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UNION BANKSHARES INC

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 25, 2025.

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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Mar 25, 2025

UNB$22.55-1.7%Stored close · as of Nov 10, 2026

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

December 31, 2024 and 2023

20242023
Assets · (Dollars in thousands)
Cash and due from banks$5,168$4,429
Federal funds sold and overnight deposits10,67073,237
Cash and cash equivalents15,83877,666
Interest bearing deposits in banks9,46214,690
Investment securities available-for-sale250,504264,383
Other investments1,7541,500
Total investments252,258265,883
Loans held for sale5,2043,070
Loans1,155,7361,028,270
Allowance for credit losses on loans(7,680)(6,566)
Net deferred loan costs2,1621,752
Net loans1,150,2181,023,456
Premises and equipment, net20,22520,771
Other assets75,15363,343
Total assets$1,528,358$1,468,879
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing$226,048$250,992
Interest bearing714,862765,689
Time227,984288,922
Total deposits1,168,8941,305,603
Borrowed funds259,69665,696
Subordinated notes16,27316,239
Accrued interest and other liabilities17,01515,534
Total liabilities1,461,8781,403,072
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 9, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 22)
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $2.00 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized; 5,012,084 shares issued at December 31, 2024 and 4,995,348 shares issued at December 31, 202310,0249,991
Additional-paid-in capital3,0312,621
Retained earnings91,72289,472
Treasury stock at cost; 474,075 shares at December 31, 2024 and 476,500 shares at December 31, 2023(4,300)(4,322)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(33,997)(31,955)
Total stockholders' equity66,48065,807
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,528,358$1,468,879
20242023
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans$59,313$49,283
Interest on debt securities:
Taxable4,5874,577
Tax exempt1,9011,956
Dividends541263
Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits1,132630
Interest on interest bearing deposits in banks480401
Total interest and dividend income67,95457,110
Interest expense
Interest on deposits20,57415,893
Interest on short-term borrowed funds1,275935
Interest on long-term borrowed funds7,1711,869
Interest on subordinated notes570570
Total interest expense29,59019,267
Net interest income38,36437,843
Credit loss expense (benefit), net930(499)
Net interest income after credit loss expense (benefit)37,43438,342
Noninterest income
Wealth management income1,067943
Service fees7,0407,002
Net losses on sales of investment securities available-for-sale(1,293)—
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale1,6971,163
Net gains on other investments216189
Other income996607
Total noninterest income9,7239,904
Noninterest expenses
Salaries and wages15,67814,247
Employee benefits5,7165,365
Occupancy expense, net2,1942,035
Equipment expense3,9923,722
Other expenses10,44710,000
Total noninterest expenses38,02735,369
Income before provision for income taxes9,13012,877
Provision for income taxes3691,620
Net income$8,761$11,257
Basic earnings per common share$1.94$2.50
Diluted earnings per common share$1.92$2.48
Dividends per common share$1.44$1.44
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income$8,761$11,257
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year on investment securities available-for-sale(3,051)5,464
Reclassification adjustment for net losses on investment securities available-for-sale realized in net income1,009—
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(2,042)5,464
Total comprehensive income$6,719$16,721

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock
Shares,net oftreasuryAmountAdditionalpaid-incapitalRetainedearningsTreasurystockAccumulatedothercomprehensiveincome (loss)Totalstockholders’equity
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Balances, December 31, 20224,508,587$9,965$2,225$84,669$(4,220)$(37,419)$55,220
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13———37——37
Net income———11,257——11,257
Other comprehensive income—————5,4645,464
Dividend reinvestment plan3,166—48—28—76
Cash dividends declared ($1.44 per share)———(6,491)——(6,491)
Stock based compensation expense12,82526348———374
Purchase of treasury stock(5,730)———(130)—(130)
Balances, December 31, 20234,518,8489,9912,62189,472(4,322)(31,955)65,807
Net income———8,761——8,761
Other comprehensive loss—————(2,042)(2,042)
Dividend reinvestment plan2,425—45—22—67
Cash dividends declared ($1.44 per share)———(6,511)——(6,511)
Stock based compensation expense16,73633365———398
Balances, December 31, 20244,538,009$10,024$3,031$91,722$(4,300)$(33,997)$66,480
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income$8,761$11,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation1,5931,639
Credit loss expense (benefit)930(499)
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision(1,829)266
Net amortization of premiums on investment securities547525
Equity in losses of limited partnerships1,7031,387
Stock based compensation expense398374
Net increase in unamortized loan costs(410)(416)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale115,15576,755
Origination of loans held for sale(115,592)(77,484)
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale(1,697)(1,163)
Net gains on disposals of premises and equipment(22)(1)
Net losses on sales of investment securities available-for-sale1,293—
Net gains on other investments(216)(189)
Increase in accrued interest receivable(1,061)(1,245)
Amortization of debt issuance costs3434
Increase in other assets(131)(3,079)
Increase in other liabilities2,6951,030
Net cash provided by operating activities12,1519,191
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Interest bearing deposits in banks
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions8,9638,212
Purchases(3,735)(6,474)
Investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sales37,218—
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns19,28816,697
Purchases(47,084)(24,922)
Net purchases of other investments(38)(47)
Net increase in nonmarketable stock(8,152)(383)
Net increase in loans(127,469)(70,121)
Recoveries of loans charged off254
Net purchases of premises and equipment(1,071)(1,946)
Investments in limited partnerships(3,052)(3,288)
Proceeds of Company-owned life insurance death benefit235—
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment4616
Net cash used in investing activities(124,826)(82,252)
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Advances on long-term borrowings285,00090,696
Repayment of long-term borrowings(110,000)(35,000)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings outstanding19,000(40,000)
Net decrease in noninterest bearing deposits(24,944)(35,153)
Net (decrease) increase in interest bearing deposits(50,827)2,967
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits(60,938)135,877
Purchase of treasury stock—(130)
Dividends paid(6,444)(6,415)
Net cash provided by financing activities50,847112,842
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(61,828)39,781
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year77,66637,885
End of year$15,838$77,666
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Interest paid$27,937$17,956
Income taxes paid$—$925
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
Investment in limited partnerships acquired by capital contributions payable$1,712$2,303
Right-of-use operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$—$407
Dividends paid on Common Stock:
Dividends declared$6,511$6,491
Dividends reinvested(67)(76)
$6,444$6,415

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of financial statement presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of Union Bankshares, Inc. and its Subsidiary (together, the Company) are in conformity with GAAP and general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the more significant policies.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Union Bankshares, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Union Bank, headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company utilizes the accrual method of accounting for financial reporting purposes.

The Company is a “smaller reporting company” and as permitted under the rules and regulations of the SEC, has elected to provide its audited consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for a two year, rather than three year, period. The Company has also elected to provide certain other scaled disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as permitted for smaller reporting companies.

Certain amounts in the 2023 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

The acronyms, abbreviations and capitalized terms identified below are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Parts I, II and III. The following is provided to aid the reader and provide a reference page when reviewing this Annual Report:

ACL:Allowance for credit lossesFOMC:Federal Open Market Committee
AFS:Available-for-saleGAAP:Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
ASC:Accounting Standards CodificationGLBA:Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999
ASU:Accounting Standards UpdateHTM:Held-to-maturity
BHCA:Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amendedHUD:U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Board:Board of DirectorsICS:Insured Cash Sweeps of the IntraFi Network
bp or bps:Basis point(s)IRS:Internal Revenue Service
Branch Acquisition:The acquisition of three New Hampshire branches in May 2011MBS:Mortgage-backed security
BTFP:Bank Term Funding ProgramMPF:Mortgage Partnership Finance Program
CDARS:Certificate of Deposit Accounts Registry Service of the IntraFi NetworkMSRs:Mortgage servicing rights
CECL:Current expected credit lossNASDAQ:NASDAQ Global Security Market
CFPB:Consumer Financial Protection BureauOAO:Other assets owned
COLI:Company-owned life insuranceOCI:Other comprehensive income (loss)
Company:Union Bankshares, Inc. and SubsidiaryOFAC:U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control
DCF:Discounted cash flowOREO:Other real estate owned
DFR:Vermont Department of Financial RegulationRD:USDA Rural Development
DIF:Federal Deposit Insurance FundRSU:Restricted stock unit
Dodd-Frank Act:The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010SBA:U.S. Small Business Administration
DRIP:Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase PlanSEC:U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
EPS:Earnings per shareSOX Act:Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
FASB:Financial Accounting Standards BoardUnion:Union Bank, the sole subsidiary of Union Bankshares, Inc
FDIC:Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationUSDA:U.S. Department of Agriculture
FDICIA:The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991VA:U.S. Veterans Administration
FHA:U.S. Federal Housing Administration2008 Plan:2008 Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
FHLB:Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston2014 Equity Plan:2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended
FRB:Federal Reserve Board2020 Plan:2020 Amended and Restated Nonqualified Excess Plan
FHLMC/Freddie Mac:Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation2024 Equity Plan:2024 Equity Incentive Plan

Nature of operations

The Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals, municipalities, commercial businesses and nonprofit customers through its branches, ATMs, telebanking, mobile and internet banking systems in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. This market area encompasses primarily retail consumers, small businesses, municipalities, agricultural producers and the tourism industry. The Company's primary deposit products are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts and its primary lending products are commercial, real estate, municipal and consumer loans. The Company also offers fiduciary and asset management services through its Wealth Management Group, an unincorporated division of Union.

