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


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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
No  
 
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 8, 2022 was 13,924,049.



FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
INDEX

 
Page
3
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
32
49
49
49
49
49
51
51
51
51
52
53
 
2

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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
(in thousands, except share amounts)
 
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
 
           
Assets
           
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
245,472
   
$
345,929
 
Certificates of deposit
   
11,333
     
13,272
 
Investment securities – available-for-sale
   
637,765
     
632,213
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $14,275 at June 30, 2022 and $13,952 at December 31, 2021
   
931,934
     
852,717
 
Loans held-for-sale
   
     
1,063
 
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost
   
9,440
     
7,097
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
6,181
     
6,552
 
Interest receivable and other assets
   
54,646
     
40,244
 
 
               
Total Assets
 
$
1,896,771
   
$
1,899,087
 
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Liabilities:
               
 
               
Demand deposits
 
$
814,550
   
$
820,412
 
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
   
436,011
     
432,479
 
Savings and MMDA's
   
452,393
     
426,026
 
Time, $250,000 or less
   
37,815
     
38,388
 
Time, over $250,000
   
10,426
     
10,997
 
Total deposits
   
1,751,195
     
1,728,302
 
 
               
Interest payable and other liabilities
   
18,442
     
19,874
 
 
               
Total Liabilities
   
1,769,637
     
1,748,176
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
   
     
 
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Common stock, no par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized; 13,924,049 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and 13,848,904 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021
   
110,407
     
109,793
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
977
     
977
 
Retained earnings
   
50,551
     
44,338
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
   
(34,801
)
   
(4,197
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
127,134
     
150,911
 
 
               
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
1,896,771
   
$
1,899,087
 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three months
ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2021
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2021
 
Interest and dividend income:
                       
Loans
 
$
10,465
   
$
10,474
   
$
20,122
   
$
19,711
 
Due from banks interest bearing accounts
   
509
     
144
     
675
     
292
 
Investment securities
                               
Taxable
   
1,933
     
1,491
     
3,661
     
2,977
 
Non-taxable
   
206
     
140
     
384
     
283
 
Other earning assets
   
106
     
103
     
224
     
185
 
Total interest and dividend income
   
13,219
     
12,352
     
25,066
     
23,448
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
   
211
     
231
     
420
     
455
 
Total interest expense
   
211
     
231
     
420
     
455
 
Net interest income
   
13,008
     
12,121
     
24,646
     
22,993
 
Provision for loan losses
   
300
     
     
600
     
300
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
12,708
     
12,121
     
24,046
     
22,693
 
Non-interest income:
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
451
     
406
     
894
     
766
 
Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
   
50
     
407
     
118
     
1,046
 
Investment and brokerage services income
   
145
     
152
     
306
     
296
 
Mortgage brokerage income
   
11
     
14
     
11
     
14
 
Loan servicing income
   
107
     
105
     
491
     
460
 
Debit card income
   
657
     
672
     
1,280
     
1,271
 
Losses on sales/calls of available-for-sale securities
   
(152
)
   
(191
)
   
(152
)
   
(201
)
Other income
   
223
     
219
     
462
     
422
 
Total non-interest income
   
1,492
     
1,784
     
3,410
     
4,074
 
Non-interest expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
5,731
     
5,589
     
11,414
     
11,228
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
883
     
879
     
1,749
     
1,706
 
Data processing
   
836
     
927
     
1,675
     
1,718
 
Stationery and supplies
   
64
     
76
     
128
     
133
 
Advertising
   
74
     
84
     
177
     
150
 
Directors’ fees
   
73
     
84
     
136
     
122
 
Other expense
   
1,667
     
1,717
     
3,151
     
2,800
 
Total non-interest expenses
   
9,328
     
9,356
     
18,430
     
17,857
 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
4,872
     
4,549
     
9,026
     
8,910
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,326
     
1,243
     
2,439
     
2,426
 
 
                               
Net income
 
$
3,546
   
$
3,306
   
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
 
                               
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.46
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.45
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

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

(in thousands)
 
Three months
ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three months
ended
June 30, 2021
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six months
ended
June 30, 2021
 
Net income
 
$
3,546
   
$
3,306
   
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of tax effect of $(4,335) and $5 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively, and $(12,389) and $(1,682) for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively
   
(10,749
)
   
10
     
(30,712
)
   
(4,169
)
Less: reclassification adjustment due to losses realized on sales of securities, net of tax effect of $44 and $55 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively, and $44 and $58 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively
   
108
     
136
     
108
     
143
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
$
(10,641
)
 
$
146
   
$
(30,604
)
 
$
(4,026
)
 
                               
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(7,095
)
 
$
3,452
   
$
(24,017
)
 
$
2,458
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

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

(in thousands, except share data)

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

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Six months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
383
     
377
 
Accretion and amortization of investment securities premiums and discounts, net
   
2,523
     
1,879
 
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights
   
(276
)
   
(34
)
(Decrease) increase in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net
   
(2,252
)
   
1,614
 
Provision for loan losses
   
600
     
300
 
Stock-based compensation
   
332
     
292
 
Losses on sales/calls of available-for-sale securities
   
152
     
201
 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset
   
560
     
503
 
Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
   
(118
)
   
(1,046
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale
   
8,796
     
44,091
 
Originations of loans held-for-sale
   
(7,615
)
   
(36,926
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in interest receivable and other assets
   
(1,634
)
   
(547
)
Decrease in interest payable and other liabilities
   
(2,139
)
   
(2,682
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
5,899
     
14,506
 
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Proceeds from calls or maturities of available-for-sale securities
   
8,590
     
10,190
 
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
   
6,349
     
19,447
 
Principal repayments on available-for-sale securities
   
54,926
     
43,134
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
   
(121,041
)
   
(206,980
)
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit
   
3,926
     
3,920
 
Proceeds from sales of certificates of deposit
    493        
Purchases of certificates of deposit
   
(2,480
)
   
 
Net (increase) decrease in loans
   
(77,565
)
   
2,931
 
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other equity securities, at cost     (2,343 )     (617 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(12
)
   
(245
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(129,157
)
   
(128,220
)
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Net increase in deposits
   
22,893
     
185,065
 
Principal payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances           (5,000 )
Cash dividends paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
(8
)
   
(8
)
Repurchases of common stock
   
(84
)
   
(925
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
22,801
     
179,132
 
 
               
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(100,457
)
   
65,418
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period
   
345,929
     
267,177
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
 
$
245,472
   
$
332,595
 
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
 
$
395
   
$
452
 
Income taxes
  $ 2,610     $ 2,670  
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Stock dividend distributed
 
$
6,992
   
$
6,636
 
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes
 
$
(30,604
)
 
$
(4,026
)
Transfer of loans held-for-sale to loans held-for-investment
 
$
    $
1,765
 
Market value of shares tendered in-lieu of cash to pay for exercise of options
  $ 65     $ 32  
Recognition of right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
  $
707     $
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021

1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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

2.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES


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

 

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

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:


In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).  This ASU adds an SEC paragraph pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 on loan losses to the FASB Codification Topic 326. This ASU also updates the SEC section of the Codification for the change in the effective date of Topic 842.  This ASU was effective upon addition to the FASB Codification.  The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), on January 1, 2019.  ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), is effective on January 1, 2023 for smaller reporting companies with less than $250 million in public float as defined in the SEC's rules.  The Company presently is a smaller reporting company.  The Company will apply the amendment's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the first period the amendment is effective.  The Company has formed a team that is working on an implementation plan to adopt the amendment.  The implementation plan will include developing policies, procedures and internal controls over the model.  The Company is also working with a software vendor to measure expected losses required by the amendment.  The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this amendment will have on its consolidated financial statements and expects that the portfolio composition and economic conditions at the time of adoption will influence the accounting adjustment made at the time the amendment is adopted.


