First Bancorp Inc ME

Previous wording

In the six months ended June 30, 2024 the ACL-Loans increased by $663,000, the ACL-Off-Balance Commitments decreased by $353,000 and the ACL-HTM Securities decreased by $285,000. Further discussion of the ACL may be found in Note 2, "Investment Securities", Note 3, "Loans", and Note 4, "Allowance for Credit Losses", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Current wording

In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 the ACL-Loans decreased by $31,000, the ACL-Off-Balance Commitments decreased by $487,000 and the ACL-HTM Securities decreased by $210,000. Further discussion of the ACL may be found in Note 2, "Investment Securities", Note 3, "Loans", and Note 4, "Allowance for Credit Losses", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Fair Value of Securities. Determining a market price for securities carried at fair value is a critical accounting estimate in the Company's financial statements. Pricing of individual securities is subject to a number of factors including changes in market interest rates, changes in prepayment speeds and assumptions, changes in market tolerance for risk, and any changes in the risk profile of the security. The Company subscribes to a widely recognized, independent pricing service and updates carrying values no less frequently than monthly. It also validates the values provided by the pricing service no less frequently than quarterly by measuring against security prices provided by a secondary source. Results of the validation are reported to the ALCO each quarter and any variances between the two sources above defined thresholds are investigated by management. A finding that the Company's methodology for valuation of its investment securities is materially incorrect could result in changes to the carrying value of securities on its balance sheet and corresponding changes in shareholders equity position. As of June 30, 2024 the fair value of AFS securities decreased by $8.6 million and the fair value of HTM securities decreased by $17.0 million from that of December 31, 2023. These decreases are due to a combination of higher interest rates leading to lower market prices for the underlying securities and incoming cash flow from these investments being re-deployed to other segments of the balance sheet. Further discussion of the fair value of securities may be found in Note 2, "Investment Securities", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Current wording

Fair Value of Securities. Determining a market price for securities carried at fair value is a critical accounting estimate in the Company's financial statements. Pricing of individual securities is subject to a number of factors including changes in market interest rates, changes in prepayment speeds and assumptions, changes in market tolerance for risk, and any changes in the risk profile of the security. The Company subscribes to a widely recognized, independent pricing service and updates carrying values no less frequently than monthly. It also validates the values provided by the pricing service no less frequently than quarterly by measuring against security prices provided by a secondary source. Results of the validation are reported to the ALCO each quarter and any variances between the two sources above defined thresholds are investigated by management. A finding that the Company's methodology for valuation of its investment securities is materially incorrect could result in changes to the carrying value of securities on its balance sheet and corresponding changes in shareholders equity position. As of September 30, 2024 the fair value of AFS securities increased by $3.0 million and the fair value of HTM securities decreased by $5.0 million from that of December 31, 2023. These changes are due to a combination of rate-driven market price adjustments for the underlying securities and reinvestment of incoming cash flow to other segments of the balance sheet. Further discussion of the fair value of securities may be found in Note 2, "Investment Securities", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Hedges. The Company recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the derivative is designated as a hedge of either a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), or a held for trading instrument (“trading instrument”). The relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items is formally documented, as is the risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, determination is made as to whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is effective and that qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in OCI and are reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction or related cash flows affect earnings. Changes in fair value of a derivative that qualifies as a fair value hedge and the change in fair value of the hedged item are both recorded in earnings and offset each other when the transaction is effective. Those derivatives that are classified as trading instruments, including customer loan swaps, are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Hedge accounting is discontinued when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, that it is unlikely that the forecasted transaction will occur, or that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. Among the factors that may influence the fair value of a derivative instrument are changes in market interest rates, changes in the time remaining to maturity of the instrument, or credit quality of the counter-party. Further information, including period-to-period changes in the fair value of derivatives, may be found in Note 10, "Financial Derivative Instruments", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Current wording

Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Hedges. The Company recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the derivative is designated as a hedge of either a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), or a held for trading instrument (“trading instrument”). The relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items is formally documented, as is the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, determination is made as to whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is effective and that qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in OCI and are reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction or related cash flows affect earnings. Changes in fair value of a derivative that qualifies as a fair value hedge and the change in fair value of the hedged item are both recorded in earnings and offset each other when the transaction is effective. Those derivatives that are classified as trading instruments, including customer loan swaps, are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Hedge accounting is discontinued when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, that it is unlikely that the forecasted transaction will occur, or that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. Among the factors that may influence the fair value of a derivative instrument are changes in market interest rates, changes in the time remaining to maturity of the instrument, or credit quality of the counter-party. Further information, including period-to-period changes in the fair value of derivatives, may be found in Note 10, "Financial Derivative Instruments", to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of the Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Risks and Uncertainties. The nation's economy continues to demonstrate areas of strength and areas of weakness. The high inflation experienced post-pandemic has moderated, yet continues to run above the FOMC's 2% target, and the pace of progress to target has slowed as evidenced by higher than expected readings of the Consumer Price Index in the first quarter of 2024. The labor market remains tight with continued low rates of unemployment and strong but slowing job creation; wage pressures which had contributed to to inflationary pressure appear to be softening. To address the inflation problem, FOMC aggressively increased short-term interest rates throughout 2022 and into 2023, and has been on hold since the summer of 2023. The FOMC has signaled rate reductions beginning later this year, however the timing and depth of cuts is uncertain. If the FOMC has not increased rates enough or begins rate cuts too early, it risks an ongoing inflation problem; an overshoot on maintaining elevated interest rates risks entering the economy into a recession. Concern continues to be expressed nationally on the commercial real estate market given high vacancy numbers in some locations. The ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas, continue to contribute to geopolitical instability and add to economic uncertainty particularly in the energy sector. The recent near-failure and subsequent recapitalization of a large regional bank rekindled concerns that followed the failures in 2023 of several regional banks, which roiled markets and introduced new sources of uncertainty.

Current wording

Risks and Uncertainties. The nation's economy continues to demonstrate areas of strength and areas of weakness. The high inflation experienced post-pandemic has moderated, yet continues to run above the FOMC's 2% target. The labor market remains resilient with continued low but rising rates of unemployment and continued strong but slowing job creation; wage pressures which had contributed to to inflationary pressure appear to be softening. To address the inflation problem, FOMC aggressively increased short-term interest rates throughout 2022 and into 2023, then paused. Rate reductions were signaled, beginning later in 2024 and the FOMC acted with a 1/2% rate cut in September. The timing and depth of further rate action is uncertain. If the FOMC has not increased rates enough or begins rate cuts too early, it risks an ongoing inflation problem; an overshoot on maintaining elevated interest rates risks entering the economy into a recession.

Previous wording

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $12.2 million, down $3.2 million or 20.7% from the same period in 2023 due primarily to a decrease in net interest income resulting from higher funding costs. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $1.10 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, down $0.29 or 21.1% from the $1.39 posted for the same period in 2023. Dividends totaling $0.71 per share have been declared year-to-date, representing a payout to our shareholders of 64.3% of basic earnings per share for the period. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net income was $6.2 million, down $1.2 million or 16.5% from the same period in 2023. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $0.55 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, down $0.11 or 17.1% from the $0.67 posted for the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $19.8 million, down $3.1 million or 13.5% from the same period in 2023 due primarily to a decrease in net interest income resulting from higher funding costs. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $1.78 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down $0.29 or 13.9% from the $2.06 posted for the same period in 2023. Dividends totaling $1.07 per share have been declared year-to-date, representing a payout to our shareholders of 59.8% of basic earnings per share for the period. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, net income was $7.6 million, up $97,000 or 1.3% from the same period in 2023. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $0.68 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up $0.01 or 0.7% from the $0.67 posted for the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis was down $3.4 million or 9.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was 2.21%, down from 2.62% for the same period in 2023. The period to period change in net interest income and net interest margin is primarily attributable to increased funding costs. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net interest income on a tax- equivalent basis decreased $825,000 or 5.0% compared to the same period in 2023, with the net interest margin at 2.21% compared to 2.46% for the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis was down $2.9 million or 5.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was 2.25%, down from 2.54% for the same period in 2023. The period-to-period change in net interest income and net interest margin is primarily attributable to increased funding costs, mitigated by earning asset growth. For the quarter ended

Previous wording

Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $7.8 million, up $358,000 or 4.8%, from the six months ended June 30, 2023. As compared to the prior year, service charges on deposit accounts were up $107,000, or 11.5%, and debit card revenue increased $43,000, or 1.7%. Revenue at First National Wealth Management increased $102,000 or 4.3% over the same period. Mortgage banking revenue decreased $68,000 or 17.6% on lower volume of mortgage sales and negative marks taken against mortgage servicing rights valuation.