Significant concentration of credit risk

The Company grants loans primarily to customers in Vermont and New Hampshire. Although it has a diversified loan portfolio, a large portion of the Company's loans are secured by commercial or residential real estate located in Vermont and New Hampshire, resulting in exposure to volatility with each state's real estate market. Additionally, the ability of borrowers to repay loans is highly dependent upon other economic factors throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. The Company typically requires the principals of any commercial borrower to obligate themselves personally on the loan.

Use of estimates in preparation of consolidated financial statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term and involve inherent uncertainties relate to the determination of the ACL on loans, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, valuation of deferred tax assets, and asset impairment judgments, including the ACL on AFS debt securities. These estimates involve a significant degree of complexity and subjectivity and the amount of the change that is reasonably possible, should any of these estimates prove inaccurate, cannot be estimated.

Presentation of cash flows

For purposes of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing), federal funds sold (generally purchased and sold for one day periods) and overnight deposits.

Wealth management operations

Assets held by Union's Wealth Management Group in a fiduciary or agency capacity, other than trust cash on deposit with Union, are not included in these consolidated financial statements because they are not assets of Union or the Company.

Fair value measurement

The Company utilizes FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as guidance for accounting for assets and liabilities carried at fair value. This standard defines fair value as the price that would be received, without adjustment for transaction costs, to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The guidance in FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Investment securities

Debt securities the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as either HTM or trading are classified as AFS and reported at fair value. Debt securities purchased and held primarily for resale in the near future are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The Company does not generally hold any securities classified as trading.

Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums arising at acquisition on investment securities are included in income using the effective interest method over the life of the securities to the call date. Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities AFS are excluded from earnings and reported in Accumulated OCI, net of tax and reclassification adjustment, as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on sales of AFS or trading securities.

Allowance for credit losses on AFS debt securities

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management first assesses whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through earnings. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the above criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security and the issuer, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds its fair value. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.

A change in the ACL on AFS debt securities is recorded as expense (credit) within the Credit loss expense on the consolidated statement of income. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS debt security is confirmed based on the above described analysis. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was no ACL carried on the Company's AFS debt securities. Refer to Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Loans held for sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. The estimated fair value of loans held for sale is based on current price quotes that determine the amount that the loans could be sold for in the secondary market. Loans transferred from held for sale to portfolio are transferred at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Sales are normally made without recourse. Gains and losses on the disposition of loans held for sale are determined on the specific identification basis. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance and charged to income.

Loans

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for any charge-offs, the ACL, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Loan interest income is accrued daily on outstanding balances. The following accounting policies, related to accrual and nonaccrual loans, apply to all portfolio segments and loan classes, which the Company considers to be the same. The accrual of interest is normally discontinued when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. In general, loans that are 90 days or more past due are placed in nonaccrual, unless there are circumstances that cause management to believe the collection of interest is not doubtful. Generally, any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed against current period interest income. A loan may be restored to accrual status when its financial status has significantly improved and there is no principal or interest past due. A loan may also be restored to accrual status if the borrower makes six consecutive monthly payments or the lump sum equivalent. Income on nonaccrual loans is generally not recognized unless a loan is returned to accrual status or after all principal has been collected. Interest payments received on such loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Delinquency status is determined based on contractual terms for all portfolio segments and loan classes. Loans past due 30 days or more are considered delinquent. Loans are considered in process of foreclosure when a judgment of foreclosure has been issued by the court.

Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield using methods that approximate the interest method. The Company generally amortizes these amounts over the estimated average life of the related loans.

The Company evaluates the risk characteristics of its loans based on regulatory call report code categories with segmentation based on the underlying collateral or purpose for certain loan types.

Allowance for credit losses on loans

The ACL on loans is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. The level of the ACL on loans represents management's estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. The expected life of the loans is based on the contractual term of the loans adjusted for estimated prepayments. The contractual life is calculated based on the maturity date and excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications.

The ACL on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans, or portions thereof, are charged off against the ACL on loans when they are deemed uncollectible. The ACL on loans is comprised of reserves measured on a collective (pool) basis based on a lifetime loss-rate model when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis, generally larger non-accruing commercial loans.

The Company uses the DCF method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan pools. For each of the loan segments, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, and loss rates. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical benchmark data.

The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine suitable loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime loss rates. This analysis also determines how expected loss rates will react to forecasted levels of the loss drivers. For all loan pools utilizing the DCF method, management utilizes and forecasts national unemployment as a loss driver.

For all DCF models, management has determined that four quarters represents a reasonable and supportable forecast period and reverts back to a historical loss rate over four quarters on a straight-line basis. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable and independent third party to inform its loss driver forecasts over thefour-quarter forecast period.

The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level that represents the sum of expected losses to determine the estimated ACL on loans.

The ACL on loans evaluation also considers various qualitative factors, including changes in policy and/or underwriting standards, actual or expected changes in economic trends and conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in credit and lending staff/administration, problem loan trends, credit risk concentrations, loan review results, changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans, and changes in the regulatory and business environment.

Certain loans are individually evaluated for estimated credit losses, including those greater than $500 thousand that are classified as substandard or doubtful and are on nonaccrual or that have other unique characteristics differing from the segment. Specific reserves are established when appropriate for such loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows of the loan or the estimated realizable value of the collateral, if any.

Management may also adjust its assumptions to account for differences between expected and actual losses from period-to-period. The variability of management's assumptions could alter the ACL on loans materially and impact future results of operations and financial condition. The loss estimation models and methods used to determine the ACL are continually refined and enhanced.

The level of the ACL on loans represents management's estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. For all loan classes, loan losses are charged against the ACL on loans when management believes the loan balance is uncollectible or in accordance with federal guidelines. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL on loans.

Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Residential real estate - Loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied 1-4 family residential real estate, second and vacation homes, 1-4 family investment properties, home equity and second mortgage loans. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

Construction real estate - Loans in this segment include residential and commercial construction properties, commercial real estate development loans (while in the construction phase of the projects), land and land development loans. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and/or the underlying cash flows generated by the properties being constructed. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates, housing prices, vacancy rates and material costs, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

Commercial real estate - Loans in this segment are primarily properties occupied by businesses or income-producing properties. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties may be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by a general slowdown in business or increased vacancy rates which, in turn, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment. Management requests business financial statements at least annually and monitors the cash flows of these loans.

Commercial - Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by non-real estate assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer or business spending, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

Consumer - Loans in this segment are made to individuals for personal expenditures, such as an automobile purchase, and include unsecured loans. Repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

Municipal - Loans in this segment are made to municipalities located within the Company's service area. Repayment is primarily dependent on taxes or other funds collected by the municipalities. Management considers there to be minimal risk surrounding the credit quality of this segment.

Mortgage banking

Residential real estate mortgages are originated by the Company both for its portfolio and for sale into the secondary market. The transfer of these financial assets is accounted for as a sale when control over the asset has been surrendered. Control is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the asset has been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred asset, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred asset through an agreement to repurchase it before its maturity. The Company records the gain on sale of the financial asset within net gains on sales of loans held for sale, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when servicing rights are acquired through the sale of residential mortgage loans with servicing rights retained. Capitalized servicing rights, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, are initially recorded at fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future servicing of the underlying mortgages (typically, the contractual life of the mortgage). The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is recorded as a reduction of loan servicing fee income within noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment regularly based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment of the servicing assets is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as noninterest income up to, but not in excess of, the prior impairment.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for investors. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income within noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned.

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense as incurred and the costs of major renovations and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress is stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction and other direct costs attributable to the construction. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use.

Accrued interest

Accrued interest receivable balances are presented in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest is excluded from the measurement of the ACL on loans and AFS debt securities. The Company will continue to write-off accrued interest receivable by reversing interest income when a security or loan is placed in nonaccrual, which is generally when payments on a security or loan are 90 days or more past due.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of goodwill amounting to $2.2 million, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in the 2011 Branch Acquisition, and is reported in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance. Management assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company, in total, is less than its carrying amount. Management is not aware of any such events or circumstances that would cause it to conclude that the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying amount.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

As a member of the FHLB, Union is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB in an amount to satisfy unpaid principal balances on qualifying loans, plus an amount to satisfy an activity based requirement. The stock is nonmarketable, and is redeemable by the FHLB at par value. Also, there is the possibility of future capital calls by the FHLB on member banks to ensure compliance with its capital plan. FHLB stock is reported in Other assets at its par value of $11.2 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Company-owned life insurance

COLI represents life insurance on the lives of certain current or former directors or employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Company to be the beneficiary of such policies. The Company utilizes COLI as tax-efficient funding for certain benefit obligations to its employees and directors, including obligations under one of the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plans. (See Note 15.) The Company is the primary beneficiary of the insurance policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as any gain on insurance proceeds received, are recorded in Other income, and are not currently subject to income taxes. COLI is recorded at the cash value of the policies, less any applicable cash surrender charges (of which there are currently none). The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of COLI to ensure minimum credit ratings of at least investment grade. The financial strength of the carriers is reviewed annually and COLI with any individual carrier is limited by Company policy to 15% of the sum of Tier 1 Capital and allowable Tier 2 capital.

