10-Q 1 sal0513form10q.htm FORM 10-Q

 

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 March 31, 2014

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 0-24751

 

SALISBURY BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Connecticut   06-1514263
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
5 Bissell Street, Lakeville, CT   06039
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(860) 435-9801

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☑ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ☑ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☑

 

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 May 13, 2014 is 1,711,121.

 

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
  PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods  
  ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 4
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods  
  ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 5
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three month  
  periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended  
  March 31, 2014 and 2013 6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  
  and Results of Operations 22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 37
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 38
     
  PART II OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 38
Item 1A. Risk Factors 39
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 39
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 39
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 39
Item 5. Other Information 39
Item 6. Exhibits 39
 
 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
  ASSETS  (unaudited)   
Cash and due from banks  $6,961   $5,926 
Interest bearing demand deposits with other banks   2,443    6,785 
Total cash and cash equivalents   9,404    12,711 
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks   —    738 
Securities          
Available-for-sale at fair value   92,675    94,491 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock at cost   5,340    5,340 
Loans held-for-sale   120    173 
Loans receivable, net (allowance for loan losses: $4,894 and $4,683)   446,518    438,178 
Other real estate owned   377    377 
Bank premises and equipment, net   12,049    11,611 
Goodwill   9,829    9,829 
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization: $2,023 and $1,967)   520    576 
Accrued interest receivable   1,804    1,760 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   7,587    7,529 
Deferred taxes   —    260 
Other assets   3,548    3,536 
Total Assets  $589,771   $587,109 
LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Deposits          
Demand (non-interest bearing)  $80,935   $84,677 
Demand (interest bearing)   79,330    81,932 
Money market   123,898    120,550 
Savings and other   112,306    107,171 
Certificates of deposit   81,043    83,039 
Total deposits   477,512    477,369 
Repurchase agreements   2,643    2,554 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   30,017    30,411 
Capital lease liability   425    425 
Deferred taxes   326    — 
Accrued interest and other liabilities   4,847    3,560 
Total Liabilities   515,770    514,319 
Commitments and contingencies          
Shareholders' Equity          
Preferred stock - $.01 per share par value   16,000    16,000 
Authorized: 25,000; Issued: 16,000 (Series B);          
Liquidation preference: $1,000 per share          
Common stock - $.10 per share par value   171    171 
Authorized: 3,000,000;          
Issued: 1,711,121 and 1,710,121          
Unearned compensation - restricted stock awards   (339)   (335)
Paid-in capital   13,698    13,668 
Retained earnings   42,266    42,240 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net   2,205    1,046 
Total Shareholders' Equity   74,001    72,790 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $589,771   $587,109 

3
 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

    
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands except per share amounts)   2014    2013 
Interest and dividend income          
Interest and fees on loans  $4,596   $4,429 
Interest on debt securities          
Taxable   381    467 
Tax exempt   445    488 
Other interest and dividends   21    22 
Total interest and dividend income   5,443    5,406 
Interest expense          
Deposits   351    490 
Repurchase agreements   1    1 
Capital lease   18    — 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   298    312 
Total interest expense   668    803 
Net interest and dividend income   4,775    4,603 
Provision for loan losses   337    396 
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses   4,438    4,207 
Non-interest income          
Trust and wealth advisory   779    725 
Service charges and fees   542    516 
Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net   11    279 
Mortgage servicing, net   28    26 
Other   78    79 
Total non-interest income   1,438    1,625 
Non-interest expense          
Salaries   1,844    1,750 
Employee benefits   741    685 
Premises and equipment   673    583 
Data processing   399    419 
Professional fees(1)   619    380 
Collections and OREO   135    157 
FDIC insurance   98    125 
Marketing and community support   113    122 
Amortization of intangibles   56    56 
Other   432    428 
Total non-interest expense   5,110    4,705 
Income before income taxes   766    1,127 
Income tax provision   215    187 
Net income  $551   $940 
Net income available to common shareholders  $505   $900 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.29   $0.53 
Diluted earnings per common share   0.29    0.53 
Common dividends per share   0.28    0.28 

 

 

(1) Includes one-time professional fees of $261,000 incurred in conjunction with the following strategic initiatives for the three month period ended March 31, 2014: (i) the entering of an agreement to acquire the Sharon, CT branch office of Union Savings Bank and related branch deposits and the consolidation of an existing Salisbury branch office in Sharon, CT with such branch, which is expected to be consummated in June of 2014 and which has received all required regulatory approvals; and (ii) the execution of an agreement to merge Riverside Bank of Poughkeepsie, NY with and into Salisbury Bank, which agreement was announced March 19, 2014.

4
 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

    
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)   2014    2013 
Net income  $551   $940 
Other comprehensive income (loss)          
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale   1,757    (356)
Reclassification of net realized gains in net income   —    — 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale   1,757    (356)
Income tax (expense) benefit   (598)   121 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax   1,159    (235)
Change in unrecognized pension plan costs   —    — 
Income tax (benefit) expense   —    — 
Pension plan income (loss), net of tax   —    — 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   1,159    (235)
Comprehensive income  $1,710   $705 

 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

                             Unearned    Accumulated      
                             compensation-    other    Total 
                             restricted    comp-    share- 
(dollars in thousands)   Common Stock    Preferred    Paid-in    Retained    stock    rehensive    holders’ 
unaudited   Shares    Amount    stock    capital    earnings    awards    income    equity 
Balances at December 31, 2012   1,689,691   $169   $16,000   $13,158   $40,233   $—   $2,437   $71,997 
Net income for period   —    —    —    —    940    —    —    940 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   —    —    —    —    —    —    (235)   (235)
Common stock dividends declared   —    —    —    —    (479)   —    —    (479)
Preferred stock dividends declared   —    —    —    —    (41)   —    —    (41)
Issuance of restricted common stock   19,600    2    —    488    —    (490)   —    — 
Stock based compensation-restricted stock awards   —    —    —    —    —    24    —    24 
Balances at March 31, 2013    1,709,291   $171   $16,000   $13,646   $40,653   $(466)  $2,202   $72,206 
Balances at December 31, 2013   1,710,121   $171   $16,000   $13,668   $42,240   $(335)  $1,046   $72,790 
Net income for period   —    —    —    —    551    —    —    551 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   —    —    —    —    —    —    1,159    1,159 
Common stock dividends declared   —    —    —    —    (479)   —    —    (479)
Preferred stock dividends declared   —    —    —    —    (46)   —    —    (46)
Issuance of restricted common stock   3,000    —    —    80    —    (80)   —    — 
Forfeiture of restricted common stock   (2,000)   —         (50)        50    —    — 
Stock based compensation-restricted stock awards   —    —    —    —    —    26    —    26 
Balances at March 31, 2014    1,711,121   $171   $16,000   $13,698   $42,266   $(339)  $2,205   $74,001 

5
 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)    2014      2013  
Operating Activities          
Net income  $551   $940 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Amortization and depreciation          
Securities   60    155 
Bank premises and equipment   225    215 
Core deposit intangible   56    56 
Mortgage servicing rights   79    104 
Fair value adjustment on loans   8    8 
(Gains) and losses:          
Gains on sales of loans, excluding capitalized servicing rights   (6)   (127)
Loss on sale/disposal of premises and equipment   1    — 
Gain recognized on other real estate owned   —    (1)
Provision for loan losses   337    396 
Proceeds from sales of loans   501    7,093 
Loans originated for sale   (442)   (5,797)
Increase in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net   (4)   (37)
Mortgage servicing rights originated   (5)   (152)
Decrease in mortgage servicing rights impairment reserve   (11)   (33)
Increase in interest receivable   (44)   (204)
Deferred tax benefit   (12)   (13)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses   (46)   15 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies   (58)   (61)
(Increase) decrease in income tax receivable   (7)   169 
(Increase) decrease in other assets   (22)   32 
Increase in accrued expenses   304    174 
Increase (decrease) in interest payable   1    (33)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   982    (383)
Issuance of shares of restricted stock   26    24 
Net cash provided by operating activities   2,474    2,540 
Investing Activities          
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock   —    408 
Maturities of interest-bearing time deposit with other banks   738    — 
Proceeds from calls of securities available-for-sale   1,120    1,200 
Proceeds from maturities of securities available-for-sale   2,393    5,911 
Loan originations and principal collections, net   (8,689)   (19,423)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off   8    3 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   —    1,086 
Capital expenditures   (664)   (35)
         Net cash utilized by investing activities   (5,094)   (10,850)
Financing Activities          
Increase (decrease) in deposit transaction accounts   2,140    (1,661)
Decrease in time deposits   (1,997)   (1,782)
Increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase   89    545 
Principal payments on Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   (394)   (406)
Common stock dividends paid   (479)   (479)
Preferred stock dividends paid   (46)   (40)
Net cash utilized by financing activities   (687)   (3,823)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (3,307)   (12,133)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   12,711    43,574 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $9,404   $31,441 
Cash paid during period          
Interest  $667   $948 
Income taxes   1,234    1,285 
Non-cash transfers          
Transfer from loans to other real estate owned   —    1,553 

6
 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim (unaudited) consolidated financial statements of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. ("Salisbury") include those of Salisbury and its wholly owned subsidiary, Salisbury Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"). In the opinion of management, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Salisbury and the statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and valuation of real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

Certain financial information, which is normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but which is not required for interim reporting purposes, has been condensed or omitted. Operating results for the interim period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Salisbury's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2013.

The allowance for loan losses is a significant accounting policy and is presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which provides information on how significant assets 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 determination of the allowance for loan losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements Issued

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this ASU are expected to reduce diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and will better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendments apply to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” The amendments in this ASU apply to all reporting entities that invest in qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities that are flow-through entities for tax purposes as follows:

1.For reporting entities that meet the conditions for and that elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, all amendments in this ASU apply.
2.For reporting entities that do not meet the conditions for or that do not elect the proportional amortization method, only the amendments in this ASU that are related to disclosures apply.

The amendments in this ASU permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment in accordance with Subtopic 970-323. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply the effective yield method for those preexisting investments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of the amendments in this ASU is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments in this ASU clarify that an insubstance repossession or foreclosure occurs; and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This ASU changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

7
 

NOTE 2 - SECURITIES

The composition of securities is as follows:

  (in thousands)  Amortized
cost (1)		  Gross un-
realized gains		  Gross un-realized losses  Fair value
March 31, 2014                    
Available-for-sale                    
U.S. Treasury notes  $2,497   $145   $—   $2,642 
U.S. Government Agency notes   2,505    66    —    2,571 
Municipal bonds   40,690    873    (917)   40,646 
Mortgage-backed securities                    
U.S. Government Agencies   31,926    544    (34)   32,436 
Collateralized mortgage obligations                    
U.S. Government Agencies   3,313    32    —    3,345 
Non-agency   7,422    614    (15)   8,021 
SBA bonds   1,885    141    —    2,026 
Preferred Stock   20    968    —    988 
Total securities available-for-sale  $90,258   $3,383   $(966)  $92,675 
Non-marketable securities                    
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock  $5,340   $—   $—   $5,340 

 

  (in thousands)  Amortized
cost (1)		  Gross un-
realized gains		  Gross un-realized losses  Fair value
December 31, 2013                    
Available-for-sale                    
U.S. Treasury notes  $2,497   $160   $—   $2,657 
U.S. Government Agency notes   2,507    83    —    2,590 
Municipal bonds   41,775    782    (2,120)   40,437 
Mortgage-backed securities                    
U.S. Government Agencies   33,522    442    (72)   33,892 
Collateralized mortgage obligations                    
U.S. Government Agencies   3,545    35    —    3,580 
Non-agency   7,923    401    (16)   8,308 
SBA bonds   2,042    188    —    2,230 
Preferred Stock   20    777    —    797 
Total securities available-for-sale  $93,831   $2,868   $(2,208)  $94,491 
Non-marketable securities                    
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock  $5,340   $—   $—   $5,340 
(1)Net of other-than-temporary impairment write-down recognized in earnings.

Salisbury did not sell any securities available-for-sale during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position, including debt securities for which a portion of other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in other comprehensive income, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the date presented:

    Less than 12 Months    12 Months or Longer    Total 
    Fair    Unrealized    Fair    Unrealized    Fair    Unrealized 
(in thousands)   Value    losses    value    losses    value    losses 
March 31, 2014                              
Available-for-sale                              
Municipal bonds  $11,154   $407   $2,708   $510   $13,862   $917 
Mortgage-backed securities   2,128    —    2,105    34    4,233    34 
Collateralized mortgage obligations                              
Non-agency   366    3    185    6    551    9 
Total temporarily impaired securities   13,648    410    4,998    550    18,646    960 
Other-than-temporarily impaired securities                              
Collateralized mortgage obligations                              
Non-agency   299    6    —    —    299    6 
Total temporarily and other-than-temporarily impaired securities  $13,947   $416   $4,998   $550   $18,945   $966 

 Salisbury evaluates securities for OTTI where the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date. As part of this process, Salisbury considers whether it has the intent to sell each debt security and whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, Salisbury recognizes an OTTI charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that meet neither of these conditions, an analysis is performed to determine if any of these securities are at risk for OTTI.

The following summarizes, by security type, the basis for evaluating if the applicable securities were OTTI at March 31, 2014.

U.S Government Agency notes, U.S. Government Agency mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Government Agency CMOs: The contractual cash flows are derived from U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Changes in fair values are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest rate movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Furthermore, Salisbury evaluates these securities for strategic fit and may reduce its position in these securities, although it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity. Therefore, management does not consider these securities to be OTTI at March 31, 2014.

8
 

Municipal bonds: Contractual cash flows are performing as expected. Salisbury purchased substantially all of these securities during 2006 to 2008 as bank qualified, insured, AAA rated general obligation or revenue bonds. Salisbury’s portfolio is mostly comprised of tax-exempt general obligation bonds or public-purpose revenue bonds for schools, municipal offices, sewer infrastructure and fire houses, for small towns and municipalities across the United States. In the wake of the financial crisis, most monoline bond insurers had their ratings downgraded or withdrawn because of excessive exposure to insurance for collateralized debt obligations. Where appropriate Salisbury performs credit underwriting reviews of issuers, including some that have had their ratings withdrawn and are insured by insurers that have had their ratings withdrawn, to assess default risk. For all completed reviews, pass credit risk ratings have been assigned. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. It is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity. Management does not consider these securities to be OTTI at March 31, 2014.

Non-agency CMOs: Salisbury performed a detailed cash flow analysis of its non-agency CMOs at March 31, 2014, to assess whether any of the securities were OTTI. Salisbury uses first party provided cash flow forecasts for each security based on a variety of market driven assumptions and securitization terms, including prepayment speed, default or delinquency rate, and default severity for losses including interest, legal fees, property repairs, expenses and realtor fees, that, together with the loan amount are subtracted from collateral sales proceeds to determine severity. In 2009, Salisbury determined that five non-agency CMO securities reflected OTTI and recognized losses for deterioration in credit quality of $1,128,000. Salisbury judged the four remaining securities not to have additional OTTI and all other CMO securities not to be OTTI as of March 31, 2014. It is possible that future loss assumptions could change necessitating Salisbury to recognize future OTTI for further deterioration in credit quality. Salisbury evaluates these securities for strategic fit and depending upon such factor could reduce its position in these securities, although it has no present intention to do so, and it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis.

The following table presents activity related to credit losses recognized into earnings on the non-agency CMOs held by Salisbury for which a portion of an OTTI charge was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:

  Three months ended March 31 (in thousands)   2014      2013  
  Balance, beginning of period $1,128   $1,128 
  Credit component on debt securities in which OTTI was not previously recognized  —    — 
  Balance, end of period $1,128   $1,128 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”): The FHLBB is a cooperative that provides services, including funding in the form of advances, to its member banking institutions. As a requirement of membership, the Bank must own a minimum amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB. No market exists for shares of the FHLBB and therefore, they are carried at par value. FHLBB stock may be redeemed at par value five years following termination of FHLBB membership, subject to limitations which may be imposed by the FHLBB or its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board, to maintain capital adequacy of the FHLBB. While the Bank currently has no intentions to terminate its FHLBB membership, the ability to redeem its investment in FHLBB stock would be subject to the conditions imposed by the FHLBB. In 2008, the FHLBB announced to its members that it is focusing on preserving capital in response to ongoing market volatility including the extension of a moratorium on excess stock repurchases and in 2009 announced the suspension of its quarterly dividends. On February 22, 2011, the FHLBB declared a modest cash dividend payable to its members on March 2, 2011. The FHLBB continued to declare modest cash dividends through 2013. Based on the capital adequacy and the liquidity position of the FHLBB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of the Bank’s FHLBB stock as of March 31, 2014. Further deterioration of the FHLBB’s capital levels may require the Bank to deem its restricted investment in FHLBB stock to be OTTI. If evidence of impairment exists in the future, the FHLBB stock would reflect fair value using either observable or unobservable inputs. The Bank will continue to monitor its investment in FHLBB stock.

NOTE 3 - LOANS

The composition of loans receivable and loans held-for-sale is as follows:

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Residential 1-4 family  $236,608   $231,113 
Residential 5+ multifamily   4,804    4,848 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    1,876 
Home equity credit   33,941    34,139 
Residential real estate   277,397    271,976 
Commercial   95,514    91,853 
Construction of commercial   10,230    10,948 
Commercial real estate   105,744    102,801 
Farm land   3,368    3,402 
Vacant land   9,038    9,067 
Real estate secured   395,547    387,246 
Commercial and industrial   47,030    46,292 
Municipal   4,016    4,252 
Consumer   3,633    3,889 
Loans receivable, gross   450,226    441,679 
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net   1,186    1,182 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,894)   (4,683)
Loans receivable, net  $446,518   $438,178 
Loans held-for-sale          
Residential 1-4 family  $120   $173 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Salisbury's loans consist primarily of residential and commercial real estate loans located principally in northwestern Connecticut and nearby New York and Massachusetts towns, which constitute Salisbury's service area. Salisbury offers a broad range of loan and credit facilities to borrowers in its service area, including residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, working capital loans, equipment loans, and a variety of consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit, and installment and collateral loans. All residential and commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate. The ability of single family residential and consumer borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is generally dependent on the level of overall economic activity within the market area and real estate values. The ability of commercial borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is dependent on the general economy as well as the health of the real estate economic sector in Salisbury’s market area.

9
 

Loan Credit Quality

The composition of loans receivable by risk rating grade is as follows:

  (in thousands)  Pass  Special mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Loss  Total
March 31, 2014                              
Residential 1-4 family  $218,660   $11,854   $5,999   $95   $—   $236,608 
Residential 5+ multifamily   2,639    1,190    975    —    —    4,804 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    —    —    —    —    2,044 
Home equity credit   31,288    1,269    1,384    —    —    33,941 
Residential real estate   254,631    14,313    8,358    95    —    277,397 
Commercial   71,538    15,897    8,079    —    —    95,514 
Construction of commercial   9,214    429    587    —    —    10,230 
Commercial real estate   80,752    16,326    8,666    —    —    105,744 
Farm land   836    1,408    1,124    —    —    3,368 
Vacant land   5,618    258    3,162    —    —    9,038 
Real estate secured   341,837    32,305    21,310    95    —    395,547 
Commercial and industrial   37,900    8,198    932    —    —    47,030 
Municipal   4,016    —    —    —    —    4,016 
Consumer   3,500    100    33    —    —    3,633 
Loans receivable, gross  $387,253   $40,603   $22,275   $95   $—   $450,226 
(in thousands)   Pass    Special mention    Substandard    Doubtful    Loss    Total 
  December 31, 2013                              
Residential 1-4 family  $212,683   $12,338   $5,997   $95   $—   $231,113 
Residential 5+ multifamily   2,674    1,199    975    —    —    4,848 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   1,876    —    —    —    —    1,876 
Home equity credit   31,444    1,355    1,340    —    —    34,139 
Residential real estate   248,677    14,892    8,312    95    —    271,976 
Commercial   67,554    16,044    8,255    —    —    91,853 
Construction of commercial   10,257    102    589    —    —    10,948 
Commercial real estate   77,811    16,146    8,844    —    —    102,801 
Farm land   847    1,421    1,134    —    —    3,402 
Vacant land   5,640    288    3,139    —    —    9,067 
Real estate secured   332,975    32,747    21,429    95    —    387,246 
Commercial and industrial   37,860    7,452    980    —    —    46,292 
Municipal   4,252    —    —    —    —    4,252 
Consumer   3,739    113    37    —    —    3,889 
Loans receivable, gross  $378,826   $40,312   $22,446   $95   $—   $441,679 

The composition of loans receivable by delinquency status is as follows:

         Past due      
                             180    30    Accruing 90      
                             days    days    days      
         1-29    30-59    60-89    90-179    and    and    and    Non- 
(in thousands)   Current    days    days    days    days   over    over    over    accrual 
March 31, 2014                                             
Residential 1-4 family   $230,872   $2,272   $1,423   $930   $898   $213   $3,464   $—   $2,316 
Residential 5+ multifamily   4,707    —    —    97    —    —    97    —    — 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Home equity credit   32,071    1,075    576    49    48    122    795    —    446 
Residential real estate   269,694    3,347    1,999    1,076    946    335    4,356    —    2,762 
Commercial   89,722    3,742    435    369    —    1,246    2,050    —    1,841 
Construction of commercial   10,094    —    —    —    136    —    136    —    136 
Commercial real estate   99,816    3,742    435    369    136    1,246    2,186    —    1,977 
Farm land   2,964    20    —    —    —    384    384    —    384 
Vacant land   6,057    8    77    —    26    2,870    2,973    26    2,870 
Real estate secured   378,531    7,117    2,511    1,445    1,108    4,835    9,899    26    7,993 
Commercial and industrial   46,653    267    65    23    22    —    110    —    108 
Municipal   4,016    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Consumer   3,511    94    27    1    —    —    28    —    22 
Loans receivable, gross  $432,711   $7,478   $2,603   $1,469   $1,130   $4,835   $10,037   $26   $8,123 
December 31, 2013                                             
Residential 1-4 family  $222,356   $3,853   $1,795   $2,622   $353   $134   $4,904   $—   $1,525 
Residential 5+ multifamily   4,749    —    —    99    —    —    99    —    — 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   1,876    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Home equity credit   33,391    129    361    125    —    133    619    —    402 
Residential real estate   262,372    3,982    2,156    2,846    353    267    5,622    —    1,927 
Commercial   89,434    566    371    108    235    1,139    1,853    —    1,857 
Construction of commercial   9,784    1,025    —    139    —    —    139    —    — 
Commercial real estate   99,218    1,591    371    247    235    1,139    1,992    —    1,857 
Farm land   2,995    23    —    —    —    384    384    —    384 
Vacant land   6,058    139    —    —    —    2,870    2,870    —    2,870 
Real estate secured   370,643    5,735    2,527    3,093    588    4,660    10,868    —    7,038 
Commercial and industrial   45,897    262    112    —    —    21    133    —    134 
Municipal   4,252    —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Consumer   3,746    113    29    1    —    —    30    —    — 
Loans receivable, gross  $424,538   $6,110   $2,668   $3,094   $588   $4,681   $11,031   $—   $7,172 

10
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled debt restructurings occurring during the periods are as follows:

   Three months ended March 31, 2014  Three months ended March 31, 2013
  (in thousands)  Quantity  Pre-modification balance  Post-modification balance  Quantity  Pre-modification balance  Post-modification balance
Residential real estate   1   $48   $48    —   $—   $— 
Commercial real estate   1    250    250    2    1,022    1,022 
Home equity credit   1    30    30    —    —    — 
Troubled debt restructurings   3   $328   $328    2   $1,022   $1,022 
Rate reduction   —   $—   $—    2   $1,022   $1,022 
Interest only and term extension   1    48    48    —    —    — 
Debt consolidation and term extension   1    250    250    —    —    — 
    Interest only   1    30    30    —   $—   $— 
Troubled debt restructurings   3   $328   $328    2   $1,022   $1,022 

Three loans were restructured during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 and all were current at March 31, 2014.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Changes in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

   March 31, 2014    March 31, 2013 
 Beginning         Charge-    Reco-    Ending    Beginning         Charge-    Reco-    Ending 
(in thousands)  balance    Provision    offs    veries    balance    balance    Provision    offs    veries    balance 
Residential $1,938   $64   $(74)  $2   $1,930   $1,934   $23   $(18)  $—   $1,939 
Commercial  1,385    157    (51)   —    1,491    1,059    178    —    —    1,237 
Land  226    1    (1)   —    226    301    265    (38)   —    528 
Real estate  3,549    222    (126)   2    3,647    3,294    466    (56)   —    3,704 
Commercial and industrial  562    16    (1)   —    577    499    (40)   (4)   —    455 
Municipal  43    (3)   —    —    40    36    4    —    —    40 
Consumer  105    (47)   (7)   6    57    91    (15)   (13)   3    66 
Unallocated  424    149    —    —    573    440    (19)   —    —    421 
Totals $4,683   $337   $(134)  $8   $4,894   $4,360   $396   $(73)  $3   $4,686 

The composition of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

    Collectively evaluated    Individually evaluated    Total portfolio 
  (in thousands)   Loans    Allowance    Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance  
  March 31, 2014                              
Residential 1-4 family  $230,456   $894   $6,152   $624   $236,608   $1,518 
Residential 5+ multifamily   3,856    20    948    —    4,804    20 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    12    —    —    2,044    12 
Home equity credit   33,447    360    494    20    33,941    380 
Residential real estate   269,803    1,286    7,594    644    277,397    1,930 
Commercial   90,750    1,013    4,764    365    95,514    1,378 
Construction of commercial   10,094    113    136    —    10,230    113 
Commercial real estate   100,844    1,126    4,900    365    105,744    1,491 
Farm land   2,984    60    384    —    3,368    60 
Vacant land   5,945    65    3,093    101    9,038    166 
Real estate secured   379,576    2,537    15,971    1,110    395,547    3,647 
Commercial and industrial   46,373    539    657    38    47,030    577 
Municipal   4,016    40    —    —    4,016    40 
Consumer   3,524    34    109    23    3,633    57 
Unallocated allowance   —    —    —    —    —    573 
Totals  $433,489   $3,150   $16,737   $1,171   $450,226   $4,894 
    Collectively evaluated    Individually evaluated    Total portfolio 
  (in thousands)   Loans    Allowance    Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance  
December 31, 2013                              
Residential 1-4 family  $225,419   $897   $5,694   $617   $231,113   $1,514 
Residential 5+ multifamily   3,894    20    954    —    4,848    20 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   1,876    11    —    —    1,876    11 
Home equity credit   33,689    363    450    30    34,139    393 
Residential real estate   264,878    1,291    7,098    647    271,976    1,938 
Commercial   87,059    977    4,794    282    91,853    1,259 
Construction of commercial   10,948    126    —    —    10,948    126 
Commercial real estate   98,007    1,103    4,794    282    102,801    1,385 
Farm land   3,018    61    384    —    3,402    61 
Vacant land   5,972    64    3,095    101    9,067    165 
Real estate secured   371,875    2,519    15,371    1,030    387,246    3,549 
Commercial and industrial   45,584    519    708    42    46,292    561 
Municipal   4,252    43    —    —    4,252    43 
Consumer   3,710    36    179    69    3,889    105 
Unallocated allowance   —    —    —    —    —    425 
Totals  $425,421   $3,117   $16,258   $1,141   $441,679   $4,683 

11
 

The credit quality segments of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

    Collectively evaluated    Individually evaluated    Total portfolio 
  (in thousands)   Loans    Allowance    Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance  
  March 31, 2014                              
  Performing loans  $425,540   $2,900   $87   $23   $425,627   $2,923 
  Potential problem loans   7,949    250    179    19    8,128    269 
  Impaired loans   —    —    16,471    1,129    16,471    1,129 
  Unallocated allowance   —    573    —    —    —    573 
  Totals  $433,489   $3,723   $16,737   $1,171   $450,226   $4,894 
  December 31, 2013                              
  Performing loans  $416,734   $2,835   $157   $69   $416,891   $2,904 
  Potential problem loans   8,687    252    429    19    9,116    301 
  Impaired loans   —    —    15,672    1,053    15,672    1,053 
  Unallocated allowance   —    425    —    —    —    425 
  Totals  $425,421   $3,542   $16,258   $1,141   $441,679   $4,683 

   Impaired loans with specific allowance  Impaired loans with no specific allowance
   Loan balance  Specific  Income  Loan balance  Income
  (in thousands)  Book  Note  Average  allowance  recognized  Book  Note  Average  recognized
  March 31, 2014                           
Residential 1-4 family  $4,342   $4,407   $4,370   $605   $25   $2,595   $3,120   $2,730   $11 
Home equity credit   72    72    84    20    —    423    541    441    — 
  Residential real estate   4,414    4,479    4,454    625    25    3,018    3,661    3,171    11 
Commercial   2,933    3,017    2,854    365    31    1,831    2,393    1,738    11 
Construction of Commercial   —    —    —    —    —    136    157    103    — 
Farm land   —    —    —    —    —    384    384    384    — 
Vacant land   3,092    3,888    3,094    101    3    —    100    —    — 
Real estate secured   10,439    11,384    10,402    1,091    59    5,369    6,695    5,396    22 
Commercial and industrial   112    149    116    38    —    529    931    553    8 
Consumer   —    —    —    —    —    22    22    22    — 
Totals  $10,551   $11,533   $10,518   $1,129   $59   $5,920   $7,648   $5,971   $30 
December 31, 2013                                             
Residential 1-4 family  $4,409   $4,516   $3,995   $598   $99   $2,073   $2,522   $2,285   $54 
Home equity credit   72    72    101    30    2    378    428    251    4 
Residential real estate   4,481    4,588    4,096    628    101    2,451    2,950    2,536    58 
Commercial   2,777    2,835    2,349    282    127    1,771    2,299    2,411    47 
Construction of Commercial   —    —    3    —    —    —    20    8    — 
Farm land   —    —    —    —    —    384    384    118    — 
Vacant land   3,095    3,889    1,853    101    —    —    100    1,430    — 
Real estate secured   10,353    11,312    8,301    1,011    228    4,606    5,753    6,503    105 
Commercial and industrial   119    154    233    42    1    573    975    595    36 
Consumer   —    —    —    —    —    22    22    —    — 
Totals  $10,472   $11,466   $8,534   $1,053   $229   $5,201   $6,750   $7,098   $141 

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NOTE 4 - MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

  March 31, (in thousands)    2014      2013  
Residential mortgage loans serviced for others  $144,197   $148,705 
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights   1,646    1,739 

Changes in mortgage servicing rights are as follows:

   Three months
  Periods ended March 31, (in thousands)    2014      2013  
Mortgage Servicing Rights          
Balance, beginning of period  $980   $1,075 
Originated   5    152 
Amortization (1)   (79)   (103)
Balance, end of period   906    1,124 
Valuation Allowance          
Balance, beginning of period   (15)   (38)
Decrease in impairment reserve (1)   11    33 
Balance, end of period   (4)   (5)
Loan servicing rights, net  $902   $1,119 
(1)Amortization expense and changes in the impairment reserve are recorded in loan servicing fee income.

NOTE 5 - PLEDGED ASSETS

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Securities available-for-sale (at fair value)  $56,769   $57,623 
Loans receivable   132,301    130,574 
Total pledged assets  $189,070   $188,197 

At March 31, 2014, securities were pledged as follows: $46.3 million to secure public deposits, $10.4 million to secure repurchase agreements and $0.1 million to secure FHLBB advances. Loans receivable were pledged to secure FHLBB advances and credit facilities.

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NOTE 6 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities that are included in computing Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Earnings per common share are calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) for the periods indicated:

  Periods ended March 31, (in thousands)    2014      2013  
  Net income  $551   $940 
  Less: Preferred stock dividends declared   (46)   (40)
  Net income available to common shareholders   505    900 
   Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities   (6)   (10)
  Net income allocated to common stock  $499   $890 
  Common shares issued   1,712    1,709 
  Less: Unvested restricted stock awards   (21)   (20)
  Common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per common share   1,691    1,689 
  Add: Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards   —  — 
  Common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share   1,691    1,689 
  Earnings per common share (basic and diluted)  $0.29    0.53 

NOTE 7 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Capital Requirements

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

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Salisbury and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined) and total and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined). Management believes, as of March 31, 2014, that Salisbury and the Bank meet all of their capital adequacy requirements.

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In December 2010, the Basel Committee, a group of bank regulatory supervisors from around the world, released its final framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation, now officially identified by the Basel Committee as “Basel III.” Basel III, when fully implemented by the U.S. bank regulatory agencies and fully phased-in, will require bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries to maintain substantially more capital, with a greater emphasis on common equity.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final rules to implement the Basel III capital framework. The rules will be effective on January 1, 2015 and phased-in over a multiple year period through 2019. The new capital rules call for higher quality capital with higher minimum capital level requirements. We are in the process of assessing the impact from these new regulatory requirements, and while we cannot be certain of the impact, we believe that we will exceed the requirements of adequately capitalized plus the buffer, once they become effective.

The Bank was classified, as of its most recent notification, as "well capitalized." The Bank's actual regulatory capital position and minimum capital requirements as defined "To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions" and "For Capital Adequacy Purposes" are as follows:

 

   Actual  For Capital Adequacy Purposes  To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
  (dollars in thousands)  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio
  March 31, 2014                  
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Salisbury  $66,808    16.42%  $32,545    8.0%   n/a    — 
Bank   56,573    13.80    32,802    8.0   $41,002    10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Salisbury   61,447    15.10    16,273    4.0    n/a    — 
Bank   51,212    12.49    16,401    4.0    24,601    6.0 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                              
Salisbury   61,447    10.65    23,070    4.0    n/a    — 
Bank   51,212    8.88    23,059    4.0    28,824    5.0 
December 31, 2013                              
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Salisbury  $66,404    16.46%  $32,280    8.0%   n/a    — 
Bank   56,425    13.87    32,539    8.0   $40,674    10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Salisbury   61,340    15.20    16,140    4.0    n/a    — 
Bank   51,361    12.63    16,270    4.0    24,405    6.0 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                              
Salisbury   61,340    10.65    23,035    4.0    n/a    — 
Bank   51,361    8.96    22,938    4.0    28,673    5.0 

 

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DIVIDENDS

Cash Dividends to Common Shareholders

Salisbury's ability to pay cash dividends is substantially dependent on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to Salisbury. There are certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends and other payments by the Bank to Salisbury. Under Connecticut law, the Bank cannot declare a cash dividend except from net profits, defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations. The total of all cash dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year shall not, unless specifically approved by the Banking Commissioner, exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years.

FRB Supervisory Letter SR 09-4, February 24, 2009, revised March 27, 2009, notes that, as a general matter, the Board of Directors of a Bank Holding Company (“BHC”) should inform the Federal Reserve and should eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce dividends if (1) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (3) the BHC will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Moreover, a BHC should inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the BHC capital structure.

Preferred Stock

In August 2011, Salisbury issued to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) $16,000,000 of its Series B Preferred Stock under the Small Business Lending Fund (the “SBLF”) program. The SBLF program is a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to encourage lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes and ranks senior to the Common Stock.

The Series B Preferred Stock pays noncumulative dividends. The dividend rate on the Series B Preferred Stock for the initial ten quarterly dividend periods, commencing with the period ended September 30, 2011 and ending with the period ended December 31, 2013, is determined each quarter based on the increase in the Bank’s Qualified Small Business Lending over a baseline amount. The dividend rate for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014 was 1.00%. For the eleventh quarterly dividend payment through four and one-half years after its issuance, the dividend rate on the Series B Preferred Stock will be fixed at the rate in effect at the end of the ninth quarterly dividend period and after four and one-half years from its issuance the dividend rate will be fixed at 9 percent per annum. The Series B Preferred Stock is non-voting, other than voting rights on matters that could adversely affect the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at any time at one hundred percent of the issue price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

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NOTE 8 – PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS

The components of net periodic cost for Salisbury’s insured noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan were as follows:

    
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)   2014    2013 
Service cost  $—   $— 
Interest cost on benefit obligation   67    66 
Expected return on plan assets   (75)   (67)
Amortization of net loss   (4)   — 
Settlements and curtailments   —    — 
Net periodic benefit cost  $(12)  $(1)

Salisbury’s 401(k) Plan expense was $164,000 and $83,000, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Other post-retirement benefit obligation expense for endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements was $13,000 and $11,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Salisbury offers an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to eligible employees.  Under the Plan, Salisbury may make discretionary contributions to the Plan. Discretionary contributions vest in full upon six years and reflect the following schedule of qualified service:

20% after the second year, 20% per year thereafter, vesting at 100% after six full years of service.

Other Retirement Plans

A Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan") was effective January 1, 2013. This Plan was adopted by the Bank for the benefit of certain key employees, ("Executive" or "Executives"), who have been selected and approved by the Bank to participate in this Plan and who have evidenced their participation by execution of a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Participation Agreement ("Participation Agreement") in a form provided by the Bank. This Plan is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code ("Code") Section 409A and any regulatory or other guidance issued under such Section.

In 2013, the Bank awarded six (6) Executives with a discretionary contribution to this account for a total of $59,590. This was the first year for this benefit. Based on the Executive’s date of retirement, the vesting schedule ranges from 10% per year to 50% per year.

Grants of Restricted Stock and Options

On February 8, 2013, Salisbury granted a total of 19,600 shares of restricted stock pursuant to its 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, which was approved by shareholders at the 2011 Annual Meeting, to 22 employees, including 5,000 shares to one Named Executive Officer, Richard J. Cantele, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer.

On January 3, 2014, Salisbury granted a total of 3,000 shares of restricted stock, pursuant to its 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, to two (2) additional employees, including 2,000 shares to one Named Executive Officer, Donald E. White, Chief Financial Officer.

 

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NOTE 9 –ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows:

  At March 31, (in thousands)    2014      2013  
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax  $1,595   $2,671 
Unrecognized pension plan benefit (expense), net of tax   610    (469)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net  $2,205   $2,202 

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Salisbury uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, other assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for sale, collateral dependent impaired loans, property acquired through foreclosure or repossession and mortgage servicing rights. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles. This guidance permitted Salisbury the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Salisbury did not elect fair value treatment for any financial assets or liabilities upon adoption.

In accordance with ASC 820-10, Salisbury groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the types of valuation information (“inputs”) are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Salisbury’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy.

•Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 also includes U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2. Significant other observable inputs. Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
•Level 3. Significant unobservable inputs. Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, are not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets and liabilities.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Salisbury did not have any significant transfers of assets between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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The following is a description of valuation methodologies for assets recorded at fair value, including the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

•Securities available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equity securities. Level 2 securities include debt securities with quoted prices, which are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, whose value is determined using matrix pricing with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds, SBA bonds, corporate bonds and certain preferred equities. Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalization and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.
•Collateral dependent loans that are deemed to be impaired are valued based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. Such collateral primarily consists of real estate and, to a lesser extent, other business assets. Management may adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values resulting from its knowledge of the property. Internal valuations are utilized to determine the fair value of other business assets. Collateral dependent impaired loans are categorized as Level 3.
•Other real estate owned acquired through foreclosure or repossession is adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer out of loans. Subsequently, it is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is generally based upon independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral. Management adjusts appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of the property, and such property is categorized as Level 3.

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Assets measured at fair value are as follows:

    Fair Value Measurements Using    Assets at 
(in thousands)   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    fair value 
March 31, 2014                    
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis                    
U.S. Treasury notes  $—   $2,642   $—   $2,642 
U.S. Government agency notes   —    2,571    —    2,571 
Municipal bonds   —    40,646    —    40,646 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies   —    32,436    —    32,436 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies   —    3,345    —    3,345 
Non-agency   —    8,021    —    8,021 
SBA bonds   —    2,026    —    2,026 
Preferred stocks   988    —    —    988 
Securities available-for-sale  $988   $91,687   $—   $92,675 
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis                    
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $—   $—   $9,786   $9,786 
Other real estate owned   —    —    377    377 
December 31, 2013                    
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis                    
U.S. Treasury notes  $—   $2,657   $—   $2,657 
U.S. Government agency notes   —    2,590    —    2,590 
Municipal bonds   —    40,437    —    40,437 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies   —    33,892    —    33,892 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies   —    3,580    —    3,580 
Non-agency   —    8,308    —    8,308 
SBA bonds   —    2,230    —    2,230 
Preferred stocks   797    —    —    797 
Securities available-for-sale  $797   $93,694   $—   $94,491 
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis                    
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $—   $—   $9,782   $9,782 
Other real estate owned   —    —    377    377 

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Carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

    Carrying    Estimated    Fair value measurements using 
(in thousands)   value    fair value    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3 
March 31, 2014                         
Financial Assets                         
Cash and due from banks  $9,404   $9,404   $9,404   $—   $— 
Securities available-for-sale   92,675    92,675    988    91,687    — 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   5,340    5,340    —    5,340    — 
Loans held-for-sale   120    121    —    —    121 
Loans receivable, net   446,518    442,073    —    —    442,073 
Accrued interest receivable   1,804    1,804    —    —    1,804 
Financial Liabilities                         
Demand (non-interest-bearing)  $80,935   $80,935   $—   $—   $80,935 
Demand (interest-bearing)   79,330    79,330    —    —    79,330 
Money market   123,898    123,898    —    —    123,898 
Savings and other   112,306    112,306    —    —    112,306 
Certificates of deposit   81,043    81,522    —    —    81,522 
Deposits   477,512    477,991    —    —    477,991 
FHLBB advances   30,017    32,430    —    —    32,430 
Repurchase agreements   2,643    2,643    —    —    2,643 
Capital lease liability   425    425    425    —    — 
Accrued interest payable    141    141    —    —    141 
December 31, 2013                         
Financial Assets                         
Cash and due from banks  $12,711   $12,711   $12,711   $—   $— 
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks   738    738    —    —    738 
Securities available-for-sale   94,491    94,491    797    93,694    — 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   5,340    5,340    —    5,340    — 
Loans held-for-sale   173    175    —    —    175 
Loans receivable, net   438,178    430,645    —    —    430,645 
Accrued interest receivable   1,760    1,760    —    —    1,760 
Financial Liabilities                         
Demand (non-interest-bearing)  $84,677   $84,677   $—   $—   $84,677 
Demand (interest-bearing)   81,932    81,932    —    —    81,932 
Money market   120,550    120,550    —    —    120,550 
Savings and other   107,171    107,171    —    —    107,171 
Certificates of deposit   83,039    83,520    —    —    83,520 
Deposits   477,369    477,850    —    —    477,850 
FHLBB advances   30,411    33,034    —    —    33,034 
Repurchase agreements   2,554    2,554    —    —    2,554 
Capital lease liability   425    425    425    —    — 
Accrued interest payable    140    140    —    —    140 

The carrying amounts of financial instruments shown in the above table are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Salisbury and its subsidiary should be read in conjunction with Salisbury's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

BUSINESS

Salisbury, a Connecticut corporation, formed in 1998, is the bank holding company for the Bank, a Connecticut-chartered and FDIC insured commercial bank headquartered in Lakeville, Connecticut. Salisbury's principal business consists of the business of the Bank. The Bank, formed in 1848, is engaged in customary banking activities, including general deposit taking and lending activities to both retail and commercial markets, and trust and wealth advisory services. The Bank conducts its banking business from full-service offices in the towns of: Canaan, Lakeville, Salisbury and Sharon, Connecticut; South Egremont and Sheffield, Massachusetts; and, Dover Plains and Millerton, New York. The Bank conducts its trust and wealth advisory services from offices in Lakeville, Connecticut. The Bank opened a new branch in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on May 5, 2014. In addition, in January, 2014 the Bank signed an agreement to acquire a branch office and related deposits from another institution in Sharon, Connecticut and expects to consolidate its existing Sharon office with such new branch. Regulatory approvals for the transaction have been received and consummation of the transaction is expected to occur in June, 2014. On March 19, 2014, Salisbury announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement with Riverside Bank of Poughkeepsie, NY through which, following the satisfaction of normal closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals, Riverside Bank will merge with and into the Bank.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Salisbury’s consolidated financial statements follow GAAP as applied to the banking industry in which it operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. 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 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 at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event.

Salisbury’s significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and, along with this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, provide information on how significant assets are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating Salisbury’s reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Management evaluates goodwill and identifiable intangible assets for impairment annually using valuation techniques that involve estimates for discount rates, projected future cash flows and time period calculations, all of which are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors. Future events or changes in the estimates, which are used to determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets or which otherwise adversely affects their value or estimated lives could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment giving consideration to the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, estimates of future cash flows, delinquencies and default severity, and the intent and ability of Salisbury to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The consideration of the above factors is subjective and involves estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.

The determination of the obligation and expense for pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent on certain assumptions used in calculating such amounts. Key assumptions used in the actuarial valuations include the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and health care costs. Actual results could differ from the assumptions and market driven rates may fluctuate. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect the future pension and other postretirement obligations and expense. 

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Overview

As discussed above, during the first calendar quarter of 2014, Salisbury took strategic initiatives to provide for future growth in each of the three states in which it operates. The new branch in Great Barrington, MA opened May 5, 2014. The agreement to acquire the Sharon, CT branch of Union Savings Bank and consolidate the Bank’s existing Salisbury branch in Sharon, CT with such branch is also expected to be consummated in mid-year 2014. Finally, the announced agreement and plan of merger with Riverside Bank of Poughkeepsie, NY will add four (4) new offices to Salisbury’s New York footprint upon consummation, which is expected to be in the fourth calendar quarter of 2014. Total assets were $589.8 million at March 31, 2014, up $2.7 million from December 31, 2013. Loans receivable, net, were $446.5 million at March 31, 2014, up $8.3 million, or 1.9%, from December 31, 2013. Non-performing assets were $8.5 million at March 31, 2014, up $1.0 million from $7.5 million at December 31, 2013. Reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans, was 1.09%, 1.06% and 1.14%, at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Deposits were $477.5 million, up $0.1 million from $477.4 million at December 31, 2013.

At March 31, 2014, book value and tangible book value per common share were $33.90 and $27.85, respectively. Salisbury’s Tier 1 leverage and total risk-based capital ratios were 10.65% and 16.42%, respectively, and above the “well capitalized” limits as defined by the FRB. 

Securities and Short Term Funds

Year-to-date 2014, securities decreased $1.8 million to $98.0 million as we continue to redeploy cash flow from the investment portfolio into loans. FHLBB advances decreased $0.4 million, while cash and cash equivalents (non-time interest-bearing deposits with other banks, money market funds and federal funds sold) decreased $3.3 million to $9.4 million.

Salisbury evaluates securities for OTTI where the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date. As part of this process, Salisbury considers its intent to sell each debt security and whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, Salisbury recognizes an OTTI charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that meet neither of these conditions, an analysis is performed to determine if any of these securities are at risk for OTTI.

Salisbury evaluates securities for strategic fit and may reduce its position in securities, although it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity. Therefore, management does not consider any of its securities, other than four non-agency CMO securities reflecting OTTI, to be OTTI at March 31, 2014.

In 2009 Salisbury determined that five non-agency CMO securities reflected OTTI and recognized losses for deterioration in credit quality of $1,128,000. Salisbury judged the four remaining securities not to have additional OTTI and all other CMO securities not to be OTTI as of March 31, 2014. It is possible that future loss assumptions could change necessitating Salisbury to recognize future OTTI for further deterioration in credit quality. Salisbury does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis.

Accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2014 included net unrealized holding gains, net of tax, of $1.6 million, an increase of $1.2 million over December 2013, and unrecognized pension plan benefit, net of tax, of $0.6 million.

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Loans

Net loans receivable increased $8.3 million to $446.5 million at March 31, 2014, compared with $438.2 million at December 31, 2013.

The composition of loans receivable and loans held-for-sale is as follows:

  (in thousands)    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  
Residential 1-4 family  $236,608   $231,113 
Residential 5+ multifamily   4,804    4,848 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    1,876 
Home equity credit   33,941    34,139 
Residential real estate   277,397    271,976 
Commercial   95,514    91,853 
Construction of commercial   10,230    10,948 
Commercial real estate   105,744    102,801 
Farm land   3,368    3,402 
Vacant land   9,038    9,067 
Real estate secured   395,547    387,246 
Commercial and industrial   47,030    46,292 
Municipal   4,016    4,252 
Consumer   3,633    3,889 
Loans receivable, gross   450,226    441,679 
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net   1,186    1,182 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,894)   (4,683)
Loans receivable, net  $446,518   $438,178 
Loans held-for-sale          
Residential 1-4 family  $120   $173 

Loan Credit Quality

The persistent weakness in the local and regional economies continues to impact the credit quality of Salisbury’s loans receivable. During the first three months of 2014, non-performing assets increased $1.0 million, however, the amount of total impaired and potential problem loans decreased $0.2 million.

The composition of loans receivable by risk rating grade is as follows:

  (in thousands)  Pass  Special mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Loss  Total
  March 31, 2014                              
Residential 1-4 family  $218,660   $11,854   $5,999   $95   $—   $236,608 
Residential 5+ multifamily   2,639    1,190    975    —    —    4,804 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   2,044    —    —    —    —    2,044 
Home equity credit   31,288    1,269    1,384    —    —    33,941 
Residential real estate   254,631    14,313    8,358    95    —    277,397 
Commercial   71,538    15,897    8,079    —    —    95,514 
Construction of commercial   9,214    429    587    —    —    10,230 
Commercial real estate   80,752    16,326    8,666    —    —    105,744 
Farm land   836    1,408    1,124    —    —    3,368 
Vacant land   5,618    258    3,162    —    —    9,038 
Real estate secured   341,837    32,305    21,310    95    —    395,547 
Commercial and industrial   37,900    8,198    932    —    —    47,030 
Municipal   4,016    —    —    —    —    4,016 
Consumer   3,500    100    33    —    —    3,633 
Loans receivable, gross  $387,253   $40,603   $22,275   $95   $—   $450,226 

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  (in thousands)  Pass  Special mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Loss  Total
  December 31, 2013                              
Residential 1-4 family  $212,683   $12,338   $5,997   $95   $—   $231,113 
Residential 5+ multifamily   2,674    1,199    975    —    —    4,848 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   1,876    —    —    —    —    1,876 
Home equity credit   31,444    1,355    1,340    —    —    34,139 
Residential real estate   248,677    14,892    8,312    95    —    271,976 
Commercial   67,554    16,044    8,255    —    —    91,853 
Construction of commercial   10,257    102    589    —    —    10,948 
Commercial real estate   77,811    16,146    8,844    —    —    102,801 
Farm land   847    1,421    1,134    —    —    3,402 
Vacant land   5,640    288    3,139    —    —    9,067 
Real estate secured   332,975    32,747    21,429    95    —    387,246 
Commercial and industrial   37,860    7,452    980    —    —    46,292 
Municipal   4,252    —    —    —    —    4,252 
Consumer   3,739    113    37    —    —    3,889 
Loans receivable, gross  $378,826   $40,312   $22,446   $95   $—   $441,679 

Changes in impaired and potential problem loans are as follows:

    March 31, 2014    March 31, 2013 
    Impaired loans    Potential         Impaired loans    Potential       
Three months ended    Non-         problem          Non-          problem      
 (in thousands)   accrual    Accruing    loans    Total    accrual     Accruing      loans    Total  
Loans placed on non-accrual status  $1,749   $(444)  $(589)  $716   $1,016   $—   $(281)  $735 
Loans restored to accrual status   —    —    —    —    (571)   54    143    (374)
Loan risk rating downgrades to substandard   —    —    266    266    —    —    2,678    2,678 
Loan risk rating upgrades from substandard   —    —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Loan repayments   (732)   (72)   (415)   (1,219)   (1,206)   652    (932)   (1,486)
Loan charge-offs   (121)   70    —    (51)   (41)   19    (4)   (26)
Increase (decrease) in TDR loans   —    298    (250)   48    —    48    —    48 
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans   —    —    —    —    (835)   (736)   —    (1,571)
Inter-month tax advances   55    (4)   —    51    —    —    —    — 
Increase (decrease) in loans  $951   $(152)  $(988)  $(189)  $(1,637)  $37   $1,604   $4 

 For year-to-date 2014, Salisbury has placed $1.8 million of loans on non-accrual status as a result of deteriorated payment and financial performance and charged-off $134,000 of loans primarily as a result of collateral deficiencies.

Salisbury has cooperative relationships with the majority of its non-performing loan customers. Substantially all non-performing loans are collateralized with real estate and the repayment of such loans is largely dependent on the return of such loans to performing status or the liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral. Salisbury pursues the resolution of all non-performing loans through collections, restructures, voluntary liquidation of collateral by the borrower and, where necessary, legal action. When Salisbury’s reasonable attempts to work with a customer to return a loan to performing status, including restructuring the loan, are unsuccessful, Salisbury will initiate appropriate legal action seeking to acquire property by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure, or to liquidate business assets.

Credit Quality Segments

Salisbury categorizes loans receivable into the following credit quality segments:

·Impaired loans consist of all non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructured loans, and represent loans for which it is probable that Salisbury will not be able to collect all principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements.
·Non-accrual loans, a sub-set of impaired loans, are loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued because, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal or interest is unlikely.
·Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans, and accruing loans past due 90 days and over that are well collateralized, in the process of collection and where full collection of principal and interest is assured. Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans plus real estate acquired in settlement of loans.
·Troubled debt restructured loans are loans for which concessions such as reduction of interest rates, other than normal market rate adjustments, or deferral of principal or interest payments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest, have been granted due to a borrower’s financial condition. Loan restructuring is employed when management believes the granting of a concession will increase the probability of the full or partial collection of principal and interest.
·Potential problem loans consist of performing loans that have been assigned a substandard credit risk rating and that are not classified as impaired.

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Credit Risk Ratings

Salisbury assigns credit risk ratings to loans receivable in order to manage credit risk and to determine the allowance for loan losses. Credit risk ratings categorize loans by common financial and structural characteristics that measure the credit strength of a borrower. Salisbury’s rating model has eight risk rating grades, with each grade corresponding to a progressively greater risk of default. Grades 1 through 4 are pass ratings and 5 through 8 are ratings (special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss) defined by the bank’s regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB. Risk ratings are assigned to differentiate risk within the portfolio and are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised, if needed, to reflect changes in the borrowers' current financial position and outlook, risk profiles and the related collateral and structural positions.

·Loans risk rated as "special mention" possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention that if left uncorrected may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans at some future date.
·Loans risk rated as "substandard" are loans where the Bank’s position is clearly not protected adequately by borrower current net worth or payment capacity. These loans have well defined weaknesses based on objective evidence and include loans where future losses to the Bank may result if deficiencies are not corrected, and loans where the primary source of repayment such as income is diminished and the Bank must rely on the sale of collateral or other secondary sources of collection.
·Loans risk rated as "doubtful" have the same weaknesses as substandard loans with the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full, given current facts, conditions, and values, to be highly improbable. The possibility of loss is high, but due to certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to strengthen the loan, its reclassification as an estimated loss is deferred until its exact status can be determined.
·Loans risk rated as "loss" are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as Bank assets is unwarranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be made in the future.

Management actively reviews and tests its credit risk ratings against actual experience and engages an independent third-party to annually validate its assignment of credit risk ratings. In addition, the Bank’s loan portfolio and risk ratings are examined annually on a rotating basis by its two primary regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB.

Impaired Loans

Loans individually evaluated for impairment (impaired loans) are loans for which Salisbury does not expect to collect all contractual principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans include all modified loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) and loans on non-accrual status. The components of impaired loans are as follows:

  (in thousands)    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  
Non-accrual loans, excluding troubled debt restructured loans  $5,989   $5,419 
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   2,134    1,753 
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   8,348    8,500 
Total impaired loans  $16,471   $15,672 
Commitments to lend additional amounts to impaired borrowers  $—   $— 

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets increased $1.0 million to $8.5 million, or 1.5% of assets at March 31, 2014, from $7.5 million, or 1.3% of assets at December 31, 2013, and decreased $0.8 million from $9.3 million, or 1.6% of assets at March 31, 2013.

The 13% increase in non-performing assets in the first three months of 2014 resulted primarily from $1.8 million of loans placed on non-accrual status. This increase was offset in part by $0.7 million in payoffs and repayments and $0.1 million charged off.

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The components of non-performing assets are as follows:

  (in thousands)    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  
Residential 1-4 family  $2,316   $1,525 
Home equity credit   446    402 
Commercial   1,977    1,857 
Farm land   384    384 
Vacant land   2,870    2,870 
Real estate secured   7,993    7,038 
Commercial and industrial   108    134 
Consumer   22    — 
Non-accruing loans   8,123    7,172 
Accruing loans past due 90 days and over   26    — 
Non-performing loans   8,149    7,172 
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans   377    377 
Non-performing assets  $8,526   $7,549 

The past due status of non-performing loans is as follows:

  (in thousands)    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  
Current  $1,829   $1,274 
Past due 001-029 days   304    241 
Past due 030-059 days   33    134 
Past due 060-089 days   18    254 
Past due 090-179 days   1,130    588 
Past due 180 days and over   4,835    4,681 
Total non-performing loans  $8,149   $7,172 

At March 31, 2014, 22.44% of non-performing loans were current with respect to loan payments, compared with 17.76% at December 31, 2013. Loans past due 180 days include a $2.8 million loan secured by vacant land (residential building lots) where Salisbury has initiated a foreclosure action that is referred to in Item 1 of Part II, Legal Proceedings.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

Troubled debt restructured loans increased $0.2 million during 2014 to $10.5 million, or 2.33% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2014, from $10.3 million, or 2.32% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2013.

The components of troubled debt restructured loans are as follows:

  (in thousands)    March 31, 2014    December 31, 2013  
Residential 1-4 family  $4,622   $4,956 
Home equity credit   48    48 
Personal   —    22 
Vacant land   223    225 
Commercial   2,923    2,691 
Real estate secured   7,816    7,942 
Commercial and industrial   532    558 
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   8,348    8,500 
Residential 1-4 family   1,324    999 
Home equity credit   88    40 
Commercial   598    608 
Vacant land   22    — 
Real estate secured   2,032    1,647 
Commercial and industrial   102    106 
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   2,134    1,753 
Troubled debt restructured loans  $10,482   $10,253 

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The past due status of troubled debt restructured loans is as follows:

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Current  $6,829   $6,559 
Past due 1-29 days   1,519    1,490 
Past due 30-59 days   —    95 
Past due 60-89 days   —    356 
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   8,348    8,500 
Current   1,075    999 
Past due 1-29 days   235    241 
Past due 30-59 days   —    64 
Past due 60-89 days   —    — 
Past due 90-179 days   376    449 
Past due 180 days and over   448    — 
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   2,134    1,753 
Total troubled debt restructured loans  $10,482   $10,253 

At March 31, 2014, 75.40% of troubled debt restructured loans were current with respect to loan payments, as compared with 73.72% at December 31, 2013.

Past Due Loans

Loans past due 30 days or more decreased $1.0 million during 2014 to $10.0 million, or 2.23% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2014, compared with $11.0 million, or 2.50% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2013.

The components of loans past due 30 days or greater are as follows:

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Past due 030-059 days  $2,570   $2,535 
Past due 060-089 days   1,451    2,840 
Past due 090-179 days   26    — 
Accruing loans   4,047    5,375 
Past due 030-059 days    33    133 
Past due 060-089 days   18    254 
Past due 090-179 days   1,104    588 
Past due 180 days and over   4,835    4,681 
Non-accrual loans   5,990    5,656 
Total loans past due 30 days or greater  $10,037   $11,031 

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans decreased $1.0 million during the three months of 2014 to $8.1 million, or 1.81% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2014, compared with $9.1 million, or 2.06% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2013.

The components of potential problem loans are as follows:

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Residential 1-4 family  $1,063   $1,528 
Residential 5+ multifamily   975    975 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   —    — 
Home equity credit   890    890 
Residential real estate   2,928    3,393 
Commercial   3,638    4,036 
Construction of commercial   450    589 
Commercial real estate   4,088    4,625 
Farm land   740    751 
Vacant land   70    44 
Real estate secured   7,826    8,813 
Commercial and industrial   291    288 
Consumer   11    15 
Other classified loans receivable  $8,128   $9,116 

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The past due status of potential problem loans is as follows:

  (in thousands)  March 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Current  $6,835   $7,646 
Past due 001-029 days   531    189 
Past due 030-059 days   502    298 
Past due 060-089 days   234    983 
Past due 090-179 days   26    — 
Total potential problem loans  $8,128   $9,116 

At March 31, 2014, 84.09% of potential problem loans were current with respect to loan payments, as compared with 83.87% at December 31, 2013.

Management cannot predict the extent to which economic or other factors may impact such borrowers’ future payment capacity, and there can be no assurance that such loans will not be placed on nonaccrual status, restructured, or require increased provisions for loan losses.

Deposits and Borrowings

Deposits increased $0.1 million during first quarter 2014 to $477.5 million, from $477.4 million at December 31, 2013, and decreased $10.3 million year-over-year from $487.8 million at March 31, 2013. Retail repurchase agreements increased $0.1 million during first quarter 2014 to $2.6 million, compared with $2.5 million at December 31, 2013, and increased $0.3 million for year-over-year compared with $2.3 million at March 31, 2013.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) advances decreased $0.4 million during first quarter 2014 to $30.0 million at March 31, 2014, from $30.4 million at December 31, 2013, and decreased $1.6 million for year-over-year from $31.6 million at March 31, 2013. The decreases were due to amortizing payments of advances and maturities of advances that were not renewed.

Liquidity

Salisbury manages its liquidity position to ensure that there is sufficient funding availability at all times to meet both anticipated and unanticipated deposit withdrawals, loan originations and advances, securities purchases and other operating cash outflows. Salisbury's primary sources of liquidity are principal payments and maturities of securities and loans, short-term borrowings through repurchase agreements and FHLBB advances, net deposit growth and funds provided by operations. Liquidity can also be provided through sales of loans and available-for-sale securities.

Salisbury manages its liquidity in accordance with a liquidity funding policy, and also maintains a contingency funding plan that provides for the prompt and comprehensive response to unexpected demands for liquidity. At March 31, 2014, Salisbury's liquidity ratio, as represented by cash, short term available-for-sale securities and marketable assets to net deposits and short term unsecured liabilities, was 15.90%, down from 16.33% at December 31, 2013. Management believes Salisbury’s funding sources will meet anticipated funding needs.

Operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 provided net cash of $2.5 million. Investing activities utilized net cash of $5.1 million, principally from $8.7 million of net loan originations and principal collections, offset by proceeds of $3.5 million from calls and maturities of securities available-for-sale. Financing activities utilized net cash of $0.7 million, principally due to pay downs of FHLBB advances of $0.4 million and common and preferred stock dividends paid totaling $0.5 million, offset by a net increase of $0.2 million in deposits and repurchase agreements.

At March 31, 2014, Salisbury had outstanding commitments to fund new loan originations of $9.7 million and unused lines of credit of $53.6 million. Salisbury believes that these commitments can be met in the normal course of business. Salisbury believes that its liquidity sources will continue to provide funding sufficient to support operating activities, loan originations and commitments, and deposit withdrawals.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

OVERVIEW

Net income available to common shareholders was $505,000, or $0.29 per common share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 (first quarter 2014), compared with $940,000, or $0.55 per common share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013 (fourth quarter 2013), and $900,000, or $0.53 per common share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 (first quarter 2013).

·Earnings per common share of $0.29 decreased $0.26 versus fourth quarter 2013, and decreased $0.24, versus first quarter 2013.
·Earnings per share excluding certain one-time expenses related to strategic initiatives of $287,000, (after tax) or $0.17 per share, would have been $0.46 per share for the quarter.
·Excluding certain one-time expenses of $287,000 and $202,000 (after taxes) substantially related to professional fees which were incurred in conjunction with strategic initiatives as discussed above during the first quarter 2014 and fourth quarter 2013, respectively:
oEarnings per common share of $0.46 decreased $0.21 versus fourth quarter 2013, and decreased $0.07, versus first quarter 2013.
oNet income decreased $344,000, or 29%, versus fourth quarter 2013 and decreased $102,000 versus first quarter 2013.
oNon-interest expense increased $65,000, or 1%, versus fourth quarter 2013 and increased $105,000 versus first quarter 2013.
·The net interest margin increased 1 basis point versus fourth quarter 2013 and increased 18 basis points versus first quarter 2013 at 3.54%.
·Net loans receivable increased $8.3 million or 2% during the first calendar quarter of 2014 to $446.5 million, which reflected an increase of $40.2 million or 10% from the end of the first quarter of 2013.
·The provision for loan losses was $337,000, versus $190,000 for fourth quarter 2013 and $396,000 for first quarter 2013. Net loan charge-offs were $127,000, versus $163,000 for fourth quarter 2013 and $70,000 for first quarter 2013.
·Tax equivalent net interest income decreased $11,000, or 0.2%, versus fourth quarter 2013, and increased $201,000, or 4.1%, versus first quarter 2013.

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Net Interest Income

Tax equivalent net interest income for first quarter 2014 increased $201,000, or 4.1%, versus first quarter 2013. Average total interest bearing deposits decreased $0.6 million versus first quarter 2013. Average earning assets decreased $5.6 million versus first quarter 2013. The net interest margin increased 18 basis points versus first quarter 2013 at 3.54%.

The following table sets forth the components of Salisbury's fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) net interest income and yields on average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing funds.

  Three months ended March 31,  Average Balance  Income / Expense  Average Yield / Rate
  (dollars in thousands)  2014  2013  2014  2013  2014  2013
Loans (a)(d)  $448,333   $403,033   $4,698   $4,485    4.20%   4.46%
Securities (c)(d)   92,291    118,410    1,053    1,199    4.57    4.05 
FHLBB stock   5,340    5,652    20    5    1.52    0.38 
Short term funds (b)   2,978    27,447    1    17    0.20    0.25 
Total interest-earning assets   548,942    554,542    5,772    5,706    4.21    4.12 
Other assets   38,165    40,320                     
Total assets  $587,107   $594,862                     
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $80,259   $66,689    67    69    0.34    0.42 
Money market accounts   123,199    128,691    66    87    0.22    0.27 
Savings and other   108,788    105,934    46    52    0.17    0.20 
Certificates of deposit   81,151    92,696    172    282    0.83    1.23 
Total interest-bearing deposits   393,397    394,010    351    490    0.36    0.50 
Repurchase agreements   2,501    1,856    1    1    0.15    0.23 
Capital lease   425    —    18    —    16.49    — 
FHLBB advances   32,083    31,709    298    312    3.72    3.93 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   428,406    427,575    668    803    0.63    0.76 
Demand deposits   78,868    87,923                     
Other liabilities   5,858    6,876                     
Shareholders’ equity   73,975    72,488                     
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity  $587,107   $594,862                     
Net interest income            $5,104   $4,903           
Spread on interest-bearing funds                       3.58    3.36 
Net interest margin (e)                       3.72    3.54 
(a)Includes non-accrual loans.
(b)Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold.
(c)Average balances of securities are based on historical cost.
(d)Includes tax exempt income benefit of $329,000 and $300,000, respectively for 2014 and 2013 on tax-exempt securities and loans whose income and yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.
(e)Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table sets forth the changes in FTE interest due to volume and rate.

  Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)  2014 versus 2013
Change in interest due to   Volume    Rate    Net 
Interest-earning assets               
Loans  $489   $(276)  $213 
Securities   (281)   135    (146)
FHLBB stock   (1)   16    15 
Short term funds   (12)   (4)   (16)
Total   195    (129)   66 
Interest-bearing liabilities               
Deposits   (19)   (120)   (139)
Repurchase agreements   —    —    — 
Capital lease   9    9    18 
FHLBB advances   4    (18)   (14)
Total   (6)   (129)   (135)
Net change in net interest income  $201   $—   $201 

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Interest Income

Tax equivalent interest income increased $66,000 to $5.8 million for first quarter 2014 as compared with first quarter 2013.

Loan income increased $213,000, or 4.7%, primarily due to a $45.3 million, or 11.2%, increase in average loans, partially offset by a 26 basis point decrease in the average loan yield.

Tax equivalent securities income decreased $146,000, or 12.2%, for first quarter 2014 as compared with first quarter 2013, primarily due to a $26.1 million, or 22.1%, decrease in average volume due to calls and prepayments of mortgage backed securities, and partially offset by a 52 basis point increase in average yield.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $135,000, or 16.8%, to $0.7 million for first quarter 2014 as compared with first quarter 2013.

Interest on deposit accounts and retail repurchase agreements decreased $139,000, or 28.3%, as a result of lower average rates, down 14 basis points on deposits and 8 basis points on repurchase agreements and a $0.6 million, or 0.2%, decrease in the average balance of deposits. The lower average rate resulted from the effect of currently lower market interest rates paid on interest bearing deposits and changes in product mix.

Interest expense on FHLBB borrowings decreased $14,000 as a result of the average borrowing rate decrease of 21 basis points as compared with first quarter 2013, offset partially by higher average borrowings, up $0.4 million.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses was $337,000 for first quarter 2014, compared with $396,000 for first quarter 2013. Net loan charge-offs were $134,000 and $73,000, for the respective quarters. The following table sets forth changes in the provision for loan losses: 

    
Three months ended March 31, (dollars in thousands)   2014    2013 
Balance, beginning of period  $4,683   $4,360 
Provision for loan losses   337    396 
Charge-offs          
Real estate mortgages   (125)   (56)
Commercial and industrial   (1)   (4)
Consumer   (8)   (13)
Total charge-offs   (134)   (73)
Recoveries          
Real estate mortgages   2    — 
Commercial and industrial   —    — 
Consumer   6    3 
Total recoveries   8    3 
Net charge-offs   (126)   (70)
Balance, end of period  $4,894   $4,686 
Loans receivable, gross  $450,226   $441,679 
Non-performing loans   8,149    8,587 
Accruing loans past due 30-89 days   4,021    4,718 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses:          
to loans receivable, gross   1.09%   1.14%
to non-performing loans   60.06    54.59 
Ratio of non-performing loans to loans receivable, gross   1.81    2.09 
Ratio of accruing loans past due 30-89 days to loans receivable, gross   0.89    1.15 

Reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans, decreased to 1.09% at March 31, 2014 compared to 1.14% March 31, 2013.

During the first quarter of 2013, non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and accruing loans past-due 90 days or more) at $8.1 million, improved slightly at 1.81% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2014 compared to 2.09% at March 31, 2013. Accruing loans past due 30-89 days decreased $0.7 million to $4.0 million, or 0.89% of gross loans receivable from 1.15% at March 31, 2013. See “Financial Condition – Loan Credit Quality” for further discussion and analysis.

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The credit quality segments of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

    Collectively evaluated    Individually evaluated    Total portfolio 
  March 31, 2014 (in thousands)   Loans    Allowance    Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance  
Performing loans  $425,540   $2,900   $87   $23   $425,627   $2,923 
Potential problem loans   7,949    250    179    19    8,128    269 
Impaired loans   —    —    16,471    1,129    16,471    1,129 
Unallocated allowance   —    573    —    —    —    573 
Totals  $433,489   $3,723   $16,737   $1,171   $450,226   $4,894 
    Collectively evaluated    Individually evaluated    Total portfolio 
  December 31, 2013 (in thousands)   Loans    Allowance    Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance  
Performing loans  $416,734   $2,835   $157   $69   $416,891   $2,904 
Potential problem loans   8,687    282    429    19    9,116    301 
Impaired loans   —    —    15,672    1,053    15,672    1,053 
Unallocated allowance   —    425    —    —    —    425 
Totals  $425,421   $3,542   $16,258   $1,141   $441,679   $4,683 

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of the probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the reporting date. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by loan charge-offs. Loan charge-offs are recognized when management determines a loan, or portion of a loan, to be uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses is computed by segregating the portfolio into three components: (1) loans collectively evaluated for impairment: general loss allocation factors for non-impaired loans are segmented into pools of loans based on similar risk characteristics such as loan product, collateral type and loan-to-value, loan risk rating, historical loss experience, delinquency factors and other similar economic indicators, (2) loans individually evaluated for impairment: individual loss allocations for loans deemed to be impaired based on discounted cash flows or collateral value, and (3) unallocated: general loss allocations for other environmental factors.

Impaired loans and certain potential problem loans, where warranted, are individually evaluated for impairment. Impairment is measured for each individual loan, or for a borrower’s aggregate loan exposure, using either the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. An allowance is established when the collateral value or discounted cash flows of the loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The component of the allowance for loan losses for loans collectively evaluated for impairment is estimated by stratifying loans into segments and credit risk ratings and then applying management’s general loss allocation factors. The general loss allocation factors are based on expected loss experience adjusted for historical loss experience and other qualitative factors, including levels or trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. There were no significant changes in Salisbury’s policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

The unallocated component of the allowance is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. It reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

Determining the adequacy of the allowance at any given period is difficult, particularly during deteriorating or uncertain economic periods, and management must make estimates using assumptions and information that are often subjective and changing rapidly. The review of the loan portfolio is a continuing event in light of a changing economy and the dynamics of the banking and regulatory environment. Should the economic climate deteriorate, borrowers could experience difficulty and the level of non-performing loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise and require increased provisions. In management's judgment, Salisbury remains adequately reserved both against total loans and non-performing loans at March 31, 2014.

Management’s loan risk rating assignments, loss percentages and specific reserves are subjected annually to an independent credit review by an external firm. In addition, the Bank is examined annually on a rotational process by one of its two primary regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB. As an integral part of their examination process, the FDIC and CTDOB review the Bank's credit risk ratings and allowance for loan losses.

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Non-Interest Income

The following table details the principal categories of non-interest income.

  Three months ended March 31, (dollars in thousands)    2014      2013    2014 vs. 2013
Trust and wealth advisory fees  $779   $725   $54    7.44%
Service charges and fees   542    516    26    5.04 
Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net   11    279    (268)   (96.06)
Mortgage servicing, net   28    26    2    7.69 
Other   78    79    (1)   (1.27)
Total non-interest income  $1,438   $1,625   $(187)   (11.51)%

Non-interest income decreased $187,000, or 11.5%, in 2014 versus 2013. Trust and Wealth Advisory revenues increased $54,000 versus first quarter 2013. The year-over-year revenue increase is the result of growth in managed assets, partially offset by lower estate fees collected in first quarter 2014. Service charges and fees increased $26,000 versus first quarter 2013. Income from sales and servicing of mortgage loans decreased $268,000 versus first quarter 2013 due to lower volume of residential mortgage loan sales. First quarter 2014 mortgage loans sales totaled $0.5 million versus $8.7 million for first quarter 2013. First quarter 2014 and first quarter 2013 included mortgage servicing valuation impairment benefits of $11,000 and $33,000, respectively. Other income includes bank owned life insurance income and rental income.

Non-Interest Expense

The following table details the principal categories of non-interest expense.

  Three months ended March 31, (dollars in thousands)    2014      2013    2014 vs. 2013
Salaries  $1,844   $1,750   $94    5.37%
Employee benefits   741    685    56    8.18 
Premises and equipment   673    583    90    15.44 
Data processing   399    419    (20)   (4.77)
Professional fees   619    380    239    62.89 
Collections and OREO   135    157    (22)   (14.01)
FDIC insurance   98    125    (27)   (21.60)
Marketing and community support   113    122    (9)   (7.38)
Amortization of intangible assets   56    56    —    — 
Other   432    428    4    0.93 
Non-interest expense  $5,110   $4,705   $405    8.61%

Non-interest expense for first quarter 2014 increased $405,000 versus first quarter 2013. Total compensation increased $150,000; mainly attributable to a reduction of deferred loan origination compensation as a result of lower mortgage volume, and increases in benefit plan expenses.

Premises and equipment increased $90,000 versus first quarter 2013. The increase in expense was related to the addition of a branch facility in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, technology upgrades and seasonally increased fuel and utility costs.

Data processing decreased $20,000 versus first quarter 2013 mainly due to a change in tax preparation accruals for trust accounts.

Professional fees increased $239,000 versus first quarter 2013. The increase was due to consulting and legal expenses related to strategic initiatives.

Collections and OREO expenses decreased $22,000 versus first quarter 2013 due to lower legal collection and foreclosure fees.

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Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for first quarter 2014 and first quarter 2013 were 28% and 17%, respectively. Generally, fluctuations in the effective tax rate result from changes in the mix of taxable and tax exempt income. The first quarter 2014 results include certain one-time expenses related to strategic initiatives.  These expenses, for tax purposes, are non-deductible and contribute to the increase in the effective tax rate for the quarter.  (Excluding these expenses the effective tax rate for the quarter would have been 14.30%). Salisbury’s effective tax rate is generally less than the 34% federal statutory rate due to holdings of tax-exempt municipal bonds, some tax-exempt loans and bank owned life insurance.

Salisbury did not incur Connecticut income tax in 2013 or 2012, other than minimum state income tax, as a result of its utilization of Connecticut tax legislation that permits banks to shelter certain mortgage income from the Connecticut corporation business tax through the use of a special purpose entity called a Passive Investment Company (“PIC”). In accordance with this legislation, in 2004 the Bank formed a PIC, SBT Mortgage Service Corporation. Salisbury's income tax provision reflects the full impact of the Connecticut legislation. Salisbury does not expect to pay other than minimum state income tax in the foreseeable future unless there is a change in the State of Connecticut corporate tax law.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Shareholders’ equity was $74.0 million at March 31, 2014, up $1.2 million from December 31, 2013. Book value and tangible book value per common share were $33.90 and $27.85, respectively, compared with $33.21 and $27.12, respectively, at December 31, 2013. Contributing to the increase in shareholders’ equity for year-to-date 2014 was net income of $0.5 million and other comprehensive income of $1.2 million, partially offset by common and preferred stock dividends of $0.5 million. Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax, of $1.6 million and unrecognized pension plan benefits, net of tax, of $0.6 million.

In August 2011, Salisbury issued to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) $16.0 million of its Series B Preferred Stock under the Small Business Lending Fund (the “SBLF”) program. The SBLF program is a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to encourage lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes and ranks senior to the Common Stock.

The Series B Preferred Stock pays noncumulative dividends. The dividend rate on the Series B Preferred Stock for the initial ten quarterly dividend periods, commencing with the period ended September 30, 2011 and ending with the period ended December 31, 2013, was determined each quarter based on the increase in the Bank’s Qualified Small Business Lending over a baseline amount. The dividend rate for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2013 was 1.0%. For the eleventh quarterly dividend payment through four and one-half years after its issuance, the dividend rate on the Series B Preferred Stock will be 1.0%. Commencing with the second quarter of 2016, after four and one-half years from its issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9.0% per annum. The Series B Preferred Stock is non-voting, other than voting rights on matters that could adversely affect the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at any time at one hundred percent of the issue price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

On February 8, 2013, Salisbury granted a total of 19,600 shares of restricted stock pursuant to its 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, which was approved by shareholders at the 2011 Annual Meeting, to 22 employees, including 5,000 shares to one Named Executive Officer, Richard J. Cantele, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer.

On January 3, 2014, Salisbury granted a total of 3,000 shares of restricted stock, pursuant to its 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, to 2 additional employees, including 2,000 shares to one Named Executive Officer, Donald E. White, Chief Financial Officer.

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Capital Requirements

Salisbury and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under current regulatory definitions, Salisbury and the Bank are considered to be “well capitalized” for capital adequacy purposes. As a result, the Bank pays lower federal deposit insurance premiums than banks that are not “well capitalized.” Salisbury and the Bank's regulatory capital ratios are as follows:

    Well    March 31, 2014    December 31, 2013 
    capitalized    Salisbury    Bank    Salisbury    Bank 
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   10.00%   16.42%   13.80%   16.46%   13.87%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   6.00    15.10    12.49    15.20    12.63 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)   5.00    10.65    8.88    10.65    8.96 

To be considered a well-capitalized institution, which is the highest capital category for an institution as defined by the Prompt Corrective Action Regulations issued by the FDIC and the FRB, an institution must maintain a Total Risk-Based ratio of 10% or above, a Tier 1 Risk-Based ratio of 6% or above and a Leverage ratio of 5% or above, and must not be subject to any written order, written agreement, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level. Maintaining strong capital is essential to Salisbury’s and the Bank’s safety and soundness.

In December 2010, the Basel Committee, a group of bank regulatory supervisors from around the world, released its final framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation, now officially identified by the Basel Committee as “Basel III.” Basel III, when fully implemented by the U.S. bank regulatory agencies and fully phased-in, will require bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries to maintain substantially more capital, with a greater emphasis on common equity.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final rules to implement the Basel III capital framework. The rules will be effective on January 1, 2015 and phased-in over a multiple year period through 2019. The new capital rules call for higher quality capital with higher minimum capital level requirements. Salisbury and the Bank are in the process of assessing the impact from these new regulatory requirements, and while management cannot be certain of the impact, management believes that Salisbury and the Bank will exceed the new requirements of adequately capitalized plus the capital conservation buffer, once they become effective.

Dividends

During the three month period ended March 31, 2014 Salisbury paid $46,000 in Series B preferred stock dividends to the U.S. Treasury’s SBLF program, and $479,000 in common stock dividends.

On April 25, 2014, the Board of Directors of Salisbury declared a common stock dividend of $0.28 per common share payable on May 30, 2014 to shareholders of record on May 9, 2014. Common stock dividends, when declared, will generally be paid the last Friday of February, May, August and November, although Salisbury is not obligated to pay dividends on those dates or at any other time.

Salisbury's ability to pay cash dividends is substantially dependent on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to Salisbury. There are certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends and other payments by the Bank to Salisbury. Under Connecticut law, the Bank cannot declare a cash dividend except from net profits, defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations. The total of all cash dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year shall not, unless specifically approved by the Commissioner of Banking, exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years.

FRB Supervisory Letter SR 09-4, February 24, 2009, revised September 27, 2009, notes that, as a general matter, the board of directors of a BHC should inform the FRB and should eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce dividends if (1) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (3) the BHC will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Moreover, a BHC should inform the FRB reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the BHC capital structure.

Salisbury believes that the payment of common stock cash dividends is appropriate, provided that such payment considers Salisbury's capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition and does not adversely affect the financial stability of Salisbury or the Bank. The continued payment of common stock cash dividends by Salisbury will be dependent on Salisbury's and the Bank’s future core earnings, financial condition and capital needs, regulatory restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors of Salisbury.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Salisbury’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that require the measurement of financial condition and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money, over time, due to inflation. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of Salisbury are monetary and as a result, interest rates have a greater impact on Salisbury’s performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation, although interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. Although not a material factor in recent years, inflation could impact earnings in future periods.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

In connection with the proposed merger with Riverside Bank, Salisbury will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of Salisbury and Riverside Bank and a prospectus of Salisbury, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. SHAREHOLDERS OF SALISBURY AND RIVERSIDE BANK ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION IN ITS ENTIRETY WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders of Salisbury and Riverside Bank will be able to obtain a free copy of the joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) containing information about Salisbury and Riverside Bank, as well as other filings containing information about Salisbury, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and the other filings may also be obtained free of charge at Salisbury’s website at www.salisburybank.com.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

Salisbury and Riverside Bank and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under the SEC’s rules, may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Salisbury and Riverside Bank in connection with the proposed merger and related matters. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Salisbury and their ownership of Salisbury common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for Salisbury's 2013 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on April 30, 2013. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Riverside Bank and their ownership of Riverside Bank common stock, and additional information regarding the interests of the Salisbury and Riverside Bank participants, may be obtained by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q and future filings made by Salisbury with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other filings, reports and press releases made or issued by Salisbury and the Bank, and oral statements made by executive officers of Salisbury and the Bank, may include forward-looking statements relating to such matters as:

(a)assumptions concerning future economic and business conditions and their effect on the economy in general and on the markets in which Salisbury and the Bank do business; and
(b)expectations for revenues and earnings for Salisbury and the Bank.

Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions rather than historical or current facts and, therefore, are inherently uncertain and subject to risk. For those statements, Salisbury claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Salisbury notes that a variety of factors could cause the actual results or experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations described or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of Salisbury’s and the Bank’s business include the following:

(a)the risk of adverse changes in business conditions in the banking industry generally and in the specific markets in which the Bank operates;
(b)changes in the legislative and regulatory environment that negatively impacts Salisbury and Bank through increased operating expenses;
(c)increased competition from other financial and non-financial institutions;
(d)the impact of technological advances; and
(e)other risks detailed from time to time in Salisbury’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Such developments could have an adverse impact on Salisbury’s and the Bank’s financial position and results of operations.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Salisbury manages its exposure to interest rate risk through its Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) using risk limits and policy guidelines to manage assets and funding liabilities to produce financial results that are consistent with Salisbury’s liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability targets. Interest rate risk is the risk of loss to future earnings due to changes in interest rates.

The ALCO manages interest rate risk using income simulation to measure interest rate risk inherent in Salisbury’s financial instruments at a given point in time by showing the effect of interest rate shifts on net interest income over a 24-month horizon. In management’s March 31, 2014 analysis, all of the simulations incorporate a static growth assumption over the simulation horizons. Additionally, the simulations take into account the specific re-pricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of differing financial instruments that may vary under different interest rate scenarios.

The ALCO reviews the simulation results to determine whether Salisbury’s exposure to change in net interest income remains within established tolerance levels over the simulation horizons and to develop appropriate strategies to manage this exposure. Salisbury’s tolerance levels for changes in net interest income in its income simulations varies depending on the magnitude of interest rate changes and level of risk-based capital. All changes are measured in comparison to the projected net interest income that would result from an “unchanged” rate scenario where interest rates remain stable over the forecast horizon. The ALCO also evaluates the directional trends of net interest income, net interest margin and other financial measures over the forecast horizon for consistency with its liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability targets.

The ALCO uses four interest rate scenarios to evaluate interest risk exposure and may vary these interest rate scenarios to show the effect of steepening or flattening changes in yield curves as well as parallel changes in interest rates. At March 31, 2014 the ALCO used the following interest rate scenarios: (1) unchanged interest rates; (2) immediately rising interest rates – immediate non-parallel upward shift in market interest rates ranging from 300 basis points for short term rates to 300 basis points for the 10-year Treasury; (3) immediately falling interest rates – immediate non-parallel downward shift in market interest rates ranging from 25 basis points for short term rates to 111 basis points for the 10-year Treasury; and (4) Static growth with assumption sensitivity stress testing with gradually rising interest rates – gradual non-parallel upward shift in market interest rates ranging from 200 basis points for short term rates to 150 basis points for the 10-year Treasury. Deposit rates are assumed to shift by lesser amounts due to their relative historical insensitivity to market interest rate movements. Further, deposits are assumed to have certain minimum rate levels below which they will not fall. Income simulations do not reflect adjustments in strategy that the ALCO could implement in response to rate shifts.

As of March 31, 2014, net interest income simulations indicated that the Bank’s exposure to changing interest rates over the simulation horizons remained within its tolerance levels. The following table sets forth the estimated change in net interest income from an unchanged interest rate scenario over the periods indicated for changes in market interest rates using the Bank’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2014:

  As of March 31, 2014 Months 1-12  Months 13-24
Immediately rising interest rates (static growth assumptions)  (13.40)%   (5.06)%
Immediately falling interest rates (static growth assumptions)  (0.51)   (3.13)
Immediately rising interest rates (static growth with assumption sensitivity stress testing)  (4.10)   (10.03)

The negative exposure of net interest income to immediately and gradually rising rates as compared to the unchanged rate scenario results from a faster projected rise in the cost of funds versus income from earning assets, as relatively rate-sensitive money market and time deposits re-price faster than longer duration earning assets. The negative exposure of net interest income to immediately falling rates as compared to an unchanged rate scenario results from a greater decline in earning asset yields compared to rates paid on funding liabilities, as a result of faster prepayments on existing assets and lower reinvestment rates on future loans originated and securities purchased.

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While the ALCO reviews simulation assumptions and back-tests simulation results to ensure that they are reasonable and current, income simulation may not always prove to be an accurate indicator of interest rate risk or future net interest margin. Over time, the re-pricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of financial instruments and the composition of Salisbury’s balance sheet may change to a different degree than estimated. Simulation modeling assumes Salisbury’s expectation for future balance sheet growth, which is a function of the business environment and customer behavior. Another significant simulation assumption is the sensitivity of core savings deposits to fluctuations in interest rates. Income simulation results assume that changes in both core savings deposit rates and balances are related to changes in short-term interest rates. The assumed relationship between short-term interest rate changes and core deposit rate and balance changes used in income simulation may differ from the ALCO’s estimates. Lastly, mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans involve a level of risk that unforeseen changes in prepayment speeds may cause related cash flows to vary significantly in differing rate environments. Such changes could affect the level of reinvestment risk associated with cash flow from these instruments, as well as their market value. Changes in prepayment speeds could also increase or decrease the amortization of premium or accretion of discounts related to such instruments, thereby affecting interest income.

Salisbury also monitors the potential change in market value of its available-for-sale debt securities in changing interest rate environments. The purpose is to determine market value exposure that may not be captured by income simulation, but which might result in changes to Salisbury’s capital and liquidity position. Results are calculated using industry-standard analytical techniques and securities data. Available-for-sale equity securities are excluded from this analysis because the market value of such securities cannot be directly correlated with changes in interest rates. The following table summarizes the potential change in market value of available-for-sale debt securities resulting from immediate parallel rate shifts:

  As of March 31, 2014 (in thousands)    Rates up 100bp      Rates up 200bp  
U.S. Treasury notes  $(64)  $(125)
U.S. Government agency notes   (62)   (206)
Municipal bonds   (2,238)   (4,548)
Mortgage-backed securities   (1,120)   (2,274)
Collateralized mortgage obligations   (291)   (613)
SBA pools   (7)   (13)
Total available-for-sale debt securities  $(3,782)  $(7,779)

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Salisbury’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Salisbury’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2014. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2014.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principle executive officer and principle financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Changes in Internal Controls

In addition, based on an evaluation of its internal controls over financial reporting, no change in Salisbury’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Salisbury’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Bank is involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of business. 

As previously disclosed, the Bank, individually and in its capacity as a former Co-Trustee of the Erling C. Christophersen Revocable Trust (the “Trust”), was named as a defendant in litigation filed in the Connecticut Complex Litigation Docket in Stamford, captioned John Christophersen v. Erling Christophersen, et al., X08-CV-08-5009597S (the “First Action”).  The Bank also was a counterclaim-defendant in related mortgage foreclosure litigation in the Connecticut Complex Litigation Docket in Stamford, captioned Salisbury Bank and Trust Company v. Erling C. Christophersen, et al., X08-CV-10-6005847-S (the “Foreclosure Action,” together with the First Action, the “Actions”).  The other parties to the Actions were John R. Christophersen; Erling C. Christophersen, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Trust; Bonnie Christophersen and Elena Dreiske, individually and as Co-Trustees of the Mildred B. Blount Testamentary Trust; People’s United Bank; Law Offices of Gary Oberst, P.C.; Rhoda Rudnick; and Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP.

The Actions involved a dispute over title to certain real property located in Westport, Connecticut that was conveyed by Erling Christophersen, as grantor, to the Trust on or about August 8, 2007.  Subsequent to this conveyance, the Bank loaned $3,386,609 to the Trust, which was secured by a commercial mortgage in favor of the Bank on the Westport property.  This mortgage is the subject of the Foreclosure Action brought by the Bank.

As previously disclosed, John R. Christophersen claimed an interest in the Westport real property transferred to the Trust and sought to quiet title to the property and to recover money damages from the defendants for the alleged wrongful divestiture of his claimed interest in the property.

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On June 25, 2012, the Bank and John R. Christophersen entered into a Settlement Agreement which resolved all differences between John R. Christophersen and the Bank, and resulted in the withdrawal (with prejudice) of the claims made by John R. Christophersen.  All claims against the Bank have been withdrawn and the Bank is no longer a defendant or counterclaim defendant in any litigation involving the Actions.  As an additional consequence of the Settlement Agreement, Bonnie Christophersen, Elena Dreiske and People’s United Bank are no longer parties to any of the litigation referenced above. 

On July 27, 2012, Erling Christophersen filed a Motion to Restore the First Action, and on October 15, 2012 filed a Motion to Stay the Foreclosure Action pending resolution of the Motion to Restore. The Bank opposed both motions. On February 1, 2013, the Court issued orders denying both motions. On February 14, 2013, Erling Christophersen appealed the orders denying his Motion to Restore the First Action, and Motion to Stay the Foreclosure Action. 

The Appellate Court dismissed the appeal of the Foreclosure Action in May 2013, and later denied Erling Christophersen’s motion for reconsideration of its decision.

The Bank continues to proceed in its Foreclosure Action against Erling Christophersen.  Erling Christophersen asserted two special defenses and set-off claims alleging (1) that the Bank failed to defend the title claims against the properties, and (2) that the Bank took certain trustee fees without approval. The Bank moved to strike the special defenses and set off claims. In a decision issued on November 6, 2013, the court granted the motion to strike as to the second special defense and set off, but denied the motion as to the first special defense and set off. Trial began on February 4, 2014, and concluded on February 14, 2014. Post-trial briefs are due in mid-April, 2014, and a decision is expected thereafter.

Erling Christophersen’s appeal of the order denying his Motion to Restore the First Action remains pending, and was heard by the Appellate Court on March 10, 2014. The Court has now taken the matter under advisement and next it will write an opinion disposing of the appeal. 

There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incident to the registrant’s business, to which Salisbury is a party or of which any of its property is subject.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
  Not applicable

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
  None

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
  None

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
  Not applicable

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
  None

Item 6. EXHIBITS

2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Salisbury Bancorp, Inc., Salisbury Bank and Trust Company and Riverside Bank dated March 18, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2014).

10.14Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2014).

31.1Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

31.2Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

32.Section 1350 Certifications

 

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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.

 

    SALISBURY BANCORP, INC.
     
May 13, 2014 by:   /s/ Richard J. Cantele, Jr.
    Richard J. Cantele, Jr.,
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
May 13, 2014 by:   /s/ Donald E. White
    Donald E. White
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

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