Current wording

Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $11.9 million, up $589,000 or 5.2%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2023. As compared to the prior year, service charges on deposit accounts were up $153,000, or 10.9%, and debit card revenue increased $41,000, or 1.1%. Revenue at First National Wealth Management increased $174,000 or 5.0% over the same period. Mortgage banking revenue decreased $99,000 or 16.2% on lower volume of mortgage sales and negative marks taken against mortgage servicing rights valuation.

Previous wording

Non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $23.0 million, up $1.4 million or 6.7% from the six months ended June 30, 2023. FDIC insurance premiums increased $248,000 from the same period in 2023, salaries and employee benefits increased 6.8% and other operating expense increased 5.4% over the same period.

Current wording

Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $35.0 million, up $2.4 million or 7.5% from the nine months ended September 30, 2023. FDIC insurance premiums increased $333,000 from the same period in 2023, salaries and employee benefits increased 8.2% and other operating expense increased 6.7% over the same period.

Previous wording

Asset quality continues to be strong and stable. Non-performing assets stood at 0.09% of total assets as of June 30, 2024, up slightly from 0.07% of total assets as of December 31, 2023 and 0.06% of total assets as of June 30, 2023. Total past-due loans remain low and were 0.15% of total loans as of June 30, 2024, down from 0.18% and slightly up from 0.14% of total loans as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Asset quality continues to be strong and stable. Non-performing assets stood at 0.08% of total assets as of September 30, 2024, up slightly from 0.07% of total assets as of December 31, 2023 and down slightly from 0.09% of total assets as of September 30, 2023. Total past-due loans remain low and were 0.14% of total loans as of September 30, 2024, down from 0.18% and up from 0.10% of total loans as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

The provision for credit losses on loans for the first six months of 2024 was $638,000, up from the $580,000 provisioned in the same period in 2023. The provision year-to-date in 2024 has been driven by loan growth, strong credit quality, and generally favorable economic forecasts. Net recoveries for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were $25,000 or 0.002% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to net charge-offs of $48,000 or 0.005% as of the six months ended June 30, 2023. The ACL for loans increased $663,000 between December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, and now stands at 1.10% of loans outstanding as of June 30, 2024, as compared to 1.13% at December 31, 2023 and 1.14% at June 30, 2023.

Current wording

The provision for credit losses on loans for the first nine months of 2024 was $58,000, down from the $419,000 provisioned in the same period in 2023. A reverse provision for credit losses on loans of $580,000 was recorded in the third quarter of 2024. Models implemented in the third quarter introduced post-pandemic experience into the Bank's discounted cash flow based estimates, a period of strong asset quality for the Bank. This change, coupled with a refresh of peer groups used in our analysis, led to the modest reversal for the period. Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $89,000 or 0.005% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to net charge-offs of $30,000 or 0.002% as of the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The ACL for loans decreased $31,000 between December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, and now stands at 1.04% of loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024, as compared to 1.13% at December 31, 2023 and 1.12% at September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The Company's balance sheet continued to expand in the first six months of 2024 as total assets increased $138.2 million or 4.7% year-to-date. The loan portfolio increased $118.2 million or 5.6% in the six months ended June 30, 2024 and $186.7 million or 9.1% from a year ago. Loan growth in the first six months of 2024 was centered in the commercial and residential portfolios. Commercial loans increased by $83.9 million during the period, led by increases in owner-occupied commercial real estate of $26.2 million, non-owner occupied commercial real estate of $16.3 million, commercial & industrial loans of $15.5 million, multifamily of $12.2 million and commercial construction of $10.1 million. Residential term loans increased by $11.2 million in the first six months of 2024 and residential construction loans increased by $3.2 million during the same period. The investment portfolio decreased $12.5 million year-to-date and decreased $15.4 million from a year ago based upon cash flow of amortizing securities, limited reinvestment or new purchases, and changes in the carrying value of AFS securities.

Current wording

The Company's balance sheet continued to expand in the first nine months of 2024 as total assets increased $195.9 million or 6.6% year-to-date. The loan portfolio increased $177.8 million or 8.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and $227.4 million or 10.9% from a year ago. Loan growth in the first nine months of 2024 was centered in the commercial and residential portfolios. Commercial loans increased by $127.4 million during the period, led by increases in owner-occupied commercial real estate of $33.5 million, non-owner occupied commercial real estate of $18.2 million, commercial & industrial loans of $53.4 million and multifamily of $17.0 million. Residential term loans increased by $23.2 million in the first nine months of 2024 and residential construction loans increased by $2.3 million during the same period. The investment portfolio decreased $1.6 million year-to-date and decreased $7.1 million from a year ago based upon cash flow of amortizing securities, limited reinvestment or new purchases, and changes in the carrying value of AFS securities.