Investment in real estate limited partnerships

The Company has purchased various limited partnership interests in affordable housing partnerships. These partnerships were established to acquire, own and rent residential housing for elderly, low or moderate income residents in Vermont or in New Hampshire. GAAP permits an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the statements of income as a component of income tax expense. There were no impairment losses during the year resulting from the forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits related to qualified affordable housing project investments. (See Note 10.)

Advertising costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred and they are included in Other expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

Earnings per common share

Basic EPS is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock issued during the period, including DRIP shares issuable upon reinvestment of dividends, retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends, if any, and reduced for shares held in treasury. Diluted EPS is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic EPS calculation for the effect of the potential issuance of dilutive common shares under outstanding equity compensation grants during the period. (See Note 17.)

Income taxes

The Company prepares its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis. Federal income taxes are allocated to members of the consolidated group based on taxable income. The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. This involves estimating the Company's actual current tax exposure as well as assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as timing of the deduction of expenses, for tax and GAAP purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are netted and included in Other assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company must also assess the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. A change in enacted federal income tax rates for future periods requires revaluation of deferred taxes. (See Note 14.)

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a party to off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to originate credit, unused lines of credit including commitments under credit card arrangements, commitments to purchase investment securities, commitments to invest in real estate limited partnerships, commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans. (See Notes 18 and 19.) Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become fixed and certain.

Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures

The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is a component of Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and represents the estimate of probable credit losses inherent in unfunded commitments to extend credit as of the balance sheet date. Unfunded commitments to extend credit include unused portions of lines of credit, commitments to originate loans and standby and commercial letters of credit. The process used to determine the ACL for these exposures is consistent with the process for determining the ACL on loans, as adjusted for estimated funding probabilities. A charge or credit to Credit loss expense on the consolidated statements of income is made to account for the change in the ACL on off-balance sheet exposures between reporting periods.

Comprehensive income (loss)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income or loss. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as the after tax effect of unrealized gains and losses on debt securities AFS that do not exhibit credit related impairment, are not reflected in the consolidated statements of income. The cumulative effect of such items, net of tax effect, is reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets (Accumulated OCI) (See Note 24). OCI, along with net income, comprises the Company's total comprehensive income or loss.

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 the assets have been isolated from the Company, 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 the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Stock based compensation

Under the Company's 2014 Equity Plan, as amended,150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for equity awards of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units to eligible officers and (except for awards of incentive stock options) nonemployee directors. The 2014 Equity Plan has been replaced with the substantially similar 2024 Equity Plan, pursuant to which 250,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance of equity compensation awards to eligible officers and nonemployee directors. Stock based compensation awards are measured at the fair value of the stock at the grant date and recognized as expense over the period in which they vest. (See Note 16.)

Segment reporting

Operating segments are the components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by management in order to allocate resources and assess performance. Management assesses consolidated financial results to make operating and strategic decisions, assess performance, and allocate resources. Therefore, the Company has determined that its business is conducted inone reportable segment and represents the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

The Company's reportable segment is determined by management based upon information provided about the Company's products and services offered, primarily banking operations. The segment is also distinguished by the level of information provided by management, who uses such information to review performance of various components of the business, which are then aggregated if operating performance, products/services, and customers are similar. Management will evaluate the financial performance of the Company's business components such as by evaluating revenue streams, significant expenses, and budget to actual results in assessing the Company's segment and in the determination of allocating resources. Management uses revenue streams to evaluate product pricing and significant expenses to assess performance and evaluate return on assets. Management uses consolidated net income to benchmark the Company against its competitors. The benchmarking analysis coupled with monitoring of budget to actual results are used in assessing performance and in establishing compensation. Loans, investments, and deposit product service fees provide the revenues in the banking operation. Interest expense, credit loss expense, and salaries and employee benefits, as reported on the consolidated statements of income, provide the significant expenses in the banking operation. All operations are domestic.

Accounting policies for segments are the same as those described herein. Segment performance is evaluated using consolidated net income. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total consolidated assets. Noncash items, such as depreciation and amortization, as well as expenditures for premises and equipment, are reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, and has issued subsequent amendments thereto, which provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. The transition away from LIBOR did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. ASU No. 2014-01, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, previously introduced the option to apply the proportional amortization method to account for investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met; however, this guidance limited the proportional amortization method to investments in low-income-housing tax credit (LIHTC) structures. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Equity investments in other tax credit structures are typically accounted for using the equity method, which results in investment income, gains and losses, and tax credits being presented gross on the income statement in their respective line items. The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2024 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

The nature of the Company's business requires that it maintain amounts due from correspondent banks which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The balances in these accounts at December 31, were as follows:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest bearing accounts$500$552
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston10,62473,191
FHLB of Boston347201

No losses have been experienced in these accounts and the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant risk with respect to the accounts.

The Company had no reserve requirement and wasnot required to maintain contracted clearing balances at December 31, 2024 or 2023. Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and a portion of the funds at the FHLB are classified as overnight deposits as they earn interest.

Note 3. Interest Bearing Deposits in Banks

Interest bearing deposits in banks consist of certificates of deposit purchased from various financial institutions. Deposits at each institution are generally maintained at or below the FDIC insurable limit of $250 thousand. As of December 31, 2024, the Company held $9.5 million in certificates with rates ranging from 0.50% to 5.75% and various maturity dates through 2026, with $9.0 million scheduled to mature in 2025. There were $14.7 million in certificates at December 31, 2023.

Note 4. Investment Securities

Debt securities AFS as of the balance sheet dates consisted of the following:

December 31, 2024AmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsGrossUnrealizedLossesFairValue
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$29,664$—$(3,449)$26,215
Agency MBS206,170—(32,895)173,275
State and political subdivisions55,73714(7,201)48,550
Corporate2,5002(38)2,464
Total$294,071$16$(43,583)$250,504
December 31, 2023AmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsGrossUnrealizedLossesFairValue
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$44,153$—$(4,802)$39,351
Agency MBS182,56888(30,272)152,384
State and political subdivisions72,254395(6,210)66,439
Corporate6,358—(149)6,209
Total$305,333$483$(41,433)$264,383

There wereno investment securities classified as HTM or trading at December 31, 2024 or 2023. Investment securities AFS with a fair value of $96.0 million and $926 thousand were pledged as collateral for FHLB borrowings and other credit subject to collateralization, public unit deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Investment securities AFS pledged as collateral for the discount window and BTFP borrowings at the FRB consisted of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and Agency MBS with a fair value of $9.7 million and $8.9 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company utilized BTFP as a source of liquidity during 2023 until the BTFP ceased making new loans in March 2024. (See Note 12.)

Information pertaining to AFS debt securities with gross unrealized losses, for which an ACL has not been recorded, as of the balance sheet dates, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

December 31, 2024Less Than 12 Months12 Months and OverTotal
Number of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLossNumber of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLossNumber of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLoss
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government- sponsored enterprises1$2,012$(69)26$24,203$(3,380)27$26,215$(3,449)
Agency MBS1143,367(784)87129,908(32,111)98173,275(32,895)
State and political subdivisions11,564(8)5246,470(7,193)5348,034(7,201)
Corporate1499(1)31,463(37)41,962(38)
Total14$47,442$(862)168$202,044$(42,721)182$249,486$(43,583)
December 31, 2023Less Than 12 Months12 Months and OverTotal
Number of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLossNumber of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLossNumber of SecuritiesFairValueGrossUnrealizedLoss
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government- sponsored enterprises2$2,891$(4)32$36,460$(4,798)34$39,351$(4,802)
Agency MBS———93147,260(30,272)93147,260(30,272)
State and political subdivisions1014,532(276)6540,720(5,934)7555,252(6,210)
Corporate———136,209(149)136,209(149)
Total12$17,423$(280)203$230,649$(41,153)215$248,072$(41,433)

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses and an ACL is recorded for any credit loss identified. No ACL for AFS debt securities was recorded at December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $1.2 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

There were no dispositions of AFS debt securities for the year ended December 31, 2023. The following table presents the proceeds from sales resulting in gross realized gains and gross realized losses from the disposition of AFS debt securities for the year ended December 31, 2024:

2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Proceeds from sales$37,218
Gross gains218
Gross losses(1,511)
Net losses$(1,293)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of AFS debt securities by contractual scheduled maturity as of December 31, 2024, were as follows:

AmortizedCostFairValue
Available-for-sale · (Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less$1,011$1,011
Due from one to five years14,51913,235
Due from five to ten years11,51110,115
Due after ten years60,86052,868
87,90177,229
Agency MBS206,170173,275
Total$294,071$250,504

Actual maturities may differ for certain AFS debt securities that may be called by the issuer prior to the contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities on agency MBS because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid, usually without any penalties. Therefore, these agency MBS are shown separately and not included in the contractual maturity categories in the above maturity summary.

Note 5. Loans Held for Sale and Loan Servicing

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans held for sale consisted of conventional residential mortgages originated for subsequent sale, with an estimated fair value in excess of their carrying value. Therefore, no valuation reserve was necessary for loans held for sale as of the balance sheet dates.

