
1 YEAR
 TOTAL 3 MONTHS
OR LESS
 OVER
3 MONTHS
THROUGH
6 MONTHS
 OVER
6 MONTHS
THROUGH
1 YEAR
 OVER
1 YEAR
 TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)
RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS:
                                                  
Loans and loans held for sale $267,002  $54,080  $95,989  $466,916  $883,987  $272,879  $55,391  $113,203  $451,285  $892,758 
Investment securities  26,328   6,077   13,159   95,322   140,886   33,294   6,179   11,496   116,921   167,890 
Short-term assets  25,067            25,067   7,954            7,954 
Regulatory stock  4,628         2,125   6,753   4,675         2,125   6,800 
Bank owned life insurance        37,228      37,228         37,860      37,860 
Total rate sensitive assets $323,025  $60,157  $146,376  $564,363  $1,093,921  $318,802  $61,570  $162,559  $570,331  $1,113,262 
RATE SENSITIVE LIABILITIES:
                                                  
Deposits:
                                                  
Non-interest bearing deposits $  $  $  $188,947  $188,947  $  $  $  $183,603  $183,603 
NOW  4,654         87,383   92,037   4,620      33,042   132,681   170,343 
Money market  210,107         48,711   258,818   193,829         44,290   238,119 
Other savings  23,487         70,462   93,949   24,146         72,437   96,583 
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more  6,868   12,588   8,832   3,134   31,422   6,649   9,511   8,034   6,103   30,297 
Other time deposits  52,853   26,757   23,164   135,347   238,121   52,633   21,761   28,135   126,471   229,000 
Total deposits  297,969   39,345   31,996   533,984   903,294   281,877   31,272   69,211   565,585   947,945 
Borrowings  49,748      11,000   56,735   117,483   51,084   4,000   6,000   54,617   115,701 
Total rate sensitive liabilities $347,717  $39,345  $42,996  $590,719  $1,020,777  $332,961  $35,272  $75,211  $620,202  $1,063,646 
INTEREST SENSITIVITY GAP:
                                                  
Interval  (24,692)   20,812   103,380   (26,356)      (14,159)   26,298   87,348   (49,871)    
Cumulative $(24,692)  $(3,880)  $99,500  $73,144  $73,144  $(14,159)  $12,139  $99,487  $49,616  $49,616 
Period GAP ratio  0.93X   1.53X   3.40X   0.96X        0.96X   1.75X   2.16X   0.82X      
Cumulative GAP ratio  0.93   0.99   1.23   1.07        0.96   1.03   1.22   1.05      
Ratio of cumulative GAP to total assets  (2.15)%   (0.34)%   8.66%   6.37%        (1.21)%   1.04%   8.52%   4.25%      

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When December 31, 20152017 is compared to December 31, 2014,2016, the Company’s cumulative GAP ratio through one year indicates that the Company’s balance sheet is still asset sensitive with some improvement noted between years. We continue to see loan customer preference for fixed rate loans given the overall low level of interest rates. Also, we have extended some term advances with the FHLB to help manage our


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interest rate risk position. Overall, the absolute low level of short interest rates makes this table more difficult to analyze since there is little room for certain deposit liabilities to reprice downward further.

Management places primary emphasis on simulation modeling to manage and measure interest rate risk. The Company’s asset/liability management policy seeks to limit net interest income variability over the first twelve months of the forecast period to +/-7.5%, which include interest rate movements of 200 basis points. Additionally, the Company also uses market value sensitivity measures to further evaluate the balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company monitors the trends in market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis on a quarterly basis.

The following table presents an analysis of the sensitivity inherent in the Company’s net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. The interest rate scenarios in the table compare the Company’s base forecast, which was prepared using a flat interest rate scenario, to scenarios that reflect immediate interest rate changes of 100 and 200 basis points. Note that we suspended the 200 basis point downward rate shock since it has little value due to the absolute low level of interest rates. Each rate scenario contains unique prepayment and repricing assumptions that are applied to the Company’s existing balance sheet that was developed under the flat interest rate scenario.

    
INTEREST RATE SCENARIO VARIABILITY
OF NET
INTEREST
INCOME
 CHANGE IN
MARKET
VALUE OF
PORTFOLIO
EQUITY
 VARIABILITY
OF NET
INTEREST
INCOME
 CHANGE IN
MARKET
VALUE OF
PORTFOLIO
EQUITY
200 bp increase  2.7%   19.5%   1.4%   18.7% 
100 bp increase  1.4   11.4   1.0   11.0 
100 bp decrease  (2.6)   (14.3)   (1.1)   (16.5) 

The Company believes that its overall interest rate risk position is well controlled. The variability of net interest income is modestly positive in the upward rate shocks due to the Company’s short duration investment securities portfolio and scheduled repricing of loans tied to LIBOR or prime. Also, the Company expects that it will not have to reprice its core deposit accounts up as quickly when interest rates rise. The variability of net interest income is negative in the 100 basis point downward rate scenario as the Company has more exposure to assets repricing downward to a greater extent than liabilities due to the absolute low level of interest rates with the fed funds rate currently at 0.25%a targeted range of 1.25% to 1.50%. The market value of portfolio equity increases in the upward rate shocks due to the improved value of the Company’s core deposit base. Negative variability of market value of portfolio equity occurs in the downward rate shock due to a reduced value for core deposits.

Within the investment portfolio at December 31, 2015, 85%2017, 78% of the portfolio is classified as available for sale and 15%22% as held to maturity. The available for sale classification provides management with greater flexibility to manage the securities portfolio to better achieve overall balance sheet rate sensitivity goals and provide liquidity if needed. The mark to market of the available for sale securities does inject more volatility in the book value of equity, but has no impact on regulatory capital. There are 64 securities133 securities that are temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.2017. The Company reviews its securities quarterly and has asserted that at December 31, 2015,2017, the impaired value of securities represents temporary declines due to movements in interest rates and the Company does have the ability and intent to hold those securities to maturity or to allow a market recovery. Furthermore, it is the Company’s intent to manage its long-term interest rate risk by continuing to sell newly originated fixed-rate 30-year mortgage loans into the secondary market (excluding construction and any jumbo loans). The Company also sells 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loans into the secondary market as well, depending on market conditions. For the year 2015,2017, 82% of all residential mortgage loan production was sold into the secondary market.


 

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The amount of loans outstanding by category as of December 31, 2015,2017, which are due in (i) one year or less, (ii) more than one year through five years, and (iii) over five years, are shown in the following table. Loan balances are also categorized according to their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

        
 ONE YEAR
OR LESS
 MORE THAN
ONE YEAR
THROUGH
FIVE YEARS
 OVER FIVE
YEARS
 TOTAL
LOANS
 ONE YEAR
OR LESS
 MORE THAN
ONE YEAR
THROUGH
FIVE YEARS
 OVER FIVE
YEARS
 TOTAL
LOANS
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Commercial $46,371  $68,921  $65,773  $181,066  $51,136  $70,481  $37,575  $159,192 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  43,502   128,271   249,865   421,637   62,886   135,410   265,484   463,780 
Real estate-mortgage  22,384   59,343   179,213   260,940   22,921   58,389   169,093   250,403 
Consumer  8,356   6,731   5,257   20,344   7,103   5,095   7,185   19,383 
Total $120,613  $263,266  $500,108  $883,987  $144,046  $269,375  $479,337  $892,758 
Loans with fixed-rate $49,386  $121,504  $281,889  $452,779  $49,404  $132,852  $244,437  $426,693 
Loans with floating-rate  71,227   141,762   218,219   431,208   94,642   136,523   234,900   466,065 
Total $120,613  $263,266  $500,108  $883,987  $144,046  $269,375  $479,337  $892,758 
Percent composition of maturity  13.6%   29.8%   56.6%   100.0%   16.1%   30.2%   53.7%   100.0% 
Fixed-rate loans as a percentage of total loans                 51.2%                  47.8% 
Floating-rate loans as a percentage of total loans                 48.8%                  52.2% 

The loan maturity information is based upon original loan terms and is not adjusted for principal paydowns and rollovers. In the ordinary course of business, loans maturing within one year may be renewed, in whole or in part, as to principal amount at interest rates prevailing at the date of renewal.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS... The following table presents, as of December 31, 2015,2017, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.

            
 PAYMENTS DUE IN PAYMENTS DUE IN
 NOTE
REFERENCE
 ONE YEAR
OR LESS
 ONE TO
THREE
YEARS
 THREE TO
FIVE
YEARS
 OVER
FIVE
YEARS
 TOTAL NOTE
REFERENCE
 ONE YEAR
OR LESS
 ONE TO
THREE
YEARS
 THREE TO
FIVE
YEARS
 OVER
FIVE
YEARS
 TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Deposits without a stated maturity  8  $633,751  $  $  $  $633,751   8  $688,648  $  $  $  $688,648 
Certificates of deposit*  8   132,726   81,862   48,555   15,248   278,391   8   128,307   95,520   30,205   13,109   267,141 
Borrowed funds*  10   61,015   24,914   13,026      98,955   10   62,019   30,667   5,438      98,124 
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures*  10            24,418   24,418   10   1,015   2,030   2,030   17,784   22,859 
Subordinated debt*  10            12,623   12,623   10   497   994   994   9,142   11,627 
Pension obligation  14   3,000            3,000   14   3,500            3,500 
Lease commitments  15   716   862   457   1,739   3,774   15   445   531   500   1,558   3,034 

*Includes interest based upon interest rates in effect at December 31, 2015.2017. Future changes in market interest rates could materially affect contractual amounts to be paid.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS...The Company incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual


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amounts. The Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional


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obligations as for all other lending. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $170.5$165.1 million and standby letters of credit of $7.5$10.0 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. The Company can also use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. The Company had no interest rate contracts outstanding asAs of December 31, 2015.2017, the Company had $34 million in interest rate swaps outstanding.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES... The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with GAAP and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the ALL, goodwill, income taxes, and investment securities are deemed critical because they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in material changes in the Company’s financial position or results of operation.

ACCOUNT — Allowance for loan losses

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Allowance for loan losses

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision (credit) for loan losses

DESCRIPTION

The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining reserve levels believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the credit portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this quarterly evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, likelihood of customer default, loss given default, exposure at default, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on consumer loans and residential mortgages, and general amounts for historical loss experience. This process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the various credit portfolios. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. Also, the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan pools is based on historical loss trends and management’s judgment concerning those trends.

Commercial and CRE loans are the largest category of credits and the most sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgments underlying the determination of the ALL. Approximately $7.7$8.0 million, or 78%, of the total ALL at December 31, 20152017 has been allocated to these two loan categories. This allocation also considers other relevant factors such as actual versus estimated losses, economic trends, delinquencies, levels of non-performing and Troubled Debt Restructured (TDR) loans, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for loan losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.

ACCOUNT — Goodwill

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Goodwill

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Goodwill impairment

DESCRIPTION

The Company considers our accounting policies related to goodwill to be critical because the assumptions or judgment used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in past acquisitions are subjective and complex. As a result, changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including the resulting goodwill, was based either on quoted market prices or provided by other third party sources, when available. When third party information was not available, estimates were made in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective


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and are susceptible to significant changes. The Company routinely utilizes the services of an independent third


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party that is regarded within the banking industry as an expert in valuing core deposits to monitor the ongoing value and changes in the Company’s core deposit base. These core deposit valuation updates are based upon specific data provided from statistical analysis of the Company’s own deposit behavior to estimate the duration of these non-maturity deposits combined with market interest rates and other economic factors.

Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. The Company’s goodwill relates to value inherent in the banking and wealth management businesses, and the value is dependent upon the Company’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective services in the face of free competition from other market participants on a regional basis. This ability relies upon continuing investments in processing systems, the development of value-added service features and the ease of use of the Company’s services. As such, goodwill value is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted and the loyalty of the Company’s deposit and customer base over a longer time frame. The quality and value of a Company’s assets is also an important factor to consider when performing goodwill impairment testing. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost-effective value added services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill.

Goodwill which has an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually and written down and charged to results of operations only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the estimated fair value.

The Company recorded a $669,000 impairment charge as a result of a goodwill impairment analysis performed in the third quarter of 2014. A qualitative assessment of WCCA indicated that it was more likely than not that the carrying value of WCCA exceeded it fair value. As such, the Company then performed the necessary two-step impairment test. In Step 1, we determined the carrying value of WCCA, including the goodwill, and compared it to the estimated fair value of WCCA. The results of Step 1 indicated that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded the fair value so it was necessary to move to Step 2 where we measured the amount of the impairment loss. After performing Step 2, we determined that the implied value of the goodwill was less than its carrying costs which caused us to record an impairment charge of $669,000 in the third quarter of 2014. Overall, the voluntary departure of WCCA’s former CEO and the related litigation against him for violations of his employment agreement, caused disruption within the WCCA customer base during 2014. This disruption ultimately led to the loss of certain clients and a reduction in the projected earnings capacity of WCCA. These were the key facts and circumstances that led to the goodwill impairment charge in the third quarter of 2014. The Company utilized a discounted cash flow model along with a valuation technique based upon a multiple of revenues to estimate the fair value of WCCA. In 2015, WCCA returned to profitability and stabilized earnings, which reflected that no impairment charge was necessary.

ACCOUNT — Income Taxes

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Net deferred tax asset

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for income taxes

DESCRIPTION

The provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and deferred. The changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the changes in differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that management estimates will be in effect when the differences reverse. This income tax review is completed on a quarterly basis.

In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of tax differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether tax differences are permanent or temporary and the related timing of the expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make


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estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. As of December 31, 2015,2017, we believe that all of the deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet will ultimately be recovered and that no valuation allowances were needed.

In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to be.


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ACCOUNT — Investment Securities

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Investment securities

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities

DESCRIPTION

Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2015,2017, the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale security portfolio were comprised of securities issued by government agencies or government sponsored agencies and certain high quality corporate securities. The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS...

THE STRATEGIC FOCUS:

The challenge for the future is to improve earnings performance to peer levels through a disciplined focus on community banking and improving the profitability of our Trust Company. In accordance with our strategic plan, the Company will maintain its focus as a community bank delivering banking and trust services to the best of our ability and focus on further growing revenues by leveraging our strong capital base and infrastructure. This Company will not succumb to the lure of quick fixes and fancy financial gimmicks. It is our plan to continue to build the Company into a potent banking force in this region and in this industry. Our focus encompasses the following:

Customer Service — It is the existing and prospective customer that the Company must satisfy. This means good products and fair prices. But it also means quick response time and professional competence. It means speedy problem resolution and a minimizing of bureaucratic frustrations. The Company is training and motivating its staff to meet these standards while providing customers with more banking options that involve leading technologies such as computers, smartphones, and tablets to conduct business.
Revenue Growth — It is necessary for the Company to focus on growing revenues. This means loan growth, deposit growth and fee growth. It also means close coordination betweenamong all customer service areas so as manyour revenue producing products as possible can be presentedtailored to meet the needs of existing and prospective customers. The Company’s Strategic Plan contains action plans in each of these areas particularly on increasing loans through several loan production offices. ThereThe Strategic Plan also states that purchases of investment securities will bebecome more diverse and include high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities while continuing to purchase federal agency mortgage backed securities that provide a particularreturn consistent with the market as well as asset cash flow liquidity. An examination of the peer bank database provides ample proof that a well-executed community banking business model can generate a reliable and rewarding revenue stream.

 

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focus on small business commercial lending. An examination of the peer bank database provides ample proof that a well-executed community banking business model can generate a reliable and rewarding revenue stream.
Expense Rationalization — The Company remains focused on trying to reduce and rationalize expenses. This has not been a program of broad based cuts, but has been targeted so the Company stays strong but spends less. It is critical to be certain that future expenditures are directed to areas that are playing a positive role in the drive to improve revenues. Additionally,The Company also recently completed three additional initiatives that further reduced non-interest expenses and improved the Company’s profitability. Specifically, at the end of the first quarter of 2016, the Company incurred approximately $150,000 of expenses relatedhad closed its Southern Atherton branch office in the State College market and consolidated the retail customer accounts from this branch into its nearby and newer branch office located on North Atherton Street. The Company remains committed to the State College market, and this change will allow for a more efficient operation that will allow us to better compete in this demographically attractive but highly competitive banking market. The Company also realigned its executive leadership team by eliminating one senior position in its executive office. Finally, the Company closed its Harrisonburg, Virginia loan production office. The combined annual cost savings from these profitability improvement project in 2014. The Company engaged a consulting firm that specializes in the areas of expense rationalization and profit improvement for community banks. This firm completed a thorough analysis of our business operations and practices. As a result of this project, the firm providedinitiatives approximates $1.2 million, which the Company with recommendations to reduce expenses and improve future profitability. Many of their recommendations have been evaluated and already implemented and the Company presently believes that a minimum of $1.4 million of annual savings from this project will be realized.realized in 2017.

This Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates, intentions, operations, future results, and prospects, including statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K, even if subsequently made available on our website or otherwise, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-K. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.

Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) the effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) inflation, stock and bond market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) credit risks of commercial, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (vi) changes in federal and state banking and financial services laws and regulations; (vii) the presence in the Company’s market area of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company; (viii) the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of those products and services by customers and regulators (when required); (ix) the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for those of the Company and vice versa; (x) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (xi) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; and (xii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive, and neither such list nor any forward-looking statement takes into account the impact that any future acquisition may have on the Company and on any such forward-looking statement.


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, including interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of managerial and Board oversight. The Company’s objective is to optimize profitability while managing and controlling risk within Board approved policy limits.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various


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repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets, liabilities, and hedges. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and hedging policy to control and manage interest rate risk. For information regarding the effect of changing interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and market value of its investment portfolio, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity.”

Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as, the obligations to depositors, debtholders and to fund operating expenses. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity.”

Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the ALL to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy strictly limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities.

For information regarding the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity.” The Company’s principal market risk exposure is to interest rates.