Previous wording

On the liability side of the balance sheet, total deposits decreased $21.6 million, or 0.8%, year-to-date to $2.58 billion. Low-cost deposits (Demand, NOW, Savings) have decreased $74.3 million, attributable in part to seasonal deposit patterns, and also to factors such as depositor preference for alternate investment vehicles and spend-down by municipal depositors of remaining stimulus funding. Money market balances have increased $11.2 million year-to-date, while local CDs decreased $10.6 million. To balance this activity and to support earning asset growth, wholesale CDs have increased $52.1 year-to-date and borrowings have increased by $161.0 million, mostly short-term.

Current wording

On the liability side of the balance sheet, total deposits increased $103.1 million, or 4.0%, year-to-date to $2.70 billion. Low-cost deposits (Demand, NOW, Savings) have increased $9.8 million, and money market balances have increased $38.2 million year-to-date, while local CDs have decreased $2.8 million. To balance this activity and to support earning asset growth, wholesale CDs have increased $57.9 year-to-date and borrowings have increased by $81.4 million.

Previous wording

Remaining well capitalized is a top priority for The Company. The Company's total risk-based capital ratio was 13.24% as of June 30, 2024, solidly above the well-capitalized threshold of 10.0% set by the FDIC, the FRBB, and the OCC.

Current wording

Remaining well capitalized is a top priority for The Company. The Company's total risk-based capital ratio was 13.11% as of September 30, 2024, solidly above the well-capitalized threshold of 10.0% set by the FDIC, the FRBB, and the OCC.

Previous wording

Among the Company's operating ratios, the return on average assets was 0.82% and return on average tangible common equity of 11.49% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 1.10% and 15.16%, respectively, for the same period in 2023. Our non-GAAP efficiency ratio continues to be an important component in the Company's overall performance and stood at 58.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 51.10% for the same period in 2023, the change being attributable primarily to lower levels of net interest income.

Current wording

Among the Company's operating ratios, the return on average assets was 0.87% and return on average tangible common equity of 12.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 1.08% and 14.97%, respectively, for the same period in 2023. Our non-GAAP efficiency ratio continues to be an important component in the Company's overall performance and stood at 57.88% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 51.88% for the same period in 2023, the change being attributable primarily to lower levels of net interest income.

Previous wording

Total interest income of $71.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was an increase of $11.4 million or 19.0% compared to total interest income of $60.1 million for the same period of 2023. Growth in earning assets coupled with higher interest rates resulted in the period-to-period increase. Higher market interest rates resulting from FOMC actions coupled with changing customer product preferences to higher cost money market and CD products led to total interest expense of $41.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $14.9 million or 55.8% compared to total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023. As a result, net interest income of $30.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was a decrease of $3.4 million or 10.3% compared to net interest income of $33.4 million for the same period ended June 30, 2023. The Company's net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 2.21%, down from 2.62% for the first six months of 2023. Tax-exempt interest income amounted to $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Current wording

Total interest income of $109.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was an increase of $16.5 million or 17.7% compared to total interest income of $93.4 million for the same period of 2023. Growth in earning assets coupled with higher interest rates resulted in the period-to-period increase. Higher market interest rates resulting from FOMC actions coupled with changing customer product preferences to higher cost money market and CD products led to total interest expense of $63.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $19.5 million or 44.3% compared to total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. As a result, net interest income of $46.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was a decrease of $3.0 million or 6.1% compared to net interest income of $49.4 million for the same period ended September 30, 2023. The Company's net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.25%, down from 2.54% for the first nine months of 2023. Tax-exempt interest income amounted to $7.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The following tables present the amount of interest earned or paid, as well as the average yield or rate on an annualized basis, for each major category of assets or liabilities for the six months and quarters ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 21.0% Federal Income Tax rate.

Current wording

The following tables present the amount of interest earned or paid, as well as the average yield or rate on an annualized basis, for each major category of assets or liabilities for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 21.0% Federal Income Tax rate.

Previous wording

The following tables present changes in interest income and expense attributable to changes in interest rates and volume for interest-earning assets and liabilities for the six months and quarters ended June 30, 2024 compared to 2023. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 21% Federal Income Tax rate.

Current wording

The following tables present changes in interest income and expense attributable to changes in interest rates and volume for interest-earning assets and liabilities for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2024 compared to 2023. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 21% Federal Income Tax rate.