Commercial and residential mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying balance sheets. The unpaid principal balance of commercial and residential mortgage loans serviced for others was $722.1 million and $672.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Loans sold consisted of the following during the years ended December 31:

20242023
Loans SoldNet Gains on SaleLoans SoldNet Gains on Sale
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential loans$113,458$1,697$75,592$1,163

There were no obligations to repurchase loans for any amount at December 31, 2024, but there were contractual risk sharing commitments on certain sold loans totaling $884 thousand as of such date. (See Note 19.)

The Company generally retains the servicing rights on loans sold. The unamortized balance of servicing rights on loans sold with servicing retained was $1.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and is included in Other assets. The estimated fair value of these servicing rights was in excess of their carrying value at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and thereforeno impairment reserve was necessary. The capitalization and amortization of MSRs is included in Other expenses.

The following table presents the capitalization and amortization of loan servicing rights during the periods indicated:

For The Years Ended December 31,
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Capitalization of servicing rights$762$480
Amortization of servicing rights777796
Net amortization of servicing rights$(15)$(316)

Note 6. Loans

The composition of Net loans at December 31, by regulatory call report code segmentation based on underlying collateral or purpose for certain loan types, was as follows:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential real estate
Non-revolving residential real estate$445,425$397,409
Revolving residential real estate21,88418,902
Construction real estate
Commercial construction real estate54,98536,973
Residential construction real estate51,20251,662
Commercial real estate
Non-residential commercial real estate330,010298,148
Multi-family residential real estate104,328105,344
Commercial35,17540,448
Consumer2,5232,589
Municipal110,20476,795
Gross loans1,155,7361,028,270
ACL on loans(7,680)(6,566)
Net deferred loan costs2,1621,752
Net loans$1,150,218$1,023,456

Qualifying residential first mortgage loans and certain commercial real estate loans with a carrying value of $394.5 million and $343.7 million were pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB under a blanket lien at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $5.2 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses described in Note 7.

Note 7. Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

Changes in the ACL on loans, by class of loans, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

December 31, 2024Balance, December 31, 2023Charge-OffsRecoveriesCredit Loss Expense (Benefit)Balance, December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$2,361$—$24$827$3,212
Revolving residential real estate159——121280
Residential real estate2,520—249483,492
Commercial construction real estate1,035——(384)651
Residential construction real estate163——(61)102
Construction real estate1,198——(445)753
Non-residential commercial real estate2,182——5842,766
Multi-family residential real estate244——(32)212
Commercial real estate2,426——5522,978
Commercial352—124377
Consumer5(3)—46
Municipal65——974
Total$6,566$(3)$25$1,092$7,680
December 31, 2023Balance, December 31, 2022Impact of Adoption of ASU No. 2016-13Charge-OffsRecoveriesCredit Loss Expense (Benefit)Balance, December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$2,294$(270)$—$1$336$2,361
Revolving residential real estate12325——11159
Residential real estate2,417(245)—13472,520
Commercial construction real estate611982——(558)1,035
Residential construction real estate421(290)——32163
Construction real estate1,032692——(526)1,198
Non-residential commercial real estate2,931(757)——82,182
Multi-family residential real estate1,004(780)——20244
Commercial real estate3,935(1,537)——282,426
Commercial301191——(140)352
Consumer10(5)(8)355
Municipal95(42)——1265
Unallocated549(549)————
Total$8,339$(1,495)$(8)$4$(274)$6,566

The Company's ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is recognized as a liability within Accrued interest and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, with adjustments to the ACL recognized in Credit loss expense (benefit) in the consolidated statement of income. The Company's activity in the ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20242023
ACL on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures · (Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$1,233$—
Impact of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13—1,458
Credit loss benefit(162)(225)
Balance at end of period$1,071$1,233

Risk and collateral ratings are assigned to loans and are subject to ongoing monitoring by lending and credit personnel, with such ratings updated annually or more frequently if warranted. The following is an overview of the Company's loan rating system:

1-3 Rating - Pass

Risk-rating grades "1" through "3" comprise those loans ranging from those with lower than average credit risk, defined as borrowers with high liquidity, excellent financial condition, strong management, favorable industry trends or loans secured by highly liquid assets, through those with marginal credit risk, defined as borrowers that, while creditworthy, exhibit some characteristics requiring special attention by the account officer.

4-4.5 Rating - Satisfactory/Monitor

Borrowers exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends warranting management's attention. While potentially weak, these borrowers are currently marginally acceptable; no loss of principal or interest is envisioned. When warranted, these credits may be monitored on the watch list.

5-7 Rating - Substandard

Borrowers exhibit well defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly liquidation of debt. The loan may be inadequately protected by the net worth and paying capacity of the obligor and/or the underlying collateral is inadequate.

The following tables summarize the Company's loans by year of origination and by loan ratings applied by management to the Company's loans by class as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

December 31, 202420242023202220212020PriorRevolvingTotal
Residential Real Estate · (Dollars in thousands)
Pass$83,371$70,515$100,168$79,234$27,326$51,661$—$412,275
Satisfactory/Monitor5,3815,06510,7443,6422,4505,627—32,909
Substandard————15883—241
Non-revolving residential real estate88,75275,580110,91282,87629,93457,371—445,425
Pass——————20,51620,516
Satisfactory/Monitor——————1,3441,344
Substandard——————2424
Revolving residential real estate——————21,88421,884
Construction Real Estate
Pass8,9682,2164,5141,460559714—18,431
Satisfactory/Monitor13,52415,2761,7605,80053141—36,554
Substandard————————
Commercial construction real estate22,49217,4926,2747,260612855—54,985
Pass34,1898,725960————43,874
Satisfactory/Monitor2,1991,5471362,3071,139——7,328
Substandard————————
Residential construction real estate36,38810,2721,0962,3071,139——51,202
Commercial Real Estate
Pass3,42710,48149,64531,96917,22764,0735,431182,253
Satisfactory/Monitor48,06817,36515,87413,9675,29727,61014,954143,135
Substandard————1,6062,969474,622
Non-residential commercial real estate51,49527,84665,51945,93624,13094,65220,432330,010
Pass1,7202834,32910,1151,85331,787—50,087
Satisfactory/Monitor5632,48414,98010,2915,53520,132—53,985
Substandard—————256—256
Multi-family residential real estate2,2832,76719,30920,4067,38852,175—104,328
Pass3,2242,5834,4171,5173707,4923,48323,086
Satisfactory/Monitor1,9582,4388991,9772032,5951,29511,365
Substandard——————724724
Commercial5,1825,0215,3163,49457310,0875,50235,175
Pass1,2537771055366188242,466
Satisfactory/Monitor57——————57
Substandard————————
Consumer1,3107771055366188242,523
Pass93,28010,4821,3636061,2723,201—110,204
Satisfactory/Monitor————————
Substandard————————
Municipal93,28010,4821,3636061,2723,201—110,204
Total Loans$301,182$150,237$209,894$162,938$65,114$218,529$47,842$1,155,736
December 31, 202320232022202120202019PriorRevolvingTotal
Residential Real Estate · (Dollars in thousands)
Pass$84,211$112,215$83,137$29,704$8,991$53,021$—$371,279
Satisfactory/Monitor4,3627,0385,6712,2803865,873—25,610
Substandard———14—506—520
Non-revolving residential real estate88,573119,25388,80831,9989,37759,400—397,409
Pass——————17,13317,133
Satisfactory/Monitor——————1,7241,724
Substandard——————4545
Revolving residential real estate——————18,90218,902
Construction Real Estate
Pass3,7365,7672,736616437873—14,165
Satisfactory/Monitor10,3123,6738,352355—116—22,808
Substandard————————
Commercial construction real estate14,0489,44011,088971437989—36,973
Pass24,49617,904498——123—43,021
Satisfactory/Monitor3,9782,1145681,981———8,641
Substandard————————
Residential construction real estate28,47420,0181,0661,981—123—51,662
Commercial Real Estate
Pass5,97744,42834,56218,32723,65057,19716,629200,770
Satisfactory/Monitor17,90824,56313,8195,5526,17223,5213,48695,021
Substandard———1,773—516682,357
Non-residential commercial real estate23,88568,99148,38125,65229,82281,23420,183298,148
Pass2505,36410,2082,0618,22634,993—61,102
Satisfactory/Monitor84112,48511,8635,6649,9332,126—42,912
Substandard—————1,330—1,330
Multi-family residential real estate1,09117,84922,0717,72518,15938,449—105,344
Pass1,9586,3942,1256712,8497,7554,99226,744
Satisfactory/Monitor1,9141,2432,3504671326,71764813,471
Substandard—————4229233
Commercial3,8727,6374,4751,1382,98114,4765,86940,448
Pass1,56634213198229175282,569
Satisfactory/Monitor20——————20
Substandard————————
Consumer1,58634213198229175282,589
Pass66,3962,9429861,9311304,410—76,795
Satisfactory/Monitor————————
Substandard————————
Municipal66,3962,9429861,9311304,410—76,795
Total Loans$227,925$246,472$177,006$71,494$61,135$199,256$44,982$1,028,270

Gross charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted oftwo consumer loans totaling $1 thousand that were originated in 2021 andtwo consumer loans totaling $2 thousand that were originated in 2024. Gross charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted oftwo consumer loans totaling $8 thousand that were originated in 2022.