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



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



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



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

9

3. 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES

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

(in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Unrealized
gains
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Estimated
fair value
 
 
                       
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
117,097
   
$
7
   
$
(4,171
)
 
$
112,933
 
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
   
113,506
     
1
     
(7,170
)
   
106,337
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
53,053
     
89
     
(4,807
)
   
48,335
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
122,389
     
1
     
(13,585
)
   
108,805
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
278,548
     
11
     
(17,204
)
   
261,355
 
                                 
Total debt securities
 
$
684,593
   
$
109
   
$
(46,937
)
 
$
637,765
 

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

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

The Company had $6,349,000 and $15,804,000 in proceeds from sales  of available-for-sale securities for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  The Company had $6,349,000 and $19,447,000 in proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities were $0 and $297,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities were $152,000 and $488,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities were $0 and $322,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities were $152,000 and $523,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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

(in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated
fair value
 
 
           
Maturity in years:
           
Due in one year or less
 
$
25,795
   
$
25,664
 
Due after one year through five years
   
181,126
     
172,968
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
48,069
     
44,164
 
Due after ten years
   
28,666
     
24,809
 
Subtotal
   
283,656
     
267,605
 
Mortgage-backed securities & Collateralized mortgage obligations    
400,937
     
370,160
 
Total
 
$
684,593
   
$
637,765
 

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

10

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


 
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(in thousands)  
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
losses
 
 
                                   
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
96,676
   
$
(3,562
)
 
$
11,766
   
$
(609
)
 
$
108,442
   
$
(4,171
)
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
   
56,053
     
(1,766
)
   
49,282
     
(5,404
)
   
105,335
     
(7,170
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
37,968
     
(4,188
)
   
2,687
     
(619
)
   
40,655
     
(4,807
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
92,906
     
(11,268
)
   
15,085
     
(2,317
)
   
107,991
     
(13,585
)
Mortgage-backed securities
   
155,111
     
(7,850
)
   
94,453
     
(9,354
)
   
249,564
     
(17,204
)
                                                 
Total
 
$
438,714
   
$
(28,634
)
 
$
173,273
   
$
(18,303
)
 
$
611,987
   
$
(46,937
)

No decline in value related to investment securities was considered “other-than-temporary” during the first six months of 2022.  Four hundred nineteen securities, all considered investment grade, which had an aggregate fair value of $438,714,000 and a total unrealized loss of $28,634,000 have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of June 30, 2022.  Eighty-seven securities, all considered investment grade, which had an aggregate fair value of $173,273,000 and a total unrealized loss of $18,303,000 have been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of June 30, 2022.  The unrealized losses on the Company's investment securities were caused by market conditions for these types of investments, particularly changes in risk-free interest rates.The Company does not intend to sell the securities and has concluded it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of their anticipated cost basis. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2022.

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

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


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

Investment securities carried at $38,866,000 and $39,695,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

11

4. 
LOANS

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

($ in thousands)
 
June 30,
2022
   
December 31,
2021
 
 
           
Commercial
 
$
112,314
   
$
135,894
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
613,218
     
526,924
 
Agriculture
   
111,246
     
107,183
 
Residential Mortgage
   
83,396
     
76,160
 
Residential Construction
   
8,618
     
4,482
 
Consumer
   
16,397
     
17,258
 
      945,189       867,901  
 
   

     

 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(14,275
)
   
(13,952
)
Net deferred origination fees and costs
   
1,020
   
(1,232
)
                 
Loans, net
 
$
931,934
   
$
852,717
 

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

Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses. These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above. Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans outstanding included in Commercial loans totaled $1.5 million and $37.3 million as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.



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

12

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

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

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

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

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

As of June 30, 2022, approximately 12% in principal amount of the Company's loans were for general commercial uses, including professional, retail and small businesses. Approximately 64% in principal amount of the Company’s loans were secured by commercial real estate, consisting primarily of loans secured by commercial properties and construction and land development loans. Approximately 12% in principal amount of the Company's loans were for agriculture, approximately 9% in principal amount of the Company’s loans were residential mortgage loans, approximately 1% in principal amount of the Company’s loans were residential construction loans and approximately 2% in principal amount of the Company’s loans were consumer loans.

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

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

13

Non-accrual and Past Due Loans

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

($ in thousands)
 
Current & Accruing
   
30-59 Days Past Due & Accruing
   
60-89 Days Past Due & Accruing
   
90 Days or
More Past
Due &
Accruing
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total Loans
 
June 30, 2022
                                   
Commercial
 
$
111,634
   
$
47
   
$
   
$
600
   
$
33
   
$
112,314
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
611,855
     
     
     
     
1,363
     
613,218
 
Agriculture
   
103,162
     
     
     
     
8,084
     
111,246
 
Residential Mortgage
   
83,223
     
     
42
     
     
131
     
83,396
 
Residential Construction
   
8,618
     
     
     
     
     
8,618
 
Consumer
   
15,689
     
78
     
     
     
630
     
16,397
 
Total
 
$
934,181
   
$
125
   
$
42
   
$
600
   
$
10,241
   
$
945,189
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2021
                                               
Commercial
 
$
134,890
   
$
394
   
$
477
   
$
   
$
133
   
$
135,894
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
526,337
     
32
     
     
     
555
     
526,924
 
Agriculture
   
98,471
     
     
     
     
8,712
     
107,183
 
Residential Mortgage
   
75,861
     
161
     
     
     
138
     
76,160
 
Residential Construction
   
4,482
     
     
     
     
     
4,482
 
Consumer
   
16,523
     
     
76
     
     
659
     
17,258
 
Total
 
$
856,564
   
$
587
   
$
553
   
$
   
$
10,197
   
$
867,901
 

Non-accrual loans amounted to $10,241,000 at June 30, 2022 and were comprised of one commercial loan totaling $33,000, one commercial real estate loan totaling $1,363,000, three agriculture loans totaling $8,084,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $131,000, and five consumer loans totaling $630,000. Non-accrual loans amounted to $10,197,000 at December 31, 2021 and were comprised of two commercial loans totaling $133,000, one commercial real estate loan totaling $555,000, three agriculture loans totaling $8,712,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $138,000, and four consumer loans totaling $659,000. There were commitments to lend additional funds totaling $2,638,000 to a borrower whose loan was on non-accrual status at June 30, 2022.

14

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

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

($ in thousands)
 
Unpaid Contractual
Principal Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
with
No Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment with
Allowance
   
Total
Recorded
Investment
   
Related Allowance
 
June 30, 2022
                             
Commercial
 
$
42
   
$
33
   
$
   
$
33
   
$
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
1,363
     
1,363
     
     
1,363
     
 
Agriculture
   
10,485
     
8,084
     
     
8,084
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
687
     
131
     
508
     
639
     
78
 
Residential Construction
   
     
     
     
     
 
Consumer
   
778
     
630
     
64
     
694
     
3
 
Total
 
$
13,355
   
$
10,241
   
$
572
   
$
10,813
   
$
81
 
 
                                       
December 31, 2021
                                       
Commercial
 
$
142
   
$
133
   
$
   
$
133
   
$
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
555
     
555
     
     
555
     
 
Agriculture
   
10,680
     
8,712
     
     
8,712
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
701
     
138
     
517
     
655
     
81
 
Residential Construction
   
241
     
     
241
     
241
     
10
 
Consumer
   
815
     
659
     
64
     
723
     
2
 
Total
 
$
13,134
   
$
10,197
   
$
822
   
$
11,019
   
$
93
 

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

($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2021
 
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Commercial
 
$
33
   
$
   
$
156
   
$
6
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
681
     
     
6,687
     
 
Agriculture
   
8,241
     
     
9,130
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
643
     
5
     
846
     
5
 
Residential Construction
   
     
     
253
     
4
 
Consumer
   
738
     
13
     
750
     
2
 
Total
 
$
10,336
   
$
18
   
$
17,822
   
$
17
 

15

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

($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
 
 
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Commercial
 
$
66
   
$
2
   
$
445
   
$
7
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
639
     
13
     
6,083
     
 
Agriculture
   
8,398
     
     
9,130
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
647
     
10
     
910
     
13
 
Residential Construction
   
80
     
     
386
     
8
 
Consumer
   
733
     
15
     
752
     
3
 
Total
 
$
10,563
   
$
40
   
$
17,706
   
$
31
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

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

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

The Company had $9,172,000 and $10,103,000 in TDR loans as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Specific reserves for TDR loans totaled $81,000 and $93,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. TDR loans performing in compliance with modified terms totaled $9,097,000 and $10,006,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. There were no commitments to advance additional funds on existing TDR loans as of June 30, 2022.

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

Loans modified as TDRs during the six months ended June 30, 2022 were as follows:

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

16

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

($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
 
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
   
Post-
modification
outstanding
recorded
investment
 
Consumer     1     $
99     $
99  
Total
   
1
   
$
99
   
$
99
 

Loans modified as TDRs during the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
 
   
Number of
  Contracts
   
Pre-modification
  outstanding  
recorded
  investment
   
Post- 
modification 
outstanding 
recorded 
investment
 
Consumer     1     $
99     $
99  
Total
   
1
   
$
99
   
$
99
 

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

Credit Quality Indicators

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

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

($ in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
June 30, 2022
                                   
Commercial
 
$
108,354
   
$
3,176
   
$
784
   
$
   
$
   
$
112,314
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
603,979
     
5,321
     
3,918
     
     
     
613,218
 
Agriculture
   
101,099
     
2,063
     
8,084
     
     
     
111,246
 
Residential Mortgage
   
82,991
     
232
     
173
     
     
     
83,396
 
Residential Construction
   
8,618
     
     
     
     
     
8,618
 
Consumer
   
15,767
     
     
630
     
     
     
16,397
 
Total
 
$
920,808
   
$
10,792
   
$
13,589
   
$
   
$
   
$
945,189
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2021
                                               
Commercial
 
$
132,425
   
$
2,376
   
$
1,093
   
$
   
$
   
$
135,894
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
516,120
     
6,524
     
4,280
     
     
     
526,924
 
Agriculture
   
98,471
     
     
8,712
     
     
     
107,183
 
Residential Mortgage
   
76,020
     
     
140
     
     
     
76,160
 
Residential Construction
   
4,482
     
     
     
     
     
4,482
 
Consumer
   
16,599
     
     
659
     
     
     
17,258
 
Total
 
$
844,117
   
$
8,900
   
$
14,884
   
$
   
$
   
$
867,901
 

17

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

Three months ended June 30, 2022
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of March 31, 2022
 
$
1,747
   
$
9,380
   
$
1,607
   
$
754
   
$
135
   
$
191
   
$
444
   
$
14,258
 
Provision for loan losses
   
183
     
191
     
87
     
48
     
16
     
(9
)
   
(216
)
   
300
 
 
                                                               
Charge-offs
   
(297
)
   
     
     
     
     
(5
)
   
     
(302
)
Recoveries
   
17
     
     
     
     
     
2
     
     
19
 
Net charge-offs
   
(280
)
   
     
     
     
     
(3
)
   
     
(283
)
Balance as of June 30, 2022
 
$
1,650
   
$
9,571
   
$
1,694
   
$
802
   
$
151
   
$
179
   
$
228
   
$
14,275
 

Six months ended June 30, 2022
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2021
 
$
1,604
   
$
8,808
   
$
1,482
   
$
742
   
$
74
   
$
167
   
$
1,075
   
$
13,952
 
Provision for loan losses
   
319
     
763
     
212
     
60
     
77
     
16
     
(847
)
   
600
 
 
                                                               
Charge-offs
   
(297
)
   
     
     
     
     
(9
)
   
     
(306
)
Recoveries
   
24
     
     
     
     
     
5
     
     
29
 
Net charge-offs
   
(273
)
   
     
     
     
     
(4
)
   
     
(277
)
Balance as of June 30, 2022
 
$
1,650
   
$
9,571
   
$
1,694
   
$
802
   
$
151
   
$
179
   
$
228
   
$
14,275
 

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

($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
78
   
$
   
$
3
   
$
   
$
81
 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
1,650
     
9,571
     
1,694
     
724
     
151
     
176
     
228
     
14,194
 
Ending Balance
 
$
1,650
   
$
9,571
   
$
1,694
   
$
802
   
$
151
   
$
179
   
$
228
   
$
14,275
 

18

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

Three months ended June 30, 2021
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of March 31, 2021
 
$
1,468
   
$
7,561
   
$
5,171
   
$
680
   
$
37
   
$
186
   
$
610
   
$
15,713
 
Provision for loan losses
   
421
     
(223
)
   
88
     
(46
)
   
18
     
     
(258
)
   
 
 
                                                               
Charge-offs
   
(334
)
   
     
     
     
     
(3
)
   
     
(337
)
Recoveries
   
     
     
     
     
     
3
     
     
3
 
Net charge-offs
   
(334
)
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
(334
)
Balance as of June 30, 2021
 
$
1,555
   
$
7,338
   
$
5,259
   
$
634
   
$
55
   
$
186
   
$
352
   
$
15,379
 

Six months ended June 30, 2021
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2020
 
$
2,252
   
$
7,915
   
$
3,834
   
$
635
   
$
128
   
$
214
   
$
438
   
$
15,416
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(358
)
   
(577
)
   
1,425
     
(1
)
   
(73
)
   
(30
)
   
(86
)
   
300
 
 
                                                               
Charge-offs
   
(347
)
   
     
     
     
     
(6
)
   
     
(353
)
Recoveries
   
8
     
     
     
     
     
8
     
     
16
 
Net charge-offs
   
(339
)
   
     
     
     
     
2
     
     
(337
)
Balance as of June 30, 2021
 
$
1,555
   
$
7,338
   
$
5,259
   
$
634
   
$
55
   
$
186
   
$
352
   
$
15,379
 

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

($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
   
$
   
$
3,990
   
$
84
   
$
4
   
$
3
   
$
   
$
4,081
 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
1,555
     
7,338
     
1,269
     
550
     
51
     
183
     
352
     
11,298
 
Ending Balance
 
$
1,555
   
$
7,338
   
$
5,259
   
$
634
   
$
55
   
$
186
   
$
352
   
$
15,379
 

19


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

($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential
Mortgage
   
Residential
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
June 30, 2022
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
33
   
$
1,363
   
$
8,084
   
$
639
   
$
   
$
694
   
$
10,813
 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
112,281
     
611,855
     
103,162
     
82,757
     
8,618
     
15,703
     
934,376
 
Ending Balance
 
$
112,314
   
$
613,218
   
$
111,246
   
$
83,396
   
$
8,618
   
$
16,397
   
$
945,189
 
 
                                                       
June 30, 2021
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
28
   
$
6,570
   
$
9,130
   
$
669
   
$
251
   
$
749
   
$
17,397
 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
224,869
     
476,435
     
77,712
     
73,349
     
3,734
     
18,215
     
874,314
 
Ending Balance
 
$
224,897
   
$
483,005
   
$
86,842
   
$
74,018
   
$
3,985
   
$
18,964
   
$
891,711
 
 
                                                       
December 31, 2021
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
133
   
$
555
   
$
8,712
   
$
655
   
$
241
   
$
723
   
$
11,019
 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
   
135,761
     
526,369
     
98,471
     
75,505
     
4,241
     
16,535
     
856,882
 
Ending Balance
 
$
135,894
   
$
526,924
   
$
107,183
   
$
76,160
   
$
4,482
   
$
17,258
   
$
867,901
 

20

5. 
MORTGAGE OPERATIONS

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

The Company recognizes a gain and a related asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold.The Company sold a substantial portion of its portfolio of conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the six months ended June 30, 2022 for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans.  The Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others totaling $202,408,000 and $208,169,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

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

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

 
 
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
 
           
Constant prepayment rate
 
8.58
%
   
15.73
%
Discount rate
   
9.00
%
   
9.50
%
Weighted average life (years)
   
6.82
     
4.95
 

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

 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31, 2021
   
Additions
   
Reductions
   
June 30, 2022
 
 
                       
Mortgage servicing rights
 
$
1,807
   
$
110
   
$
(154
)
 
$
1,763
 
Valuation allowance
   
(276
)
   
   
276
     
Mortgage servicing rights, net of valuation allowance
 
$
1,531
   
$
110
   
$
122
 
$
1,763
 

At June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the estimated fair market value of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets was $2,062,000 and $1,531,000, respectively. The changes in fair value of mortgage servicing rights during 2022 was primarily due to changes in prepayment speeds.

The Company received contractually specified servicing fees of $129,000 and $129,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively. The Company received contractually specified servicing fees of $259,000 and $263,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively. Loan servicing income on the condensed consolidated statements of income include contractually specified servicing fees, mortgage servicing rights additions, amortization and changes in the valuation allowance.

21

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

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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


  (in thousands)  
June 30, 2022
 
Fair Value
   
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
112,933
   
$
112,933
   
$
   
$
 
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
   
106,337
     
     
106,337
     
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
48,335
     
     
48,335
     
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
   
108,805
     
     
108,805
     
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
261,355
     
     
261,355
     
 
Total investments at fair value
 
$
637,765
   
$
112,933
   
$
524,832
   
$
 


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

22

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

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

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


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

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

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

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

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale

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

Impaired Loans

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

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

23

Mortgage Servicing Rights

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

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

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

(in thousands)
       
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
 
 
Level
   
Carrying
amount
   
Fair value
   
Carrying
amount
   
Fair value
 
 
                             
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
   
1
   
$
245,472
   
$
245,472
   
$
345,929
   
$
345,929
 
Certificates of deposit
   
2
     
11,333
     
11,093
     
13,272
     
13,443
 
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities
   
3
     
9,440
     
9,440
     
7,097
     
7,097
 
Loans receivable:
                                       
Net loans
   
3
     
931,934
     
909,173
     
852,717
     
830,967
 
Loans held-for-sale
   
2
     
     
     
1,063
     
1,089
 
Interest receivable
   
2
     
5,419
     
5,419
     
4,571
     
4,571
 
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
   
3
     
1,751,195
     
1,477,587
     
1,728,302
     
1,678,658
 
Interest payable
   
2
     
67
     
67
     
42
     
42
 

Limitations

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

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

24

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

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

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

(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
 
           
Undisbursed loan commitments
 
$
208,982
   
$
192,874
 
Standby letters of credit
   
1,926
     
2,305
 
Commitments to sell loans
   
250
     
1,500
 
 
 
$
211,158
   
$
196,679
 

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

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Bank issues both financial and performance standby letters of credit.  The financial standby letters of credit are primarily to guarantee payment to third parties.  At June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no financial standby letters of credit outstanding.  The performance standby letters of credit are typically issued to municipalities as specific performance bonds.  Performance standby letters of credit totaled $1,926,000 and $2,305,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The Bank had experienced no draws on outstanding letters of credit, resulting in no related liability included on its balance sheet; however, should a triggering event occur, the Bank either has collateral in excess of the letter of credit or imbedded agreements of recourse from the customer.  The Bank has set aside a reserve for unfunded commitments in the amount of $700,000 and $650,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, which is recorded in "interest payable and other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

The Company may enter into interest rate lock commitments in connection with its mortgage banking activities to fund residential mortgage loans within specified times in the future. These commitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the loan underlying the interest rate lock commitment might decline from the inception of the interest rate lock to the funding of the mortgage loan. To protect against this risk, the Company may enter into commitments to sell loans to economically hedge the risk of potential changes in the value of the loans that would result from the commitment. These commitments totaled $250,000 and $1,500,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  Mortgage loans sold to investors may be sold with servicing rights retained, for which the Company makes only standard legal representations and warranties as to meeting certain underwriting and collateral documentation standards.  In the past two years, the Company has not had to repurchase any loans due to deficiencies in underwriting or loan documentation.  Management believes that any liabilities that may result from such recourse provisions are not significant.
25

8. 
STOCK PLANS

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

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

 
 
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
 
Options outstanding at Beginning of Period
   
652,255
   
$
8.83
             
Granted
   
     
             
Expired
   
     
             
Cancelled / Forfeited
   
     
             
Exercised
   
     
             
Options outstanding at End of Period
   
652,255
   
$
8.83
   
$
625,857
     
5.79
 
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
   
488,666
   
$
8.41
   
$
625,857
     
5.02
 

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

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

10.25
         
Expired
   
   

         
Cancelled / Forfeited
   
     
         
Exercised
   
(18,524
)
   
3.51
         
Options outstanding at End of Period
   
652,255
   
$
8.83
   
$
625,857
     
5.79
 
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
   
488,666
   
$
8.41
   
$
625,857
     
5.02
 

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

The intrinsic value of options exercised was $125,000 and $63,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively. The fair value of awards vested was $142,000 and $182,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.
 
26

As of June 30, 2022, there was $219,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.43 years.

There was $31,000 and $59,000 of recognized compensation cost related to stock options granted for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.

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


   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022*
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2022
 
Risk Free Interest Rate
   

     
2.54
%
                 
Expected Dividend Yield
   

     
0.00
%
                 
Expected Life in Years
   

     
5
 
                 
Expected Price Volatility
   

     
19.70
%



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

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

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

208,225
   
$
9.99
   
   
 
Granted
   
1,500
     
9.24
              
Cancelled / Forfeited
   
   
              
Exercised/Released/Vested
   
   
              
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
   
209,725
   
$
9.99
  $
1,937,859
   
2.93
 

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

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

   

 
Granted
   
72,473
     
10.31
   
 
   
  
 
Cancelled / Forfeited
   
   
   
 
   
  
 
Exercised/Released/Vested
   
(30,145
)
   
10.68
   
 
   
  
 
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
   
209,725
   
$
9.99
  $
1,937,859
   
2.93
 

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

As of June 30, 2022, there was $1,236,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.93 years.

There was $128,000 and $256,000 of recognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.

27

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

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

As of June 30, 2022, there was $17,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.50 years.

There was $9,000 and $17,000 of recognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.

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

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


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

28

9. 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

(in thousands)
 
Unrealized
losses on
securities
   
Officers’
retirement
plan
   
Directors’
retirement
plan
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
Balance as of March 31, 2022
 
$
(22,727
)
 
$
(1,420
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(24,160
)
Current period other comprehensive loss
   
(10,641
)
   
     
     
(10,641
)
Balance as of June 30, 2022
 
$
(33,368
)
 
$
(1,420
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(34,801
)

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

(in thousands)
 
Unrealized
losses on
securities
   
Officers’
retirement
plan
   
Directors’
retirement
plan
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
Balance as of December 31, 2021
 
$
(2,764
)
 
$
(1,420
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(4,197
)
Current period other comprehensive loss
   
(30,604
)
   
     
     
(30,604
)
Balance as of June 30, 2022
 
$
(33,368
)
 
$
(1,420
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(34,801
)

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

(in thousands)
 
Unrealized
gains on
securities
   
Officers’
retirement
plan
   
Directors’
retirement
plan
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 
Balance as of March 31, 2021
 
$
3,024
   
$
(2,105
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
866
 
Current period other comprehensive income
   
146
     
     
     
146
 
Balance as of June 30, 2021
 
$
3,170
   
$
(2,105
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
1,012
 

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

(in thousands)
 
Unrealized
losses on
securities
   
Officers’
retirement
plan
   
Directors’
retirement
plan
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 
Balance as of December 31, 2020
 
$
7,196
   
$
(2,105
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
5,038
 
Current period other comprehensive loss
   
(4,026
)
   
     
     
(4,026
)
Balance as of June 30, 2021
 
$
3,170
   
$
(2,105
)
 
$
(53
)
 
$
1,012
 

29

10. 
OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

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

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

 
 
Three months ended
June 30,
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2022
   
2021
   
2022
   
2021
 
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Net income
 
$
3,546
   
$
3,306
   
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
13,717,677
     
14,175,321
     
13,699,438
     
14,162,176
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.46
 
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Net income
 
$
3,546
   
$
3,306
   
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
13,717,677
     
14,175,321
     
13,699,438
     
14,162,176
 
 
                               
Effect of dilutive shares
   
147,294
     
185,636
     
160,843
     
173,179
 
 
                               
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
13,864,971
     
14,360,957
     
13,860,281
     
14,335,355
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.45
 

Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 391,900 shares and 237,987 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unvested restricted stock which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 70,973 shares and 0 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 345,378 shares and 299,360 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unvested restricted stock which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 52,936 shares and 21,051 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

30

11. 
LEASES

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

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

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

The Company had right-of-use assets totaling $5,285,000 and $5,138,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company had lease liabilities totaling $5,840,000 and $5,664,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company recognized lease expense totaling $294,000 and $292,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $588,000 and $585,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Lease expense includes operating lease costs, short term lease costs and variable lease costs.  Lease expense is included in Occupancy and equipment expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2022
 
2022 (remaining 6 months)
 
$
575
 
2023
   
1,063
 
2024
   
977
 
2025
   
907
 
2026
   
663
 
2027 and thereafter
   
2,131
 
Total lease payments
   
6,316
 
Less: interest
   
(476
)
Present value of lease liabilities
 
$
5,840
 

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


 
Three months ended
June 30,
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2022
   
2021
   
2022
   
2021
 
                         
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
                       
Operating cash flows from operating leases
 
$
304
   
$
293
   
$
603
   
$
583
 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
   
     
     
707
     
 

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


June 30, 2022
 
December 31, 2021
 
         
Weighted-average remaining lease term – operating leases, in years
   
6.54
     
6.32
 
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases
   
2.33
%
   
2.36
%

31

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

ITEM 2.   – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may include forward-looking statements, which may include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and the other risks described in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other risks described in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.

This report and other reports or statements which we may release may include forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “strive,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date any forward-looking statements are made.

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


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


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


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


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


The costs and effects of legal or regulatory actions


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


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


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


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


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

32


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


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


The seasonal nature of our business


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


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


Our deposit base including renewal of time deposits


The impact on our net interest income and net interest margin from the current low interest rate environment

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


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


Our pension and retirement plan costs


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


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


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


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


Maintenance of insurance coverages appropriate for our operations


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

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

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


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


Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing

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

33

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

Net income of $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, up 1.6% from $6.5 million earned for the same period last year.  Net income of $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 7.3% from $3.3 million for the same period last year.

Diluted income per share of $0.48 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, up 6.7% from diluted income per share of $0.45 in the same period last year.  Diluted income per share of $0.26 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 13.0% from diluted income per share of $0.23 for the same period last year.

Net interest income of $24.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, up 7.2% from $23.0 million for the same period last year.  Net interest income of $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 7.3% from $12.1 million for the same period last year.

Net interest margin of 2.81% for the six months ended June 30, 2022, up 2.6% from 2.74% for the same period last year.  Net interest margin of 2.94% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 4.6% from 2.81% for the same period last year.

Provision for loan losses of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to provision for loan losses of $0.3 million for the same period last year.  Provision for loan losses of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to no provision for loan losses for the same period last year.

Total assets of $1.9 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Total net loans (including loans held-for-sale) of $931.9 million as of June 30, 2022, up 9.2% from $853.8 million as of December 31, 2021.

Total investment securities of $637.8 million as of June 30, 2022, up 0.9% from $632.2 million as of December 31, 2021.

Total deposits of $1.8 billion as of June 30, 2022, up 1.3% from $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2021.

34

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

The Company recorded net income of $6,587,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, representing an increase of $103,000 or 1.6% from net income of $6,484,000 for the same period in 2021.  The Company recorded net income of $3,546,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, representing an increase of $240,000, or 7.3%, from net income of $3,306,000 for the same period in 2021.

The following tables present a summary of the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, and a summary of financial condition at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
2022
   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
2021
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
2022
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
2021
 
(dollars in thousands except for per share amounts)
                       
For the Period:
                       
Net Income
 
$
3,546
   
$
3,306
   
$
6,587
   
$
6,484
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.46
 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.23
   
$
0.48
   
$
0.45
 
Net Income to Average Assets (annualized)
   
0.76
%
   
0.73
%
   
0.71
%
   
0.74
%
Net Income to Average Equity (annualized)
   
10.91
%
   
8.76
%
   
9.56
%
   
8.64
%
Average Equity to Average Assets
   
6.95
%
   
8.34
%
   
7.42
%
   
8.54
%

   
June 30,
2022
   
December 31,
2021
 
             
(in thousands except for ratios)
       
At Period End:
           
Total Assets
 
$
1,896,771
   
$
1,899,087
 
Total Investment Securities, at fair value
 
$
637,765
   
$
632,213
 
Total Loans, Net (including loans held-for-sale)
 
$
931,934
   
$
853,780
 
Total Deposits
 
$
1,751,195
   
$
1,728,302
 
Loan-To-Deposit Ratio
   
53.2
%
   
49.4
%

35

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

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

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three months ended
June 30, 2021
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
 
$
897,608
   
$
10,465
     
4.68
%
 
$
918,149
   
$
10,474
     
4.58
%
Certificate of deposits
   
11,056
     
53
     
1.92
%
   
14,198
     
77
     
2.18
%
Interest bearing due from banks
   
215,098
     
456
     
0.85
%
   
292,371
     
67
     
0.09
%
Investment securities, taxable
   
603,796
     
1,933
     
1.28
%
   
471,995
     
1,491
     
1.27
%
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
   
35,190
     
206
     
2.35
%
   
26,041
     
140
     
2.16
%
Other interest earning assets
   
8,976
     
106
     
4.74
%
   
6,995
     
103
     
5.91
%
Total average interest-earning assets
   
1,771,724
     
13,219
     
2.99
%
   
1,729,749
     
12,352
     
2.86
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
   
47,651
                     
38,086
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
6,294
                     
6,464
                 
Interest receivable and other assets
   
51,856
                     
41,338
                 
Total average assets
 
$
1,877,525
                   
$
1,815,637
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
   
440,466
     
67
     
0.06
%
   
425,200
     
64
     
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
   
446,890
     
115
     
0.10
%
   
437,113
     
116
     
0.11
%
Time, $250,000 or less
   
38,235
     
22
     
0.23
%
   
40,987
     
35
     
0.34
%
Time, over $250,000
   
10,542
     
7
     
0.27
%
   
15,028
     
16
     
0.43
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
   
936,133
     
211
     
0.09
%
   
918,328
     
231
     
0.10
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
                     
2,308
                 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
   
793,243
                     
725,415
                 
Interest payable and other liabilities
   
17,730
                     
18,240
                 
Total liabilities
   
1,747,106
                     
1,664,291
                 
Total average stockholders’ equity
   
130,419
                     
151,346
                 
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,877,525
                   
$
1,815,637
                 
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
         
$
13,008
     
2.94
%
         
$
12,121
     
2.81
%

(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded. Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $1,174 and $2,144 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Loan fees for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 include $1,185 and $1,584 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield /rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

36

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

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

   
Six months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate (4)
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
 
$
869,913
   
$
20,122
     
4.66
%
 
$
913,252
   
$
19,711
     
4.35
%
Certificate of deposits
   
11,779
     
109
     
1.87
%
   
15,127
     
162
     
2.16
%
Interest bearing due from banks
   
243,735
     
566
     
0.47
%
   
281,154
     
130
     
0.09
%
Investment securities, taxable
   
601,086
     
3,661
     
1.23
%
   
448,173
     
2,977
     
1.34
%
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
   
34,817
     
384
     
2.22
%
   
26,475
     
283
     
2.16
%
Other interest earning assets
   
8,042
     
224
     
5.62
%
   
6,739
     
185
     
5.54
%
Total average interest-earning assets
   
1,769,372
     
25,066
     
2.86
%
   
1,690,920
     
23,448
     
2.80
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
   
49,573
                     
36,663
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
6,386
                     
6,468
                 
Interest receivable and other assets
   
47,137
                     
38,315
                 
Total average assets
 
$
1,872,468
                   
$
1,772,366
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
   
436,284
     
135
     
0.06
%
   
412,911
     
120
     
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
   
440,658
     
225
     
0.10
%
   
423,168
     
221
     
0.11
%
Time, $250,000 or less
   
38,209
     
45
     
0.24
%
   
41,780
     
74
     
0.36
%
Time, over $250,000
   
10,535
     
15
     
0.29
%
   
15,319
     
40
     
0.53
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
   
925,686
     
420
     
0.09
%
   
893,178
     
455
     
0.10
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
   
                     
3,646
                 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
   
789,651
                     
705,366
                 
Interest payable and other liabilities
   
18,238
                     
18,812
                 
Total liabilities
   
1,733,575
                     
1,621,002
                 
Total average stockholders’ equity
   
138,893
                     
151,364
                 
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,872,468
                   
$
1,772,366
                 
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
         
$
24,646
     
2.81
%
         
$
22,993
     
2.74
%

(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded. Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $2,480 and $3,009 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Loan fees for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021 include $2,552 and $2,344 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield /rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

37

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

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

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three months ended
March 31, 2022
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
 
$
897,608
   
$
10,465
     
4.68
%
 
$
841,910
   
$
9,657
     
4.65
%
Certificates of deposit
   
11,056
     
53
     
1.92
%
   
12,510
     
57
     
1.85
%
Interest bearing due from banks
   
215,098
     
456
     
0.85
%
   
272,690
     
109
     
0.16
%
Investment securities, taxable
   
603,796
     
1,933
     
1.28
%
   
598,345
     
1,728
     
1.17
%
Investment securities, non-taxable (2)
   
35,190
     
206
     
2.35
%
   
34,441
     
178
     
2.10
%
Other interest earning assets
   
8,976
     
106
     
4.74
%
   
7,097
     
118
     
6.74
%
Total average interest-earning assets
   
1,771,724
     
13,219
     
2.99
%
   
1,766,993
     
11,847
     
2.72
%
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
   
47,651
                     
51,517
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
6,294
                     
6,479
                 
Interest receivable and other assets
   
51,856
                     
42,365
                 
Total average assets
 
$
1,877,525
                   
$
1,867,354
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
   
440,466
     
67
     
0.06
%
   
432,055
     
68
     
0.06
%
Savings and MMDA’s
   
446,890
     
115
     
0.10
%
   
434,357
     
110
     
0.10
%
Time, $250,000 and under
   
38,235
     
22
     
0.23
%
   
37,964
     
23
     
0.25
%
Time, over $250,000
   
10,542
     
7
     
0.27
%
   
10,746
     
8
     
0.30
%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
   
936,133
     
211
     
0.09
%
   
915,122
     
209
     
0.09
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
   
793,243
                     
786,064
                 
Interest payable and other liabilities
   
17,730
                     
18,751
                 
Total liabilities
   
1,747,106
                     
1,719,937
                 
Total average stockholders’ equity
   
130,419
                     
147,417
                 
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,877,525
                   
$
1,867,354
                 
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
         
$
13,008
     
2.94
%
         
$
11,638
     
2.67
%

(1)
Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest is excluded.  Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $1,174 and $1,306 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022, respectively.  Loan fees for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022 include $1,185 and $1,367 in PPP loan fees recognized, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
(4)
For disclosure purposes, yield/rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

38

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

Following is an analysis of changes in interest income and expense (dollars in thousands) for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the three months ended June 30, 2021, the six months ended June 30, 2022 over the six months ended June 30, 2021, and the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the three months ended March 31, 2022.  Changes not solely due to interest rate or volume have been allocated proportionately to interest rate and volume.

   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022
Over
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2021
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2022
Over
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022
Over
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
 
   
Volume
   
Interest
Rate
   
Change
   
Volume
   
Interest
Rate
   
Change
   
Volume
   
Interest
Rate
   
Change
 
                                             
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Income:
                                           
                                             
Loans
 
$
(237
)
 
$
228
   
$
(9
)
 
$
(968
)
 
$
1,379
   
$
411
   
$
736
   
$
72
   
$
808
 
Certificates of Deposit
   
(16
)
   
(8
)
   
(24
)
   
(33
)
   
(20
)
   
(53
)
   
(6
)
   
2
     
(4
)
Due From Banks
   
(23
)
   
412
     
389
     
(19
)
   
455
     
436
     
(28
)
   
375
     
347
 
Investment Securities - Taxable
   
430
     
12
     
442
     
949
     
(265
)
   
684
     
18
     
187
     
205
 
Investment Securities - Non-taxable
   
53
     
13
     
66
     
93
     
8
     
101
     
4
     
24
     
28
 
Other Assets
   
26
     
(23
)
   
3
     
36
     
3
     
39
     
28
     
(40
)
   
(12
)
   
$
233
   
$
634
   
$
867
   
$
58
   
$
1,560
   
$
1,618
   
$
752
   
$
620
   
$
1,372
 
                                                                         
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense:
                                                         
                                                                         
Deposits:
                                                                       
Interest-Bearing Transaction Deposits
 
$
3
   
$
   
$
3
   
$
15
   
$
   
$
15
   
$
(1
)
 
$
   
$
(1
)
Savings & MMDAs
   
4
     
(5
)
   
(1
)
   
14
     
(10
)
   
4
     
5
     
     
5
 
Time Certificates
   
(6
)
   
(16
)
   
(22
)
   
(14
)
   
(40
)
   
(54
)
   
     
(2
)
   
(2
)

                                                                       

 
$
1
   
$
(21
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
15
   
$
(50
)
 
$
(35
)
 
$
4
   
$
(2
)
 
$
2
 

                                                                       
Increase in Net Interest Income:
 
$
232
   
$
655
   
$
887
   
$
43
   
$
1,610
   
$
1,653
   
$
748
   
$
622
   
$
1,370
 

39

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a $100,457,000, or 29.0%, decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $1,939,000, or 14.6%, decrease in certificates of deposit, a $5,552,000, or 0.9%, increase in investment securities available-for-sale, a $79,217,000, or 9.3%, increase in net loans held-for-investment, and a $1,063,000, or 100.0%, decrease in loans held-for-sale from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to investment securities purchases and originations of loans held-for-investment.  The decrease in certificates of deposit was due to maturities of certificates of deposit and allocating the cash flows from those maturities towards additional purchases of available-for-sale securities.  The increase in investment securities was due to allocating cash flows towards purchases of investment securities.  The increase in net loans held-for-investment was primarily due to commercial real estate loan originations and purchases, which was partially offset by SBA forgiveness payments on PPP loans.  The decrease in loans held-for-sale was due to a decrease in originations of loans held-for-sale due to rising interest rates coupled with the timing of funding and sale of the loans held-for-sale pipeline.

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect an increase in total deposits of $22,893,000, or 1.3%, from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022.  The overall increase in total deposits was largely due to seasonal fluctuations.

CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Interest Income

The Federal Open Market Committee increased the Federal Funds rate by 150 basis points to a target range of 1.50% to 1.75% during the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Interest income on loans for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was up 2.1% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $19,711,000 to $20,122,000, and was down 0.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, decreasing from $10,474,000 to $10,465,000.  The increase in interest income on loans for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in PPP fee recognition, higher yields earned on newly originated loans and loans repricing at higher rates.  PPP processing fees received from the SBA for PPP loans originated in 2020 and 2021 are being recognized as an adjustment to the effective yield over the loan’s life and fully recognized in income upon repayment or SBA forgiveness of the loan.  PPP processing fees totaling approximately $2.6 million and $2.3 million were recognized in interest income for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  The Bank had unearned PPP processing fees totaling $0.1 million and $2.7 million as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The Bank had PPP loans outstanding totaling $1.5 million and $37 million as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The Company expects that a significant portion of the remaining loans will be forgiven by the SBA and the forgiven amount reimbursed to the Bank by the SBA during 2022 under the terms of the PPP, as borrowers satisfy the requirement of applying at least 60% of the loan proceeds to support their payroll expenses.  Loans which do not qualify for SBA forgiveness will remain on the Bank’s books, subject to the SBA’s guarantee of loans made under the PPP.

Interest income on certificates of deposit for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was down 32.7% from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $162,000 to $109,000, and was down 31.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, decreasing from $77,000 to $53,000.  The decrease in interest income on certificates of deposit for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average balances of certificates of deposit and a 29 basis point decrease in yield on certificates of deposit.  The decrease in interest income on certificates of deposit for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average balances of certificates of deposit and a 26 basis point decrease in yield on certificates of deposit.

Interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was up 335.4% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $130,000 to $566,000, and was up 580.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $67,000 to $456,000.  This income is primarily derived from interest on excess reserves held at the Federal Reserve.  The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to increases in the Federal Funds rate in March, May and June 2022 resulting in a 38 basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing due from banks, which was partially offset by a decrease in average balances of interest-bearing due from banks.  The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 76 basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing due from banks, which was partially offset by a decrease in average balances of interest-bearing due from banks.

40

Interest income on investment securities available-for-sale for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was up 24.1% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $3,260,000 to $4,045,000, and was up 31.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $1,631,000 to $2,139,000.  The increase in interest income on investment securities for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities, which was partially offset by an 11 basis point decrease in investment yields.  The increase in interest income on investment securities for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities coupled with a 3 basis point increase in investment yields.

Interest income on other earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was up 21.1% from the same period in 2021, increasing from $185,000 to $224,000, and was up 2.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, increasing from $103,000 to $106,000.  This income is primarily derived from dividends received by the Federal Home Loan Bank.  The increase in interest income on other earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an 8 basis point increase in yield on other earning assets coupled with an increase in average balances of other earning assets.  The increase in interest income on other earning assets for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average balances of other earning assets, which was partially offset by a 117 basis point decrease in yield on other earning assets.

The Company had no Federal Funds sold balances during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.

Interest Expense

Interest expense on deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was down 7.7% from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $455,000 to $420,000, and was down 8.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 over the same period in 2021, decreasing from $231,000 to $211,000.  The decrease in interest expense during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same periods a year ago was primarily due to a 1 basis point decrease in the Company’s average cost of funds, which was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities.

Provision for Loan Losses

Provision for loan losses totaled $600,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to provision for loan losses of $300,000 for the same period in 2021.  Provision for loan losses totaled $300,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to no provision for loan losses for the same period in 2021.  The allowance for loan losses was approximately $14,275,000 or 1.51% of total loans, at June 30, 2022, compared to $13,952,000, or 1.61% of total loans, at December 31, 2021.  The decrease in the allowance for loan losses to total loans from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022 was primarily due to current year loan growth and the allocation of previously unallocated allowance to new loan originations.  The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

Provision for unfunded lending commitment losses of $50,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to a reversal of unfunded lending commitment losses of $300,000 for the same period in 2021.  There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to a reversal of unfunded lending commitment losses of $100,000 for the same period in 2021.

Provisions for unfunded lending commitment losses are included in other non-interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income was down 16.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $4,074,000 to $3,410,000.  Non-interest income was down 16.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $1,784,000 to $1,492,000.

The decrease was primarily due to decreases in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale, which was partially offset by increases in service charges on deposit accounts.  The decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale was primarily due to a decrease in loan origination volumes due to an increase in interest rates and slowdown in refinancing activity.  The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was primarily due to an increase in volume of transactions.

Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expenses were up 3.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $17,857,000 to $18,430,000.

41

The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense and other expenses.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense was primarily due to increases in profit sharing and contingent compensation expense, which was partially offset by a decrease in regular salaries expense due to a decrease in full-time equivalent employees.  The increase in other expenses was primarily due to increases in the provision for unfunded commitments, legal fees and public relations expense, which was partially offset by a decrease in loan collection expense.

Total non-interest expenses were down 0.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, decreasing from $9,356,000 to $9,328,000.

The decrease was primarily due to decreases in data processing and other expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense.  The decrease in data processing was primarily due to costs associated with enhanced IT infrastructure and implementation of a digital lending platform for PPP loans in 2021 that were not repeated in 2022.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense was primarily due to increases in profit sharing and contingent compensation expense, which was partially offset by a decrease in regular salaries expense due to a decrease in full-time equivalent employees.

The following table sets forth other non-interest expenses by category for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Three months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Three months ended
June 30, 2021
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2022
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
 
Other non-interest expenses
                       
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded loan commitments
 
$
   
$
(100
)
 
$
50
   
$
(300
)
FDIC assessments
   
110
     
120
     
275
     
255
 
Contributions
   
45
     
36
     
82
     
80
 
Legal fees
   
179
     
123
     
323
     
173
 
Accounting and audit fees
   
152
     
115
     
269
     
230
 
Consulting fees
   
112
     
167
     
190
     
217
 
Postage expense
   
49
     
45
     
94
     
84
 
Telephone expense
   
38
     
38
     
74
     
68
 
Public relations
   
80
     
31
     
131
     
57
 
Training expense
   
54
     
23
     
80
     
35
 
Loan origination expense
   
117
     
94
     
150
     
120
 
Computer software depreciation
   
9
     
17
     
23
     
33
 
Sundry losses
   
49
     
114
     
103
     
169
 
Loan collection expense
   
83
     
365
     
178
     
595
 
Debit card expense
   
246
     
217
     
476
     
409
 
Other non-interest expense
   
344
     
312
     
653
     
575
 
                                 
Total other non-interest expenses
 
$
1,667
   
$
1,717
   
$
3,151
   
$
2,800
 

42

Income Taxes

The Company’s tax rate, the Company’s income before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by non-taxable earnings affect the Company’s provision for income taxes.  Provision for income taxes increased 0.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $2,426,000 to $2,439,000, and increased 6.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from the same period in 2021, increasing from $1,243,000 to $1,326,000.  The increase in provision for income taxes was primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income.  The effective tax rate was 27.0% and 27.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.  The effective tax rate was 27.2% and 27.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

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

   
(in thousands)
 
             
   
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
             
Undisbursed loan commitments
 
$
208,982
   
$
192,874
 
Standby letters of credit
   
1,926
     
2,305
 
Commitments to sell loans
   
250
     
1,500
 
   
$
211,158
   
$
196,679
 

The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $700,000 and $650,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, “Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk,” for additional information.

43

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


Substandard Assets – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.


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

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

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

   
At June 30, 2022
   
At December 31, 2021
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(in thousands)
                                   
                                     
Commercial
 
$
33
   
$
33
   
$
   
$
133
   
$
33
   
$
100
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,363
     
     
1,363
     
555
     
     
555
 
Agriculture
   
8,084
     
     
8,084
     
8,712
     
     
8,712
 
Residential mortgage
   
131
     
     
131
     
138
     
     
138
 
Residential construction
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Consumer
   
630
     
     
630
     
659
     
     
659
 
Total non-accrual loans
 
$
10,241
   
$
33
   
$
10,208
   
$
10,197
   
$
33
   
$
10,164
 

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

Non-accrual loans amounted to $10,241,000 at June 30, 2022 and were comprised of one commercial loan totaling $33,000, one commercial real estate loan totaling $1,363,000, three agriculture loans totaling $8,084,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $131,000, and five consumer loans totaling $630,000.  Non-accrual loans amounted to $10,197,000 at December 31, 2021 and were comprised of two commercial loans totaling $133,000, one commercial real estate loan totaling $555,000, three agriculture loans totaling $8,712,000, one residential mortgage loan totaling $138,000 and four consumer loans totaling $659,000. If the loan is considered collateral dependent, it is generally the Company’s policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan that the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired.  Non-performing impaired loans are non-accrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing.  Total non-performing impaired loans at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consisted of loans on non-accrual status totaling $10,241,000 and $10,197,000, respectively.  A restructuring of a loan can constitute a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  The Company had $9,172,000 and $10,103,000 in TDR loans as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  A loan that is restructured in a TDR is considered an impaired loan.  Performing impaired loans, which solely consisted of loans modified as TDRs, totaled $572,000 and $822,000 at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  The Company expects to collect all principal and interest due from performing impaired loans.  These loans are not on non-accrual status.  No assurance can be given that the existing or any additional collateral will be sufficient to secure full recovery of the obligations owed under these loans.

44

As the following table illustrates, total non-performing assets, net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, increased $644,000, or 6.3%, to $10,808,000 during the first six months of 2022.  Non-performing assets, net of guarantees, represented 0.6% of total assets at June 30, 2022.

   
At June 30, 2022
   
At December 31, 2021
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
                                     
Non-accrual loans
 
$
10,241
   
$
33
   
$
10,208
   
$
10,197
   
$
33
   
$
10,164
 
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
   
600
     
     
600
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Total non-performing loans
   
10,841
     
33
     
10,808
     
10,197
     
33
     
10,164
 
Other real estate owned
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
10,841
   
$
33
   
$
10,808
   
$
10,197
   
$
33
   
$
10,164
 
                                                 
Non-performing loans (net of guarantees) to total loans
                   
1.1
%
                   
1.2
%
Non-performing assets (net of guarantees) to total assets
                   
0.6
%
                   
0.5
%
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans (net of guarantees)
                   
132.1
%
                   
137.3
%

The Company had one loan totaling $600,000 that was 90 days or more past due and still accruing at June 30, 2022.  The Company had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2021.

Excluding the non-performing loans cited previously, loans totaling $3,348,000 and $4,687,000 were classified as substandard loans, representing potential problem loans at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  In Management’s opinion, the potential loss related to these problem loans was sufficiently covered by the Bank’s existing loan loss reserve (Allowance for Loan Losses) at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.  The ratio of the Allowance for Loan Losses to total loans at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 1.51% and 1.61%, respectively.

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure.  The estimated fair value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to OREO.  The balance transferred to OREO is the estimated fair value of the property less estimated cost to sell.  Impairment may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value.  Appraisals or loan officer evaluations are then conducted periodically thereafter charging any additional impairment to the appropriate expense account.  The Company had no OREO as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

45

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

The following table summarizes the Allowance for Loan Losses of the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
(Amounts in thousands, except percentage amounts)

   
Six months ended
June 30,
   
Year ended
December 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
   
2021
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
13,952
   
$
15,416
   
$
15,416
 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
   
600
     
300
     
(1,500
)
Loans charged-off:
                       
Commercial
   
(297
)
   
(347
)
   
(502
)
Commercial Real Estate
   
     
     
 
Agriculture
   
     
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
     
     
(5
)
Residential Construction
   
     
     
 
Consumer
   
(9
)
   
(6
)
   
(12
)
                         
Total charged-off
   
(306
)
   
(353
)
   
(519
)
                         
Recoveries:
                       
Commercial
   
24
     
8
     
429
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
     
     
14
 
Agriculture
   
     
     
 
Residential Mortgage
   
     
     
 
Residential Construction
   
     
     
 
Consumer
   
5
     
8
     
112
 
                         
Total recoveries
   
29
     
16
     
555
 
                         
Net (charge-offs) recoveries
   
(277
)
   
(337
)
   
36
 
                         
Balance at end of period
 
$
14,275
   
$
15,379
   
$
13,952
 
                         
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (annualized)
   
(0.06
%)
   
(0.07
%)
   
0.00
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
   
1.51
%
   
1.72
%
   
1.61
%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans
   
1.1
%
   
1.9
%
   
1.2
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
   
139.4
%
   
92.9
%
   
136.8
%

46

Deposits

Deposits are one of the Company’s primary sources of funds.  At June 30, 2022, the Company had the following deposit mix: 25.8% in savings and MMDA deposits, 2.8% in time deposits, 24.9% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 46.5% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits.  At December 31, 2021, the Company had the following deposit mix: 24.6% in savings and MMDA deposits, 2.9% in time deposits, 25.0% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 47.5% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits.  Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits increased the Company’s net interest income by lowering its cost of funds.

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

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

   
(in thousands)
 
   
June 30, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
Three months or less
 
$
2,025
   
$
1,400
 
Over three to six months
   
2,545
     
1,940
 
Over six to twelve months
   
1,117
     
3,253
 
Over twelve months
   
4,739
     
4,404
 
Total
 
$
10,426
   
$
10,997
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to serve our market area and comply with banking regulations, the Company must maintain adequate liquidity and adequate capital.  Liquidity is measured by various ratios, in management’s opinion, the most common being the ratio of net loans to deposits (including loans held-for-sale).  This ratio was 53.2% on June 30, 2022.  In addition, on June 30, 2022, the Company had the following short-term investments (based on remaining maturity and/or next repricing date):  $24,224,000 in securities due within one year or less; and $186,785,000 in securities due in one to five years.

To meet unanticipated funding requirements, the Company maintains short-term unsecured lines of credit with other banks which totaled $122,000,000 at June 30, 2022.  Additionally, the Company has a line of credit with the FHLB, with a remaining borrowing capacity at June 30, 2022 of $343,384,000; credit availability is subject to certain collateral requirements.

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

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

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

47

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

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

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

   
(amounts in thousands except percentage amounts)
 
     
Actual
     
Well Capitalized
Ratio
Requirement
  
Capital
   
Ratio
Leverage
 
$
161,141
     
8.44
%
   
5.0
%
Common Equity Tier 1
 
$
161,141
     
14.28
%
   
6.5
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based
 
$
161,141
     
14.28
%
   
8.0
%
Total Risk-Based
 
$
175,252
     
15.54
%
   
10.0
%

48

ITEM 3.   – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company believes that there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of June 30, 2022, from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which are incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 4.   – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet reasonable assurance standards. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2022.  This conclusion is based on an evaluation conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management.

(b)  During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II   – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is any of their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, except ordinary routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business and incidental to its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s or the Bank’s business, financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of risk factors relating to our business, please refer to Part I, Item 1A of our 2021 Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, and to the following:

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

The Bank’s allowance for estimated losses on loans was approximately $14.3 million, or 1.51% of total loans, at June 30, 2022, compared to $14.0 million, or 1.61% of total loans, at December 31, 2021, and 132.1% of total non-performing loans, net of guaranteed portions at June 30, 2022, compared to 137.3% of total non-performing loans, net of guaranteed portions at December 31, 2021. Provision for loan losses totaled $600,000 and $300,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively. Provision for loan losses totaled $300,000 and $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related responses to the pandemic by federal, state and local governments have negatively impacted the U.S., California and global economies, significantly increased economic uncertainty, reduced economic activity, increased unemployment levels, and resulted in temporary and permanent closures of many businesses and restrictions on business and social activities in many states and communities, including many markets where we have operations. The pandemic has resulted and can be expected to continue to result in the recognition of credit losses in our loan portfolios and increases in our allowance for credit losses.  Material future additions to the allowance for estimated losses on loans may be necessary if such material adverse changes in economic conditions continue to occur and the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio deteriorates.

49

In addition, the pandemic may significantly affect the commercial and residential real estate markets in the U.S. generally, and in California in particular, decreasing property values, increasing the risk of defaults and reducing the value of real estate collateral.  An allowance for losses on other real estate owned may also be required in order to reflect changes in the markets for real estate in which the Bank’s other real estate owned is located and other factors which may result in adjustments which are necessary to ensure that the Bank’s foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to dispose of the properties.  Moreover, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for estimated losses on loans and the carrying value of its assets.  Increases in the provisions for estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets would adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Bank’s Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses, Particularly Given the Continuing or Worsening Economic and Financial Market Conditions Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
 
At June 30, 2022, approximately 84% of the Bank’s loans in principal amount (excluding loans held-for-sale) were secured by real estate.  We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S., California or global economies, or our market areas in particular.  In 2021, the widespread availability in the U.S. of new vaccines began to moderate the impact of the pandemic, but various new strains of the virus emerged, including one with a higher rate of infectiousness even in vaccinated persons, that have continued the pandemic.  There can be no assurance that further vaccine-resistant strains of the virus will not emerge.  In addition, a significant portion of the population in California remains unvaccinated and therefore exposed to the pandemic.  Accordingly, the risk remains that the pandemic could again worsen and result in prolonged recessionary economic and financial market conditions in the market areas we serve.  If this were to occur, the value of our real estate loan portfolio and the collateral supporting it could be adversely and materially impacted.

The Bank’s primary lending focus has historically been commercial (including agricultural), construction, and real estate mortgage.  At June 30, 2022, real estate mortgage (excluding loans held-for-sale) and construction loans (residential and other) comprised approximately 82% and 2%, respectively, of the total loans in the Bank’s portfolio.  At June 30, 2022, all of the Bank’s real estate mortgage and construction loans and approximately 2% of its commercial loans were secured fully or in part by deeds of trust on underlying real estate.  The Company’s dependence on real estate increases the risk of loss in both the Bank’s loan portfolio and its holdings of other real estate owned if economic conditions in Northern California were to deteriorate. Deterioration of the real estate market in Northern California would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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

50

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

Repurchases of Equity Securities

On May 20, 2021, the Company approved a stock repurchase program effective June 15, 2021.  The stock repurchase program, which will remain in effect until June 14, 2023, allows repurchases by the Company in an aggregate amount of no more than 4% of the Company’s 13,680,085 outstanding shares of common stock as of March 31, 2021.  This represents total shares of 547,203 eligible for repurchase.  The Company repurchased 8,765 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock during the six month period ended June 30, 2022.

The Company made the following purchases of its common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2022:
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
Period
 
Total number of
shares purchased
   
Average price
paid per share
   
Number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
   
Maximum number of
shares that may yet be
purchased under the
plans or programs
 
January 1 - January 31, 2022
   
     
     
     
41,379
 
February 1 - February 28, 2022
   
1,485
   
$
10.36
     
1,485
     
39,894
 
March 1 - March 31, 2022
   
     
     
     
39,894
 
April 1 - April 30, 2022
   
     
     
     
39,984
 
May 1 - May 31, 2022
   
7,280
   
$
9.50
     
7,280
     
32,614
 
June 1 - June 30, 2022
   
     
     
     
32,614
 
Total
   
8,765
             
8,765
         

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

ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

51

ITEM 6.   – EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

Description of Document
 
 

Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
 

Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
 

Statement of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
 
 

Statement of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
     
101.INS
 
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
101.SCH
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*  Management contract or compensatory plan, contract, or arrangement.

**  In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

52

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

       
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
           
Date:
August 11, 2022
 
By:
/s/  Kevin Spink
 
           
       
Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
 
       
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)
 


53



EXHIBIT 31.1

Rule 13(a) - 14(a) / 15(d) - 14(a) Certification

I, Louise A. Walker, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Northern Community Bancorp;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: August 11, 2022
 
   
/s/ Louise A. Walker
 
   
Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 





EXHIBIT 31.2

Rule 13(a) - 14(a) / 15(d) - 14(a) Certification

I, Kevin Spink, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Northern Community Bancorp;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 11, 2022
 
   
/s/ Kevin Spink
 
   
Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)





EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 (the “Report”), I, Louise A. Walker, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge,

(i)        the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(ii)       the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:
August 11, 2022
 
/s/  Louise A. Walker



 



Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)





EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 (the “Report”), I, Kevin Spink, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge,

(i)        the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(ii)       the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:
August 11, 2022

/s/  Kevin Spink



 



Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)




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