Previous wording

The following table shows the Company's average daily balance sheets for the six months and quarters ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

The following table shows the Company's average daily balance sheets for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

Non-interest income of $7.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 is an increase of $358,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Service charges on deposit accounts were up $107,000, or 11.5%, debit card revenue was up $43,000, or 1.7%, and revenue at First National Wealth Management increased $102,000 or 4.3%. Over the same period, Mortgage banking revenue was down $68,000, or 17.6%; the decrease is attributable to a year-to-year decrease in mortgage origination activity and marks against mortgage servicing rights. Non-interest income of $4.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 is an increase of $287,000 compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to a 21.5% increase in other operating income led by loan related fees, coupled with increases in investment management fees and service charges consistent with year-to-date performance.

Current wording

Non-interest income of $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is an increase of $589,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Service charges on deposit accounts were up $153,000, or 10.9%, debit card revenue was up $41,000, or 1.1%, and revenue at First National Wealth Management increased $174,000 or 5.0%. Over the same period, Mortgage banking revenue was down $99,000, or 16.2%; the decrease is attributable to a year-to-year decrease in mortgage origination activity and marks against mortgage servicing rights. Non-interest income of $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 is an increase of $231,000 compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to a 21.6% increase in other operating income, coupled with increases in investment management fees and service charges consistent with year-to-date performance.

Previous wording

Non-interest expense of $23.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 is an increase of 6.7% or $1.4 million compared to non-interest expense of $21.6 million for the same period in 2023. Salaries and employee benefits increased $745,000 or 6.8%, furniture and equipment expense was up $160,000 or 6.1% on higher software costs, and and other operating expense increased $294,000 or 5.4%. FDIC insurance premiums increased by $248,000 due to a change in base assessment rate which became effective in the second quarter of 2023 and balance sheet expansion. Non-interest expense of $11.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 is increase of 5.0% compared to non-interest expense of $10.7 million for the same period in 2023 due to the reasons mentioned.

Current wording

Non-interest expense of $35.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is an increase of 7.5% or $2.4 million compared to non-interest expense of $32.6 million for the same period in 2023. Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.3 million or 8.2%, furniture and equipment expense was up $173,000 or 4.3% on higher software costs, and and other operating expense increased $548,000 or 6.7%. FDIC insurance premiums increased by $333,000 due to a change in base assessment rate which became effective in the second quarter of 2023 and balance sheet expansion. Non-interest expense of $12.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 is increase of 9.0% compared to non-interest expense of $11.0 million for the same period in 2023 due to the reasons mentioned.

Previous wording

Income taxes on operating earnings were $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, down $658,000 from the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Income taxes on operating earnings were $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down $632,000 from the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

The carrying value of the Company's investment portfolio decreased by $12.5 million between December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 from $670.7 million to $658.1 million. The change in value of the portfolio is attributable to a combination of incoming cash flow from amortizing investments, limited re-investment or new purchases, and the effects of interest rate movement on the fair value of AFS holdings. As of June 30, 2024, mortgage-backed securities had a carrying value of $272.3 million and a fair value of $261.0 million. Of this total, securities with a fair value of $74.8 million or 28.7% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by GNMA and securities with a fair value of $185.7 million or 71.3% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by FHLMC and FNMA.

Current wording

The carrying value of the Company's investment portfolio decreased by $1.6 million between December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024 from $670.7 million to $669.1 million. The change in value of the portfolio is attributable to a combination of incoming cash flow from amortizing investments, limited re-investment or new purchases, and the effects of interest rate movement on the fair value of AFS holdings. As of September 30, 2024, mortgage-backed securities had a carrying value of $280.7 million and a fair value of $271.5 million. Of this total, securities with a fair value of $74.8 million or 28.7% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by GNMA and securities with a fair value of $185.7 million or 71.3% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by FHLMC and FNMA.

Previous wording

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company transferred securities with a total amortized cost of $89,780,000 and a corresponding fair value of $89,757,000 from AFS to HTM. The net unrealized loss, net of taxes, on these securities at the date of the transfer was $15,000. The net unrealized holding loss at the time of transfer continues to be reported in AOCI, net of tax and is amortized over the remaining lives of the securities as an adjustment of the yield. The amortization of the net unrealized loss reported in AOCI will offset the effect on interest income of the discount for the transferred securities. The remaining unamortized balance of the net unrealized losses for the securities transferred from AFS to HTM was $51,000 at June 30, 2024. This compares to $56,000 and $59,000, net of taxes, at December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively. These securities were transferred as a part of the Company's overall investment and balance sheet strategies.