A summary of current and past due loans as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:

December 31, 202430-59 Days60-89 Days90 Days and OverTotal Past DueCurrentTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential real estate
Non-revolving residential real estate$1,560$1,158$241$2,959$442,466$445,425
Revolving residential real estate————21,88421,884
Construction real estate
Commercial construction real estate————54,98554,985
Residential construction real estate————51,20251,202
Commercial real estate
Non-residential commercial real estate35546—401329,609330,010
Multi-family residential real estate————104,328104,328
Commercial45——4535,13035,175
Consumer—4—42,5192,523
Municipal————110,204110,204
Total$1,960$1,208$241$3,409$1,152,327$1,155,736
December 31, 202330-59 Days60-89 Days90 Days and OverTotal Past DueCurrentTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential real estate
Non-revolving residential real estate$2,015$312$162$2,489$394,920$397,409
Revolving residential real estate——171718,88518,902
Construction real estate
Commercial construction real estate17——1736,95636,973
Residential construction real estate————51,66251,662
Commercial real estate
Non-residential commercial real estate197——197297,951298,148
Multi-family residential real estate1,058——1,058104,286105,344
Commercial4——440,44440,448
Consumer14——142,5752,589
Municipal————76,79576,795
Total$3,305$312$179$3,796$1,024,474$1,028,270

A summary of nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:

December 31, 2024NonaccrualNonaccrual With No Allowance for Credit Losses90 Days and Over and Accruing
Residential real estate · (Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$—$—$241
Commercial real estate
Non-residential commercial real estate1,6521,652—
Total$1,652$1,652$241
December 31, 2023NonaccrualNonaccrual With No Allowance for Credit Losses90 Days and Over and Accruing
Residential real estate · (Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$—$—$162
Revolving residential real estate17——
Commercial real estate
Non-residential commercial real estate1,8411,841—
Total$1,858$1,841$162

There wasone residential real estate loan totaling $8 thousand in process of foreclosure at December 31, 2024 andone revolving residential real estate loan totaling $17 thousand in process of foreclosure at December 31, 2023. Aggregate interest on nonaccrual loans not recognized was $235 thousand as of December 31, 2024 and $143 thousand as of December 31, 2023.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans that are individually evaluated and collateral dependent represent loans that the Company has determined foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the loan to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral. For these loans, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan at the measurement date.

The following table presents collateral dependent loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by loan class and collateral type as of the balance sheet dates:

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-residential commercial real estate$4,246$1,841
Commercial500—
Total$4,746$1,841

Collateral dependent loans are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially by the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment.

Occasionally, the Company modifies loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by providing interest rate reductions, term extensions, payment deferrals or principal forgiveness. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amount of forgiveness is charged off against the ACL on loans. The following tables summarize loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by loan class, type of modification and the financial effect of the modifications as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

Payment Delay
Amortized Cost Basis% of Loan ClassFinancial Effect
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$14—%Modification deferred 3 months of principal and interest payments.
Non-residential commercial real estate2,5940.79%Modification allowed for 6 months of interest only payments with remaining balances re-amortized to maturity.
Non-residential commercial real estate2570.08%Modification deferred 3 months of principal and interest payments.
Commercial450.13%Modification deferred 3 months of principal and interest payments.
Interest Rate Reduction
Amortized Cost Basis% of Loan ClassFinancial Effect
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-residential commercial real estate$3980.13%Reduced weighted average contractual interest rate from 8.75% to 6.85%
Multi-family residential real estate4400.42%Reduced weighted average contractual interest rate from 9.25% to 7.75%
Payment Delay
Amortized Cost Basis% of Loan ClassFinancial Effect
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-residential commercial real estate$3,3831.13%Modification allowed for 6 months of interest only payments with remaining balances due at maturity.

The following tables present the performance of loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 that had been modified in the last twelve months:

December 31, 2024CurrentPast Due30-89 DaysPast Due 90 Days and Over
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-revolving residential real estate$14$—$—
Non-residential commercial real estate2,851——
Commercial—45—
December 31, 2023CurrentPast Due30-89 DaysPast Due 90 Days and Over
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-residential commercial real estate$3,781$—$—
Multi-family residential real estate440——

There wereno loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified within the previous twelve months that had subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Loans are considered defaulted at 90 days past due.

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company was not committed to lend any additional funds to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for which the Company modified the terms of the loans in the form of principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or a term extension.

Note 8. Premises and Equipment

The major classes of premises and equipment and accumulated depreciation at December 31, were as follows:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Land and land improvements$4,472$4,466
Building and improvements21,71421,566
Furniture and equipment12,70312,263
Construction in progress and deposits on equipment633505
39,52238,800
Less accumulated depreciation(19,297)(18,029)
$20,225$20,771

Depreciation included in Occupancy and equipment expenses amounted to $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Note 9. Leases

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had operating real estate leases for three branch locations, a parking lot, and land upon which a branch location was constructed. The lease agreements have maturity dates ranging from June 2028 to September 2047. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average remaining life of the lease term for the operating leases was 17.47 years.

The discount rate used in determining the lease liability for each individual lease was the FHLB fixed advance rate as of the date the lease became effective or as of January 2019 for leases in effect at adoption of ASU No. 2016-02. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted average discount rate for operating leases was 3.63% and 3.62%, respectively.

The right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to operating leases were as follows at December 31:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Right-of-use assets included in Other assets$2,310$2,450
Lease liabilities included in Accrued interest and other liabilities2,4842,605

Total estimated rental commitments for operating leases were as follows as of December 31, 2024:

(Dollars in thousands)
2025$215
2026217
2027224
2028211
2029184
Thereafter2,439
Total$3,490

A reconciliation of the operating lease undiscounted cash flows in the maturity analysis above and the operating lease liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheets is shown below:

December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Undiscounted cash flows$3,490
Discount effect of cash flows(1,006)
Lease liabilities$2,484

Operating lease costs, included in Occupancy expense, net in the consolidated statements of income were $233 thousand and $259 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Occupancy expense is shown in the consolidated statements of income, net of rental income of $266 thousand and $261 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Note 10. Investment in Real Estate Limited Partnerships

The Company has purchased from time to time various interests in limited partnerships established to acquire, own and rent residential housing for elderly, low or moderate income individuals in Vermont and New Hampshire. The following is a summary of investments in real estate limited partnerships at December 31:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying values of investments carried at equity included in Other assets$12,918$12,621
Capital contribution payable included in Accrued interest and other liabilities2,1023,154

The following table presents the net impact on the Provision for income taxes related to investments carried at equity:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for undistributed net losses of limited partnership investments$1,703$1,387
Federal income tax credits related to limited partnership investments(1,832)(1,404)
Net effect on provision for income taxes$(129)$(17)

Note 11. Deposits

The following is a summary of interest bearing deposits at December 31:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest bearing checking accounts$307,540$336,438
Savings and money market accounts407,322429,251
Time deposits, $250,000 and over61,72342,806
Other time deposits166,261246,116
$942,846$1,054,611

Included in other time deposits are brokered deposits of $153.2 million at December 31, 2023. There wereno brokered deposits at December 31, 2024. There were $50.2 million of purchased one-way ICS deposits included in savings and money market deposits at December 31, 2023 andno purchased one-way ICS deposits at December 31, 2024. Reciprocal deposits of $269.8 million and $244.3 million were included in deposit balances in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following is a summary of time deposits by maturity at December 31, 2024:

(Dollars in thousands)
2025$216,444
20265,176
20274,136
2028874
20291,354
$227,984

Note 12. Borrowed Funds

The Company's borrowed funds consisted of borrowings from the FHLB of $259.7 million at a weighted average rate of 4.17% at December 31, 2024. Borrowed funds at December 31, 2023 consisted of borrowings from the FHLB of $55.7 million at a weighted average rate of 3.68% and borrowings from the FRB of $10.0 million at a weighted average rate of 4.85%.

The Company has established both overnight and longer term lines of credit with the FHLB. These borrowings are secured by investment securities AFS, a blanket lien on qualified collateral consisting of loans with first mortgages secured by one-to-four family properties and certain commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2024, pledged loans and investment securities AFS with a carrying value of $438.2 million provided a gross borrowing capacity of $322.5 million at the FHLB, less outstanding borrowings and other credit subject to collateralization of $309.3 million, resulting in remaining year-end available borrowing capacity of $13.2 million. At December 31, 2023, pledged loans with a carrying value of $343.7 million provided a gross borrowing capacity of $235.5 million at the FHLB, less outstanding borrowings and other credit subject to collateralization of $99.6 million, resulting in remaining year-end available borrowing capacity of $135.9 million.

Under a separate agreement with the FHLB, the Company has the authority, up to its available borrowing capacity, to collateralize public unit deposits with letters of credit issued by the FHLB. FHLB letters of credit in the amount of $47.3 million and $42.4 million were utilized as collateral for these deposits at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Total fees paid by the Company in connection with the issuance of these letters of credit were $44 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Union also maintains an IDEAL Way Line of Credit with the FHLB. The total line available was $551 thousand as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. There wereno outstanding borrowings against this line of credit at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

In addition to its borrowing arrangements with the FHLB, Union maintains a preapproved Federal Funds line of credit with a correspondent bank totaling $15.0 million. Interest on advances under this line is payable daily and charged at the Federal Funds rate at the time of the borrowing. There wereno outstanding borrowings on the line of credit at December 31, 2024 or 2023.