 

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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
                    
Cash and due from depository institutions $23,443  $23,780  $26,234  $25,107 
Interest bearing deposits  6,960   2,952   2,698   3,066 
Short-term investments in money market funds  18,107   6,140   5,256   5,900 
Cash and cash equivalents  48,510   32,872   34,188   34,073 
Investment securities:
                    
Available for sale  119,467   127,110   129,138   127,077 
Held to maturity (fair value $21,533 at December 31, 2015 and $20,213 at December 31, 2014)  21,419   19,840 
Held to maturity (fair value $38,811 at December 31, 2017 and $30,420 at December 31, 2016)  38,752   30,665 
Loans held for sale  3,003   5,051   3,125   3,094 
Loans  881,541   827,634   890,032   884,240 
Less: Unearned income  557   554   399   476 
Allowance for loan losses  9,921   9,623   10,214   9,932 
Net loans  871,063   817,457   879,419   873,832 
Premises and equipment, net  12,108   13,012   12,734   11,694 
Accrued interest income receivable  3,057   3,127   3,603   3,116 
Goodwill  11,944   11,944   11,944   11,944 
Bank owned life insurance  37,228   37,417   37,860   37,903 
Net deferred tax asset  8,993   9,548   5,963   10,655 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  4,628   4,048   4,675   3,359 
Federal Reserve Bank stock  2,125   2,125   2,125   2,125 
Other assets  5,377   5,712   4,129   4,243 
TOTAL ASSETS $1,148,922  $1,089,263  $1,167,655  $1,153,780 
LIABILITIES
                    
Non-interest bearing deposits $188,947  $167,551  $183,603  $188,808 
Interest bearing deposits  714,347   702,330   764,342   778,978 
Total deposits  903,294   869,881   947,945   967,786 
Short-term borrowings  48,748   38,880   49,084   12,754 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  48,000   42,000   46,229   45,542 
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures  13,085   13,085   12,923   12,908 
Subordinated debt  7,650      7,465   7,441 
Total borrowed funds  117,483   93,965   115,701   78,645 
Other liabilities  9,172   11,010   8,907   11,954 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  1,029,949   974,856   1,072,553   1,058,385 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                    
Preferred stock, no par value; $1,000 per share liquidation preference; 2,000,000 shares authorized; there were 21,000 shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2015 and 2014  21,000   21,000 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized: 26,488,630 shares issued and 18,870,811 shares outstanding on December 31, 2015; 26,412,707 shares issued and 18,794,888 shares outstanding on December 31, 2014  265   264 
Treasury stock at cost, 7,617,819 shares on December 31, 2015 and 2014  (74,829)   (74,829
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized: 26,585,403 shares issued and 18,128,247 shares outstanding on December 31, 2017; 26,521,291 shares issued and 18,903,472 shares outstanding on December 31, 2016  266   265 
Treasury stock at cost, 8,457,156 shares on December 31, 2017 and 7,617,819 shares on December 31, 2016  (78,233)   (74,829
Capital surplus  145,441   145,256   145,707   145,535 
Retained earnings  34,651   29,618   40,312   36,001 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net  (7,555)   (6,902  (12,950)   (11,577
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  118,973   114,407   95,102   95,395 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $1,148,922  $1,089,263  $1,167,655  $1,153,780 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INTEREST INCOME
                              
Interest and fees on loans:
                              
Taxable $37,923  $36,285  $35,063  $39,122  $37,786  $37,923 
Tax exempt  72   57   57   95   75   72 
Interest bearing deposits  8   5   6   11   13   8 
Short-term investments in money market funds  14   7   8   130   84   14 
Investment securities:
                              
Available for sale  3,250   3,528   3,701   3,800   3,132   3,250 
Held to maturity  614   559   508   1,198   779   614 
Total Interest Income  41,881   40,441   39,343   44,356   41,869   41,881 
INTEREST EXPENSE
                              
Deposits  4,752   4,889   5,164   6,255   5,400   4,752 
Short-term borrowings  86   55   46   206   52   86 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  558   333   152   694   644   558 
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures  1,120   1,120   1,120   1,120   1,120   1,120 
Subordinated debt  4         520   519   4 
Total Interest Expense  6,520   6,397   6,482   8,795   7,735   6,520 
Net Interest Income  35,361   34,044   32,861   35,561   34,134   35,361 
Provision (credit) for loan losses  1,250   375   (1,100
Net Interest Income after Provision (credit) for Loan Losses  34,111   33,669   33,961 
Provision for loan losses  800   3,950   1,250 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses  34,761   30,184   34,111 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
                              
Trust and investment advisory fees  8,344   7,765   7,812   8,462   8,333   8,344 
Service charges on deposit accounts  1,750   1,957   2,173   1,581   1,674   1,750 
Net gains on loans held for sale  767   748   1,089   679   884   767 
Mortgage related fees  391   590   773   285   367   391 
Net realized gains on investment securities  71   177   204   115   177   71 
Bank owned life insurance  1,617   748   998   737   675   1,617 
Other income  2,327   2,338   2,695   2,786   2,528   2,327 
Total Non-Interest Income  15,267   14,323   15,744   14,645   14,638   15,267 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
                              
Salaries and employee benefits  24,042   24,960   25,115   24,127   24,034   24,042 
Net occupancy expense  2,941   2,964   2,937   2,600   2,782   2,941 
Equipment expense  1,773   1,892   1,851   1,585   1,688   1,773 
Professional fees  5,003   5,409   4,327   5,058   5,280   5,003 
Supplies, postage, and freight  726   761   810   676   705   726 
Miscellaneous taxes and insurance  1,157   1,174   1,467   1,234   1,146   1,157 
Federal deposit insurance expense  669   636   611   628   709   669 
Goodwill impairment charge     669    
Other expense  4,727   4,906   5,105   4,858   5,271   4,727 
Total Non-Interest Expense  41,038   43,371   42,223   40,766   41,615   41,038 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – (continued)

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 (IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
PRETAX INCOME  8,340   4,621   7,482   8,640   3,207   8,340 
Provision for income taxes  2,343   1,598   2,289   5,347   897   2,343 
NET INCOME  5,997   3,023   5,193   3,293   2,310   5,997 
Preferred stock dividends  210   210   209      15   210 
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $5,787  $2,813  $4,984  $3,293  $2,295  $5,787 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
                              
Basic:
                              
Net income $0.31  $0.15  $0.26  $0.18  $0.12  $0.31 
Average number of shares outstanding  18,863   18,793   18,942   18,498   18,896   18,863 
Diluted:
                              
Net income $0.31  $0.15  $0.26  $0.18  $0.12  $0.31 
Average number of shares outstanding  18,933   18,908   19,034   18,600   18,955   18,933 
Cash dividends declared $0.04  $0.04  $0.03  $0.06  $0.05  $0.04 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
               
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
                              
Pension obligation change for defined benefit plan  579   (2,769  3,942   1,303   (4,612  579 
Income tax effect  (197)   942   (1,340  (442)   1,569   (197
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities arising during period  (1,498)   1,391   (4,489
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities arising during period  (40)   (1,305  (1,498
Income tax effect  509   (474  1,526   13   443   509 
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains on available for sale securities included in net income  (71)   (177  (204  (115)   (177  (71
Income tax effect  25   60   69   39   60   25 
Other comprehensive loss  (653)   (1,027  (496
Comprehensive income $5,344  $1,996  $4,697 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  758   (4,022  (653
Comprehensive income (loss) $4,051  $(1,712 $5,344 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
PREFERRED STOCK
                              
Balance at beginning of period $21,000  $21,000  $21,000  $  $21,000  $21,000 
Redemption of all preferred shares outstanding     (21,000   
Balance at end of period  21,000   21,000   21,000         21,000 
COMMON STOCK
                              
Balance at beginning of period  264   264   264   265   265   264 
New common shares issued for dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan  1         1      1 
Balance at end of period  265   264   264   266   265   265 
TREASURY STOCK
                              
Balance at beginning of period  (74,829)   (74,829  (73,658  (74,829)   (74,829  (74,829
Treasury stock, purchased at cost (384,000 shares in 2013)        (1,171
Treasury stock, 839,337 shares purchased at cost  (3,404)       
Balance at end of period  (74,829)   (74,829  (74,829  (78,233)   (74,829  (74,829
CAPITAL SURPLUS
                              
Balance at beginning of period  145,256   145,190   145,102 �� 145,535   145,441   145,256 
New common shares issued for exercise of stock options  156   24   6   159   74   156 
Stock option expense  29   42   82   13   20   29 
Balance at end of period  145,441   145,256   145,190   145,707   145,535   145,441 
RETAINED EARNINGS
                              
Balance at beginning of period  29,618   27,557   23,139   36,001   34,651   29,618 
Net income  5,997   3,023   5,193   3,293   2,310   5,997 
Cash dividend declared on common stock  (754)   (752  (566  (1,113)   (945  (754
Reclassification of certain income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income  2,131       
Cash dividend declared on preferred stock  (210)   (210  (209     (15  (210
Balance at end of period  34,651   29,618   27,557   40,312   36,001   34,651 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET
                              
Balance at beginning of period  (6,902)   (5,875  (5,379  (11,577)   (7,555  (6,902
Other comprehensive loss  (653)   (1,027  (496
Reclassification of certain income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income  (2,131)       
Other comprehensive income (loss)  758   (4,022  (653
Balance at end of period  (7,555)   (6,902  (5,875  (12,950)   (11,577  (7,555
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $118,973  $114,407  $113,307  $95,102  $95,395  $118,973 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                              
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                              
Provision (credit) for loan losses  1,250   375   (1,100
Provision for loan losses  800   3,950   1,250 
Depreciation and amortization expense  1,790   1,836   1,683   1,665   1,803   1,790 
Net amortization of investment securities  342   385   755   436   488   342 
Net realized gains on investment securities – available for sale  (71)   (177  (204  (115)   (177  (71
Net gains on loans held for sale  (767)   (748  (1,089  (679)   (884  (767
Amortization of deferred loan fees  (249)   (262  (304  (162)   (231  (249
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale  (51,759)   (51,481  (60,826  (45,637)   (59,252  (51,759
Sales of mortgage loans held for sale  54,574   50,580   69,089   46,285   60,045   54,574 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable  70   (219  52   (487)   (59  70 
Decrease in accrued interest payable  (55)   (78  (299
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable  114   (11  (55
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  (690)   (748  (811  (571)   (675  (690
Deferred income taxes  888   562   2,150   4,303   414   888 
Stock compensation expense  186   66   88   173   94   186 
Goodwill impairment charge     669    
Decrease in prepaid Federal Deposit Insurance        1,444 
Amortization of long term debt issuance costs  39   39    
Other, net  (1,674)   1,179   (967  (1,776)   (1,186  (1,674
Net cash provided by operating activities  9,832   4,962   14,854   7,681   6,668   9,832 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                              
Purchase of investment securities – available for sale  (22,241)   (12,218  (50,125  (32,889)   (42,844  (22,241
Purchase of investment securities – held to maturity  (6,237)   (3,093  (8,942  (10,572)   (12,038  (6,237
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities – available for sale  24,532   22,900   43,307   22,311   24,574   24,532 
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities – held to maturity  4,601   1,390   4,425   2,383   2,693   4,601 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities – available for sale  3,570   5,242   11,185   8,143   8,966   3,570 
Purchase of regulatory stock  (19,320)   (9,817  (5,865  (17,661)   (10,911  (19,320
Proceeds from redemption of regulatory stock  18,740   10,446   5,367   16,345   12,180   18,740 
Long-term loans originated  (246,304)   (177,351  (205,549  (154,054)   (196,998  (246,304
Principal collected on long-term loans  183,380   130,476   146,720   157,258   189,505   183,380 
Participations purchased  (15,019)   (5,347  (12,990  (11,804)   (17,192  (15,019
Participations sold  23,774   10,810   8,500   2,800   18,900   23,774 
Net increase in other short-term loans  (627)   (3,558  (679  (502)   (875  (627
Purchases of premises and equipment  (881)   (1,720  (3,004  (2,705)   (1,380  (881
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  579   946   993   108   235   579 
Proceeds from life insurance policies  1,598      356   614      1,598 
Net cash used in investing activities  (49,855)   (30,894  (66,301  (20,225)   (25,185  (49,855
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                              
Net increase in deposit balances  33,339   15,375   18,744 
Net (decrease) increase in deposit balances  (19,841)   64,492   33,339 
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings  9,868   (2,675  25,895   36,330   (35,994  9,868 
Principal borrowings on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  10,000   17,000   18,000   12,687   9,542   10,000 
Principal repayments on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank  (4,000)      (6,000  (12,000)   (12,000  (4,000
Subordinated debt issuance, net  7,418               7,418 
Purchases of treasury stock  (3,404)       
Preferred stock redemption     (21,000   
Preferred stock dividend paid  (210)   (210  (209     (15  (210
Common stock dividend paid  (754)   (752  (566  (1,113)   (945  (754
Purchase of treasury stock        (1,171
Net cash provided by financing activities  55,661   28,738   54,693   12,659   4,080   55,661 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  15,638   2,806   3,246 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  115   (14,437  15,638 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1  32,872   30,066   26,820   34,073   48,510   32,872 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31 $48,510  $32,872  $30,066  $34,188  $34,073  $48,510 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company, headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Through its banking subsidiary the Company operates 1715 banking locations in five southwestern Pennsylvania counties. These branches provide a full range of consumer, mortgage, and commercial financial products. The AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (Trust Company) offers a complete range of trust and financial services and administers assets valued at approximately $2.0$2.2 billion that are not recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015.2017.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank), Trust Company, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life). The Bank is a state-chartered full service bank with 1715 locations in Pennsylvania. AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company that engages in underwriting as a reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance.

Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates and the differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, income taxes, investment securities, pension, and the fair value of financial instruments.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES:

Securities are classified at the time of purchase as investment securities held to maturity if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These held to maturity securities are carried on the Company’s books at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount which is computed using the level yield method which approximates the effective interest method. Alternatively, securities are classified as available for sale if it is management’s intent at the time of purchase to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. Securities classified as available for sale include securities which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, and other factors (such as liquidity requirements). These available for sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation excluded from income and credited/charged to accumulated other comprehensive income/loss within stockholders’ equity on a net of tax basis. Any securities classified as trading assets are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation included in income on a net of tax basis. The Company does not engage in trading activity.

Realized gains or losses on securities sold are computed upon the adjusted cost of the specific securities sold. Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK:

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) and as such, is required to maintain a minimum investment in stock of the FHLB that varies with the level of advances outstanding with the FHLB. The stock is bought from and sold to the FHLB based upon its $100 par value. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated for by management. The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) The significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time any such situation has persisted (b) Commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance (c) The impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of FHLB and (d) The liquidity position of the FHLB. Management evaluated the stock and concluded that the stock was not impaired for the periods presented herein.

LOANS:

Interest income is recognized using the level yield method related to principal amounts outstanding. The Company discontinues the accrual of interest income when loans become 90 days past due in either principal or interest. In addition, if circumstances warrant, the accrual of interest may be discontinued prior to 90 days. Payments received on non-accrual loans are credited to principal until full recovery of principal has been recognized; or the loan has been returned to accrual status. The only exception to this policy is for residential mortgage loans wherein interest income is recognized on a cash basis as payments are received. A non-accrual commercial loan is placed on accrual status after becoming current and remaining current for twelve consecutive payments. Residential mortgage loans are placed on accrual status upon becoming current.

LOAN FEES:

Loan origination and commitment fees, net of associated direct costs, are deferred and amortized into interest and fees on loans over the loan or commitment period. Fee amortization is determined by the effective interest method.

LOANS HELD FOR SALE:

Certain newly originated fixed-rate residential mortgage loans are classified as held for sale, because it is management’s intent to sell these residential mortgage loans. The residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value.

TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS:

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

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is carried at cost. Depreciation is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the premises and equipment using the straight-line method with a half-year convention. Useful lives of up to 30 years for buildings and up to 10 years for equipment are utilized. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases or useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs, and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures are incurred.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND CHARGE-OFF PROCEDURES:

As a financial institution, which assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, the Company anticipates that credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the Company consistently applies a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to perform an analysis which is updated on a quarterly basis at the Bank level to determine both the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the necessary provision for loan losses to be charged against earnings. This methodology includes:

 — Review of all criticized, classified and impaired loans with aggregate balances over $250,000 to determine if any specific reserve allocations are required on an individual loan basis. All required specific reserve allocations are based on careful analysis of the loan’s performance, the related collateral value, cash flow considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. All loans classified as doubtful or worse are specifically reserved. For impaired loans the measurement of impairment may be based upon: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the observable market price of the impaired loan; or 3) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral dependent loan.
 — The application of formula driven reserve allocations for all commercial and commercial real-estate loans by using a three-year migration analysis of net losses incurred within each risk grade for the entire commercial loan portfolio. The difference between estimated and actual losses is reconciled through the nature of the migration analysis.
 — The application of formula driven reserve allocations to consumer and residential mortgage loans which are based upon historical net charge-off experience for those loan types. The residential mortgage loan and consumer loan allocations are based upon the Company’s three-year historical average of actual loan net charge-offs experienced in each of those categories.
 — The application of formula driven reserve allocations to all outstanding loans is based upon review of historical losses and qualitative factors, which include but are not limited to, economic trends, delinquencies, levels of non-accrual and TDR loans, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions.
 — Management recognizes that there may be events or economic factors that have occurred affecting specific borrowers or segments of borrowers that may not yet be fully reflected in the information that the Company uses for arriving at reserves for a specific loan or portfolio segment. Therefore, the Company believes that there is estimation risk associated with the use of specific and formula driven allowances.

After completion of this process, a formal meeting of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee is held to evaluate the adequacy of the reserve.

When it is determined that the prospects for recovery of the principal of a loan have significantly diminished, the loan is charged against the allowance account; subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance account. In addition, non-accrual and large delinquent loans are reviewed monthly to determine potential losses.

The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company defines classified loans as those loans rated substandard or doubtful. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business relationships with aggregate balances of $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are


 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

of $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and evaluated for specific impairment if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment.

ALLOWANCE FOR UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT:

The allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. Net adjustments to the allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit are provided for in the unfunded commitment reserve expense line item within other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and a separate reserve is recorded within the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

TRUST FEES:

Trust fees are recorded on the cash basis which approximates the accrual basis for such income.

BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE:

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees. These policies are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in bank owned life insurance within non-interest income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Goodwill

Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. The Company accounts for goodwill using a two-step process for testing the impairment of goodwill on at least an annual basis. This approach could cause more volatility in the Company’s reported net income because impairment losses, if any, could occur irregularly and in varying amounts. The Company performs an impairment analysis of goodwill at least annually.

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

Basic earnings per share include only the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the weighted average common shares outstanding and any potentially dilutive common stock equivalent shares in the calculation. Treasury shares are treated as retired for earnings per share purposes. Options to purchase 58,788, 3,625,10,000, 51,273, and 103,57058,788 shares of common stock were outstanding during 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would be anti-dilutive. Exercise prices of anti-dilutive options to purchase common stock outstanding were $3.23 – $4.70, $4.60 – $5.22,$4.00, $3.23-$4.60, and $3.05 – $5.75$3.23-$4.70 during 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, respectively. Dividends on preferred shares are deducted from net income in the calculation of earnings per common share.


 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Numerator:
                              
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
Preferred stock dividends  210   210   209      15   210 
Net income available to common shareholders $5,787  $2,813  $4,984  $3,293  $2,295  $5,787 
Denominator:
                              
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)  18,863   18,793   18,942   18,498   18,896   18,863 
Effect of stock options  70   115   92   102   59   70 
Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)  18,933   18,908   19,034   18,600   18,955   18,933 
Earnings per common share:
                              
Basic $0.31  $0.15  $0.26  $0.18  $0.12  $0.31 
Diluted  0.31   0.15   0.26   0.18   0.12   0.31 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

The Company uses the modified prospective method for accounting of stock-based compensation. The Company recognized $29,000, $42,000$13,000, $20,000 and $82,000$29,000 of pretax compensation expense for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, 2014 and 2013.respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 18 for details on the assumptions used.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

The Company presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. These components are comprised of the change in the defined benefit pension obligation and the unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of any reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from depository institutions, interest bearing deposits, and short-term investments in money market funds. The Company made $1,554,000$1,075,000 in income tax payments in 2015; $1,063,0002017; $375,000 in 2014;2016; and $137,000$1,554,000 in 2013.2015. The Company had non-cash transfers to other real estate owned (OREO) in the amounts of $77,000 in 2017; $172,000 in 2016; and $189,000 in 2015; $660,000 in 2014; and $766,000 in 2013.2015. The Company made total interest payments of $8,681,000 in 2017; $7,746,000 in 2016; and $6,575,000 in 2015; $6,475,000 in 2014; and $6,781,000 in 2013.2015.