Current wording

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company transferred securities with a total amortized cost of $89,780,000 and a corresponding fair value of $89,757,000 from AFS to HTM. The net unrealized loss, net of taxes, on these securities at the date of the transfer was $15,000. The net unrealized holding loss at the time of transfer continues to be reported in AOCI, net of tax and is amortized over the remaining lives of the securities as an adjustment of the yield. The amortization of the net unrealized loss reported in AOCI will offset the effect on interest income of the discount for the transferred securities. The remaining unamortized balance of the net unrealized losses for the securities transferred from AFS to HTM was $49,000 at September 30, 2024. This compares to $56,000 and $58,000, net of taxes, at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively. These securities were transferred as a part of the Company's overall investment and balance sheet strategies.

Previous wording

The Company adopted ASC 326, the CECL standard in 2023. In conjunction with adoption, holdings of AFS Securities and HTM securities were evaluated to determine the need to establish an ACL, if any. The total ACL for HTM securities was $149,000 as of June 30, 2024, $434,000 as of December 31, 2023 and $428,000 June 30, 2023. Further details are included in Note 2 of the accompanying financial statements.

Current wording

The Company adopted ASC 326, the CECL standard in 2023. In conjunction with adoption, holdings of AFS Securities and HTM securities were evaluated to determine the need to establish an ACL, if any. The total ACL for HTM securities was $224,000 as of September 30, 2024, $434,000 as of December 31, 2023 and $432,000 September 30, 2023. Further details are included in Note 2 of the accompanying financial statements.

Previous wording

The securities portfolio contains certain AFS securities where the amortized cost of which exceeds fair value, which at June 30, 2024 amounted to $55.0 million, or 16.74% of the amortized cost of the total securities portfolio. At December 31, 2023, this amount was $50.4 million, or 15.18% of the amortized cost of total securities portfolio.

Current wording

The securities portfolio contains certain AFS securities where the amortized cost of which exceeds fair value, which at September 30, 2024 amounted to $44.0 million, or 13.40% of the amortized cost of the total securities portfolio. At December 31, 2023, this amount was $50.4 million, or 15.18% of the amortized cost of total securities portfolio.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $259.8 million and unrealized losses of $55.0 million, as identified in the table below. AFS Securities in a continuous unrealized loss position more than twelve months amounted to a fair value of $245.5 million as of June 30, 2024, compared with $257.7 million at December 31, 2023. The Company has concluded that these securities are fully collectible and that no charge against the allowance is required. This conclusion was based on the issuer's continued satisfaction of the securities obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that the issuer will continue to do so, Management's intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value which may be at maturity, the expectation that the Company will receive 100% of future contractual cash flows, as well as the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuer's financial condition and other objective evidence. The following table summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position for which an ACL has not been recorded at June 30, 2024:

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $253.8 million and unrealized losses of $44.0 million, as identified in the table below. AFS Securities in a continuous unrealized loss position more than twelve months amounted to a fair value of $249.0 million as of September 30, 2024, compared with $257.7 million at December 31, 2023. The Company has concluded that these securities are fully collectible and that no charge against the allowance is required. This conclusion was based on the issuer's continued satisfaction of the securities obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that the issuer will continue to do so, Management's intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value which may be at maturity, the expectation that the Company will receive 100% of future contractual cash flows, as well as the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuer's financial condition and other objective evidence. The following table summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position for which an ACL has not been recorded at September 30, 2024:

Previous wording

AFS Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored agencies & enterprises. As of June 30, 2024, there were $6.3 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared to $6.2 million at December 31, 2023. All of these securities were credit rated "AAA" or "AA+" by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and enterprises carry zero or near-zero credit risk, and that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be collected.

Current wording

AFS Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored agencies & enterprises. As of September 30, 2024, there were $5.3 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared to $6.2 million at December 31, 2023. All of these securities were credit rated "AAA" or "AA+" by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and enterprises carry zero or near-zero credit risk, and that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be collected.

