COMMUNITY BANCORP VT

Investment securities

Debt securities the Company has purchased with the possible intent to sell before maturity are classified as AFS, and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax and reclassification adjustments, reflected as a net amount in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets and in the statements of changes in shareholders’ equity. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on sales of debt securities AFS. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity or call date. As of the balance sheet dates, the Company did not hold any securities purchased for the purpose of selling in the near term and classified as trading or any securities purchased with the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and classified as HTM.

Allowance for Credit Losses – AFS Debt Securities: For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it 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 income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company 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, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to 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, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the ACL are recorded as credit loss expense (or reversal). Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities which totaled $606,237 on December 31, 2023, was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.** **