In March 2023, the FRB created the BTFP, a temporary program to provide an additional source of liquidity funding to U.S. depository institutions. Advances under this program were secured by qualifying investment assets consisting of eligible U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises and Agency MBS securities valued at par. The Company hadno outstanding advances under this program at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the Company had an outstanding BTFP advance of $10.0 million at a rate of 4.85% due on December 23, 2024. The FRB ceased making new loans under this program on March 11, 2024.

Note 13. Subordinated Notes

In August 2021, the Company completed the private placement of $16.5 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2031 (the "Notes") to certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors. The Notes initially bear interest, payable semi-annually, at the rate of 3.25% per annum, until September 1, 2026. From and including September 1, 2026, the interest rate applicable to the outstanding principal amount due will reset quarterly to the then current three-month secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus 263 basis points. The Company may, at its option, beginning with the interest payment date of September 1, 2026, but not generally prior thereto, and on any scheduled interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part. The Notes have been structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital instruments for the Company under bank regulatory guidelines.

The Company used the proceeds to provide additional capital support to the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Union Bank, to support growth and for other general corporate purposes.

The unamortized issuance costs of the Notes were $227 thousand and $261 thousand at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company recorded $34 thousand of issuance costs in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Notes are presented net of unamortized issuance costs in the consolidated balance sheets.

Note 14. Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Current federal tax provision$2,251$1,346
Current state tax (benefit) provision(53)8
Deferred tax (benefit) provision(1,829)266
$369$1,620

The total provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the following for the years ended December 31:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Computed “expected” tax expense$1,919$2,707
State tax (benefit) expense(42)7
Tax exempt interest(1,222)(906)
Increase in cash surrender value of COLI(150)(94)
Tax credits(1,849)(1,424)
Equity in losses of limited partnerships1,4361,150
Non-deductible expenses295202
Other(18)(22)
$369$1,620

Listed below are the significant components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Components of the deferred tax asset
Allowance for credit losses$1,942$1,720
Tax credit carryover1,478—
Deferred compensation426379
Loans held for sale229
Core deposit intangible3661
Unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale9,5718,996
Other4639
Total deferred tax asset13,52111,204
Components of the deferred tax liability
Depreciation(1,131)(1,329)
Mortgage servicing rights(377)(379)
Limited partnership investments(46)(21)
Goodwill(447)(411)
Prepaid expenses(214)(162)
Total deferred tax liability(2,215)(2,302)
Net deferred tax asset$11,306$8,902

Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management's judgment that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. Based on the temporary taxable items, historical taxable income and estimates of future taxable income, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 will be realized and thereforeno valuation allowance is warranted.

The net deferred income tax asset is included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Based on management's evaluation, management has concluded that there were no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company's financial statements at December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company is subject to income tax at the federal level and in the state of New Hampshire. Although the Company is not currently the subject of an examination by any taxing authority, the Company's tax years ended December 31, 2021 through 2023 are open to examination under applicable statutes of limitation. The 2024 tax return has not yet been filed.

The Company may from time to time be assessed interest and/or penalties by federal or state tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to the Company's financial results. In the event that the Company receives an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it will be classified in the financial statements as Other expenses.

Note 15. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan: Union maintains a tax-qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan under which employees may elect to make tax deferred contributions of up to the IRS maximum from their annual salary, which are matched by Union equal to 50% of the first 6% of the compensation contributed. All employees meeting service requirements are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. Union may make employer matching and profit-sharing contributions to the 401(k) plan at the discretion of the Board. Company contributions are fully vested after three years of service. The 401(k) plan includes "Safe Harbor" provisions requiring annual nondiscretionary minimum contributions to the 401(k) plan for all eligible participants in an amount equal to 3% of eligible earnings of each eligible participant. Additionally, in 2023 a discretionary profit-sharing contribution was made to the 401(k) plan in an amount equal to 3% percent of each employee's eligible earnings, as defined by the 401(k) plan.

The following table summarizes employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Employer matching$358$315
Profit sharing—369
Safe harbor412379
Total$770$1,063

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans: The Company and Union havetwo nonqualified deferred compensation plans for directors and certain key officers, referred to in this Note as the 2008 Plan and the 2020 Plan. The Company accrued an expense of $7 thousand in 2024 and 2023 under the 2008 Plan. The benefit obligations under the 2008 Plan represent general unsecured obligations of the Company and no assets are segregated for such payments. However, the Company and Union have purchased life insurance contracts on the lives of each participant in order to recoup the funding costs of these benefits. The benefits accrued under the 2008 Plan aggregated $165 thousand and $211 thousand at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in Accrued interest and other liabilities. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies purchased to recoup the funding costs under the 2008 Plan aggregated $467 thousand and $447 thousand at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in Company-owned life insurance in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

The 2020 Plan, which amended and restated an earlier plan adopted in 2006, provides a means by which participants may elect to defer receipt of current compensation from the Company or its subsidiary in order to provide retirement or other benefits as selected in the individual adoption agreements. Although the Plan did not originally allow for employer contributions, the Board subsequently determined that employer contributions may be appropriate in certain circumstances and accordingly amended and restated the plan effective February 1, 2020 to permit such contributions. Participants may select among designated reference investments consisting of investment funds, with the performance of the participant's account mirroring the selected reference investment. Distributions are made only upon a qualifying distribution event, which may include a separation from service, death, disability or unforeseeable emergency, or upon a date specified in the participant's deferral election form. The 2020 Plan is unfunded, representing general unsecured obligations of the Company of $1.8 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in Accrued interest and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, including employer contributions of $22 thousand and $30 thousand accrued as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Note 16. Stock Based Compensation

The Company's stock based compensation plan is the Union Bankshares, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, approved by the Company's shareholders in May 2024, which replaces and is substantially similar to the Company's 2014 Equity Plan. Subject to typical anti-dilution adjustments, up to 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are available for equity awards of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and RSUs to eligible officers and (except for awards of incentive stock options) nonemployee directors. Shares available for issuance of awards under the 2024 Equity Plan consist of unissued shares of the Company’s common stock and/or shares held in treasury.

As of December 31, 2024, no grants had yet been made under the 2024 Equity Plan and the only outstanding grants under the 2014 Equity Plan consisted of RSUs, as described in the table below.

RSUs. Each RSU represents the right to receiveone share of the Company's common stock upon satisfaction of applicable vesting conditions. For each of the awards granted in 2024 and 2023,50% of the RSUs awarded were in the form of Time-Based RSUs, which vest over three years, approximately one-third per year on the anniversary of the earned date; and 50% of the RSUs awarded were in the form of Performance-Based RSUs, which are subject to both performance and time based vesting conditions, with vesting of awards overtwo years, approximately one-half per year on the anniversary of the earned date. Prior to vesting, the RSUs do not earn dividends or dividend equivalents, nor do they bear any voting rights.

The following table presents a summary of RSUs from the respective Award Plan Summaries as of December 31, 2024:

Number of RSUs Granted · Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value · Number of Unvested RSUs
2023 Award19,28226.902,508
2024 Award19,91028.8711,280
Total39,19213,788

Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested RSUs was $393 thousand and $344 thousand, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

On May 15, 2024, the Company's board of directors, as a component of total director compensation, granted an aggregate of 3,736 RSUs to the Company's non-employee directors. Each RSU represents the right to receiveone share of the Company's common stock upon satisfaction of applicable vesting conditions. The RSUs will vest in May 2025, subject to continued board service through the vesting date, other than in the case of the director's death or disability. Prior to vesting, the RSUs do not earn dividends or dividend equivalents, nor do they bear any voting rights. Director compensation expense related to this award is estimated to be $95 thousand of which $56 thousand has been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Note 17. Earnings Per Share

The following table presents the reconciliation between the calculation of basic EPS and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income$8,761$11,257
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS4,523,1404,508,868
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards (1)30,90928,528
Weighted-average common and potential common shares for diluted EPS4,554,0494,537,396
Earnings per common share:
Basic EPS$1.94$2.50
Diluted EPS$1.92$2.48

(1)Dilutive effect of stock based awards represents the effect of vesting of restricted stock units. Unvested awards do not have dividend or dividend equivalent rights.

Note 18. Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable-rate loans, commitments to participate in or sell loans, commitments to buy or sell securities, guarantees on certain sold loans and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans under the MPF program with the FHLB. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had binding loan commitments to sell residential mortgage loans at fixed rates totaling $3.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively. The fair value adjustment of these commitments is not material to the Company's financial statements.

Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments and the potential impact on the Company's future financial position, financial performance and cash flow.

The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For interest rate caps and floors embedded in adjustable-rate loans, the contract or notional amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss. The Company controls the risk of interest rate cap agreements through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. Interest rate caps and floors on adjustable rate loans permit the Company to manage its interest rate risk and cash flow risk on these loans within parameters established by Company policy.

The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. The following table shows financial instruments outstanding whose contract amount represents credit risk at December 31:

Contract orNotional Amount
20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to originate loans$47,696$35,193
Unused lines of credit191,392192,104
Standby and commercial letters of credit1,6401,557
Credit card arrangements154157
MPF credit enhancement obligation, net (See Note 19)865744
Commitment to purchase investment in a real estate limited partnership2,000—
Total$243,747$229,755

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at either a fixed or variable interest rate as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates within 90 days of the commitment. Unused lines of credit are generally renewable at least annually except for home equity lines which usually have a specified draw period followed by a specified repayment period. Unused lines may have other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.

Since many of the commitments and lines 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. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company, upon issuance of a commitment to extend credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income-producing commercial properties.

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 issued to support the customer's private borrowing arrangements or guarantee the customer's contractual performance on behalf of a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers and the Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The fair value of standby letters of credit has not been included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet for either year as the fair value is immaterial.

The Company did not hold or issue derivative instruments or hedging instruments during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies

Contingent Liabilities: The Company sells 1-4 family residential mortgage loans under the MPF program with FHLB (See Note 18). Under this program, the Company shares in the credit risk of each mortgage loan, while receiving fee income in return. The Company is responsible for a Credit Enhancement Obligation based on the credit quality of these loans. FHLB funds a First Loss Account based on the Company's outstanding MPF mortgage loan balances. This creates a laddered approach to sharing in any losses. In the event of default, homeowner's equity and private mortgage insurance, if any, are the first sources of repayment; the FHLB First Loss Account funds are then utilized, followed by the member's Credit Enhancement Obligation, with the balance the responsibility of FHLB. These loans meet specific underwriting standards of the FHLB. The Company had sold $53.2 million and $40.2 million in loans through the MPF program since inception of its participation in the program, with an outstanding principal balance of $25.3 million and $14.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The volume of loans sold to the MPF program and the corresponding Credit Enhancement Obligation are closely monitored by management. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the notional amount of the maximum contingent contractual liability related to this program was $884 thousand and $763 thousand, respectively, of which $19 thousand had been recorded as a reserve through Accrued interest and other liabilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Legal Contingencies: In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal and other proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 20. Fair Value Measurement

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s assets that are measured on a recurring basis at estimated fair value:

Investment securities AFS: Certain U.S. Treasury notes have been valued using unadjusted quoted prices from active markets and therefore have been classified as Level 1. However, the majority of the Company’s AFS investment securities have been valued 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 market maker bids, quotes and pricing models. Inputs to the pricing models include recent trades, benchmark interest rates, spreads and actual and projected cash flows.

Mutual funds: Mutual funds have been valued using unadjusted quoted prices from active markets and therefore have been classified as Level 1.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and 2023, segregated by fair value hierarchy level, are summarized below:

Fair Value Measurement
FairValueQuoted Prices in Active Markets forIdentical Assets(Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
December 31, 2024: · (Dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale
Debt securities:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$26,215$2,702$23,513$—
Agency MBS173,275—173,275—
State and political subdivisions48,550—48,550—
Corporate2,464—2,464—
Total debt securities$250,504$2,702$247,802$—
Other investments:
Mutual funds$1,754$1,754$—$—
Fair Value Measurement
FairValueQuoted Prices in Active Markets forIdentical Assets(Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
December 31, 2023: · (Dollars in thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale
Debt securities:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$39,351$2,645$36,706$—
Agency MBS152,384—152,384—
State and political subdivisions66,439—66,439—
Corporate6,209—6,209—
Total debt securities$264,383$2,645$261,738$—
Other investments:
Mutual funds$1,500$1,500$—$—

There were no transfers in or out of Levels 1 and 2 during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, nor were there any Level 3 assets at any time during those periods. Certain other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods after initial recognition, such as collateral dependent individually evaluated loans and MSRs, were not considered material at December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company has not elected to apply the fair value method to any financial assets or liabilities other than those situations where other accounting pronouncements require fair value measurements.

FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Management’s estimates and assumptions are inherently subjective and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions could dramatically affect the estimated fair values.

Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments may be excluded from disclosure requirements. Thus, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the actual underlying fair value of such instruments of the Company.

As of the balance sheet dates, the estimated fair values and related carrying amounts of the Company's significant financial instruments were as follows:

December 31, 2024
Fair Value Measurement
CarryingAmountEstimated FairValueQuoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1)SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2)SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents$15,838$15,838$15,838$—$—
Interest bearing deposits in banks9,4629,449—9,449—
Investment securities252,258252,2584,456247,802—
Loans held for sale5,2045,303—5,303—
Loans, net
Residential real estate464,691441,373——441,373
Construction real estate105,63387,402——87,402
Commercial real estate432,173395,713——395,713
Commercial34,86333,096——33,096
Consumer2,5222,477——2,477
Municipal110,336108,163——108,163
Accrued interest receivable6,4706,470—1,2265,244
Nonmarketable equity securities11,352N/AN/AN/AN/A
Financial liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing226,048226,048226,048——
Interest bearing714,862714,862714,862——
Time227,984226,890—226,890—
Borrowed funds
Short-term29,00028,946—28,946—
Long-term230,696229,613—229,613—
Subordinated notes16,27316,128—16,128—
Accrued interest payable3,3193,319—3,319—
December 31, 2023
Fair Value Measurement
CarryingAmountEstimated FairValueQuoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1)SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2)SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents$77,666$77,666$77,666$—$—
Interest bearing deposits in banks14,69014,690—14,690—
Investment securities265,883265,8834,145261,738—
Loans held for sale3,0703,110—3,110—
Loans, net
Residential real estate414,500373,594——373,594
Construction real estate87,58885,678——85,678
Commercial real estate401,753373,279——373,279
Commercial40,16537,136——37,136
Consumer2,5892,536——2,536
Municipal76,86174,812——74,812
Accrued interest receivable5,4095,409—1,3954,014
Nonmarketable equity securities3,199N/AN/AN/AN/A
Financial liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing250,992250,992250,992——
Interest bearing765,689765,689765,689——
Time288,922286,637—286,637—
Borrowed funds
Short-term10,0009,990—9,990—
Long-term55,69655,914—55,914—
Subordinated notes16,23915,302—15,302—
Accrued interest payable1,6661,666—1,666—

The carrying amounts in the preceding tables are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the applicable captions. Accrued interest receivable and nonmarketable equity securities are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Note 21. Transactions with Related Parties

The Company has had, and is expected to have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with principal stockholders, directors, principal officers, their immediate families and affiliated companies in which they are principal stockholders (commonly referred to as related parties). In the opinion of management, these transactions were made on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated parties and do not represent more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

Aggregate loan transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, January 1,$265$292
New loans and advances on lines59
Repayments(143)(36)
Balance, December 31,$127$265
Balance available on lines of credit or loan commitments$223$156

There were no loans to related parties that were past due, in nonaccrual status or that had been restructured to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, or that were considered classified at December 31, 2024 or 2023.

Deposit accounts of related parties were $1.5 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Union's Wealth Management Group also had invested $77 thousand in certificates of deposit with Union at December 31, 2023 andno funds invested in certificates of deposit with Union at December 31, 2024.

Note 22. Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and Union are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. 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 and Union's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Union must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's and Union's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Under the standard regulatory capital guidelines, banking organizations must have a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%, a minimum Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0%, a minimum common equity Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% in order to be "adequately capitalized." In addition to these requirements, banking organizations must maintain a 2.5% capital conservation buffer consisting of common Tier I equity, increasing the minimum required total risk-based capital, Tier I risk-based and common equity Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets they must maintain to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

The Company and Union's risk-based capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and, specifically, Union was "well capitalized" under Prompt Corrective Action provisions for each period. There were no conditions or events known to management that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2024 and prior to the publication of these financial statements that would change the Company's or Union's regulatory capital categorization.

Union's and the Company's regulatory capital amounts and ratios as of the balance sheet dates are presented in the following tables:

ActualFor CapitalAdequacyPurposesTo Be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions
As of December 31, 2024AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
Company: · (Dollars in thousands)
Total capital to risk weighted assets$123,27812.53%$78,7098.00%N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets98,2549.99%59,0116.00%N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 to risk weighted assets98,2549.99%44,2594.50%N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets98,2546.29%62,4834.00%N/AN/A
Union:
Total capital to risk weighted assets$122,96212.51%$78,6338.00%$98,29110.00%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets114,21111.62%58,9736.00%78,6318.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 to risk weighted assets114,21111.62%44,2304.50%63,8876.50%
Tier 1 capital to average assets114,2117.31%62,4964.00%78,1205.00%
ActualFor CapitalAdequacyPurposesTo be WellCapitalized UnderPrompt CorrectiveAction Provisions
As of December 31, 2023AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
Company: · (Dollars in thousands)
Total capital to risk weighted assets$119,57713.34%$71,7108.00%N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets95,53910.66%53,7746.00%N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 to risk weighted assets95,53910.66%40,3314.50%N/AN/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets95,5396.51%58,7034.00%N/AN/A
Union:
Total capital to risk weighted assets$119,65213.35%$71,7028.00%$89,62710.00%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets111,85412.48%53,7766.00%71,7018.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 to risk weighted assets111,85412.48%40,3324.50%58,2576.50%
Tier 1 capital to average assets111,8547.62%58,7164.00%73,3955.00%

Dividends paid by Union are the primary source of funds available to the Company for payment of dividends to its stockholders. Union is subject to certain requirements imposed by federal banking laws and regulations, which among other things, establish minimum levels of capital and restrict the amount of dividends that may be distributed by Union to the Company.

Note 23. Treasury Stock

The basis for the carrying value of the Company's treasury stock is the purchase price of the shares at the time of purchase. The Company maintains a limited stock repurchase plan which authorizes the repurchase of up to 2,500 shares of its common stock each calendar quarter in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, as management may deem advisable and as market conditions may warrant. The repurchase authorization for a calendar quarter expires at the end of that quarter to the extent it has not been exercised, and is not carried forward into future quarters. The quarterly repurchase program, which was initially adopted in 2010, was most recently reauthorized in December 2024 and will expire on December 31, 2026 unless reauthorized. The Company didnot repurchase any shares under this program during 2024, while 5,700 shares, at a total cost of $129 thousand were repurchased under the program during 2023. Since inception, the Company had repurchased 26,140 shares of its common stock as of December 31, 2024, at prices ranging from $17.86 to $48.82 per share and at a total cost of $682 thousand. The Company also repurchased 30 shares outside of the limited stock repurchase program at a cost of $1 thousand during 2023.

The Company maintains a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRIP) whereby registered stockholders may elect to reinvest cash dividends and optional cash contributions to purchase additional shares of the Company's common stock. The Company has reserved 200,000 shares of its common stock for issuance and sale under the DRIP. As of December 31, 2024,13,174 shares of stock had been issued from treasury stock under the DRIP, since inception of the Plan in 2016.

Note 24. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of Accumulated OCI, net of tax, at December 31 were:

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities AFS$(33,997)$(31,955)

The following table discloses the tax effects allocated to each component of OCI for the years ended:

December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023
Before-Tax AmountTax BenefitNet-of-Tax AmountBefore-Tax AmountTax ExpenseNet-of-Tax Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
Investment securities AFS:
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year on investment securities AFS$(3,910)$859$(3,051)$6,416$(952)$5,464
Reclassification adjustment for net losses on investment securities AFS realized in net income1,293(284)1,009———
Total other comprehensive (loss) income$(2,617)$575$(2,042)$6,416$(952)$5,464

The following table discloses information concerning the reclassification adjustments from OCI for the years ended December 31:

Reclassification Adjustment Description20242023Affected Line Item inConsolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands)
Investment securities AFS:
Net losses on investment securities AFS$1,293$—Net losses on sales of investment securities AFS
Tax benefit(284)—Provision for income taxes
Total reclassifications$1,009$—Net income

Note 25. Subsequent Events

Events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2024 have been evaluated as to their potential impact on the consolidated financial statements.

On January 15, 2025, the Company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable February 6, 2025 to shareholders of record on January 25, 2025.

Note 26. Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only)

The following condensed financial statements are for Union Bankshares, Inc. (Parent Company Only), and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Union Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiary.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2024 and 2023

20242023
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash$44$4
Other investments12098
Investment in subsidiary - Union82,43782,122
Other assets660519
Total assets$83,261$82,743
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Subordinated notes$16,273$16,239
Accrued interest and other liabilities508697
Total liabilities16,78116,936
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $2.00 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized; 5,012,084 shares issued at December 31, 2024 and 4,995,348 shares issued at December 31, 202310,0249,991
Additional paid-in capital3,0312,621
Retained earnings91,72289,472
Treasury stock at cost; 474,075 shares at December 31, 2024 and 476,500 shares at December 31, 2023(4,300)(4,322)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(33,997)(31,955)
Total stockholders' equity66,48065,807
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$83,261$82,743

The investment in subsidiary is carried under the equity method of accounting. The investment in subsidiary and cash, which is on deposit with Union, have been eliminated in consolidation.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

20242023
Revenues · (Dollars in thousands)
Dividends - bank subsidiary - Union$7,900$7,100
Other income2117
Total revenues7,9217,117
Expenses
Interest on subordinated notes570570
Administrative and other598558
Total expenses1,1681,128
Income before applicable income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary6,7535,989
Applicable income tax benefit(242)(234)
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary6,9956,223
Equity in undistributed net income - Union1,7665,034
Net income$8,761$11,257

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

20242023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES · (Dollars in thousands)
Net income$8,761$11,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net income of Union(1,766)(5,034)
Net gains on other investments(10)(11)
Amortization of debt issuance costs3434
(Increase) decrease in other assets(141)125
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities(382)34
Net cash provided by operating activities6,4966,405
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of other investments(12)(12)
Net cash used in investing activities(12)(12)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid(6,444)(6,415)
Purchase of treasury stock—(130)
Net cash used in financing activities(6,444)(6,545)
Net increase (decrease) in cash40(152)
Cash, beginning of year4156
Cash, end of year$44$4
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Interest paid$571$569
Dividends paid on Common Stock:
Dividends declared$6,511$6,491
Dividends reinvested(67)(76)
$6,444$6,415

Note 27. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

A summary of consolidated financial data for each of the four quarters of 2024 and 2023 is presented below:

Quarters in 2024 Ended
March 31,June 30,Sept. 30,Dec 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income$15,621$16,552$17,191$18,590
Interest expense6,6137,0687,7618,148
Net interest income9,0089,4849,43010,442
Credit loss (benefit) expense(230)388425347
Noninterest income2,5672,7651,6052,786
Noninterest expenses9,2239,7819,4099,614
Net income2,4172,0191,3243,001
Basic earnings per common share$0.53$0.45$0.29$0.67
Diluted earnings per common share$0.53$0.45$0.29$0.65
Quarters in 2023 Ended
March 31,June 30,Sept. 30,Dec 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income$13,044$13,803$14,847$15,416
Interest expense3,0694,1855,6996,314
Net interest income9,9759,6189,1489,102
Credit loss expense (benefit)74(96)(139)(338)
Noninterest income2,2852,4832,4672,669
Noninterest expenses8,7509,0638,9268,630
Net income2,9772,6992,5323,049
Basic earnings per common share$0.66$0.60$0.56$0.68
Diluted earnings per common share$0.66$0.60$0.55$0.67

Note 28. Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expenses

There are no components of other noninterest income that were in excess of one percent of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The components of other noninterest expenses which are in excess of one percent of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

20242023
Expenses · (Dollars in thousands)
ATM network and debit card expense$1,259$908
FDIC insurance assessment1,167998
Vermont franchise tax1,0691,130
Professional fees1,0621,016
Other expenses5,8905,948
Total other expenses$10,447$10,000

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Union Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 25, 2025, expressed an unmodified opinion.

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 the 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 of the financial statements 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.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements, and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Maine n New Hampshire n Massachusetts n Connecticut n West Virginia n Arizona n Puerto Rico

berrydunn.com

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

As described in Notes 1, 6, and 7 to the Company's consolidated financial statements, the Company has a gross loan portfolio of $1.2 billion, related allowance for credit losses on loans of $7.7 million and an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company's allowance for credit losses on loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures are material and complex estimates requiring significant management judgment in the evaluation of the credit quality and the estimation of inherent losses within the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet credit exposures.

The allowance for credit losses on loans represents the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses on loans is comprised of reserves measured on a collective (pool) basis based on a lifetime loss-rate model when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis.

For reserves measured on a collective (pool) basis, the Company uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan pools. For each of the loan segments, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, and loss rates. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical benchmark data. The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine suitable loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime loss rates. The Company also incorporates a reasonable and supportable forecast period, which reverts back to a historical loss rate. The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level that represents the sum of expected losses to determine the estimated allowance for credit losses on loans. The allowance for credit losses on loans evaluation also considers various qualitative factors, including changes in policy and/or underwriting standards, actual or expected changes in economic trends and conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in credit and lending staff/administration, problem loan trends, credit risk concentrations, loan review results, changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans, and changes in the regulatory and business environment.

The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures represents the estimate of probable credit losses inherent in unfunded commitments to extend credit as of the balance sheet date. Unfunded commitments to extend credit include unused portions of lines of credit, commitments to originate loans, and standby and commercial letters of credit. The process used to determine the allowance for credit losses for these exposures is consistent with the process for determining the allowance for credit losses on loans, as adjusted for estimated funding probabilities.

Changes in these judgments and assumptions could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results. Auditing these complex judgments and assumptions involves especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit evidence and effort required to address these matters, including the extent of specialized skill or knowledge needed. The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

Testing the design of controls relating to management's review of loans, assignment of risk ratings,and consistency of application of accounting policies.

Evaluating the reasonableness of judgments, assumptions, and sources of data used by management in forming its expected cash flow streams by analyzing data used in developing the judgments and assumptions, including assessment of whether there were additional sources of data relevant to the loan portfolio not used by management.

Comparing the judgments and assumptions documented by management to the allowance for credit loss model for consistency.

Evaluating the appropriateness of inputs and factors that the Company used in forming the qualitative loss factors and assessing whether such inputs and factors were relevant, reliable, and reasonable for the purpose used.

Evaluating the appropriateness of estimated funding probabilities used in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures.

Evaluating the appropriateness of the Company's loan risk rating policy and testing the consistency of its application.

Evaluating the appropriateness of specific reserves for individually evaluated loans.

Verifying the mathematical accuracy and computation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures by re-performing or independently calculating significant elements of the allowance for credit losses on loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures based on relevant source documents.

Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2009.

Manchester, New Hampshire

March 25, 2025

Vermont Registration No. 92-0000278

PCAOB registration No.136

ContentsView on SEC.gov

The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.