Previous wording

AFS Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises. As of June 30, 2024, there were $41.8 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared with $38.5 million at December 31, 2023. All of these securities were credit rated "AAA" or "AA+" by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by U.S. Government agencies bear no credit risk because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and that securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises have minimal credit risk, as these agencies and enterprises play a vital role in the nation's financial markets. Management believes that the unrealized losses at June 30, 2024 were attributable to changes in current market yields and spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be realized. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Current wording

AFS Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises. As of September 30, 2024, there were $33.0 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared with $38.5 million at December 31, 2023. All of these securities were credit rated "AAA" or "AA+" by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by U.S. Government agencies bear no credit risk because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and that securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises have minimal credit risk, as these agencies and enterprises play a vital role in the nation's financial markets. Management believes that the unrealized losses at September 30, 2024 were attributable to changes in current market yields and spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be realized. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Previous wording

AFS Obligations of state and political subdivisions. As of June 30, 2024, there were $6.9 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared to $5.7 million at December 31, 2023. Municipal securities are supported by the general taxing authority of the municipality or a dedicated revenue stream, and, in the case of school districts, are generally supported by state aid. At June 30, 2024, all municipal bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at June 30, 2024 to changes in prevailing market yields and pricing spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, combined with general market conditions. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity, and believes that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be realized.

Current wording

AFS Obligations of state and political subdivisions. As of September 30, 2024, there were $5.7 million of unrealized losses on these securities compared to $5.7 million at December 31, 2023. Municipal securities are supported by the general taxing authority of the municipality or a dedicated revenue stream, and, in the case of school districts, are generally supported by state aid. At September 30, 2024, all municipal bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at September 30, 2024 to changes in prevailing market yields and pricing spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, combined with general market conditions. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity, and believes that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be realized.

Previous wording

AFS Asset-backed securities. As of June 30, 2024, there were $3,000 of unrealized losses on these securities compared to $9,000 at December 31, 2023. These securities consist of U.S. Government backed student loans along with other credit enhancements. Management believes that the unrealized losses at June 30, 2024 were attributable to changes in current market yields and spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and that 100% of the amounts contractually due will be realized.

Current wording

AFS Asset-backed securities. As of September 30, 2024, there was no unrealized loss on these securities compared to $9,000 at December 31, 2023. These securities consist of U.S. Government backed student loans along with other credit enhancements.

Previous wording

The Bank is a member of the FHLBB, a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. As a requirement of membership in the FHLBB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB. The Bank uses the FHLBB for a portion of its wholesale funding needs. As of June 30, 2024, the Bank's investment in FHLBB stock totaled $6.1 million. This compares to $2.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and $4.2 million as of June 30, 2023. FHLBB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, subject to adjustments for any observable market transactions on the same or similar instruments of the investee. No impairment losses have been recorded through June 30, 2024.

Current wording

The Bank is a member of the FHLBB, a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. As a requirement of membership in the FHLBB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB. The Bank uses the FHLBB for a portion of its wholesale funding needs. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank's investment in FHLBB stock totaled $5.4 million. This compares to $2.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and $2.8 million as of September 30, 2023. FHLBB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, subject to adjustments for any observable market transactions on the same or similar instruments of the investee. No impairment losses have been recorded through September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

The loan portfolio increased during the first six months of 2024, with total loans at $2.25 billion at June 30, 2024, up $118.2 million or 5.6% from total loans of $2.13 billion at December 31, 2023. Commercial loans increased $83.9 million or 6.7% between December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, municipal loans increased $10.7 million or 20.8%, residential term loans increased $11.2 million, residential construction increased $3.2 million, and home equity lines of credit increased $8.2 million.

Current wording

The loan portfolio increased during the first nine months of 2024, with total loans at $2.31 billion at September 30, 2024, up $177.8 million or 8.3% from total loans of $2.13 billion at December 31, 2023. Commercial loans increased $127.4 million or 10.2% between December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, municipal loans increased $11.5 million or 22.4%, residential term loans increased $23.2 million, residential construction increased $2.3 million, and home equity lines of credit increased $13.0 million.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, the Bank had two concentration of loans in two particular industries that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio: (1) loans to hotels (except Casino hotels) and motels, totaling $246.0 million, or 10.95% of total loans; and (2) loans to lessors of residential buildings and dwellings, totaling $243.3 million, or 10.83% of total loans. This compares to one concentration of loans in one particular industry that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio, hotels (except Casino hotels) and motels, totaling $225.9 million, or 10.96% of total loans, as of June 30, 2023.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, the Bank had two concentration of loans in two particular industries that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio: (1) loans to hotels (except Casino hotels) and motels, totaling $255.5 million, or 11.07% of total loans; and (2) loans to lessors of residential buildings and dwellings, totaling $243.6 million, or 10.56% of total loans. This compares to one concentration of loans in one particular industry that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio, hotels (except Casino hotels) and motels, totaling $226.4 million, or 10.88% of total loans, as of September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The ACL includes reserve amounts assigned to IAL. This includes loans with balances of $250,000 or more that have either been placed into non-accrual, were loans reported as TDR prior to adoption of ASU 2022-02, or are loans identified by management as having characteristics that merit individual analysis. A specific reserve is allocated to an individual loan when the amount of a probable loss is estimable on the basis of its collateral value, the present value of anticipated future cash flows, or its net realizable value. At June 30, 2024, IAL with specific reserves totaled $597,000 and the amount of such reserves was $241,000. This compares to IAL with specific reserves of $919,000 at December 31, 2023 and the amount of such reserves was $264,000.