INCOME TAXES:

Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the corresponding asset or liability from period to period. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amounts of such benefits that are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence.

INTEREST RATE CONTRACTS:

The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated and accounted as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income,” net of deferred taxes and are subsequently


 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item.

The Company periodically enters into derivative instruments to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. These instruments and their offsetting positions are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

PENSION:

Pension costs and liabilities are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, benefits earned, interest costs, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. In accordance with GAAP, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded obligation of future periods. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect the Company’s pension obligations and future expense. In conjunction with the annual measurement of the funded status of Company’s pension plan at December 31, 2016, management elected to change the manner in which the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost will be determined in 2017 and beyond. Previously, the service cost and interest cost components were determined by multiplying the single equivalent rate described above and the aggregate discounted cash flows of the plan’s service cost and projected benefit obligations.

Under the new methodology, the service cost component will be determined by aggregating the product of the discounted cash flows of the plan’s service cost for each year and an individual spot rate (referred to as the “spot rate” approach). The interest cost component will be determined by aggregating the product of the discounted cash flows of the plan’s projected benefit obligations for each year and an individual spot rate. This change will result in a lower service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost under the new methodology compared to the previous methodology.

Management believes this new methodology, which represents a change in an accounting estimate, is a better measure of the service cost and interest cost as each year’s cash flows are specifically linked to the interest rates of bond payments in the same respective year. Our pension benefits are described further in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

We group our assets at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level I — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level II — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level III — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset.

We base our fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy in generally accepted accounting principles.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Fair value measurements for most of our assets are obtained from independent pricing services that we have engaged for this purpose. When available, we, or our independent pricing service, use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Subsequently, all of our financial instruments use either of the foregoing methodologies to determine fair value adjustments recorded to our financial statements. In certain cases, however, when market observable inputs for model-based valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of financial instruments. The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. When market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, that could significantly affect the results of current or future valuations.

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03,Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this Update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this Update. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01,Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This Update applies to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and is intended to provide more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities that are not public business entities may adopt the amendments in this Update earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. A short-term lease is defined as one in which (a) the lease term is 12 months or less and (b) there is not an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. For short-term leases, lessees may elect to recognize lease payments over the lease term on a straight-line basis. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments should be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently assessing the practical measures it may elect at adoption, but does not anticipate the amendment will have a significant impact to the financial statements. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of its current portfolio, the Company expects to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability for its operating leases commitments. The Company also anticipates additional disclosures to be provided at adoption.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments — Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments(“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. This Update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The underlying premise of the Update is that financial assets measured at amortized cost should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. The income statement will be effected for the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. With certain exceptions, transition to the new requirements will be through a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the Update will have on our consolidated financial statements. The overall impact of the amendment will be affected by the portfolio composition and quality at the adoption date as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time. We are currently evaluating third-party vendor solutions to assist us in the application of this standard.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07,Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The amendments in this Update require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost as defined in paragraphs 715-30-35-4 and 715-60-35-9 are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08,Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20). The amendments in this Update shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity should apply the amendments in this Update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Additionally, in the period of adoption, an entity should provide disclosures about a change in accounting principle. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02,Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). On December 22, 2017, the U.S. federal government enacted a tax bill, H.R.1,An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), which requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be adjusted for the effect of a change in tax laws. The amendments in this Update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted. The amendments in this Update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company has elected to early adopt this standard as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in a one-time cumulative effect adjustment of $2.1 million between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The adjustment had no impact on net income or any prior periods presented.

2.  CASH AND DUE FROM DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS

Included in “Cash and due from depository institutions” are required federal reserves of $2,000$5,000 for both December 31, 20152017 and 2014,$6,000 for December 31, 2016, respectively, for facilitating the implementation of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve System. The required reserves are computed by applying prescribed ratios to the classes of average deposit balances. These are held in the form of vault cash and a depository amount held with the Federal Reserve Bank.

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The cost basis and fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows:

Investment securities available for sale:

        
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency $2,900  $  $(19)  $2,881  $6,612  $  $(40)  $6,572 
Taxable municipal  7,198   27   (189)   7,036 
Corporate bonds  18,541   18   (307)   18,252   35,886   322   (424)   35,784 
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  96,801   1,975   (442)   98,334   79,854   611   (719)   79,746 
Total $118,242  $1,993  $(768)  $119,467  $129,550  $960  $(1,372)  $129,138 

Investment securities held to maturity:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
   COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
   (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities $9,740  $149  $(45)  $9,844 
Taxable municipal  22,970   203   (238)   22,935 
Corporate bonds and other securities  6,042   38   (48)   6,032 
Total $38,752  $390  $(331)  $38,811 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES  – (continued)

Investment securities held to maturity:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015
   COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
   (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities $10,827  $247  $(53)  $11,021 
Taxable municipal  5,592   67   (65)   5,594 
Corporate bonds and other securities  5,000   3   (85)   4,918 
Total $21,419  $317  $(203)  $21,533 

Investment securities available for sale:

        
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency $5,931  $21  $(46 $5,906  $400  $  $(2 $398 
Taxable municipal  3,793   3   (174  3,622 
Corporate bonds  15,497   61   (122  15,436   34,403   194   (724  33,873 
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  102,888   3,197   (317  105,768   88,738   1,132   (686  89,184 
Total $124,316  $3,279  $(485 $127,110  $127,334  $1,329  $(1,586 $127,077 

Investment securities held to maturity:

        
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 COST
BASIS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
 GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities $12,481  $395  $(50 $12,826  $11,177  $180  $(79 $11,278 
Taxable municipal  3,364   74   (24  3,414   13,441   70   (348  13,163 
Corporate bonds and other securities  3,995   6   (28  3,973   6,047   15   (83  5,979 
Total $19,840  $475  $(102 $20,213  $30,665  $265  $(510 $30,420 

Maintaining investment quality is a primary objective of the Company’s investment policy which, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits the purchase of any investment security below a Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s rating of A. At December 31, 2015, 79.1%2017, 57.8% of the portfolio was rated AAA as compared to 84.1%63.5% at December 31, 2014. 5.7%2016. 9.7% of the portfolio was rated below A or unrated on December 31, 2015.2017. The Company and its subsidiaries, collectively, did not hold securities of any single issuer, excluding U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agencies, that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015.2017.

The book value of securities, both available for sale and held to maturity, pledged to secure public and trust deposits, and certain Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings was $87,096,000$117,181,000 at December 31, 20152017 and $104,780,000$104,953,000 at December 31, 2014.2016.

The Company realized $115,000 of gross investment security gains in 2017 and 183,000 of gross investment security gains and $6,000 of gross investment security losses in 2016, and $107,000 of gross investment security gains and $36,000 of gross investment security losses in 2015 and $182,000 of gross investment security gains and $5,000 of investment security losses in 2014, and $289,000 of gross investment gains and $85,000 of gross investment security losses in 2013.2015. On a net basis, the realized gain for 20152017 was $47,000$76,000 after factoring in tax expense of $24,000$39,000 and the realized gain for 20142016 was $117,000 after factoring in tax expense of $60,000, and the realized gain for 2013


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES  – (continued)

2015 was $135,000$46,000 after factoring in tax expense of $69,000.$25,000. Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale were $8.1 million for 2017, $9.0 million for 2016, and $3.6 million for 2015, $5.2 million for 2014, and $11.2 million during 2013.2015.

The following table sets forth the contractual maturity distribution of the investment securities, cost basis and fair market values, and the weighted average yield for each type and range of maturity as of December 31, 2015.2017. Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis, but are based upon the cost basis and are weighted for the scheduled maturity. The Company’s consolidated investment securities portfolio had an effective duration of approximately 2.853.69 years. The weighted average expected maturity for available for sale securities at December 31, 20152017 for U.S. Agency, U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed and Corporate Bond securities was 2.34, 4.4310.38, 4.60 and 4.475.44 years, respectively. The weighted average expected maturity for held to


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES  – (continued)

maturity securities at December 31, 20152017 for U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed and Corporate Bonds/Taxable Municipals and other securities were 5.334.57 and 6.026.51 years.

Investment securities available for sale:

                
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 U.S. AGENCY U.S. AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATE BONDS TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE
FOR SALE
 U. S. AGENCY U.S. AGENCY
MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES
 CORPORATE
BONDS AND OTHER
 TOTAL INVESTMENT
SECURITIES
AVAILABLE
FOR SALE
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)
COST BASIS
                                                                                
Within 1 year $   —%  $   —%  $1,000   2.31%  $1,000   2.31%  $400   1.03%  $1   6.00%  $   —%  $401   1.04% 
After 1 year but within 5 years  2,400   1.27   1,206   4.39   8,000   1.82   11,606   1.98         848   2.09   10,938   2.99   11,786   2.93 
After 5 years but within 10 years  500   1.97   16,807   3.01   9,541   2.64   26,848   2.86   3,230   2.75   14,623   2.91   30,646   3.64   48,499   3.36 
After 10 years but within15 years        41,448   2.45         41,448   2.45 
After 10 years but within 15 years        24,516   2.30   1,500   3.98   26,016   2.39 
Over 15 years        37,340   2.37         37,340   2.37   2,982   2.69   39,866   2.52         42,848   2.53 
Total $2,900   1.39  $96,801   2.54  $18,541   2.27  $118,242   2.47  $6,612   2.62  $79,854   2.52  $43,084   3.49  $129,550   2.84 
FAIR VALUE
                                                                                
Within 1 year $       $       $999       $999       $399       $1       $       $400      
After 1 year but within 5 years  2,385        1,253        7,977        11,615                843        10,924        11,767      
After 5 years but within 10 years  496        17,351        9,276        27,123        3,220        14,859        30,477        48,556      
After 10 years but within 15 years          41,834                41,834                24,301        1,419        25,720      
Over 15 years        37,896            37,896      2,953      39,742            42,695    
Total $2,881     $98,334     $18,252     $119,467     $6,572     $79,746     $42,820     $129,138    

Investment securities held to maturity:

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
   U.S. AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATE
BONDS AND OTHER
 TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)
COST BASIS
                              
Within 1 year $   —%  $2,000   1.78%  $2,000   1.78% 
After 1 year but within 5 years  688   2.11   1,751   2.29   2,439   2.24 
After 5 years but within 10 years  2,081   2.49   12,797   3.57   14,878   3.42 
After 10 years but within 15 years  2,604   3.30   11,643   3.64   14,247   3.58 
Over 15 years  4,367   3.07   821   4.75   5,188   3.34 
Total $9,740   2.94  $29,012   3.43  $38,752   3.31 
FAIR VALUE
                              
Within 1 year $       $1,976       $1,976      
After 1 year but within 5 years  677        1,734        2,411      
After 5 years but within 10 years  2,075        12,815        14,890      
After 10 years but within 15 years  2,685        11,597        14,282      
Over 15 years  4,407      845      5,252    
Total $9,844     $28,967     $38,811    

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES  – (continued)

Investment securities held to maturity:The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015
   U.S. AGENCY
MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES
 CORPORATE BONDS
AND OTHER
 TOTAL INVESTMENT
SECURITIES HELD TO
MATURITY
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)
COST BASIS
                              
Within 1 year $   —%  $1,000   1.67%  $1,000   1.67% 
After 1 year but within 5 years        2,000   1.78   2,000   1.78 
After 5 years but within 10 years  2,898   2.40   4,719   4.05   7,617   3.42 
After 10 years but within 15 years        2,115   3.85   2,115   3.85 
Over 15 years  7,929   3.30   758   4.97   8,687   3.45 
Total $10,827   3.06  $10,592   3.42  $21,419   3.24 
FAIR VALUE
                              
Within 1 year $       $995       $995      
After 1 year but within 5 years          1,930        1,930      
After 5 years but within 10 years  2,857        4,710        7,567      
After 10 years but within 15 years          2,081        2,081      
Over 15 years  8,164      796      8,960    
Total $11,021     $10,512     $21,533    
      
Total investment securities: LESS THAN 12 MONTHS 12 MONTHS OR LONGER TOTAL
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
U.S. Agency $5,923  $(39)  $399  $(1)  $6,322  $(40) 
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  36,783   (253)   22,625   (511)   59,408   (764) 
Taxable municipal  8,657   (109)   7,727   (318)   16,384   (427) 
Corporate bonds and other securities  7,123   (71)   13,655   (401)   20,778   (472) 
Total $58,486  $(472)  $44,406  $(1,231)  $102,892  $(1,703) 

The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 20152016 (in thousands):

            
Total investment securities: LESS THAN 12 MONTHS 12 MONTHS OR LONGER TOTAL LESS THAN 12 MONTHS 12 MONTHS OR LONGER TOTAL
FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
U.S. Agency $1,486  $(14)  $395  $(5)  $1,881  $(19)  $398  $(2 $  $  $398  $(2
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  33,359   (245)   9,088   (250)   42,447   (495)   49,918   (703  1,576   (62  51,494   (765
Taxable municipal  3,617   (65)         3,617   (65)   13,301   (522        13,301   (522
Corporate bonds and other securities  8,884   (160)   7,766   (232)   16,650   (392)   20,380   (570  6,762   (237  27,142   (807
Total $47,346  $(484)  $17,249  $(487)  $64,595  $(971)  $83,997  $(1,797 $8,338  $(299 $92,335  $(2,096

The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

      
Total investment securities: LESS THAN 12 MONTHS 12 MONTHS OR LONGER TOTAL
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 FAIR
VALUE
 UNREALIZED
LOSSES
U.S. Agency $996  $(4 $2,858  $(42 $3,854  $(46
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  2,826   (13  20,408   (354  23,234   (367
Taxable municipal  150   (1  988   (23  1,138   (24
Corporate bonds and other securities  2,960   (43  8,891   (107  11,851   (150
Total $6,932  $(61 $33,145  $(526 $40,077  $(587

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES  – (continued)

The unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. There are 64133 positions that are considered temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.2017. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value or mature.

4.  LOANS

The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $181,066  $139,126  $159,192  $171,529 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  421,637   410,329   463,780   446,598 
Real estate-mortgage  257,937   258,616   247,278   245,765 
Consumer  20,344   19,009   19,383   19,872 
Loans, net of unearned income $880,984  $827,080  $889,633  $883,764 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.  LOANS  – (continued)

Loan balances at December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are net of unearned income of $557,000$399,000 and $554,000,$476,000, respectively. Real estate construction loans comprised 3.0%4.1% and 3.5%4.7% of total loans net of unearned income at December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. The Company has no exposure to subprime mortgage loans in either the loan or investment portfolios. The Company has no direct loan exposure to foreign countries. Additionally, the Company has no significant industry lending concentrations. As of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, loans to customers engaged in similar activities and having similar economic characteristics, as defined by standard industrial classifications, did not exceed 10% of total loans. Additionally, the majority of the Company’s lending occurs within a 250 mile radius of the Johnstown market.

In the ordinary course of business, the subsidiaries have transactions, including loans, with their officers, directors, and their affiliated companies. In management’s opinion, these transactions were on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties and do not involve more than the normal credit risk. These loans totaled $846,000$554,000 and $847,000$578,000 at December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following table summarizes the rollforward of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment (in thousands).

     
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2016
 CHARGE-
OFFS
 RECOVERIES PROVISION
(CREDIT)
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2017
Commercial $4,041  $(278)  $27  $509  $4,299 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  3,584   (165)   14   233   3,666 
Real estate-mortgage  1,169   (313)   250   (4)   1,102 
Consumer  151   (172)   119   30   128 
Allocation for general risk  987         32   1,019 
Total $9,932  $(928)  $410  $800  $10,214 

     
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31, 2015
 CHARGE-
OFFS
 RECOVERIES PROVISION
(CREDIT)
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2016
Commercial $4,244  $(3,648 $140  $3,305  $4,041 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  3,449   (13  40   108   3,584 
Real estate-mortgage  1,173   (291  147   140   1,169 
Consumer  151   (344  30   314   151 
Allocation for general risk  904         83   987 
Total $9,921  $(4,296 $357  $3,950  $9,932 

     
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2014
 CHARGE-
OFFS
 RECOVERIES PROVISION
(CREDIT)
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2015
Commercial $3,262  $(170 $101  $1,051  $4,244 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  3,902   (250  111   (314  3,449 
Real estate-mortgage  1,310   (753  171   445   1,173 
Consumer  190   (188  26   123   151 
Allocation for general risk  959         (55  904 
Total $9,623  $(1,361 $409  $1,250  $9,921 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

     
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2013
 CHARGE-
OFFS
 RECOVERIES PROVISION
(CREDIT)
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2014
Commercial $2,844  $(172 $141  $449  $3,262 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  4,885   (708  231   (506  3,902 
Real estate-mortgage  1,260   (322  71   301   1,310 
Consumer  136   (121  24   151   190 
Allocation for general risk  979         (20  959 
Total $10,104  $(1,323 $467  $375  $9,623 

     
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2012
 CHARGE-
OFFS
 RECOVERIES PROVISION
(CREDIT)
 BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2013
Commercial $2,596  $(50 $80  $218  $2,844 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  7,796   (1,777  481   (1,615  4,885 
Real estate-mortgage  1,269   (139  122   8   1,260 
Consumer  150   (154  70   70   136 
Allocation for general risk  760         219   979 
Total $12,571  $(2,120 $753  $(1,100 $10,104 

The higherFor 2017, the Company recorded an $800,000 provision for commercial loans was necessary due to the transfer into non-accrual status of a $4.1 million loan losses compared to a customer$3,950,000 provision for loan losses in 2016 or a decrease of $3.2 million between years. Both, the fracking industryloan loss provision and net charge-offs were at more typical levels this year than the substantially higher levels that filed for bankruptcy protection in the fourth quarter. This is the Company’s only meaningful directwere necessary early last year to resolve a troubled loan exposure to the energy industry. The higher provision was also needed to supportrecorded in 2017 supported commercial loan growth and more than covered the continuing growthlow level of the loan portfolio and cover net loan charge-offs.charge-offs in 2017 resulting in the allowance for loan losses growing between years. The Company experienced net loan charge-offs of $518,000, or 0.06% of total loans in 2017 compared to net loan charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.44%, of total loans in 2016. Overall, even with the increase in non-performing assets, the Company continuescontinued to maintain strong asset quality. Atquality as its nonperforming assets totaled $3.0 million, or 0.34%, of total loans, at December 31, 2015, non-performing assets totaled $5.3 million, or 0.71% of total loans.2017.

The following tables summarize the loan portfolio and allowance for loan loss by the primary segments of the loan portfolio.

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Loans: COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
 REAL ESTATE- MORTGAGE CONSUMER TOTAL
Individually evaluated for impairment $4,416  $86  $  $  $4,502 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  176,650   421,551   257,937   20,344   876,482 
Total loans $181,066  $421,637  $257,937  $20,344  $880,984 
AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
(IN THOUSANDS)
Loans:COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
REAL
ESTATE- MORTGAGE
CONSUMERTOTAL
Individually evaluated for impairment$1,212$547$$$1,759
Collectively evaluated for impairment157,980463,233247,27819,383887,874
Total loans$159,192$463,780$247,278$19,383$889,633

            
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for loan losses: COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL LOANS SECURED BY REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE- MORTGAGE CONSUMER ALLOCATION FOR GENERAL RISK TOTAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
 REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
 CONSUMER ALLOCATION
FOR GENERAL
RISK
 TOTAL
Specific reserve allocation $1,387  $  $  $  $  $1,387  $909  $  $  $  $  $909 
General reserve allocation  2,857   3,449   1,173   151   904   8,534   3,390   3,666   1,102   128   1,019   9,305 
Total allowance for loan losses $4,244  $3,449  $1,173  $151  $904  $9,921  $4,299  $3,666  $1,102  $128  $1,019  $10,214 

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Loans: COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
 REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
 CONSUMER TOTAL
Individually evaluated for impairment $496  $178  $  $  $674 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  171,033   446,420   245,765   19,872   883,090 
Total loans $171,529  $446,598  $245,765  $19,872  $883,764 

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for loan losses: COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
 REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
 CONSUMER ALLOCATION
FOR GENERAL
RISK
 TOTAL
Specific reserve allocation $496  $31  $  $  $  $527 
General reserve allocation  3,545   3,553   1,169   151   987   9,405 
Total allowance for loan losses $4,041  $3,584  $1,169  $151  $987  $9,932 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Loans: COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
 REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
 CONSUMER TOTAL
Individually evaluated for impairment $  $989  $  $  $989 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  139,126   409,340   258,616   19,009   826,091 
Total loans $139,126  $410,329  $258,616  $19,009  $827,080 

AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
(IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for loan losses:COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
CONSUMERALLOCATION
FOR GENERAL
RISK
TOTAL
Specific reserve allocation$$520$$$$520
General reserve allocation3,2623,3821,3101909599,103
Total allowance for loan losses$3,262$3,902$1,310$190$959$9,623

The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated to a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. The loan segments used are consistent with the internal reports evaluated by the Company’s management and Board of Directors to monitor risk and performance within various segments of its loan portfolio and therefore, no further disaggregation into classes is necessary. The overall risk profile for the commercial and commercial real estate loan segments are impacted by non-owner occupied CRE loans, which include loans secured by non-owner occupied nonfarm nonresidential properties, as a meaningful but decliningclosely monitored portion of the commercial portfolio is centered in these types of accounts. The residential mortgage loan segment is comprised of first lien amortizing residential mortgage loans and home equity loans secured by residential real estate. The consumer loan segment consists primarily of installment loans and overdraft lines of credit connected with customer deposit accounts.

Management evaluates for possible impairment any individual loan in the commercial or commercial real estate segment with a loan balance in excess of $100,000 that is in nonaccrual status or classified as a Troubled Debt Restructure (TDR). Loans are considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Company does not separately evaluate individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment, unless such loans are part of a larger relationship that is impaired, or are classified as a TDR.

Once the determination has been made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of three methods: (a) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. The method is selected on a loan-by-loan basis,


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

with management primarily utilizing the fair value of collateral method. The evaluation of the need and amount of a specific allocation of the allowance and whether a loan can be removed from impairment status is made on a quarterly basis. The Company’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition.

The need for an updated appraisal on collateral dependent loans is determined on a case-by-case basis. The useful life of an appraisal or evaluation will vary depending upon the circumstances of the property and the economic conditions in the marketplace. A new appraisal is not required if there is an existing appraisal which, along with other information, is sufficient to determine a reasonable value for the property and to support an appropriate and adequate allowance for loan losses. At a minimum, annual documented reevaluation of the property is completed by the Bank’s internal Assigned Risk Department to support the value of the property.

When reviewing an appraisal associated with an existing collateral real estate dependent transaction, the Bank’s internal Assigned Risk Department must determine if there have been material changes to the underlying assumptions in the appraisal which affect the original estimate of value. Some of the factors that could cause material changes to reported values include:

the passage of time;
the volatility of the local market;
the availability of financing;

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

natural disasters;
the inventory of competing properties;
new improvements to, or lack of maintenance of, the subject property or competing properties upon physical inspection by the Bank;
changes in underlying economic and market assumptions, such as material changes in current and projected vacancy, absorption rates, capitalization rates, lease terms, rental rates, sales prices, concessions, construction overruns and delays, zoning changes, etc.; and/or
environmental contamination.

The value of the property is adjusted to appropriately reflect the above listed factors and the value is discounted to reflect the value impact of a forced or distressed sale, any outstanding senior liens, any outstanding unpaid real estate taxes, transfer taxes and closing costs that would occur with sale of the real estate. If the Assigned Risk Department personnel determine that a reasonable value cannot be derived based on available information, a new appraisal is ordered. The determination of the need for a new appraisal, versus completion of a property valuation by the Bank’s Assigned Risk Department personnel rests with the Assigned Risk Department and not the originating account officer.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

The following tables present impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary.

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
 IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
 TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
 IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
 TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RELATED
ALLOWANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RELATED
ALLOWANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $4,416  $1,387  $  $4,416  $4,421  $342  $342  $11  $353  $354 
Commercial loans secured by real estate        86   86   522   859   567   547   1,406   1,461 
Total impaired loans $4,416  $1,387  $86  $4,502  $4,943  $1,201  $909  $558  $1,759  $1,815 

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
 IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
 TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
 IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
 TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RELATED
ALLOWANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RELATED
ALLOWANCE
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 RECORDED
INVESTMENT
 UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $496  $496  $  $496  $517 
Commercial loans secured by real estate $989  $520  $  $989  $1,069   162   31   16   178   209 
Total impaired loans $989  $520  $  $989  $1,069  $658  $527  $16  $674  $726 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and related interest income recognized for the periods indicated.

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Average impaired balance:
                              
Commercial $1,271  $  $13  $1,075  $718  $1,271 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  866   1,756   2,459   838   356   866 
Consumer  9      37         9 
Average investment in impaired loans $2,146  $1,756  $2,509  $1,913  $1,074  $2,146 
Interest income recognized:
                              
Commercial $10  $  $  $28  $14  $10 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  17   12   11   34   8   17 
Consumer        3          
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans $27  $12  $14  $62  $22  $27 

Management uses a nine point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized. The first five “Pass” categories are aggregated, while the Pass-6, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful categories are disaggregated to separate pools. The criticized rating categories utilized by management follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are potentially weak, resulting in an undue


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a Substandard classification. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due, or for which any portion of the loan represents a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses are placed in Substandard or Doubtful.

To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Company has a structured loan rating process, which dictates that, at a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, delinquency, or death occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Company’s commercial relationship managers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis. Risk ratings are assigned by the account officer, but require independent review and rating concurrence from the Company’s internal Loan Review Department. The Loan Review Department is an experienced independent function which reports directly to the Board’s Audit Committee. The scope of commercial portfolio coverage by the Loan Review Department is defined and presented to the Audit Committee for approval on an annual basis. The approved scope of coverage for 20152017 required review of a minimum range of 50% to 55% of the commercial loan portfolio.

In addition to loan monitoring by the account officer and Loan Review Department, the Company also requires presentation of all credits rated Pass-6 with aggregate balances greater than $1,000,000, all credits rated Special Mention or Substandard with aggregate balances greater than $250,000, and all credits rated Doubtful with aggregate balances greater than $100,000 on an individual basis to the Company’s Loan Loss Reserve Committee on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Asset Quality Task Force, which is a group comprised of senior level personnel, meets monthly to monitor the status of problem loans.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system.

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 PASS SPECIAL
MENTION
 SUBSTANDARD DOUBTFUL TOTAL PASS SPECIAL
MENTION
 SUBSTANDARD DOUBTFUL TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $174,616  $1,811  $3,318  $1,321  $181,066  $156,449  $500  $1,999  $244  $159,192 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  416,331   3,100   2,188   18   421,637   450,019   11,828   1,634   299   463,780 
Total $590,947  $4,911  $5,506  $1,339  $602,703  $606,468  $12,328  $3,633  $543  $622,972 

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 PASS SPECIAL
MENTION
 SUBSTANDARD DOUBTFUL TOTAL PASS SPECIAL
MENTION
 SUBSTANDARD DOUBTFUL TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $132,665  $161  $6,164  $136  $139,126  $168,116  $1,087  $1,830  $496  $171,529 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  406,195   620   3,238   276   410,329   436,318   7,497   2,767   16   446,598 
Total $538,860  $781  $9,402  $412  $549,455  $604,434  $8,584  $4,597  $512  $618,127 

It is generally the policy of the bank that the outstanding balance of any residential mortgage loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is transferred to non-accrual status and an evaluation is completed to determine the fair value of the collateral less selling costs, unless the balance is minor. A charge down is recorded for any deficiency balance determined from the collateral evaluation. The remaining non-accrual balance is reported as impaired with no specific allowance. It is the policy of the bank that the outstanding balance of any consumer loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is charged off. The following tables present the performing and non-performing outstanding balances of the residential and consumer portfolios.

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
   PERFORMING NON-
PERFORMING
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Real estate-mortgage $246,021  $1,257 
Consumer  19,383    
Total $265,404  $1,257 

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
   PERFORMING NON-
PERFORMING
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Real estate-mortgage $244,836  $929 
Consumer  19,872    
Total $264,708  $929 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

charged off. The following tables present the performing and non-performing outstanding balances of the residential and consumer portfolios (in thousands).

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015
   PERFORMING NON-
PERFORMING
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Real estate-mortgage $256,149  $1,788 
Consumer  20,344    
Total $276,493  $1,788 

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
   PERFORMING NON-
PERFORMING
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Real estate-mortgage $257,199  $1,417 
Consumer  19,009    
Total $276,208  $1,417 

Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans.

              
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 CURRENT 30 – 59
DAYS PAST
DUE
 60 – 89
DAYS PAST
DUE
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
LOANS
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
AND STILL
ACCRUING
 CURRENT 30 – 59
DAYS
PAST DUE
 60 – 89
DAYS
PAST DUE
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
LOANS
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
AND STILL
ACCRUING
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $176,216  $489  $4,361  $  $4,850  $181,066  $  $159,181  $  $  $11  $11  $159,192  $ 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  421,247   208   182      390   421,637      457,722   5,238   534   286   6,058   463,780    
Real estate-mortgage  254,288   2,658   442   549   3,649   257,937      243,393   2,373   671   841   3,885   247,278    
Consumer  20,115   67   162      229   20,344      19,262   76   45      121   19,383    
Total $871,866  $3,422  $5,147  $549  $9,118  $880,984  $  $879,558  $7,687  $1,250  $1,138  $10,075  $889,633  $ 

              
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 CURRENT 30 – 59
DAYS PAST
DUE
 60 – 89
DAYS PAST
DUE
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
LOANS
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
AND STILL
ACCRUING
 CURRENT 30 – 59
DAYS
PAST DUE
 60 – 89
DAYS
PAST DUE
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
PAST DUE
 TOTAL
LOANS
 90 DAYS
PAST DUE
AND STILL
ACCRUING
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial $139,126  $  $  $  $  $139,126  $  $171,292  $237  $  $  $237  $171,529  $ 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  410,049   280         280   410,329      446,477   121         121   446,598    
Real estate-mortgage  255,021   2,196   332   1,067   3,595   258,616      241,802   2,856   610   497   3,963   245,765    
Consumer  18,927   74   8      82   19,009      19,795   50   27      77   19,872    
Total $823,123  $2,550  $340  $1,067  $3,957  $827,080  $  $879,366  $3,264  $637  $497  $4,398  $883,764  $ 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

An allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the risk characteristics and credit quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are analyzed with general allowances being made as appropriate. For general allowances, historical loss trends are used in the estimation of losses in the current portfolio. These historical loss amounts are complemented by consideration of other qualitative factors.

Management tracks the historical net charge-off activity at each risk rating grade level for the entire commercial portfolio and at the aggregate level for the consumer and residential mortgage portfolios. A historical charge-off factor is calculated utilizing a rolling 12 consecutive historical quarters for the commercial portfolios. ThisThe historical charge-off factorfactors for the consumer and residential mortgage portfolios are based on a three year historical average of actual loss experience.

The Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an ALL to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The allowance consists of three elements: 1) an allowance established on specifically identified problem loans, 2) formula driven general reserves established for loan categories based upon historical loss experience and other qualitative factors which include delinquency, non-performing and TDR loans, loan trends, economic trends, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.  ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES  – (continued)

policies, and trends in policy, financial information, and documentation exceptions, and 3) a general risk reserve which provides support for variance from our assessment of the previously listed qualitative factors, provides protection against credit risks resulting from other inherent risk factors contained in the Company’s loan portfolio, and recognizes the model and estimation risk associated with the specific and formula driven allowances. The qualitative factors used in the formula driven general reserves are evaluated quarterly (and revised if necessary) by the Company’s management to establish allocations which accommodate each of the listed risk factors.

“Pass” rated credits are segregated from “Criticized” and “Classified” credits for the application of qualitative factors.

Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged off against the ALL.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  NON-PERFORMING ASSETS INCLUDING TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS

Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans which are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, (iii) performing loans classified as TDR and (iv) OREO (real estate acquired through foreclosure, in-substance foreclosures and repossessed assets).

The following tables present information concerning non-performing assets including TDR:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Non-accrual loans:
                    
Commercial $4,260  $  $353  $496 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  18   778   1,406   178 
Real estate-mortgage  1,788   1,417   1,257   929 
Total  6,066   2,195   3,016   1,603 
Other real estate owned:
                    
Commercial loans secured by real estate     384 
Real estate-mortgage  75   128   18   21 
Total  75   512   18   21 
Total restructured loans not in non-accrual (TDR)  156   210       
Total non-performing assets including TDR $6,297  $2,917  $3,034  $1,624 
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned  0.71%   0.35  0.34%   0.18

The Company had no loans past due 90 days or more for the periods presented which were accruing interest.

Consistent with accounting and regulatory guidance, the Bank recognizes a TDR when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that would not normally be considered. Regardless of the form of concession granted, the Bank’s objective in offering a TDR is to increase the probability of repayment of the borrower’s loan.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  NON-PERFORMING ASSETS INCLUDING TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS  – (continued)

To be considered a TDR,both of the following criteria must be met:

the borrower must be experiencing financial difficulties;and
the borrower must be experiencing financial difficulties; and
the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered.

Factors that indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties include, but are not limited to:

the borrower is currently in default on their loan(s);
the borrower has filed for bankruptcy;
the borrower has insufficient cash flows to service their loan(s);and
the borrower is unable to obtain refinancing from other sources at a market rate similar to rates available to a non-troubled debtor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  NON-PERFORMING ASSETS INCLUDING TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS  – (continued)

Factors that indicate that a concession has been granted include, but are not limited to:

the borrower is granted an interest rate reduction to a level below market rates for debt with similar risk;or
the borrower is granted a material maturity date extension, or extension of the amortization plan to provide payment relief. For purposes of this policy, a material maturity date extension will generally include any maturity date extension, or the aggregate of multiple consecutive maturity date extensions, that exceed 120 days. A restructuring that results in an insignificant delay in payment, i.e. 120 days or less, is not necessarily a TDR. Insignificant payment delays occur when the amount of the restructured payments subject to the delay is insignificant relative to the unpaid principal or collateral value, and will result in an insignificant shortfall in the originally scheduled contractual amount due, and/or the delay in timing of the restructured payment period is insignificant relative to the frequency of payments, the original maturity or the original amortization.

The determination of whether a restructured loan is a TDR requires consideration of all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the modification. No single factor is determinative of whether a restructuring is a TDR. An overall general decline in the economy or some deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition does not automatically mean that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Accordingly, determination of whether a modification is a TDR involves a large degree of judgment.

Any loan modification where the borrower’s aggregate exposure is at least $250,000and where the loan currently maintains a criticized or classified risk rating, i.e. Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful, or where the loan will be assigned a criticized or classified rating after the modification is evaluated to determine the need for TDR classification. The specific ALL reserve for loans modified as TDR’s was $1.4 million$748,000 and $520,000$527,000 as of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

The following table details the TDRs at December 31, 20152017 (dollars in thousands).

   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  6  $4,320   Extension of maturity date 

   
Loans in accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  1  $156   Extension of maturity date 

The following table details the TDRs at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).

   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  2  $210   Extension of maturity date 

   
Loans in accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  2  $742   Extension of maturity date 

The following table details the TDRs at December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).

   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  2  $1,250   Extension of maturity date 

   
Loans in accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  2  $161   Extension of maturity date 
Consumer  2   61   Extension of maturity date 
   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial  2  $343   Extension of maturity date 
Commercial loan secured by real estate  2   587   Extension of maturity date 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  NON-PERFORMING ASSETS INCLUDING TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS  – (continued)

The following table details the TDRs at December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands).

   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial  2  $496   Extension of maturity date 
Commercial loan secured by real estate  1   16   Extension of maturity date 

The following table details the TDRs at December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands).

   
Loans in non-accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  6  $4,320   Extension of maturity date 

   
Loans in accrual status # of Loans Current
Balance
 Concession Granted
Commercial loan secured by real estate  1  $156   Extension of maturity date 

In all instances where loans have been modified in troubled debt restructurings the pre- and post-modified balances are the same.

Once a loan is classified as a TDR, this classification will remain until documented improvement in the financial position of the borrower supports confidence that all principal and interest will be paid according to terms. Additionally, the customer must have re-established a track record of timely payments according to the restructured contract terms for a minimum of six consecutive months prior to consideration for removing the loan from non-accrual TDR status. However, a loan will continue to be on non-accrual status until, consistent with our policy, the borrower has made a minimum of six consecutive payments in accordance with the terms of the loan.

The following table presents the recorded investment inThere were no loans that were modified as TDR’s in the previous 12 months and defaulted during thesethe reporting periods (in thousands).ending December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015, respectively

   
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014 2013
Recorded investment of defaults
               
Commercial loan secured by real estate $  $  $1,480 
Total $  $  $1,480 

All TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and a related allowance is recorded, as needed. All TDRs which defaulted in the above table had a related allowance adequate to reserve for anticipated losses.

The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. OREO is recorded at the lower of 1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or 2) carrying cost.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (2) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (3) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Interest income due in accordance with original terms $94  $136  $178  $103  $118  $94 
Interest income recorded           (75)       
Net reduction in interest income $94  $136  $178  $28  $118  $94 

Foreclosed assets acquired in settlement of loans carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell are included in the other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.Sheets. As of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, a total of $75,000$18,000 and $128,000,$21,000, respectively of residential real estate foreclosed assets were included in other assets. As of December 31, 2015,2017, the Company had initiated formal foreclosure procedures on $323,000$74,000 of consumer residential mortgages.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

An analysis of premises and equipment follows:

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Land $1,198  $1,198  $1,198  $1,198 
Premises  24,096   24,175   25,745   24,670 
Furniture and equipment  8,291   8,337   8,664   7,949 
Leasehold improvements  696   689   483   708 
Total at cost  34,281   34,399   36,090   34,525 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization  22,173   21,387   23,356   22,831 
Premises and equipment, net $12,108  $13,012  $12,734  $11,694 

The Company recorded depreciation expense ofwas $1.7 million for 2017 and $1.8 million for both years 20152016 and 2014, respectively.2015.

8.  DEPOSITS

The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s deposits:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, AT DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Demand:
                    
Non-interest bearing $188,947  $167,551  $183,603  $188,808 
Interest bearing  92,037   89,676   170,343   163,801 
Savings  93,949   90,020   96,583   96,475 
Money market  258,818   221,378   238,119   258,978 
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more  31,422   50,529   30,297   27,427 
Other time  238,121   250,727   229,000   232,297 
Total deposits $903,294  $869,881  $947,945  $967,786 

Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following:

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Interest bearing demand $199  $191  $138  $638  $317  $199 
Savings  156   144   139   162   159   156 
Money market  817   761   736   1,446   1,198   817 
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or
more
  266   268   289   319   283   266 
Other time  3,314   3,525   3,862   3,690   3,443   3,314 
Total interest expense $4,752  $4,889  $5,164  $6,255  $5,400  $4,752 

The following table sets forth the balance of other time deposits and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2017 maturing in the periods presented:

  
YEAR: OTHER
TIME
DEPOSITS
 CERTIFICATES
OF DEPOSIT
OF $100,000
OR MORE
   (IN THOUSANDS)
2018 $102,529  $24,194 
2019  47,133   2,295 
2020  38,932   3,707 
2021  18,796    
2022  9,532    
2023 and after  12,078   101 
Total $229,000  $30,297 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.  DEPOSITS  – (continued)

The following table sets forth the balance of other time deposits and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2015 maturing in the periods presented:

  
YEAR: OTHER
TIME
DEPOSITS
 CERTIFICATES
OF DEPOSIT
OF $100,000
OR MORE
   (IN THOUSANDS)
2016 $102,774  $28,288 
2017  26,971   1,988 
2018  36,165   945 
2019  28,543   100 
2020  17,013    
2021 and after  26,655   101 
Total $238,121  $31,422 

The maturities on certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2015,2017, are as follows:

  
MATURING IN: (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Three months or less $6,868  $6,649 
Over three through six months  12,588   9,511 
Over six through twelve months  8,832   8,034 
Over twelve months  3,134   6,103 
Total $31,422  $30,297 

The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts (including certificates of deposit) that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit at December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are $46.1$49.7 million and $65.2$45.8 million, respectively.

9.  SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings, which consist of federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance $  $48,748  $  $49,084 
Maximum indebtedness at any month end     65,071   645   51,760 
Average balance during year     24,582   54   16,972 
Average rate paid for the year     0.35%   0.95%   1.21% 
Interest rate on year-end balance     0.43      1.54 

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
 FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance $  $38,880  $  $12,754 
Maximum indebtedness at any month end     47,762      56,686 
Average balance during year     18,783      9,030 
Average rate paid for the year     0.29     0.58
Interest rate on year-end balance     0.27      0.74 

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015
   FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 OTHER
SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance $  $48,748 
Maximum indebtedness at any month end     65,071 
Average balance during year     24,582 
Average rate paid for the year     0.35
Interest rate on year-end balance     0.43 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9.  SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS  – (continued)

  
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2013
   FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
 OTHER
SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance $  $41,555 
Maximum indebtedness at any month end     41,555 
Average balance during year  959   16,482 
Average rate paid for the year  0.34  0.26
Interest rate on year-end balance     0.25 

Average amounts outstanding during the year represent daily averages. Average interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balances.

These borrowing transactions can range from overnight to one year in maturity. The average maturity was three days at the end of 2015,2017, 2016, and one day for 2014 and 2013.2015.

10.  ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK, GUARANTEED JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES AND SUBORDINATED DEBT

Advances from the FHLB consist of the following:

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
MATURING WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
YIELD
 BALANCE WEIGHTED
AVERAGE YIELD
 BALANCE
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
2016  0.81  $12,000 
2017  1.06   12,000 
2018  1.48   12,000   1.48  $12,000 
2019  1.73   7,000   1.51   12,500 
2020  1.69   5,000   1.74   16,729 
2021  1.75   5,000 
Total advances from FHLB  1.27  $48,000   1.61  $46,229 

    
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
MATURING WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
YIELD
 BALANCE WEIGHTED
AVERAGE YIELD
 BALANCE
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
2015  0.52  $4,000 
2016  0.81   12,000 
2017  1.06   12,000   1.06  $12,000 
2018  1.51   10,000   1.48   12,000 
2019  1.88   4,000   1.51   12,500 
2020  1.59   8,042 
2021  1.60   1,000 
Total advances from FHLB  1.12  $42,000   1.37  $45,542 

The Company’s subsidiary Bank is a member of the FHLB which provides this subsidiary with the opportunity to obtain short to longer-term advances based upon the Company’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate and certain types of CRE. The rate on open repo plus advances, which are typically overnight borrowings, can change daily, while the rate on the advances is fixed until the maturity of the advance. All FHLB stock along with an interest in certain residential mortgage and CRE loans with an aggregate statutory value equal to the amount of the advances, are pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Pittsburgh to support these borrowings. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company had immediately available


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.  ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK, GUARANTEED JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES AND SUBORDINATED DEBT  – (continued)

$350 $371 million of overnight borrowing capability at the FHLB, $33$34 million of short-term borrowing availability at the Federal Reserve Bank and $39$35 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks.

Guaranteed Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures:

On April 28, 1998, the Company completed a $34.5 million public offering of 8.45% Trust Preferred Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of a Delaware business trust, AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I. The Trust Preferred Securities will mature on June 30, 2028, and are callable at par at the option of the Company after June 30, 2003. Proceeds of the issue were invested by AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the Company. Unamortized deferred issuance costs associated with the Trust Preferred Securities amounted to $193,000 as of December 31, 2015 and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the issue. The Trust Preferred securities are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol ASRVP. The Company used $22.5 million of proceeds from a private placement of common stock to redeem Trust Preferred Securities in 2005 and 2004. The net balance as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 was $13.1$12.9 million.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.  ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK, GUARANTEED JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES AND SUBORDINATED DEBT  – (continued)

Subordinated Debt:

On December 29, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of $7.65 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate subordinated notes to certain accredited investors. The subordinated notes mature December 31, 2025 and have a 6.50% fixed interest rate for the entire term. This subordinated debt has been structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital under the Federal Reserve’s capital guidelines and will be non-callable for five years. Unamortized deferred issuance costs associated with the subordinated debt amounted to $232,000 as of December 31, 2015 and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the issue. The Company used the proceeds from this private placement and other cash on hand to redeem all $21 million of its issued and outstanding SBLF preferred stock on January 27, 2016. For more information on this redemption see Note 26 Subsequent Event.The net balance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $7.5 million and $7.4 million, respectively.

11.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following disclosures establish a hierarchal framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The three broad levels defined within this hierarchy are as follows:

Level I:  Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

Level II:  Pricing inputs are other than the quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities includes items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently and items that are fair-valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level III:  Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.


TABLE OF CONTENTSThe fair value of the swap asset is based on an external derivative valuation model using data inputs as of the valuation date and classified Level 2.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS  – (continued)

The following table presents the assets reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value as of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Assets and Liability Measured on a Recurring Basis:

Assets and liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

        
 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 USING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 USING
 TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3) TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3)
Assets:
                    
U.S. Agency securities $2,881  $  $2,881  $  $6,572  $  $6,572  $ 
Taxable municipal  7,036      7,036    
Corporate bonds  35,784      35,784    
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  98,334      98,334      79,746      79,746    
Corporate bonds  18,252      18,252    
Fair value swap asset  92         92 
Fair value swap liability  (92)         (92) 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS  – (continued)

        
 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 USING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 USING
 TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3) TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3)
Assets:
                    
U.S. Agency securities $5,906  $  $5,906  $  $398  $  $398  $ 
Taxable municipal  3,622      3,622    
Corporate bonds  33,873      33,873    
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities  105,768      105,768      89,184      89,184    
Corporate bonds  15,436      15,436    

Assets Measured on a Non-recurring Basis:

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

        
 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 USING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 USING
 TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3) TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3)
Assets:
                                        
Impaired loans $3,115  $  $  $3,115  $850  $  $  $850 
Other real estate owned  75         75   18         18 

        
 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 USING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 USING
 TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3) TOTAL (LEVEL 1) (LEVEL 2) (LEVEL 3)
Assets:
                                        
Impaired loans $469  $  $  $469  $147  $  $  $147 
Other real estate owned  512         512   21         21 

Loans considered impaired are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are reported at fair value of the underlying collateral if the repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on observable market data which at times are discounted. At December 31, 2015,2017, impaired loans with a carrying value of $4.5$1.8 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance totaling $1.4 million$909,000 resulting in a net fair value of $3.1 million.$850,000. At December 31, 2014,2016, impaired loans with a carrying value of $989,000$674,000 were reduced by specific valuation allowance totaling $520,000$527,000 resulting in a net fair value of $469,000.$147,000.

OREO is measured at fair value based on appraisals, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure. Valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from OREO.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS  – (continued)

        
December 31, 2015 Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Range (Wgtd Ave)
December 31, 2017 Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Range (Wgtd Ave)
Impaired loans $3,115   Appraisal of collateral(1)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   15% to 20% (17%)  $850   Appraisal of collateral(1)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   21% to 75% (54)% 
Other real estate owned  75   Appraisal of collateral(1),(3)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   23% to 49% (35%)   18   Appraisal of collateral(1),(3)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   16% to 64% (29)%
 
            Liquidation expenses(2)
   10% to 59% (25%)             Liquidation expenses(2)
   2% to 206% (79)% 

        
December 31, 2014 Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Range (Wgtd Ave)
December 31, 2016 Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Range (Wgtd Ave)
Impaired loans $469   Appraisal of collateral(1)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   0% to 37%(30%)  $147   Appraisal of collateral(1)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   40% to 99% (45)% 
            Liquidation expenses(2)
   1% to 15%(10%) 
Other real estate owned  512   Appraisal of collateral(1),(3)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   47% to 83%(55%)   21   Appraisal of collateral(1),(3)
   Appraisal adjustments(2)
   20% to 77% (42)% 
            Liquidation expenses(2)
   1% to 61%(9%)             Liquidation expenses(2)
   3% to 199% (37)% 

(1)Fair Value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various level 3 inputs which are not identifiable.
(2)Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
(3)Includes qualitative adjustments by management and estimated liquidation expenses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

For the Company, as for most financial institutions, approximately 90% of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. Therefore, significant estimates and present value calculations were used by the Company for the purpose of this disclosure.

Fair values have been determined by the Company using independent third party valuations that uses best available data (Level 2) and an estimation methodology (Level 3) the Company believes is suitable for each category of financial instruments. Management believes that cash and cash equivalents, and loans and deposits with floating interest rates have estimated fair values which approximate the recorded carrying values. The estimation methodologies used, the estimated fair values based on US GAAP measurements, and recorded carrying values at December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, were as follows:

          
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 Carrying Value Fair
Value
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Carrying
Value
 Fair
Value
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
                                                  
Cash and cash equivalents $48,510  $48,510  $48,510  $  $  $34,188  $34,188  $34,188  $  $ 
Investment securities – AFS  119,467   119,467      119,467      129,138   129,138      129,138    
Investment securities – HTM  21,419   21,533      18,608   2,925   38,752   38,811      35,859   2,952 
Regulatory stock  6,753   6,753   6,753         6,800   6,800   6,800       
Loans held for sale  3,003   3,041   3,041         3,125   3,173   3,173       
Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned income  871,063   869,591         869,591   879,419   873,784         873,784 
Accrued interest income receivable  3,057   3,057   3,057         3,603   3,603   3,603       
Bank owned life insurance  37,228   37,228   37,228         37,860   37,860   37,860       
Fair value swap asset  92   92         92 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
                                                  
Deposits with no stated maturities $633,751  $633,751  $633,751  $  $  $688,648  $688,648  $688,648  $  $ 
Deposits with stated maturities  269,543   271,909         271,909   259,297   260,153         260,153 
Short-term borrowings  48,748   48,748   48,748         49,084   49,084   49,084       
All other borrowings  68,735   72,241         72,241   66,617   69,684         69,684 
Accrued interest payable  1,651   1,651   1,651         1,754   1,754   1,754       
Fair value swap liability  92   92         92 

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
   Carrying
Value
 Fair
Value
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
   (IN THOUSANDS)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
                         
Cash and cash equivalents $34,073  $34,073  $34,073  $  $ 
Investment securities – AFS  127,077   127,077      127,077    
Investment securities – HTM  30,665   30,420      27,473   2,947 
Regulatory stock  5,484   5,484   5,484       
Loans held for sale  3,094   3,158   3,158       
Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned income  873,832   869,960         869,960 
Accrued interest income receivable  3,116   3,116   3,116       
Bank owned life insurance  37,903   37,903   37,903       
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
                         
Deposits with no stated maturities $708,062  $708,062  $708,062  $  $ 
Deposits with stated maturities  259,724   261,446         261,446 
Short-term borrowings  12,754   12,754   12,754       
All other borrowings  65,891   69,348         69,348 
Accrued interest payable  1,640   1,640   1,640       

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  – (continued)

     
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
   Carrying Value Fair
Value
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
   (IN THOUSANDS)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
                         
Cash and cash equivalents $32,872  $32,872  $32,872  $  $ 
Investment securities – AFS  127,110   127,110      127,110    
Investment securities – HTM  19,840   20,213      17,241   2,972 
Regulatory stock  6,173   6,173   6,173       
Loans held for sale  5,051   5,127   5,127       
Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned income  817,457   819,935         819,935 
Accrued interest income receivable  3,127   3,127   3,127       
Bank owned life insurance  37,417   37,417   37,417       
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
                         
Deposits with no stated maturities $568,625  $568,625  $568,625  $  $ 
Deposits with stated maturities  301,256   304,744         304,744 
Short-term borrowings  38,880   38,880   38,880       
All other borrowings  55,085   59,256         59,256 
Accrued interest payable  1,706   1,706   1,706       

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, regulatory stock, accrued interest income receivable, short-term borrowings, and accrued interest payable are equal to the current carrying value.

The fair value of investment securities is equal to the available quoted market price for similar securities. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the US Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. The Level 3 securities are valued by discounted cash flows using the US Treasury rate for the remaining term of the securities.

Loans held for sale are priced individually at market rates on the day that the loan is locked for commitment with an investor. All loans in the held for sale account conform to Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines, with the specific intent of the loan being purchased by an investor at the predetermined rate structure. Loans in the held for sale account have specific delivery dates that must be executed to protect the pricing commitment (typically a 30, 45, or 60 day lock period).

The net loan portfolio has been valued using a present value discounted cash flow. The discount rate used in these calculations is based upon the treasury yield curve adjusted for non-interest operating costs, credit loss, current market prices and assumed prepayment risk.

The fair value of bank owned life insurance is based upon the cash surrender value of the underlying policies and matches the book value.

Deposits with stated maturities have been valued using a present value discounted cash flow with a discount rate approximating current market for similar assets and liabilities. Deposits with no stated maturities have an estimated fair value equal to both the amount payable on demand and the recorded book balance.

The fair value of all other borrowings is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates are estimated using rates currently offered for similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.


TABLE OF CONTENTSThe fair values of the fair value swaps used for interest rate risk management represents the amount the Company would have expected to receive or pay to terminate such agreements.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  – (continued)

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are financial instruments generally not subject to sale, and fair values are not readily available. The carrying value, represented by the net deferred fee arising from the unrecognized commitment, and the fair value, determined by discounting the remaining contractual fee over the term of the commitment using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar credit risk, are not considered material for disclosure. The contractual amounts of unfunded commitments are presented in Note 16.

Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values. The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities which are not considered financial instruments have not been valued differently than has been customary under historical cost accounting.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.  INCOME TAXES

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017 lowered the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the carrying value of the net deferred tax assets was reduced which increased income tax expense by $2,624,000. The expense for income taxes is summarized below:

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Current $1,455  $1,036  $139  $1,044  $483  $1,455 
Deferred  888   562   2,150   1,679   414   888 
Change in corporate tax rate  2,624       
Income tax expense $2,343  $1,598  $2,289  $5,347  $897  $2,343 

The reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective consolidated income tax rate is as follows:

            
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Income tax expense based on federal statutory rate $2,836   34.0%  $1,571   34.0 $2,544   34.0 $2,938   34.0%  $1,090   34.0 $2,836   34.0
Tax exempt income  (574)   (6.9)   (274  (5.9  (359  (4.8  (283)   (3.3)   (255  (7.9  (574  (6.9
Other  81   1.0   301   6.5   104   1.4   68   0.8   62   1.9   81   1.0 
Change in corporate tax rate  2,624   30.4             
Total expense for income taxes $2,343   28.1%  $1,598   34.6 $2,289   30.6 $5,347   61.9%  $897   28.0 $2,343   28.1

The following table highlights the major components comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities for each of the periods presented:

  
 AT DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
          
Allowance for loan losses $2,145  $3,377 
Unfunded commitment reserve  192   303 
Unrealized investment security losses  87   87 
Premises and equipment  804   1,542 
Accrued pension obligation  948   2,582 
Alternative minimum tax credits  1,724   2,110 
Other  219   895 
Total tax assets  6,119   10,896 
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
          
Investment accretion  (33)   (24
Other  (123)   (217
Total tax liabilities  (156)   (241
Net deferred tax asset $5,963  $10,655 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.  INCOME TAXES  – (continued)

The following table highlights the major components comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities for each of the periods presented:

  
 AT DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
   (IN THOUSANDS)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
          
Allowance for loan losses $3,373  $3,272 
Unfunded commitment reserve  298   300 
Premises and equipment  1,602   1,433 
Accrued pension obligation  1,658   2,358 
Net operating loss carryforwards     242 
Alternative minimum tax credits  2,248   2,820 
Other  487   349 
Total tax assets  9,666   10,774 
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
          
Investment accretion  (16)   (25
Unrealized investment security gains  (420)   (950
Other  (237)   (251
Total tax liabilities  (673)   (1,226
Net deferred tax asset $8,993  $9,548 

At December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Company had no valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets as we believe the Company will generate sufficient future taxable income to fully utilize all net operating loss carryforwards and alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits.

The change in net deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

    
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Unrealized gains recognized in comprehensive income $530  $(404 $53  $507 
Pension obligation of the defined benefit plan not yet recognized in income  (197)   942   (442)   1,569 
Deferred provision for income taxes  (888)   (562  (1,679)   (414
Net decrease $(555)  $(24
Change in corporate tax rate  (2,624)    
Net increase (decrease) $(4,692)  $1,662 

The Company has AMT credit carryforwards of approximately $2.2$1.7 million at December 31, 2015.2017. These credits have an indefinite carryforward period. The Company has fully recognized all of its net operating loss carryforward in 2015.

The Company utilizes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13.  INCOME TAXES  – (continued)

Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. The Company has no tax liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company’s federal and state income tax returns for taxable years through 20122014 have been closed for purposes of examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

PENSION PLANS:

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all employees who work at least 1,000 hours per year. The participants shall have a vested interest in their accrued benefit after five full years of service. The benefits of the plan are based upon the employee’s years of service and average annual earnings for the highest five consecutive calendar years during the final ten year period of employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Company implemented a soft freeze of its defined benefit pension plan for non-union employees. A soft freeze means that all existing employees as of December 31, 2012 will remain in the defined benefit pension plan but any new non-union employees hired after January 1, 2013 will no longer be part of the defined benefit plan but instead will be offered retirement benefits under an enhanced 401K program. The Company implemented a similar soft freeze of its defined benefit pension plan for union employees effective January 1, 2014. The Company executed these changes to help reduce its pension costs in future years. Plan assets are primarily debt securities (including U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, corporate notes and bonds), listed common stocks (including shares of the Company’s common stock valued


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

at $666,000$1.2 million and is limited to 10% of the plan’s assets), mutual funds, and short-term cash equivalent instruments. The following actuarial tables are based upon data provided by an independent third party as of December 31, 2015.2017.

PENSION BENEFITS:

    
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
                    
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $33,701  $30,249  $38,637  $33,117 
Service cost  1,557   1,601   1,516   1,468 
Interest cost  1,341   1,368   1,292   1,430 
Actuarial (gain) loss  (1,063)   3,406   1,588   4,578 
Curtailments     328 
Special/contractual termination benefits     376 
Benefits paid  (2,419)   (3,627  (2,020)   (1,956
Benefit obligation at end of year  33,117   33,701   41,013   38,637 
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
                    
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  27,367   26,288   30,671   28,429 
Actual return on plan assets  (154)   2,056   4,949   348 
Employer contributions  3,635   2,650   3,500   3,850 
Benefits paid  (2,419)   (3,627  (2,020)   (1,956
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  28,429   27,367   37,100   30,671 
Funded status of the plan – under funded $(4,688)  $(6,334
Funded status of the plan $(3,913)  $(7,966

  
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
AMOUNTS NOT YET RECOGNIZED AS A COMPONENT OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST:
          
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
          
Net actuarial loss $15,326  $17,602 
Total $15,326  $17,602 

  
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
          
Accumulated benefit obligation $37,594  $35,153 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

  
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
          
Discount rate  3.63%   4.12
Salary scale  2.50   2.50 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

  
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
   (IN THOUSANDS)
AMOUNTS NOT YET RECOGNIZED AS A COMPONENT OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST:
          
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
          
Net actuarial loss $12,431  $12,596 
Total $12,431  $12,596 
   
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016 2015
   (IN THOUSANDS)
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:
               
Service cost $1,516  $1,468  $1,557 
Interest cost  1,292   1,430   1,341 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,539)   (2,275  (2,130
Recognized net actuarial loss  1,454   1,333   1,386 
Net periodic pension cost $1,723  $1,956  $2,154 

  
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
   (IN THOUSANDS)
ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
          
Accumulated benefit obligation $30,606  $30,914 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

  
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
          
Discount rate  4.20%   4.00
Salary scale  2.50   2.50 

   
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014 2013
   (IN THOUSANDS)
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:
               
Service cost $1,557  $1,601  $1,703 
Interest cost  1,341   1,368   1,189 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,130)   (1,991  (1,775
Amortization of prior year service cost     (19  (19
Amortization of transition asset        (8
Special termination benefit liability     376    
Recognized net actuarial loss  1,386   1,181   1,375 
Net periodic pension cost $2,154  $2,516  $2,465 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
OTHER CHANGES IN PLAN ASSETS AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                              
Net (gain) loss $1,221  $3,669  $(2,832 $(822)  $6,505  $1,221 
Recognized loss  (1,386)   (1,181  (1,375  (1,454)   (1,333  (1,386
Recognized prior service cost     19   19 
Recognized net initial asset        8 
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss before tax effect $(165)  $2,507  $(4,180 $(2,276)  $5,172  $(165
Total recognized in net benefit cost and other comprehensive loss before tax effect $1,989  $5,023  $(1,715 $(553)  $7,128  $1,989 

The estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next year is $1,051,000.$1,561,000.

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 were as follows:

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
                              
Discount rate  4.00%   4.50  4.00  4.12%   4.20  4.00
Expected return on plan assets  8.00   8.00   8.00   7.75   7.75   8.00 
Rate of compensation increase  2.50   2.50   2.50   2.50   2.50   2.50 

The Company has assumed an 8%a 7.75% long-term expected return on plan assets. This assumption was based upon the plan’s historical investment performance over a longer-term period of 15 years combined with the plan’s investment objective of balanced growth and income. Additionally, this assumption also incorporates a targeted range for equity securities of approximately 60% of plan assets.

PLAN ASSETS:

The plan’s measurement date is December 31, 2015. This plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2015 and 2014, by asset category are as follows:

  
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
ASSET CATEGORY:
          
Cash and cash equivalents  6%   2
Domestic equities  7   10 
Mutual funds/ETFs  75   80 
International equities  1   3 
Corporate bonds  11   5 
Total  100%   100

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

PLAN ASSETS:

The plan’s measurement date is December 31, 2017. This plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category are as follows:

  
 YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
ASSET CATEGORY:
          
Cash and cash equivalents  —%   8
Domestic equities  12   10 
Mutual funds/ETFs  82   76 
International equities  4   1 
Corporate bonds  2   5 
Total  100%   100

The major categories of assets in the Company’s Pension Plan as of year endyearend are presented in the following table. Assets are segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy established by ASC Topic 820 utilized to measure fair value.

    
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Level 1:
                    
Cash and cash equivalents $1,611  $639  $44  $2,454 
Domestic equities  1,978   2,753   4,340   3,067 
Mutual funds/ETFs  30,470   23,310 
International equities  397   851   1,322   307 
Mutual funds/ETFs  21,396   21,782 
Level 2:
                    
Corporate bonds  3,047   1,342   924   1,533 
Total fair value of plan assets $28,429  $27,367  $37,100  $30,671 

Cash and cash equivalents may include uninvested cash balances along with money market mutual funds, treasury bills, or other assets normally categorized as cash equivalents. Domestic equities may include common or preferred stocks, covered options, rights or warrants, or American Depository Receipts which are traded on any U.S. equity market. Mutual funds/ETFs may include any equity, fixed income, balanced, international, or global mutual fund or exchange traded fund including any propriety fund managed by the Trust Company. Agencies may include any U.S. government agency security or asset-backed security. Collective investment funds may include equity, fixed income, or balanced collective investment funds managed by the Trust Company. Corporate bonds may include any corporate bond or note.

The investment strategy objective for the pension plan is a balance of growth and income. This objective seeks to develop a portfolio for acceptable levels of current income together with the opportunity for capital appreciation. The balanced growth and income objective reflects a relatively equal balance between equity and fixed income investments such as debt securities. The allocation between equity and fixed income assets may vary by a moderate degree but the plan typically targets a range of equity investments between 50% and 60% of the plan assets. This means that fixed income and cash investments typically approximate 40% to 50% of the plan assets. The plan is also able to invest in ASRV common stock up to a maximum level of 10% of the


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

market value of the plan assets (at December 31, 2015, 2.9%2017, 3.4% of the plan assets were invested in ASRV common stock). This asset mix is intended to ensure that there is a steady stream of cash from maturing investments to fund benefit payments.

CASH FLOWS:

The Company presently expects that the contribution to be made to the Plan in 20162018 will be approximately $3.0$3.5 million.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS  – (continued)

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS:

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

  
YEAR: ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS ESTIMATED FUTURE
BENEFIT PAYMENTS
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
2016 $2,287 
2017  2,417 
2018  2,319  $2,698 
2019  2,215   2,692 
2020  2,589   2,817 
Years 2021 – 2025  11,706 
2021  2,832 
2022  3,116 
Years 2023 – 2027  14,988 

401(k) PLAN:

The Company maintains a qualified 401(k) plan that allows for participation by Company employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to make voluntary, pretax contributions to their accounts which the Company will match one half on the first 2% of contribution up to a maximum of 1%. The Company also contributes 4% of salaries for union members who are in the plan. Effective January 1, 2013, any new non-union employees receive a 4% non-elective contribution and these employees may elect to make voluntary, pretax contributions to their accounts which the Company will match one half on the first 6% of contribution up to a maximum of 3%. Effective January 1, 2014, any new union employees receive a 4% non-elective contribution and these employees may elect to make voluntary, pretax contributions to their accounts which the Company will match dollar for dollar up to a maximum of 4%. Contributions by the Company charged to operations were $433,000$469,000, $447,000 and $387,000$433,000 for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 2016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The fair value of plan assets includes $1.4$1.1 million pertaining to the value of the Company’s common stock and Trust Preferred securities that are held by the plan at December 31, 2015.2017.

Except for the above benefit plans, the Company has no significant additional exposure for any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

15.  LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company’s obligation for future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2015,2017, is as follows:

  
YEAR: FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
2016 $716 
2017  520 
2018  342  $445 
2019  223   277 
2020  234   254 
2021 and thereafter  1,739 
2021  254 
2022  256 
2023 and thereafter  1,558 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.  LEASE COMMITMENTS  – (continued)

In addition to the amounts set forth above, certain of the leases require payments by the Company for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Rent expense included in total non-interest expense amounted to $571,000, $767,000 and $821,000, $732,000in 2017, 2016, and $764,000, in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit are obligations to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral which secures these types of commitments is the same as for other types of secured lending such as accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including normal business activities, bond financings, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Letters of credit are issued both on an unsecured and secured basis. Collateral securing these types of transactions is similar to collateral securing the Company’s commercial loans.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $170.5$165.1 million and standby letters of credit of $7.5$10.0 million, compared to commitments to extend credit of $188.0$160.5 million and standby letters of credit of $7.2$8.5 million at December 31, 2014.2016. Standby letters of credit had terms ranging from 1 to 2 years with annual extension options available. Standby letters of credit of approximately $2.7$5.1 million were secured as of December 31, 20152017 and approximately $3.3$3.9 million at December 31, 2014.2016. The carrying amount of the liability for AmeriServ obligations related to unfunded commitments and standby letters of credit was $877,000$915,000 at December 31, 20152017 and $882,000$890,000 at December 31, 2014.2016.

Pursuant to its bylaws, the Company provides indemnification to its directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a result of their service on behalf of the Company. In connection with this indemnification obligation, the Company can advance on behalf of covered individuals costs incurred in defending against certain claims. Additionally, the Company is also subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company, neither the resolution of these claims nor the funding of these credit commitments will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

17.  PREFERRED STOCK

SBLF:

On August 11, 2011, pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), the Company issued and sold to the US Treasury 21,000 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E (Series E Preferred Stock) for the aggregate proceeds of $21 million. The SBLF was a voluntary program sponsored by the US Treasury that encouraged small business lending by providing capital to qualified community banks at


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

17.  PREFERRED STOCK  – (continued)

favorable rates. The Company used the proceeds from the Series E Preferred Stock issued to the US Treasury to repurchase all 21,000 shares of its outstanding preferred shares previously issued to the US Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program.

On January 27, 2016, we redeemed the Series E Preferred Stock, at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends, after receiving approval of our federal banking regulator and the US Treasury. For more information regarding this redemption see Note 26 Subsequent Event.


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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.  STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company uses the modified prospective method for accounting for stock-based compensation and recognized $29,000$13,000 of pretax compensation expense for the year 2015, $42,0002017, $20,000 in 20142016 and $82,000$29,000 in 2013.2015.

During 2011, the Company’s Board adopted, and its shareholders approved, the AmeriServ Financial, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) authorizing the grant of options or restricted stock covering 800,000 shares of common stock. This Plan replaced the expired 2001 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, options or restricted stock can be granted (the Grant Date) to directors, officers, and employees that provide services to the Company and its affiliates, as selected by the compensation committee of the Board. The option price at which a granted stock option may be exercised was not less than 100% of the fair market value per share of common stock on the Grant Date. The maximum term of any option granted under the Plan cannot exceed 10 years. Generally, options vest over a three year period and become exercisable in equal installments over the vesting period. At times, options with a one year vesting period may also be issued.

A summary of the status of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan at December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, and changes during the years then ended is presented in the table and narrative following:

            
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 SHARES WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
 SHARES WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
 SHARES WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
 SHARES WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE SHARES WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE SHARES WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE
Outstanding at beginning of year  559,909  $2.66   487,349  $2.55   398,371  $2.43   417,566  $2.76   470,449  $2.74   559,909  $2.66 
Granted  32,500   2.96   115,000   3.18   102,445   3.19   17,500   3.96   54,000   3.03   32,500   2.96 
Exercised  (75,923)   2.07   (10,700  2.25   (3,467  1.81   (64,112)   2.49   (32,661  2.27   (75,923  2.07 
Forfeited  (46,037)   3.04   (31,740  3.08   (10,000  4.25   (10,233)   3.10   (74,222  3.04   (46,037  3.04 
Outstanding at end of year  470,449   2.74   559,909   2.66   487,349   2.55   360,721   2.85   417,566   2.76   470,449   2.74 
Exercisable at end of year  336,555   2.58   330,822   2.36   257,253   2.25   308,301   2.79   328,062   2.69   336,555   2.58 
Weighted average fair value of options granted in current year      $0.67       $0.85       $0.83       $1.12       $0.93       $0.67 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.  STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS  – (continued)

A total of 336,555308,301 of the 470,449360,721 options outstanding at December 31, 2015,2017, are exercisable and have exercise prices between $1.53 and $4.70,$4.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $2.58$2.85 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.795.03 years. All of these options are exercisable. The remaining 133,89452,420 options that are not yet exercisable have exercise prices between $2.96 and $3.23,$4.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.13$3.22 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.307.90 years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013.2015.

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
BLACK-SCHOLES ASSUMPTION RANGES 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
Risk-free interest rate  1.97%   2.43 – 2.74%   1.82 – 1.03%   2.23 – 2.38%   1.56 – 1.73%   1.97% 
Expected lives in years  10   10   10   10   10   10 
Expected volatility  22%   28 – 29%   30 – 32%   28.09 – 28.84%   29%   22% 
Expected dividend rate  1.35%   1.25 – 1.30%   1.30%   1.50%   1.35-1.81%   1.35% 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the periods ending December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 (in thousands):

            
 YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2014 YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016
 Net
Unrealized
Gains and
Losses on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
 Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
 Total(1) Net
Unrealized
Gains and
Losses on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
 Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
 Total(1) Net
Unrealized
Gains and
Losses on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
 Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
 Total(1) Net
Unrealized
Gains and
Losses on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
 Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
 Total(1)
Beginning balance $1,843  $(8,745)  $(6,902)  $1,043  $(6,918 $(5,875 $(171)  $(11,406)  $(11,577)  $808  $(8,363 $(7,555
Reclassification of certain income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss  (53)   (2,078)   (2,131)          
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications  (989)   (242)   (1,231)   917   (2,354  (1,437  (27)   1,071   1,044   (862  (3,563  (4,425
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  (46)   624   578   (117  527   410   (76)   (210)   (286)   (117  520   403 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)  (1,035)   382   (653)   800   (1,827  (1,027
Net current period other comprehensive loss  (156)   (1,217)   (1,373)   (979  (3,043  (4,022
Ending balance $808  $(8,363)  $(7,555)  $1,843  $(8,745 $(6,902 $(327)  $(12,623)  $(12,950)  $(171 $(11,406 $(11,577

(1)Amounts in parentheses indicate debits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS  – (continued)

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the periods ending December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 (in thousands):

      
 Amount reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
loss(1)
 Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss(1)
Details about accumulated other comprehensive loss components YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
2015
 YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
2014
 Affected line item in the
statement of operations
 YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
2017
 YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
2016
 Affected line item in the
statement of operations
Unrealized gains and losses on sale of securities $(71)  $(177  Net realized gains on investment securities  $(115)  $(177  Net realized gains on investment securities 
  25   60   Provision for income taxes   39   60   Provision for income taxes 
 $(46)  $(117  Net of tax  $(76)  $(117  Net of tax 
Amortization of defined benefit items(2)
          
Recognized net actuarial loss $946  $813   Salaries and employee benefits 
Prior service cost     (14  Salaries and employee benefits 
  946   799   Pretax income 
Amortization of defined benefit items(2) Recognized net actuarial loss $(318)  $788   Salaries and employee benefits 
  (322)   (272  Provision for income taxes   108   (268  Provision for income taxes 
 $624  $527   Net income  $(210)  $520   Net of tax 
Total reclassifications for the period $578  $410   Net income  $(286)  $403   Net income 

(1)Amounts in parentheses indicate credits.
(2)These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 14 for additional details).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets show both tangible assets (such as loans, buildings, and investments) and intangible assets (such as goodwill). Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not amortized. Instead such intangible is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. Any resulting impairment would be reflected as a non-interest expense. Of the Company’s goodwill of $11.9 million, $9.5 million is allocated to the retail banking segment and $2.4 million relates to the WCCA acquisition which is included in the trust segment. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company performed a goodwill impairment test and determined that the fair value of WCCA was less than its carrying value and, accordingly, recorded an impairment charge of $669,000. The goodwill impairment charge was the result of a reduction in earnings power caused by the departure of WCCA’s former CEO and subsequent loss of a meaningful number of clients. A reconciliationbalance of the Company’s goodwill follows (in thousands):at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $11.9 million, respectively.

  
 AT DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
Balance at January 1 $11,944  $12,613 
Goodwill impairment charge     (669
Balance at December 31 $11,944  $11,944 

21.  DERIVATIVE HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

The Company can use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. The Company can use derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, to manage interest rate risk and match the rates on certain assets by hedging the fair value of certain fixed rate debt, which converts the debt to variable rates and by hedging the cash flow variability associated with certain variable rate debt by converting the debt to fixed rates.

To accommodate the needs of our customers and support the Company’s asset/liability positioning, we entered into interest rate swap agreements with customers and a large financial institution that specializes in these types of transactions in 2017. These arrangements involve the exchange of interest payments based on the notional amounts. The Company entered into floating rate loans and fixed rate swaps with our customers. Simultaneously, the Company entered into an offsetting fixed rate swaps with PNC. In connection with each swap transaction, the Company agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on the same notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Company agrees to pay PNC the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. These transactions allow the Company’s customers to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. Because the Company acts as an


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  DERIVATIVE HEDGING INSTRUMENTS  – (continued)

intermediary for its customers, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. The Company received $139,000 in fees on the transactions.

The following table summarizes the interest rate swap transactions that impacted the Company’s 2013 performance:2017 performance.

       
START DATE MATURITY DATE HEDGE TYPE NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
 RATE RECEIVED RATE PAID REPRICING
FREQUENCY
 INCREASE
(DECREASE)
IN INTEREST
EXPENSE
12/12/08  09/24/13   FAIR VALUE  $9,000,000   5.25%   2.73%   MONTHLY  $165,488 
12/12/08  09/24/13   FAIR VALUE   9,000,000   2.73    5.25    MONTHLY   (165,488
                       $ 
     
 HEDGE
TYPE
 AGGREGATE
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
 WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
RATE
RECEIVED/
(PAID)
 REPRICING
FREQUENCY
 INCREASE
(DECREASE)
IN INTEREST
EXPENSE
SWAP ASSETS  FAIR VALUE  $16,948,686   3.47  MONTHLY  $(110,778
SWAPLIABILITIES  FAIR VALUE   (16,948,686  (3.47  MONTHLY   110,778 
NET EXPOSURE               

The Company monitors and controls all derivative products with a comprehensive Board of Director approved hedging policy. This policy permits a total maximum notional amount outstanding of $500 million for interest rate swaps, interest rate caps/floors, and swaptions. All hedge transactions must be approved in advance by the Investment Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) of the Board.Board of Directors. The Company had no caps or floors outstanding at December 31, 2017.

22.  SEGMENT RESULTS

The financial performance of the Company is also monitored by an internal funds transfer pricing profitability measurement system which produces line of business results and key performance measures. The Company’s major business units include retail banking, commercial banking, trust, and investment/parent. The reported results reflect the underlying economics of the business segments. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated based upon the cost and estimated usage of those services. The businesses are match-funded and interest rate risk is centrally managed and accounted for within the investment/parent business segment. The key performance measure the Company focuses on for each business segment is net income contribution.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  SEGMENT RESULTS  – (continued)

Retail banking includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise and lending to both individuals and small businesses. Lending activities include residential mortgage loans, direct consumer loans, and small business commercial loans. Commercial banking to businesses includes commercial loans, and CRE loans. The trust segment contains our wealth management businesses which include the Trust Company, WCCA, our registered investment advisory firm and financial services. Wealth management includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. Financial services include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. The wealth management businesses also includes the BUILD funds which are union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD funds which are designed to use union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The investment/parent includes the net results of investment securities and borrowing activities, general corporate expenses not allocated to the business segments, interest expense on guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and centralized interest rate risk management. Inter-segment revenues were not material.

The contribution of the major business segments to the Consolidated Results of Operations were as follows:

     
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
   RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/ PARENT TOTAL
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Net interest income $20,680  $18,390  $58  $(3,767)  $35,361 
Provision for loan loss  192   1,058         1,250 
Non-interest income  5,537   552   8,683   495   15,267 
Non-interest expense  21,849   10,303   6,606   2,280   41,038 
Income (loss) before income taxes  4,176   7,581   2,135   (5,552)   8,340 
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,160   2,167   726   (1,710)   2,343 
Net income (loss) $3,016  $5,414  $1,409  $(3,842)  $5,997 
Total assets $415,433  $589,840  $5,263  $138,386  $1,148,922 

     
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
   RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/ PARENT TOTAL
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Net interest income $20,141  $16,777  $47  $(2,921 $34,044 
Provision for loan loss  57   318         375 
Non-interest income  5,633   381   8,118   191   14,323 
Non-interest expense  22,531   10,868   6,967   3,005   43,371 
Income (loss) before income taxes  3,186   5,972   1,198   (5,735  4,621 
Income tax expense (benefit)  958   1,819   634   (1,813  1,598 
Net income (loss) $2,228  $4,153  $564  $(3,922 $3,023 
Total assets $376,009  $563,690  $5,015  $144,549  $1,089,263 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  SEGMENT RESULTS  – (continued)

The contribution of the major business segments to the Consolidated Results of Operations were as follows:

          
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
 RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/ PARENT TOTAL RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/
PARENT
 TOTAL
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
Net interest income $20,223  $15,687  $35  $(3,084 $32,861  $20,541  $18,642  $61  $(3,683)  $35,561 
Credit provision for loan loss  (92  (1,008        (1,100
Provision for loan loss  122   678         800 
Non-interest income  6,512   642   8,391   199   15,744   4,956   414   9,170   105   14,645 
Non-interest expense  22,870   10,148   6,605   2,600   42,223   21,247   9,892   7,094   2,533   40,766 
Income (loss) before income taxes  3,957   7,189   1,821   (5,485  7,482   4,128   8,486   2,137   (6,111)   8,640 
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,165   2,166   619   (1,661  2,289 
Income tax expense  1,381   2,642   772   552   5,347 
Net income (loss) $2,792  $5,023  $1,202  $(3,824 $5,193  $2,747  $5,844  $1,365  $(6,663)  $3,293 
Total assets $347,823  $545,556  $4,722  $157,935  $1,056,036  $353,924  $643,055  $5,413  $165,263  $1,167,655 

     
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
   RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/
PARENT
 TOTAL
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Net interest income $20,860  $18,518  $56  $(5,300 $34,134 
Provision for loan loss  175   3,775         3,950 
Non-interest income  5,281   439   8,749   169   14,638 
Non-interest expense  21,704   10,453   7,097   2,361   41,615 
Income (loss) before income taxes  4,262   4,729   1,708   (7,492  3,207 
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,252   1,387   581   (2,323  897 
Net income (loss) $3,010  $3,342  $1,127  $(5,169 $2,310 
Total assets $357,500  $635,843  $5,217  $155,220  $1,153,780 

     
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
   RETAIL BANKING COMMERCIAL BANKING TRUST INVESTMENT/
PARENT
 TOTAL
   (IN THOUSANDS)
Net interest income $20,680  $18,390  $58  $(3,767 $35,361 
Credit provision for loan loss  192   1,058         1,250 
Non-interest income  5,537   552   8,683   495   15,267 
Non-interest expense  21,849   10,303   6,606   2,280   41,038 
Income (loss) before income taxes  4,176   7,581   2,135   (5,552  8,340 
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,160   2,167   726   (1,710  2,343 
Net income (loss) $3,016  $5,414  $1,409  $(3,842 $5,997 
Total assets $415,008  $589,840  $5,263  $138,386  $1,148,497 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23.  REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Company is subject to various capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. As of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as Well Capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Company believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would change this conclusion. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based, common equity Tier I risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. Additionally, while not a regulatory capital ratio, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 7.57%7.20% and 7.56%7.31% for 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

            
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
 COMPANY BANK MINIMUM
REQUIRED
FOR
CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
 TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED
UNDER
PROMPT
CORRECTIVE
ACTION
REGULATIONS*
 COMPANY BANK MINIMUM REQUIRED FOR CAPITAL ADEQUACY PURPOSES TO BE WELL CAPITALIZED UNDER PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION REGULATIONS*
 AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO RATIO RATIO AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO RATIO RATIO
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) $144,096   15.55%  $106,890   11.67%   8.00%   10.00%  $126,276   13.21%  $110,681   11.64%   8.00%   10.00% 
Tier 1 Common Equity (To Risk Weighted Assets)  93,202   10.06   96,092   10.49   4.50   6.50   95,882   10.03   99,552   10.47   4.50   6.50 
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)  125,648   13.56   96,092   10.49   6.00   8.00   107,682   11.26   99,552   10.47   6.00   8.00 
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)  125,648   11.41   96,092   8.97   4.00   5.00   107,682   9.32   99,552   8.75   4.00   5.00 

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2016
   COMPANY BANK MINIMUM REQUIRED FOR CAPITAL ADEQUACY PURPOSES TO BE WELL CAPITALIZED UNDER PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION REGULATIONS*
   AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO RATIO RATIO
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) $125,131   13.15 $107,618   11.35  8.00  10.00
Tier 1 Common Equity (To Risk Weighted Assets)  95,028   9.99   96,796   10.21   4.50   6.50 
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)  106,868   11.23   96,796   10.21   6.00   8.00 
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)  106,868   9.35   96,796   8.61   4.00   5.00 

*Applies to the Bank only.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23.  REGULATORY CAPITAL  – (continued)

      
 AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
   COMPANY BANK MINIMUM
REQUIRED
FOR
CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
 TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED
UNDER
PROMPT
CORRECTIVE
ACTION
REGULATIONS*
   AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO RATIO RATIO
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) $131,497   14.80 $106,084   12.07  8.00  10.00
Tier 1 Common Equity (To Risk Weighted Assets)                  
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)  120,992   13.62   95,579   10.88   4.00   6.00 
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)  120,992   11.34   95,579   9.19   4.00   5.00 

*Applies to the Bank only.

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved final rules that substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Company and the Bank. The final rules implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms, as well as certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, which will require institutions to, among other things, have more capital and a higher quality of capital by increasing the minimum regulatory capital ratios, and requiring capital buffers. The new rules became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015, with an implementation period that stretches to 2019. For a more detailed discussion see the Capital Resources section of the MD&A.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The parent company functions primarily as a coordinating and servicing unit for all subsidiary entities. Provided services include general management, accounting and taxes, loan review, internal auditing, investment advisory, marketing, insurance risk management, general corporate services, and financial and strategic planning. The following financial information relates only to the parent company operations:

BALANCE SHEETS

  
 AT DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014
   (IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
          
Cash $100  $100 
Short-term investments in money market funds  21,793   5,784 
Investment securities available for sale  8,484   11,714 
Equity investment in banking subsidiary  100,726   100,473 
Equity investment in non-banking subsidiaries  6,007   5,685 
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture issuance costs  193   209 
Subordinated debt issuance costs  232    
Other assets  3,197   4,698 
TOTAL ASSETS $140,732  $128,663 
LIABILITIES
          
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures $13,085  $13,085 
Subordinated debt  7,650    
Other liabilities  1,024   1,171 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  21,759   14,256 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          
Total stockholders’ equity  118,973   114,407 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $140,732  $128,663 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2015 2014 2013
   (IN THOUSANDS)
INCOME
               
Inter-entity management and other fees $2,432  $2,432  $2,355 
Dividends from banking subsidiary  5,100   1,500   5,500 
Dividends from non-banking subsidiaries  975   870   675 
Interest, dividend and other income  669   262   243 
TOTAL INCOME  9,176   5,064   8,773 
EXPENSE
               
Interest expense  1,125   1,121   1,121 
Salaries and employee benefits  2,302   2,576   2,502 
Other expense  1,563   1,996   1,608 
TOTAL EXPENSE  4,990   5,693   5,231 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES  4,187   (629  3,542 
Benefit for income taxes  642   1,020   895 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  1,168   2,632   756 
NET INCOME $5,997  $3,023  $5,193 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $5,344  $1,996  $4,697 
  
 AT DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016
   (IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
          
Cash $100  $100 
Short-term investments in money market funds  4,521   5,397 
Investment securities available for sale  5,307   6,041 
Equity investment in banking subsidiary  99,408   97,158 
Equity investment in non-banking subsidiaries  6,444   5,168 
Other assets  499   2,665 
TOTAL ASSETS $116,279  $116,529 
LIABILITIES
          
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures $12,923  $12,908 
Subordinated debt  7,465   7,441 
Other liabilities  789   785 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  21,177   21,134 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          
Total stockholders’ equity  95,102   95,395 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $116,279  $116,529 

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION  – (continued)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
   2017 2016 2015
   (IN THOUSANDS)
INCOME
               
Inter-entity management and other fees $2,315  $2,305  $2,432 
Dividends from banking subsidiary  2,850   3,000   5,100 
Dividends from non-banking subsidiaries  840   650   975 
Interest, dividend and other income  163   214   669 
TOTAL INCOME  6,168   6,169   9,176 
EXPENSE
               
Interest expense  1,642   1,640   1,125 
Salaries and employee benefits  2,416   2,314   2,302 
Other expense  1,618   1,549   1,562 
TOTAL EXPENSE  5,676   5,503   4,989 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES  492   666   4,187 
Benefit for income taxes  (1,114)   (1,015  (642
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  1,687   629   1,168 
NET INCOME $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $4,051  $(1,712 $5,344 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION  – (continued)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

      
 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
 (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                              
Net income $5,997  $3,023  $5,193  $3,293  $2,310  $5,997 
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
                              
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  (1,168)   (2,632  (756  (1,687)   (629  (1,168
Stock compensation expense  29   42   82   13   20   29 
Other – net  842   (505  (718  1,325   1,463   842 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES  5,700   (72  3,801   2,944   3,164   5,700 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                              
Purchase of investment securities – available for sale  (1,533)   (2,027  (3,885  (1,002)   (996  (1,533
Proceeds from maturity of investment securities – available for sale  4,669   2,284   2,506 
Proceeds from maturity and sales of investment securities – available for sale  1,699   3,396   4,669 
Proceeds from life insurance policies  719               719 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES  3,855   257   (1,379
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES  697   2,400   3,855 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                              
Purchase of treasury stock        (1,171
Subordinated debt issuance, net  7,418               7,418 
Preferred stock redemption     (21,000   
Preferred stock dividends paid  (210)   (210  (209     (15  (210
Purchases of treasury stock  (3,404)       
Common stock dividends paid  (754)   (752  (566  (1,113)   (945  (754
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES  6,454   (962  (1,946
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  16,009   (777  476 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES  (4,517)   (21,960  6,454 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (876)   (16,396  16,009 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1  5,884   6,661   6,185   5,497   21,893   5,884 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31 $21,893  $5,884  $6,661  $4,621  $5,497  $21,893 

The ability of the subsidiary Bank to upstream cash to the parent company is restricted by regulations. Federal law prevents the parent company from borrowing from its subsidiary Bank unless the loans are secured by specified assets. Further, such secured loans are limited in amount to ten percent of the subsidiary Bank’s capital and surplus. In addition, the Bank is subject to legal limitations on the amount of dividends that can be paid to its shareholder. The dividend limitation generally restricts dividend payments to a bank’s retained net income for the current and preceding two calendar years. Cash may also be upstreamed to the parent company by the subsidiaries as an inter-entity management fee. The subsidiary Bank had a combined $109,300,000$110,300,000 of restricted surplus and retained earnings at December 31, 2015.2017.


 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25.  SELECTED QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly consolidated financial data regarding the Company:

        
 2015 QUARTER ENDED 2017 QUARTER ENDED
 DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MARCH 31 DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MARCH 31
 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Interest income $10,282  $10,667  $10,409  $10,523  $11,370  $11,187  $11,051  $10,748 
Interest expense  1,690   1,632   1,609   1,589   2,366   2,250   2,152   2,027 
Net interest income  8,592   9,035   8,800   8,934   9,004   8,937   8,899   8,721 
Provision for loan losses  500   300   200   250   50   200   325   225 
Net interest income after provision for loan
losses
  8,092   8,735   8,600   8,684   8,954   8,737   8,574   8,496 
Non-interest income  3,848   4,015   3,692   3,712   3,699   3,629   3,755   3,562 
Non-interest expense  10,170   10,219   10,239   10,410   10,250   10,114   10,317   10,085 
Income before income taxes  1,770   2,531   2,053   1,986   2,403   2,252   2,012   1,973 
Provision for income taxes  396   698   632   617   3,398   701   623   625 
Net income $1,374  $1,833  $1,421  $1,369 
Basic earnings per common share $0.07  $0.09  $0.07  $0.07 
Diluted earnings per common share  0.07   0.09   0.07   0.07 
Net income (loss) $(995)  $1,551  $1,389  $1,348 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $(0.05)  $0.08  $0.07  $0.07 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share  (0.05)   0.08   0.07   0.07 
Cash dividends declared per common share  0.01   0.01   0.01   0.01   0.015   0.015   0.015   0.015 

    
 2014 QUARTER ENDED
   DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MARCH 31
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Interest income $10,344  $10,019  $9,983  $10,095 
Interest expense  1,612   1,616   1,599   1,570 
Net interest income  8,732   8,403   8,384   8,525 
Provision (credit) for loan losses  375          
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses  8,357   8,403   8,384   8,525 
Non-interest income  3,560   3,593   3,638   3,532 
Non-interest expense  10,770   11,243   10,620   10,738 
Income before income taxes  1,147   753   1,402   1,319 
Provision for income taxes  398   388   423   389 
Net income $749  $365  $979  $930 
Basic earnings per common share $0.04  $0.02  $0.05  $0.05 
Diluted earnings per common share  0.04   0.02   0.05   0.05 
Cash dividends declared per common share  0.01   0.01   0.01   0.01 
    
 2016 QUARTER ENDED
   DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MARCH 31
   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Interest income $10,582  $10,476  $10,389  $10,422 
Interest expense  1,998   1,970   1,903   1,864 
Net interest income  8,584   8,506   8,486   8,558 
Provision for loan losses  300   300   250   3,100 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses  8,284   8,206   8,236   5,458 
Non-interest income  3,798   3,661   3,742   3,437 
Non-interest expense  10,509   10,356   10,039   10,711 
Income (loss) before income taxes  1,573   1,511   1,939   (1,816
Provision (benefit) for income taxes  423   446   577   (549
Net income (loss) $1,150  $1,065  $1,362  $(1,267
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $0.06  $0.06  $0.07  $(0.07
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share  0.06   0.06   0.07   (0.07
Cash dividends declared per common share  0.015   0.015   0.010   0.010 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On January 27, 2016, the Company redeemed all 21,000 preferred stock shares issued under the Small Business Lending Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (SBLF). The Company received approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of Treasury to fully redeem the noncumulative perpetual preferred stock that had been issued to the U.S. Department of Treasury on August 11, 2011 in connection with the Company’s participation in the SBLF program. The shares were redeemed at $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends for a total redemption price of approximately $21 million. The redemption was funded from the previously disclosed issuance of $7.65 million of subordinated debt and $13.4 million of cash and securities on hand. Following the redemption, the Company has no preferred shares outstanding. The Company continues to have capital in excess of minimum regulatory requirements and at levels that qualify as “well capitalized” under applicable regulatory guidelines. Under the program, the Company was able to leverage the funds to lend an additional $192 million in loans to small businesses.


 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of AmeriServ Financial Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20152017 and 2014, and2016; the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These2017; and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements are(collectively, the responsibility of AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)“financial statements”). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and subsidiariesthe Company as of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, and the consolidated results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the periodthen ended, December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S.accounting principles generally accepted accounting principles.in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries’the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 8, 2016,2, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’sthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.

/s/ S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.
 
Wexford,Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
March 8, 20162, 2018


 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited AmeriServ Financial Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’sIn our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, of the Company and in our report dated March 2, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanyingReport on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting.Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’sthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a)(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b)(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c)(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, AmeriServ Financial, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated March 8, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.
 
Wexford,Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
March 8, 20162, 2018


 

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REPORT ON MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

We, as management of AmeriServ Financial, Inc., are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Management assessed the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2017, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concludes that, as of December 31, 2015,2017, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the “2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework”. S.R. Snodgrass, P.C., independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2017.

Management is responsible for compliance with the federal and state laws and regulations concerning dividend restrictions and federal laws and regulations concerning loans to insiders designated by the Federal Reserve as safety and soundness laws and regulations.

Management has assessed compliance by the Company with the designated laws and regulations relating to safety and soundness. Based on the assessment, management believes that the Company complied, in all significant respects, with the designated laws and regulations related to safety and soundness for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017.

 
/s/ JEFFREY A. STOPKO

Jeffrey A. Stopko
President &
Chief Executive Officer
 /s/ MICHAEL D. LYNCH

Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

Johnstown, PA
March 8, 20162, 2018


 

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STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

February 18, 2016

15, 2018

To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors of
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

Management of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries have prepared the consolidated financial statements and other information in the Annual Report and Form 10-K in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles and are responsible for its accuracy.

In meeting its responsibility, management relies on internal accounting and related control systems, which include selection and training of qualified personnel, establishment and communication of accounting and administrative policies and procedures, appropriate segregation of responsibilities, and programs of internal audit. These systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets and that assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition. Such assurance cannot be absolute because of inherent limitations in any internal control system.

Management also recognizes its responsibility to foster a climate in which Company affairs are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The Company’s Code of Conduct, furnished to each employee and director, addresses the importance of open internal communications, potential conflicts of interest, compliance with applicable laws, including those related to financial disclosure, the confidentiality of proprietary information, and other items. There is an ongoing program to assess compliance with these policies.

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consists solely of independent directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to discuss audit, financial reporting, and related matters. S.R. Snodgrass P.C. and the Company’s internal auditors have direct access to the Audit Committee.

 
/s/ JEFFREY A. STOPKO

Jeffrey A. Stopko
President &
Chief Executive Officer
 /s/ MICHAEL D. LYNCH

Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  As of December 31, 2015,2017, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, on the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.2017.

Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports filed and submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017 is included in Item 8.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


 

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by this section relating to Directors of the Registrant is presented in the “Election of ASRV Directors” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this section is presented in the “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation Paid to Executive Officers” sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


 

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes the number of shares remaining for issuance under the Company’s outstanding stock incentive plans as of December 31, 2015.2017.

      
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(a)
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)
 Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (a)
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (b)
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  470,449  $2.74   308,058   360,721  $2.79   448,170 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  0   0   0   0   0   0 
Total  470,449  $2.74   308,058   360,721  $2.79   448,170 

Information required by this section is presented in the “Principal Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this section is presented in the “Director Independence and Transactions with Related Parties” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this section is presented in the “Independent Registered Accounting Firm” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


 

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED:

The consolidated financial statements listed below are from this 20152017 Form 10-K and Part II — Item 8. Page references are to this Form 10-K.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 
AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets  3536 
Consolidated Statements of Operations  3637 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)  3839 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity  3940 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  4041 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  4142 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  8788 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  8889 
Report of Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  8991 
Statement of Management Responsibility  9092 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:

These schedules are not required or are not applicable under SEC accounting regulations and therefore have been omitted.


 

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EXHIBITS:

The exhibits listed below are filed herewith or to other filings.

  
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 DESCRIPTION PRIOR FILING OR EXHIBIT
PAGE NUMBER HEREIN
  3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through August 11, 2011. Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-176869) filed on September 16, 2011
 3.2 Bylaws, as amended and restated effective December 30, 2014. Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2015
10.1 Employment Agreement, dated April 27, 2015, between AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and Jeffrey A. Stopko. Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2015
10.2 AmeriServ Financial, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement, filed under Schedule 14A, filed on March 21, 2011
10.3 AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2014
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated February 19, 2016, between AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and Michael D. Lynch. Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2016
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. Attached
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Attached
31.1 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Attached
31.2 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Attached
32.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Attached
32.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Attached
101 The following information from AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, formatted in XBRL (eTensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Attached

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
(Registrant)

By:/s/ Jeffrey A. Stopko

Jeffrey A. Stopko
President & CEO

Date: February 18, 201615, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 18, 2016:15, 2018:

   
/s/ Craig G. Ford

Craig G. Ford
 Chairman
Director
/s/ Jeffrey A. Stopko

Jeffrey A. Stopko
 President & CEO Director /s/ Michael D. Lynch

Michael D. Lynch
 CFO & SVP
/s/ J. Michael Adams, Jr.

J. Michael Adams, Jr.
 Director /s/ Margaret A. O’Malley

Margaret A. O’Malley
 Director
/s/ Allan R. Dennison

Allan R. Dennison
 Director /s/ Mark E. Pasquerilla

Mark E. Pasquerilla
 Director
/s/ Daniel R. DeVos

Daniel R. DeVos
 Director /s/ Sara A. Sargent

Sara A. Sargent
 Director
/s/ Bruce E. Duke, III

Bruce E. Duke, III
 Director /s/ Thomas C. Slater

Thomas C. Slater
 Director
/s/ James M. Edwards, Sr.Kim W. Kunkle

James M. Edwards, Sr.Kim W. Kunkle
 Director /s/ Robert L. Wise

Robert L. Wise
 Director
/s/ Kim W. Kunkle

Kim W. Kunkle
Director

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL
BANK OFFICE LOCATIONS

*Main Office Downtown
216 Franklin Street
PO Box 520
Johnstown, PA 15907-0520
1-800-837-BANK (2265)
*Westmont Office
110 Plaza Drive
Johnstown, PA 15905-1211
*University Heights Office
1404 Eisenhower Boulevard
Johnstown, PA 15904-3218
*Eighth Ward Office
1059 Franklin Street
Johnstown, PA 15905-4303
*Carrolltown Office
101 South Main Street
Carrolltown, PA 15722-0507
*Northern Cambria Office
4206 Crawford Avenue
Suite 1
Northern Cambria,
PA 15714-1342
*Lovell Park Office
179 Lovell Avenue
Ebensburg, PA 15931-1864
*Nanty Glo Office
1383 Shoemaker Street
Nanty Glo, PA 15943-1254
*Galleria Mall Office
500 Galleria Drive Suite 100
Johnstown, PA 15904-8911
 

  
  

*Seward Office
1 Roadway Plaza
6858 Route 711 Suite One
Seward, PA 15954-3130
*Windber Office
1501 Somerset Avenue
Windber, PA 15963-1745
*Central City Office
104 Sunshine Avenue
Central City, PA 15926-1129
*Somerset Office
108 W. Main Street
Somerset, PA 15501-2035
*Derry Office
112 South Chestnut Street
Derry, PA 15627-1938
*South AthertonEast Hills Drive-up,
1213 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904-
Pittsburgh Office
734 South Atherton StreetUnited Steelworkers Bldg
State College,60 Boulevard of the Allies
Suite 100
Pittsburgh, PA 16801-462815222-1232

Pittsburgh Office
United Steelworkers Bldg
60 Boulevard of the Allies
Suite 100

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1232

*North Atherton Office
1857 N. Atherton Street
State College, PA 16803-1521
* == 24-Hour ATM Banking
Available
 

REMOTE ATM
BANKING LOCATIONS

*East Hills Drive-up,
1213 Scalp Avenue,
Johnstown
*Main Office,
216 Franklin Street,
Johnstown
The Galleria, Johnstown

AMERISERV LOAN
PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

Main Office Downtown
216 Franklin Street
PO Box 520
Johnstown, PA 15907-0520

Altoona Office
3415 Pleasant Valley Boulevard
Pleasant Valley Shopping Center
Altoona, PA 16602-4321

Hagerstown Office
1829 Howell Road
Suite 3

Hagerstown, MD 21740-6606

Pittsburgh Loan Center
Penn Center East
Building 1Monroeville LPO
201 Penn Center Boulevard
Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5507

Harrisonburg OfficeState College Loan Store
2322 Blue Stone Hills Drive1857 N. Atherton Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801State College, PA 16803-1521


 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
 
SECURITIES MARKETS

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System. The common stock is traded under the symbol of “ASRV.” The listed market makers for the stock are:

 
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
1251 Avenue of the Americas
6th Floor
New York, NY 10020
Telephone: (800) 635-6860
 Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
787 Seventh Avenue
Equitable Bldg — 4th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Telephone: (800) 966-1559
Stifel Nicolaus
1407 Eisenhower Boulevard
Johnstown, PA 15904
Telephone: (814) 269-9211
 Knight Capital Group, Inc.
Stifel Nicolaus
545 Washington Boulevard7111 Fairway Drive, STE 301
Jersey City, NJ 07310Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Telephone: (800) 544-7508(561) 615-5300
KCG
300 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10282
Telephone: (888) 931-4357
Citadel Securities LLC
131 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Telephone: (312) 395-2100
UBS Securities LLC
5600 Walnut Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Telephone: (412) 665-9900

CORPORATE OFFICES

The corporate offices of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. are located at 216 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. Mailing address:

P.O. Box 430
Johnstown, PA 15907-0430
(814) 533-5300

AGENTS

The transfer agent and registrar for AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’s common stock is:

Computershare Investor Services
P O Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Shareholder Inquiries: 1-800-730-4001
Internet Address:http://www.Computershare.com

INFORMATION

Analysts, investors, shareholders, and others seeking financial data about AmeriServ Financial, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries’ annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements, 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and call reports — are asked to contact Jeffrey A. Stopko, President & Chief Executive Officer at (814) 533-5310 or by e-mail at JStopko@AmeriServ.com.JStopko@AmeriServ.com. The Company also maintains a website (www.AmeriServ.com) that makes available, free of charge, such reports and proxy statements and other current financial information, such as press releases and SEC documents, as well as the corporate governance documents under the Investor Relations tab on the Company’s website. Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


98TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

Board of Directors

J. Michael Adams, Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
   Mike Adams & Associates, LLC

Allan R. Dennison
Non-executive Vice Chairman,
  Retired President & Chief
  Executive Officer AmeriServ
  Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Vice Chairman
  of the Board of all Subsidiaries

Daniel R. DeVos
Retired President & CEO,
  Concurrent Technologies
  Corporation

Bruce E. Duke, III M.D.
Retired Surgeon, Conemaugh
  Health Initiatives

Craig G. Ford
Non-executive Chairman,
  Former President & CEO,
  AmeriServ Financial, Inc.,
  AmeriServ Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Chairman of the
  Board of all Subsidiaries

Kim W. Kunkle
President & CEO,
  Laurel Holdings, Inc.

Margaret A. O’Malley
Attorney-at-Law
  Yost & O’Malley

Mark E. Pasquerilla
President, Pasquerilla
  Enterprises L.P.

Sara A. Sargent
Owner/President,
  The Sargent’s Group

Thomas C. Slater
Retired Owner,
  President & Director,
  Slater Laboratories, Inc.

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief Executive
  Officer AmeriServ
  Financial, Inc. &
   AmeriServ Financial Bank

Robert L. Wise
Retired President,
  Pennsylvania Electric Company,
  GPU Genco, Inc. and GPU
  International, Inc. and GPU
  Energy, Inc.

General Officers

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief Executive
  Officer

Susan Tomera Angeletti
Senior Vice President,
  Director of Marketing &
  Alternative Delivery

Michael D. Lynch
  Senior Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer,
  Chief Investment Officer &
  Chief Risk Officer

James P. Ziance
Senior Vice President &
  Chief Internal Auditor

Frank E. Adams
Vice President &
  Chief Loan Review Officer

Anthony M. Gojmerac
  Vice President, Purchasing &
   Facilities Officer

William D. Layton
Vice President & Manager of
  Regulatory Accounting

Sharon M. Callihan
Corporate Secretary


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANK

Board of Directors

J. Michael Adams, Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
  Mike Adams & Associates, LLC

Allan R. Dennison
Non-executive Vice Chairman,
  Retired President &
  Chief Executive Officer
  AmeriServ Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Vice Chairman of
  the Board of all Subsidiaries

Daniel R. DeVos
Retired President & CEO,
  Concurrent Technologies
  Corporation

Bruce E. Duke, III, M.D.
Retired Surgeon, Conemaugh
  Health Initiatives

Craig G. Ford
Non-executive Chairman,
  Former President & CEO,
  AmeriServ Financial, Inc.,
  AmeriServ Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Chairman of the
  Board of all Subsidiaries

Kim W. Kunkle
President & CEO,
  Laurel Holdings, Inc.

Margaret A. O’Malley
Attorney-at-Law
  Yost & O’Malley

Mark E. Pasquerilla
President, Pasquerilla
  Enterprises L.P.

Sara A. Sargent
Owner/President,
  The Sargent’s Group

Thomas C. Slater
Retired Owner, President &
  Director, Slater
  Laboratories, Inc.

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief Executive
  Officer AmeriServ
  Financial, Inc. &
   AmeriServ Financial Bank

Robert L. Wise
Retired President,
  Pennsylvania Electric Company,
  GPU Genco, Inc. and
  GPU International, Inc. and
  GPU Energy, Inc.

General Officers

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief
  Executive Officer

Michael R. Baylor
Executive Vice President &
  Chief Commercial Banking Officer

Jack W. Babich
Senior Vice President, Chief
  Human Resources Officer &
  Corporate Services Officer

Michael A. Bodnar
Senior Vice President, Area
  Executive & Commercial Real
  Estate Manager

Russell B. Flynn
Senior Vice President, Retail
  Lending

Bettina D. Fochler
Senior Vice President, Chief Credit
  Officer

Wayne A. Kessler
Senior Vice President, Area
  Executive Johnstown

Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President, Chief
  Financial Officer, Chief Investment
  Officer & Chief Risk Officer

Kerri L. Mueller
Senior Vice President Retail
  Banking

Matthew C. Rigo
Senior Vice President, Area
  Executive, Wilkins Township

J. Seth Smith
Senior Vice President, Area
  Executive State College

Robert E. Werner, III
Senior Vice President & Chief
  Information Officer

Todd C. Allison
Vice President & Director of
  Information Technology

Michael S. Andrascik
Vice President, Bank Security
  Officer

Thomas R. Boyd, Jr.
Vice President, Commercial
  Relationship Manager II

Jennifer L. Devan
Vice President, Chief Compliance
  Officer

Bernard A. Eckenrode
Vice President, Commercial
  Relationship Manager II

Mitchell D. Edwards
Vice President, Commercial
  Relationship Manager III

Jason D. Eminhizer
Vice President, Commercial
  Relationship Manager II

Christine E. Fisher
Vice President, Business Services

Anthony M. Gojmerac
Vice President, Purchasing &
  Facilities Officer

Daniel L. Herr
Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Kevin H. Justice
Vice President, Commercial
  Relationship Manager II,
  Hagerstown

Bruce A. Mabon
Vice President, Collection &
  Assigned Risk Manager
  Patrick R.   Miles Vice President,
  Commercial Relationship
  Manager II Altoona

Elizabeth R. Shank
Vice President, Deposit Operations
  Manager

Cynthia L. Stewart   
  Vice President, Manager Loan
  Administration

Charlene J. Tessari
Vice President, Application and
  IT Risk Management

Michelle D. Wyandt
Vice President, Supervisor Credit
  Analysis


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

AMERISERV TRUST &
FINANCIAL SERVICES
COMPANY

Board of Directors

J. Michael Adams, Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
  Mike Adams & Associates, LLC

Allan R. Dennison
Non-executive Vice Chairman,
  Retired President & Chief
  Executive Officer AmeriServ
  Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Vice Chairman of
  the Board of all Subsidiaries

Craig G. Ford
Non-executive Chairman,
  Former President & CEO,
  AmeriServ Financial, Inc.,
  AmeriServ Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Chairman of the
  Board of all Subsidiaries

Richard W. Bloomingdale
President, PA AFL-CIO

James T. Huerth
President & Chief Executive
  Officer AmeriServ Trust &
  Financial Services Company

George B. Kaufman
Attorney-at-Law

Kim W. Kunkle
President & CEO,
  Laurel Holdings, Inc.

Mark E. Miller
Director of Support Services,
  Somerset Hospital & President,
  Pine Grill, Inc.

Margaret A. O’Malley
Attorney-at-Law Yost &
  O’Malley

Sara A. Sargent
Owner/President
  The Sargent’s Group

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief Executive
  Officer AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
  & AmeriServ Financial Bank

Robert L. Wise
Retired President,
  Pennsylvania Electric Company,
  GPU Genco, Inc. and GPU
  International, Inc. and GPU
  Energy, Inc.

General Officers

James T. Huerth
President & Chief Executive
  Officer

Nicholas E. Debias, Jr., CTA
Senior Vice President, Senior
  Wealth Management Advisor

David A. Finui
Senior Vice President, Personal
  Trust & Financial Services
  Manager

Bettina D. Fochler
Senior Vice President,
  Chief Credit Officer

Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President, Treasurer

Ernest L. Petersen, III
Senior Vice President,
  Chief Administrative Officer &
  Diversified Services Manager

Christopher C. Sheedy
Senior Vice President & Trust
  Specialty Real Estate Director

Kathleen M. Wallace
Senior Vice President,
  Retirement Services Manager

Mary Ann Brustle
Vice President Risk Management
  &Trust Compliance Officer

Sharon E. Delic
Vice President, Retirement
  Services Officer

Michael P. Geiser
Vice President, Trust Operations
  Manager

John T. Krupa
Vice President, Wealth
  Management Advisor

David M. Margetan
Vice President, Retirement
  Services Officer

Justin F. Maser
Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Monica M. Papuga
Vice President, Senior Trust
  Accounting Officer

Trust Company Office

  216 Franklin Street
  AmeriServ Financial Bank
  Building PO Box 520
  Johnstown, PA 15907-0520

WEST CHESTER
CAPITAL ADVISORS

Board of Directors

J. Michael Adams, Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
  Mike Adams & Associates, LLC

Allan R. Dennison
Non-executive Vice Chairman,
  Retired President &
  Chief Executive Officer
  AmeriServ Financial Bank,
  and Non-executive Vice Chairman
  of the Board of all Subsidiaries

Craig G. Ford
Non-executive Chairman, Former
  President & CEO, AmeriServ
  Financial, Inc., AmeriServ
  Financial Bank, and
  Non-executive Chairman
  of the Board of all Subsidiaries

James T. Huerth
President & Chief Executive
  Officer AmeriServ Trust &
  Financial Services Company

Steven M. Krawick, AAMS, CMFC
President & Chief Executive
  Officer West Chester Capital
  Advisors

Jeffrey A. Stopko, CPA
President & Chief Executive Officer
  AmeriServ Financial, Inc. &
  AmeriServ Financial Bank

Robert L. Wise
Retired President,
  Pennsylvania Electric Company,
  GPU Genco, Inc. and GPU
  International, Inc. and GPU
  Energy, Inc.

General Officers

Steven M. Krawick, AAMS, CMFC
President & Chief Executive
  Officer

Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President, Chief
  Financial Officer & Treasurer

Frank J. Lapinsky
Vice President, Chief
  Administrative
  Officer & Portfolio Manager

Mary F. Stanek
Vice President, Portfolio Manager

Office Location

  216 Franklin Street
  AmeriServ Financial Bank
  Building PO Box 520 Johnstown,
  PA 15907-0520