Current wording

The ACL includes reserve amounts assigned to IAL. This includes loans with balances of $250,000 or more that have either been placed into non-accrual or are loans identified by management as having characteristics that may impact ultimate collectibility and therefore merit individual analysis. A specific reserve is allocated to an individual loan when the amount of a probable loss is estimable on the basis of its collateral value, the present value of anticipated future cash flows, or its net realizable value. At September 30, 2024, IAL with specific reserves totaled $592,000 and the amount of such reserves was $245,000. This compares to IAL with specific reserves of $919,000 at December 31, 2023 and the amount of such reserves was $264,000.

Previous wording

The total ACL on loans at June 30, 2024 is considered by Management to be appropriate to address the potential for credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at that date. However, determination of the appropriate allowance level is based upon a number of assumptions made about future events, which we believe are reasonable, but which may or may not prove valid. Thus, there can be no assurance charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the ACL or that additional increases in the ACL will not be necessary.

Current wording

The total ACL on loans at September 30, 2024 is considered by Management to be appropriate to address the potential for credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at that date. However, determination of the appropriate allowance level is based upon a number of assumptions made about future events, which management believes are reasonable, but which may or may not prove valid. Thus, there can be no assurance charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the ACL or that additional increases in the ACL will not be necessary.

Previous wording

The ACL totaled $24.7 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $24.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and $23.5 million as of June 30, 2023.

Current wording

The ACL totaled $24.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $24.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and $23.3 million as of September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Based upon Management's evaluation, provisions are made to maintain the allowance as a best estimate of expected losses within the portfolio. The provision for credit losses to maintain the allowance was $638,000 for the first six months of 2024 and $580,000 the first six months of 2023. Net recoveries were $25,000 in the first six months of 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $48,000 in the first six months of 2023. The ACL as a percentage of outstanding loans was 1.10% as of June 30, 2024, down from 1.13% as of December 31, 2023, and down from 1.14% as of June 30, 2023.

Current wording

Based upon Management's evaluation, provisions are made to maintain the allowance as a best estimate of expected losses within the portfolio. The provision for credit losses to maintain the allowance was $58,000 for the first nine months of 2024 and $419,000 the first nine months of 2023. Net charge-offs were $89,000 in the first nine months of 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $30,000 in the first nine months of 2023. The ACL as a percentage of outstanding loans was 1.04% as of September 30, 2024, down from 1.13% as of December 31, 2023, and down from 1.12% as of September 30, 2023.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes the activities in our ACL for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Current wording

The following table summarizes the activities in the ACL for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Previous wording

Our modeling methodology applies the same class level credit loss factors used in the ACL for loans model to applicable classes of unfunded commitments to determine an appropriate ACL level. Utilization assumptions are based upon an independent analysis of the Bank's historical data. The ACL for unfunded commitments is reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets within other liabilities and totaled $902,000 as of June 30, 2024.

Current wording

The Bank's modeling methodology applies the same class level credit loss factors used in the ACL for loans model to applicable classes of unfunded commitments to determine an appropriate ACL level. Utilization assumptions are based upon an independent analysis of the Bank's historical data. The ACL for unfunded commitments is reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets within other liabilities and totaled $768,000 as of September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

Nonperforming loans, expressed as a percentage of total loans, totaled 0.11% at June 30, 2024 compared to 0.10% at December 31, 2023 and 0.08% at June 30, 2023. The following table shows the distribution of nonperforming loans by class as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 and December 31, 2023:

Current wording

Nonperforming loans, expressed as a percentage of total loans, totaled 0.11% at September 30, 2024 compared to 0.10% at December 31, 2023 and 0.12% at September 30, 2023. The following table shows the distribution of nonperforming loans by class as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 and December 31, 2023: