10-Q 1 tv531883-10q.htm FORM 10-Q tv531883-10q - none - 13.301292s
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019
☐   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 0-11204
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania
25-1424278
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Main & Franklin Streets,
P.O. Box 430, Johnstown, PA
15907-0430
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (814) 533-5300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title Of Each Class
Trading
Symbol
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock
ASRV
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
8.45% Beneficial Unsecured Securities, Series A
(AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I)
ASRVP
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of  “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☒ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding at November 1, 2019
Common Stock, par value $0.01
17,138,632

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
INDEX
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
32
49
49
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
50
50
50
50
50
50
51
i

Item 1.   Financial Statements
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
   
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except shares)
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
ASSETS
Cash and due from depository institutions
$ 27,087 $ 27,970
Interest bearing deposits
2,884 2,740
Short-term investments in money market funds
3,155 4,184
Total cash and cash equivalents
33,126 34,894
Investment securities:
Available for sale, at fair value
143,400 146,731
Held to maturity (fair value $40,813 on September 30, 2019 and $40,324 on December 31, 2018)
39,299 40,760
Loans held for sale
5,949 847
Loans
869,529 862,604
Less: Unearned income
396 322
Allowance for loan losses
8,345 8,671
Net loans
860,788 853,611
Premises and equipment:
Operating lease right-of-use asset
868
Financing lease right-of-use asset
3,143
Other premises and equipment, net
14,798 13,348
Accrued interest income receivable
3,765 3,489
Goodwill
11,944 11,944
Bank owned life insurance
38,784 38,395
Net deferred tax asset
3,578 3,637
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
3,630 4,520
Federal Reserve Bank stock
2,125 2,125
Other assets
6,229 6,379
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 1,171,426 $ 1,160,680
LIABILITIES
Non-interest bearing deposits
$ 144,567 $ 150,627
Interest bearing deposits
825,422 798,544
Total deposits
969,989 949,171
Short-term borrowings
11,275 41,029
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
55,630 46,721
Operating lease liabilities
886
Financing lease liabilities
3,210
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, net
12,951 12,939
Subordinated debt, net
7,505 7,488
Total borrowed funds
91,457 108,177
Other liabilities
7,520 5,355
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,068,966 1,062,703
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 26,648,728 shares issued and 17,146,714 shares outstanding on September 30, 2019; 26,609,811 shares issued and 17,619,303 shares outstanding on December 31, 2018
266 266
Treasury stock at cost, 9,502,014 shares on September 30, 2019 and 8,990,508 shares on December 31, 2018
(82,745) (80,579)
Capital surplus
145,884 145,782
Retained earnings
50,876 46,733
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(11,821) (14,225)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
102,460 97,977
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 1,171,426 $ 1,160,680
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
1

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans
$ 10,737 $ 10,607 $ 32,149 $ 30,550
Interest bearing deposits
6 5 19 14
Short-term investments in money market funds
84 60 212 150
Investment securities:
Available for sale
1,265 1,144 3,898 3,274
Held to maturity
341 333 1,084 981
Total Interest Income
12,433 12,149 37,362 34,969
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits
2,895 2,164 8,492 5,918
Short-term borrowings
38 267 276 529
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
297 199 793 577
Financing lease liabilities
29 88
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
280 280 841 840
Subordinated debt
130 130 390 390
Total Interest Expense
3,669 3,040 10,880 8,254
NET INTEREST INCOME
8,764 9,109 26,482 26,715
Provision (credit) for loan losses
225 (175) 100
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR LOAN
LOSSES
8,539 9,109 26,657 26,615
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Wealth management fees
2,431 2,359 7,246 7,232
Service charges on deposit accounts
321 326 948 1,066
Net gains on sale of loans
405 176 574 393
Mortgage related fees
97 54 218 165
Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities
88 118 (148)
Bank owned life insurance
131 135 388 400
Other income
622 536 1,865 1,794
Total Non-Interest Income
4,095 3,586 11,357 10,902
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits
6,324 5,815 18,973 18,126
Net occupancy expense
599 585 1,879 1,866
Equipment expense
333 335 1,081 1,104
Professional fees
1,276 1,321 3,645 3,757
Supplies, postage and freight
142 159 455 491
Miscellaneous taxes and insurance
280 258 851 797
Federal deposit insurance expense
- 140 160 457
Other expense
1,549 1,483 4,208 3,901
Total Non-Interest Expense
10,503 10,096 31,252 30,499
PRETAX INCOME
2,131 2,599 6,762 7,018
Provision for income tax expense
442 270 1,403 1,178
NET INCOME
1,689 2,329 5,359 5,840
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
Basic:
Net income
$ 0.10 $ 0.13 $ 0.31 $ 0.32
Average number of shares outstanding
17,278 17,924 17,443 18,013
Diluted:
Net income
$ 0.10 $ 0.13 $ 0.31 $ 0.32
Average number of shares outstanding
17,360 18,036 17,524 18,117
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
2

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income
$ 1,689 $ 2,329 $ 5,359 $ 5,840
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Pension obligation change for defined benefit plan
403 390 (1,030) 1,824
Income tax effect
(85) (82) 216 (383)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities arising during period
608 (919) 4,191 (3,409)
Income tax effect
(128) 193 (880) 716
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on available for sale securities included in net income
(88) (118) 148
Income tax effect
19 25 (31)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
729 (418) 2,404 (1,135)
Comprehensive income
$ 2,418 $ 1,911 $ 7,763 $ 4,705
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
COMMON STOCK
Balance at beginning of period
266 266 266 266
New common shares issued for exercise of stock options
Balance at end of period
266 266 266 266
TREASURY STOCK
Balance at beginning of period
(81,741) (78,678) (80,579) (78,233)
Treasury stock, purchased at cost (237,641 and 279,679
shares for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and
2018, respectively and 511,506 and 385,342 shares for the
nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018,
respectively)
(1,004) (1,263) (2,166) (1,708)
Balance at end of period
(82,745) (79,941) (82,745) (79,941)
CAPITAL SURPLUS
Balance at beginning of period
145,883 145,771 145,782 145,707
New common shares issued for exercise of stock options (2,300 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 38,917 and 24,408 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively)
5 96 61
Stock option expense
1 3 6 11
Balance at end of period
145,884 145,779 145,884 145,779
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period
49,618 43,191 46,733 40,312
Net income
1,689 2,329 5,359 5,840
Cash dividend declared on common stock ($0.025 and
$0.020 per share for the three months ended
September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and $0.070 and
$0.055 per share for the nine months ended September 30,
2019 and 2018, respectively)
(431) (360) (1,216) (992)
Balance at end of period
50,876 45,160 50,876 45,160
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET
Balance at beginning of period
(12,550) (13,667) (14,225) (12,950)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
729 (418) 2,404 (1,135)
Balance at end of period
(11,821) (14,085) (11,821) (14,085)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 102,460 $ 97,179 $ 102,460 $ 97,179
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
$ 5,359 $ 5,840
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision (credit) for loan losses
(175) 100
Depreciation and amortization expense
1,360 1,149
Net amortization of investment securities
203 273
Net realized (gains) losses on investment securities – available for sale
(118) 148
Net gains on loans held for sale
(574) (393)
Amortization of deferred loan fees
(91) (115)
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
(28,232) (23,361)
Sales of mortgage loans held for sale
23,704 25,838
Increase in accrued interest receivable
(276) (404)
Increase in accrued interest payable
307 366
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
(388) (400)
Deferred income taxes
623 249
Stock compensation expense
6 11
Net change in operating leases
(46)
Other, net
(323) (5,534)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,339 3,767
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of investment securities – available for sale
(11,701) (30,371)
Purchase of investment securities – held to maturity
(1,000) (3,405)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities – available for sale
3,374 4,479
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities – available for sale
15,704 12,662
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities – held to maturity
2,403 3,417
Purchase of regulatory stock
(11,254) (14,193)
Proceeds from redemption of regulatory stock
12,144 13,858
Long-term loans originated
(139,551) (124,519)
Principal collected on long-term loans
151,752 139,836
Loan participations purchased
(23,792) (11,443)
Loan participations sold
4,605 1,500
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
198 34
Purchase of premises and equipment
(2,550) (691)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
332 (8,836)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in deposit balances
20,818 (3,732)
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
(29,754) 12,170
Principal borrowings on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
16,909 6,316
Principal repayments on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
(8,000) (10,000)
Principal payments on financing lease liabilities
(126)
Stock options exercised
96 61
Purchase of treasury stock
(2,166) (1,708)
Common stock dividends
(1,216) (992)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(3,439) 2,115
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(1,768) (2,954)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1
34,894 34,188
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT SEPTEMBER 30
$ 33,126 $ 31,234
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank), AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (the Trust Company), and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life). The Bank is a Pennsylvania state-chartered full service bank with 15 locations in Pennsylvania and 1 location in Maryland. The Trust Company offers a complete range of trust and financial services and administers assets valued at $2.1 billion that are not reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019. AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company that engages in underwriting as a reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance.
In addition, the Parent Company is an administrative group that provides support in such areas as audit, finance, investments, loan review, general services, and marketing. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
2.
Basis of Preparation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring entries considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. They are not, however, necessarily indicative of the results of consolidated operations for a full-year.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
3.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. This Update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The underlying premise of the Update is that financial assets measured at amortized cost should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. The income statement will be affected for the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. With certain exceptions, transition to the new requirements will be through a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted.
On October 16, 2019, the FASB voted to defer the effective date for ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, for smaller reporting companies (as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The final ASU is expected to be issued in mid-November. The Company, as a smaller reporting company, continues to evaluate the impact that the Update will have on our consolidated financial statements. We are currently working with an industry leading third-party consultant and software provider to assist us in the implementation of this standard. We expect to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements. The overall impact of the amendment will be affected by the portfolio composition and quality at the adoption date as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time.
6

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4.
Adoption of Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. A short-term lease is defined as one in which (a) the lease term is 12 months or less and (b) there is not an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. For short-term leases, lessees may elect to recognize lease payments over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Additionally, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) — Targeted Improvements, which, among other things, provides an additional transition method that would allow entities to not apply the guidance in ASU 2016-02 in the comparative periods presented in the financial statements and instead recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and its related amendments as of January 1, 2019, which resulted in the recognition of operating and financing right-of-use assets totaling $932,000 and $3.3 million, respectively, as well as operating and financing lease liabilities totaling $932,000 and $3.3 million, respectively. The Company elected to adopt the transition relief provisions from ASU 2018-11 and recorded the impact of adoption as of January 1, 2019, without restating any prior-year amounts or disclosures. The related policy elections made by the Company and the additional lease disclosures can be found in Note 13. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings required.
5.
Revenue Recognition
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers — Topic 606, requires the Company to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at the time the transfer of goods or services takes place. Management has determined that the primary sources of revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest and fee income on loans and interest on investments, along with certain noninterest revenue sources including net realized gains (losses) on investment securities, mortgage related fees, net gains on loans held for sale, and bank owned life insurance are not within the scope of Topic 606. These sources of revenue cumulatively comprise 80.5% of the total revenue of the Company.
Noninterest income within the scope of Topic 606 are as follows:

Wealth management fees — Wealth management fee income is primarily comprised of fees earned from the management and administration of trusts and customer investment portfolios. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over a period of time and the resulting fees are billed monthly or quarterly, based upon the month end market value of the assets under management. Payment is generally received after month end through a direct charge to customers’ accounts. Other performance obligations (such as delivery of account statements to customers) are generally considered immaterial to the overall transactions price. Commissions on transactions are recognized on a trade-date basis as the performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time in which the trade is processed. Also included within wealth management fees are commissions from the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance products. Commissions on the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance products are recognized when sold, which is when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation.

Service charges on deposit accounts — The Company has contracts with its deposit account customers where fees are charged for certain items or services. Service charges include account analysis fees, monthly service fees, overdraft fees, and other deposit account related fees. Revenue related to account analysis fees and service fees is recognized on a monthly basis as the Company has an unconditional right to the fee consideration. Fees attributable to specific performance obligations of the Company (i.e. overdraft fees, etc.) are recognized at a defined point in time based on completion of the requested service or transaction.
7

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other noninterest income — Other noninterest income consists of other recurring revenue streams such as safe deposit box rental fees, gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned and other miscellaneous revenue streams. Safe deposit box rental fees are charged to the customer on an annual basis and recognized when billed. However, if the safe deposit box rental fee is prepaid (i.e. paid prior to issuance of annual bill), the revenue is recognized upon receipt of payment. The Company has determined that since rentals and renewals occur consistently over time, revenue is recognized on a basis consistent with the duration of the performance obligation. Gains and losses on the sale of other real estate owned are recognized at the completion of the property sale when the buyer obtains control of the real estate and all the performance obligations of the Company have been satisfied.
The following presents noninterest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
Noninterest income:
In-scope of Topic 606
Wealth management fees
$ 2,431 $ 2,359 $ 7,246 $ 7,232
Service charges on deposit accounts
321 326 948 1,066
Other
471 439 1,325 1,291
Noninterest income (in-scope of topic 606)
3,223 3,124 9,519 9,589
Noninterest income (out-of-scope of topic 606)
872 462 1,838 1,313
Total noninterest income
$ 4,095 $ 3,586 $ 11,357 $ 10,902
6.
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share include only the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the weighted average common shares outstanding and any potentially dilutive common stock equivalent shares in the calculation. Treasury shares are excluded for earnings per share purposes. For the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2019, options to purchase 12,000 common shares, with an exercise price of  $4.19 to $4.22, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would be antidilutive. There were no antidilutive securities during either period of 2018.
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income
$ 1,689 $ 2,329 $ 5,359 $ 5,840
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)
17,278 17,924 17,443 18,013
Effect of stock options
82 112 81 104
Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)
17,360 18,036 17,524 18,117
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$ 0.10 $ 0.13 $ 0.31 $ 0.32
Diluted
0.10 0.13 0.31 0.32
8

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from depository institutions, interest-bearing deposits and short-term investments in money market funds with original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company made $785,000 in income tax payments in the first nine months of 2019 and $875,000 in the same 2018 period. The Company made total interest payments of  $10,573,000 in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $7,888,000 in the same 2018 period. The Company had $75,000 non-cash transfers to other real estate owned (OREO) in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $166,000 non-cash transfers in the same 2018 period. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) as of January 1, 2019, the Company had non-cash transactions associated with the recognition of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Specifically, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability of  $932,000 related to operating leases and a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $3.3 million related to financing leases.
8.
Investment Securities
The cost basis and fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Investment securities available for sale (AFS):
September 30, 2019
Cost
Basis
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
US Agency
$ 6,209 $ 71 $ $ 6,280
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
83,830 1,760 (100) 85,490
Municipal
13,781 642 (8) 14,415
Corporate bonds
37,290 317 (392) 37,215
Total
$ 141,110 $ 2,790 $ (500) $ 143,400
Investment securities held to maturity (HTM):
September 30, 2019
Cost
Basis
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
$ 9,061 $ 277 $ (6) $ 9,332
Municipal
24,205 1,259 (42) 25,422
Corporate bonds and other securities
6,033 62 (36) 6,059
Total
$ 39,299 $ 1,598 $ (84) $ 40,813
Investment securities available for sale (AFS):
December 31, 2018
Cost
Basis
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
US Agency
$ 7,685 $ 4 $ (160) $ 7,529
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
90,169 516 (1,158) 89,527
Municipal
13,301 114 (234) 13,181
Corporate bonds
37,359 131 (996) 36,494
Total
$ 148,514 $ 765 $ (2,548) $ 146,731
9

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investment securities held to maturity (HTM):
December 31, 2018
Cost
Basis
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
$ 9,983 $ 78 $ (132) $ 9,929
Municipal
24,740 131 (404) 24,467
Corporate bonds and other securities
6,037 13 (122) 5,928
Total
$ 40,760 $ 222 $ (658) $ 40,324
Maintaining investment quality is a primary objective of the Company’s investment policy which, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits the purchase of any investment security below a Moody’s Investor’s Service or Standard & Poor’s rating of  “A.” At September 30, 2019, 55.6% of the portfolio was rated “AAA”as compared to 57.5% at December 31, 2018. Approximately 9.1% of the portfolio was either rated below “A” or unrated at September 30, 2019 as compared to 10.0% at December 31, 2018.
The Company sold $2.8 million AFS securities in the third quarter of 2019 resulting in $88,000 of gross investment security gains and sold $3.4 million AFS securities in the first nine months of 2019 resulting in $118,000 of gross investment security gains. The Company sold no AFS securities during the third quarter of 2018. Total proceeds from the sale of AFS securities for the first nine months of 2018 were $4.5 million resulting in $15,000 of gross investment security gains and $163,000 of gross investment security losses.
The carrying value of securities, both available for sale and held to maturity, pledged to secure public and trust deposits was $126,815,000 at September 30, 2019 and $115,536,000 at December 31, 2018.
The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Total investment securities:
September 30, 2019
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
US Agency
$ $ $ $ $ $
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
4,602 (20) 10,804 (86) 15,406 (106)
Municipal
943 (3) 1,130 (47) 2,073 (50)
Corporate bonds and other securities
3,051 (31) 16,145 (397) 19,196 (428)
Total
$ 8,596 $ (54) $ 28,079 $ (530) $ 36,675 $ (584)
Total investment securities:
December 31, 2018
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
US Agency
$ 244 $ (6) $ 5,631 $ (154) $ 5,875 $ (160)
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
17,718 (177) 39,983 (1,113) 57,701 (1,290)
Municipal
6,601 (71) 15,880 (567) 22,481 (638)
Corporate bonds and other securities
15,221 (440) 17,038 (678) 32,259 (1,118)
Total
$ 39,784 $ (694) $ 78,532 $ (2,512) $ 118,316 $ (3,206)
10

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. There are 51 positions that are considered temporarily impaired at September 30, 2019. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value or mature.
Contractual maturities of securities at September 30, 2019 are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. The weighted average duration of the total investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2019 is 35.1 months and is lower than the duration at December 31, 2018 which was 44.1 months. The duration remains within our internal established guideline range of 24 to 60 months which we believe is appropriate to maintain proper levels of liquidity, interest rate risk, market valuation sensitivity and profitability.
Total investment securities:
September 30, 2019
Available for sale
Held to maturity
Cost
Basis
Fair
Value
Cost
Basis
Fair
Value
Within 1 year
$ 2,500 $ 2,506 $ $
After 1 year but within 5 years
21,374 21,485 6,516 6,565
After 5 years but within 10 years
40,360 41,005 19,662 20,618
After 10 years but within15 years
24,722 25,248 8,085 8,481
Over 15 years
52,154 53,156 5,036 5,149
Total
$ 141,110 $ 143,400 $ 39,299 $ 40,813
As of September 30, 2019, the Company reported $354,000 of equity securities within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These equity securities are held within a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which a select group of executives of the Company can participate. An eligible executive can defer a certain percentage of their current salary to be placed into the plan and held within a rabbi trust. The assets of the rabbi trust are invested in various publicly listed mutual funds. The gain or loss on the equity securities (both realized and unrealized) is reported within Other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2019, the Company recorded a realized gain of  $9,000 and an unrealized gain of  $3,000 on these equity securities. Additionally, the Company has recognized a deferred compensation liability, which is equal to the balance of the equity securities and is reported within Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
9.
Loans
The loan portfolio of the Company consists of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial
$ 163,385 $ 158,279
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real estate
82,378 91,905
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
367,045 356,543
Real estate – residential mortgage
238,140 237,964
Consumer
18,185 17,591
Loans, net of unearned income
$ 869,133 $ 862,282
11

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Loan balances at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are net of unearned income of  $396,000 and $322,000, respectively. Real estate-construction loans comprised 4.4% and 3.5% of total loans, net of unearned income at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
10.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The following tables summarize the rollforward of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Balance at
June 30, 2019
Charge-
Offs
Recoveries
Provision
(Credit)
Balance at
September 30, 2019
Commercial
$ 2,538 $ (1) $ 8 $ 464 $ 3,009
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
3,425 12 (81) 3,356
Real estate – residential mortgage
1,218 25 (46) 1,197
Consumer
124 (36) 10 28 126
Allocation for general risk
797 (140) 657
Total
$ 8,102 $ (37) $ 55 $ 225 $ 8,345
Three months ended September 30, 2018
Balance at
June 30, 2018
Charge-
Offs
Recoveries
Provision
(Credit)
Balance at
September 30, 2018
Commercial
$ 3,566 $ $ 17 $ 175 $ 3,758
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
3,686 12 (310) 3,388
Real estate – residential mortgage
1,253 (123) 34 75 1,239
Consumer
125 (29) 7 25 128
Allocation for general risk
891 35 926
Total
$ 9,521 $ (152) $ 70 $ $ 9,439
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Balance at
December 31, 2018
Charge-
Offs
Recoveries
Provision
(Credit)
Balance at
September 30, 2019
Commercial
$ 3,057 $ (1) $ 13 $ (60) $ 3,009
Commercial loans secured by non-owner
occupied real estate
3,389 (63) 36 (6) 3,356
Real estate – residential mortgage
1,235 (71) 101 (68) 1,197
Consumer
127 (206) 40 165 126
Allocation for general risk
863 (206) 657
Total
$ 8,671 $ (341) $ 190 $ (175) $ 8,345
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Balance at
December 31, 2017
Charge-
Offs
Recoveries
Provision
(Credit)
Balance at
September 30, 2018
Commercial
$ 4,298 $ (574) $ 29 $ 5 $ 3,758
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
3,666 38 (316) 3,388
Real estate – residential mortgage
1,102 (340) 111 366 1,239
Consumer
128 (181) 42 139 128
Allocation for general risk
1,020 (94) 926
Total
$ 10,214 $ (1,095) $ 220 $ 100 $ 9,439
12

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of  $225,000 in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to a zero provision recorded in the third quarter of 2018. For the first nine months of 2019, the Company recorded a $175,000 loan loss provision recovery compared to a $100,000 provision expense recorded in the first nine months of 2018. The 2019 provision recovery reflects our overall strong asset quality, limited loan growth, and low level of net loan charge-offs. For the first nine months of 2019, the Company experienced net loan charge-offs of only $151,000, or 0.02% of total loans, compared to net loan charge-offs of  $875,000, or 0.13% of total loans, in the first nine months of 2018. Overall, the Company continued to maintain outstanding asset quality as its non-performing assets totaled $2.0 million, or only 0.22% of total loans, at September 30, 2019. The allowance for loan losses provided 426% coverage of non-performing assets, and 0.95% of total loans, at September 30, 2019, compared to 629% coverage of non-performing assets, and 1.00% of total loans, at December 31, 2018.
The following tables summarize the loan portfolio and allowance for loan loss by the primary segments of the loan portfolio (in thousands).
At September 30, 2019
Commercial
Commercial Loans
Secured by Non-Owner
Occupied Real Estate
Real Estate-
Residential
Mortgage
Consumer
Allocation for
General Risk
Total
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment
$ 820 $ 9 $ $ $ 829
Collectively evaluated for impairment
244,943 367,036 238,140 18,185 868,304
Total loans
$ 245,763 $ 367,045 $ 238,140 $ 18,185 $ 869,133
Allowance for loan losses:
Specific reserve allocation
$ 87 $ 9 $ $ $ $ 96
General reserve allocation
2,922 3,347 1,197 126 657 8,249
Total allowance for loan losses
$ 3,009 $ 3,356 $ 1,197 $ 126 $ 657 $ 8,345
At December 31, 2018
Commercial
Commercial Loans
Secured by Non-Owner
Occupied Real Estate
Real Estate-
Residential
Mortgage
Consumer
Allocation for
General Risk
Total
Loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment
$ $ 11 $ $ $ 11
Collectively evaluated for impairment
250,184 356,532 237,964 17,591 862,271
Total loans
$ 250,184 $ 356,543 $ 237,964 $ 17,591 $ 862,282
Allowance for loan losses:
Specific reserve allocation
$ $ 11 $ $ $ $ 11
General reserve allocation
3,057 3,378 1,235 127 863 8,660
Total allowance for loan losses
$ 3,057 $ 3,389 $ 1,235 $ 127 $ 863 $ 8,671
The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated into classes that allows management to monitor risk and performance. The loan classes used are consistent with the internal reports evaluated by the Company’s management and Board of Directors to monitor risk and performance within various segments of its loan portfolio. The commercial loan segment includes both the commercial and industrial
13

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
and the owner occupied commercial real estate loan classes while the remaining segments are not separated into classes as management monitors risk in these loans at the segment level. The residential mortgage loan segment is comprised of first lien amortizing residential mortgage loans and home equity loans secured by residential real estate. The consumer loan segment consists primarily of installment loans and overdraft lines of credit connected with customer deposit accounts.
Management evaluates for possible impairment any individual loan in the commercial or commercial real estate segment with a loan balance in excess of  $100,000 that is in nonaccrual status or classified as a Troubled Debt Restructure (TDR). Loans are considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Company does not separately evaluate individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment, unless such loans are part of a larger relationship that is impaired, or are classified as a TDR.
Once the determination has been made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of three methods: (a) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. The method is selected on a loan-by-loan basis, with management primarily utilizing the fair value of collateral method. The evaluation of the need and amount of a specific allocation of the allowance and whether a loan can be removed from impairment status is made on a quarterly basis. The Company’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition.
The need for an updated appraisal on collateral dependent loans is determined on a case-by-case basis. The useful life of an appraisal or evaluation will vary depending upon the circumstances of the property and the economic conditions in the marketplace. A new appraisal is not required if there is an existing appraisal which, along with other information, is sufficient to determine a reasonable value for the property and to support an appropriate and adequate allowance for loan losses. At a minimum, annual documented reevaluation of the property is completed by the Bank’s internal Assigned Risk Department to support the value of the property.
When reviewing an appraisal associated with an existing real estate collateral dependent transaction, the Bank’s internal Assigned Risk Department must determine if there have been material changes to the underlying assumptions in the appraisal which affect the original estimate of value. Some of the factors that could cause material changes to reported values include:

the passage of time;

the volatility of the local market;

the availability of financing;

natural disasters;

the inventory of competing properties;

new improvements to, or lack of maintenance of, the subject property or competing properties upon physical inspection by the Bank;
14

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

changes in underlying economic and market assumptions, such as material changes in current and projected vacancy, absorption rates, capitalization rates, lease terms, rental rates, sales prices, concessions, construction overruns and delays, zoning changes, etc.; and/or

environmental contamination.
The value of the property is adjusted to appropriately reflect the above listed factors and the value is discounted to reflect the value impact of a forced or distressed sale, any outstanding senior liens, any outstanding unpaid real estate taxes, transfer taxes and closing costs that would occur with sale of the real estate. If the Assigned Risk Department personnel determine that a reasonable value cannot be derived based on available information, a new appraisal is ordered. The determination of the need for a new appraisal, versus completion of a property valuation by the Bank’s Assigned Risk Department personnel rests with the Assigned Risk Department and not the originating account officer.
The following tables present impaired loans by portfolio segment, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary (in thousands).
September 30, 2019
Impaired Loans with
Specific Allowance
Impaired Loans with
no Specific Allowance
Total Impaired Loans
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Commercial
$ 820 $ 87 $ $ 820 $ 820
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
9 9 9 31
Total impaired loans
$ 829 $ 96 $ $ 829 $ 851
December 31, 2018
Impaired Loans with
Specific Allowance
Impaired Loans with
no Specific Allowance
Total Impaired Loans
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
$ 11 $ 11 $ $ 11 $ 33
Total impaired loans
$ 11 $ 11 $ $ 11 $ 33
The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and related interest income recognized for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
Average loan balance:
Commercial
$ 785 $ $ 393 $ 532
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
10 12 10 146
Average investment in impaired loans
$ 795 $ 12 $ 403 $ 678
Interest income recognized:
Commercial
$ 13 $ $ 17 $
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans
$ 13 $ $ 17 $
15

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management uses a nine-point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized. The first five “Pass” categories are aggregated, while the Pass-6, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful categories are disaggregated to separate pools. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are potentially weak, resulting in an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a Substandard classification. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due, or for which any portion of the loan represents a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses are placed in Substandard or Doubtful.
To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Company has a structured loan rating process, which dictates that, at a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of  $1,000,000 within a 12-month period. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, delinquency, or death occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Company’s commercial relationship managers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis. Risk ratings are assigned by the account officer, but require independent review and rating concurrence from the Company’s internal Loan Review Department. The Loan Review Department is an experienced, independent function which reports directly to the Board’s Audit Committee. The scope of commercial portfolio coverage by the Loan Review Department is defined and presented to the Audit Committee for approval on an annual basis. The approved scope of coverage for 2019 requires review of a minimum range of 50% to 55% of the commercial loan portfolio.
In addition to loan monitoring by the account officer and Loan Review Department, the Company also requires presentation of all credits rated Pass-6 with aggregate balances greater than $2,000,000, all credits rated Special Mention or Substandard with aggregate balances greater than $250,000, and all credits rated Doubtful with aggregate balances greater than $100,000 on an individual basis to the Company’s Loan Loss Reserve Committee on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Asset Quality Task Force, which is a group comprised of senior level personnel, meets monthly to monitor the status of problem loans.
The following table presents the classes of the commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system (in thousands).
September 30, 2019
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Commercial and industrial
$ 150,113 $ 9,640 $ 3,632 $ $ 163,385
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real
estate
79,601 1,422 1,355 82,378
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied
real estate
360,732 4,684 1,620 9 367,045
Total
$ 590,446 $ 15,746 $ 6,607 $ 9 $ 612,808
16

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2018
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Commercial and industrial
$ 154,510 $ 2,089 $ 1,680 $ $ 158,279
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real
estate
86,997 3,769 1,139 91,905
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied
real estate
349,954 6,316 262 11 356,543
Total
$ 591,461 $ 12,174 $ 3,081 $ 11 $ 606,727
It is generally the policy of the Bank that the outstanding balance of any residential mortgage loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is transferred to non-accrual status and an evaluation is completed to determine the fair value of the collateral less selling costs, unless the balance is minor. A charge down is recorded for any deficiency balance determined from the collateral evaluation. The remaining non-accrual balance is reported as impaired with no specific allowance. It is generally the policy of the Bank that the outstanding balance of any consumer loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is charged off. The following tables present the performing and non-performing outstanding balances of the residential and consumer portfolio classes (in thousands).
September 30, 2019
Performing
Non-Performing
Real estate – residential mortgage
$ 237,069 $ 1,071
Consumer
18,185
Total
$ 255,254 $ 1,071
December 31, 2018
Performing
Non-Performing
Real estate – residential mortgage
$ 236,754 $ 1,210
Consumer
17,591
Total
$ 254,345 $ 1,210
Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans (in thousands).
September 30, 2019
Current
30 – 59
Days
Past Due
60 – 89
Days
Past Due
90 Days
Past Due
Total
Past Due
Total
Loans
90 Days
Past Due
and Still
Accruing
Commercial and industrial
$ 163,385 $ $ $ $ $ 163,385 $
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real estate
82,378 82,378
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate 
367,045 367,045
Real estate – residential mortgage 
234,832 1,892 983 433 3,308 238,140
Consumer
18,120 45 20 65 18,185
Total
$ 865,760 $ 1,937 $ 1,003 $ 433 $ 3,373 $ 869,133 $
17

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2018
Current
30 – 59
Days
Past Due
60 – 89
Days
Past Due
90 Days
Past Due
Total
Past Due
Total
Loans
90 Days
Past Due
and Still
Accruing
Commercial and industrial
$ 158,279 $ $ $ $ $ 158,279 $
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real estate
91,905 91,905
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
355,963 580 580 356,543
Real estate – residential mortgage
232,465 3,651 472 1,376 5,499 237,964
Consumer
17,408 153 30 183 17,591
Total
$ 856,020 $ 4,384 $ 502 $ 1,376 $ 6,262 $ 862,282 $
An allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained to support loan growth and cover charge-offs from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the risk characteristics and credit quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.
Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are analyzed with general allowances being made as appropriate. For general allowances, historical loss trends are used in the estimation of losses in the current portfolio. These historical loss amounts are complemented by consideration of other qualitative factors.
Management tracks the historical net charge-off activity at each risk rating grade level for the entire commercial portfolio and at the aggregate level for the consumer, residential mortgage and small business portfolios. A historical charge-off factor is calculated utilizing a rolling 12 consecutive historical quarters for the commercial portfolios. This historical charge-off factor for the consumer, residential mortgage and small business portfolios are based on a three-year historical average of actual loss experience.
The Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an ALL to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The allowance consists of three elements: 1) an allowance established on specifically identified problem loans, 2) formula driven general reserves established for loan categories based upon historical loss experience and other qualitative factors which include delinquency, non-performing and TDR loans, loan trends, economic trends, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies, and trends in policy, financial information, and documentation exceptions, and 3) a general risk reserve which provides support for variance from our assessment of the previously listed qualitative factors, provides protection against credit risks resulting from other inherent risk factors contained in the Company’s loan portfolio, and recognizes the model and estimation risk associated with the specific and formula driven allowances. The qualitative factors used in the formula driven general reserves are evaluated quarterly (and revised if necessary) by the Company’s management to establish allocations which accommodate each of the listed risk factors.
“Pass” rated credits are segregated from “Criticized” and “Classified” credits for the application of qualitative factors.
Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged off against the ALL.
18

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11.
Non-Performing Assets Including Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDR)
The following table presents information concerning non-performing assets including TDR (in thousands, except percentages):
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Non-accrual loans
Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate
$ 9 $ 11
Real estate – residential mortgage
1,071 1,210
Total
1,080 1,221
Other real estate owned
Commercial loans secured by owner occupied real estate
157
Real estate – residential mortgage
57
Total
57 157
TDR’s not in non-accrual
Commercial and industrial
820
Total
820
Total non-performing assets including TDR
$ 1,957 $ 1,378
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned
0.22% 0.16%
The Company had no loans past due 90 days or more for the periods presented which were accruing interest.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (2) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (3) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans (in thousands).
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
Interest income due in accordance
with original terms
$ 14 $ 12 $ 43 $ 61
Interest income recorded
Net reduction in interest income
$ 14 $ 12 $ 43 $ 61
Consistent with accounting and regulatory guidance, the Bank recognizes a TDR when the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that would not normally be considered. Regardless of the form of concession granted, the Bank’s objective in offering a TDR is to increase the probability of repayment of the borrower’s loan.
19

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table details the loan modified as a TDR during the three month period ended September 30, 2019 (dollars in thousands).
Loans in accrual status
# of Loans
Current Balance
Concession Granted
Commercial and industrial
1 $ 70 Extension of maturity date with
a below market interest rate
The following table details the loans modified as TDR’s during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 (dollars in thousands).
Loans in accrual status
# of Loans
Current Balance
Concession Granted
Commercial and industrial
2 $ 820 Extension of maturity date with
a below market interest rate
The Company had no loans modified as TDR’s during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2018.
All TDR’s are individually evaluated for impairment and a related allowance is recorded, as needed. The specific ALL reserve for loans modified as TDR’s was $96,000 and $11,000 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
The Company had no loans that were classified as TDR’s or were subsequently modified during each 12-month period prior to the current reporting periods, which begin January 1, 2018 and 2017 (nine month periods) and July 1, 2018 and 2017 (three month periods), respectively, and that subsequently defaulted during these reporting periods.
The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above.
12.
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings
Total Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings and advances consist of the following (in thousands, except percentages):
At September 30, 2019
Type
Maturing
Amount
Weighted
Average Rate
Open Repo Plus
Overnight
$ 11,275 2.08%
Advances
2019
7,580 1.89
2020
17,729 1.75
2021
9,496 2.28
2022
14,257 2.37
2023
5,568 2.48
2024 and over
1,000 2.26
Total advances
55,630 2.10
Total FHLB borrowings
$ 66,905 2.10%
20

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At December 31, 2018
Type
Maturing
Amount
Weighted
Average Rate
Open Repo Plus
Overnight
$ 41,029 2.62%
Advances
2019
12,500 1.51
2020
16,729 1.74
2021
9,496 2.28
2022
6,996 2.86
2023
1,000 2.86
Total advances
46,721 1.98
Total FHLB borrowings
$ 87,750 2.28%
The rate on Open Repo Plus advances can change daily, while the rates on the advances are fixed until the maturity of the advance. All FHLB stock along with an interest in certain residential mortgage, commercial real estate, and commercial and industrial loans with an aggregate statutory value equal to the amount of the advances are pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Pittsburgh to support these borrowings.
13.
Lease Commitments
Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), the Company completed a comprehensive review and analysis of all its property and equipment contracts. As a result of this review, it was determined that the Company leases eight office locations under both operating and financing leases and one copy machine under a short-term lease. Several assumptions and judgments were made when applying the requirements of Topic 842 to the Company’s existing lease commitments, including the allocation of consideration in the contracts between lease and nonlease components, determination of the lease term, and determination of the discount rate used in calculating the present value of the lease payments.
The Company has elected to account for the variable nonlease components, such as common area maintenance charges, utilities, real estate taxes, and insurance, separately from the lease component. Such variable nonlease components are reported in net occupancy expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations when paid. These variable nonlease components were excluded from the calculation of the present value of the remaining lease payments, therefore, they are not included in the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table presents the lease cost associated with both operating and financing leases for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2019 (in thousands). Total rent expense recorded during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 was $102,000 and $318,000, respectively.
Three months ended
September 30, 2019
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
Lease cost
Financing lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use asset
$ 64 $ 193
Interest expense
29 88
Operating lease cost
29 87
Total lease cost
$ 122 $ 368
Certain of the Company’s leases contain options to renew the lease after the initial term. Management considers the Company’s historical pattern of exercising renewal options on leases and the performance of the leased locations, when determining whether it is reasonably certain that the leases will be renewed. If management concludes that there is reasonable certainty about the renewal option, it is included in the calculation of the remaining term of each applicable lease. The discount rate utilized in calculating the
21

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
present value of the remaining lease payments for each lease was the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh advance rate corresponding to the remaining maturity of the lease. The following table presents the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the leases outstanding at September 30, 2019.
Operating
Financing
Weighted-average remaining term (years)
12.1 17.2
Weighted-average discount rate
3.45% 3.60%
The following table presents the undiscounted cash flows due related to operating and financing leases as of September 30, 2019, along with a reconciliation to the discounted amount recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Operating
Financing
Undiscounted cash flows due:
Within 1 year
$ 117 $ 302
After 1 year but within 2 years
119 275
After 2 years but within 3 years
110 277
After 3 years but within 4 years
69 278
After 4 years but within 5 years
69 240
After 5 years
608 3,068
Total undiscounted cash flows
1,092 4,440
Discount on cash flows
(206) (1,230)
Total lease liabilities
$ 886 $ 3,210
Under Topic 842, the lessee can elect to not record on the Consolidated Balance Sheets a lease whose term is twelve months or less and does not include a purchase option that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had one short-term equipment lease which it has elected to not record on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
14.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30, 2019
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
Net
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses) on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
Total(1)
Net
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses) on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
Total(1)
Beginning balance
$ 1,398 $ (13,948) $ (12,550) $ (2,177) $ (11,490) $ (13,667)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
480 (7) 473 (726) 2 (724)
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
loss
(69) 325 256 306 306
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
411 318 729 (726) 308 (418)
Ending balance
$ 1,809 $ (13,630) $ (11,821) $ (2,903) $ (11,182) $ (14,085)
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate debits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
22

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
Net
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses) on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
Total(1)
Net
Unrealized
Gains and
(Losses) on
Investment
Securities
AFS(1)
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items(1)
Total(1)
Beginning balance
$ (1,409) $ (12,816) $ (14,225) $ (327) $ (12,623) $ (12,950)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 3,311 (1,790) 1,521 (2,693) 524 (2,169)
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
loss
(93) 976 883 117 917 1,034
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
3,218 (814) 2,404 (2,576) 1,441 (1,135)
Ending balance
$ 1,809 $ (13,630) $ (11,821) $ (2,903) $ (11,182) $ (14,085)
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate debits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive loss(1)
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
loss components
For the three
months ended
September 30, 2019
For the three
months ended
September 30, 2018
Affected line item in the
consolidated statement of operations
Realized gains on sale of
securities
$ (88) $ Net realized (gains) losses on
investment securities
19
Provision for income tax expense
$ (69) $ Net of tax
Amortization of estimated defined benefit pension plan loss
$ 412 $ 387 Other expense
(87) (81)
Provision for income tax expense
$ 325 $ 306 Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
$ 256 $ 306 Net income
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate credits.
23

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amount reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive loss(1)
Details about accumulated other comprehensive
loss components
For the nine
months ended
September 30, 2019
For the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
Affected line item in the consolidated
statement of operations
Realized (gains) losses on sale of
securities
$ (118) $ 148 Net realized (gains) losses on
investment securities
25 (31)
Provision for income tax expense
$ (93) $ 117 Net of tax
Amortization of estimated defined benefit pension plan loss
$ 1,236 $ 1,161 Other expense
(260) (244)
Provision for income tax expense
$ 976 $ 917 Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
$ 883 $ 1,034 Net income
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate credits.
15.
Regulatory Capital
The Company is subject to various capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For a more detailed discussion see the Capital Resources section of the M.D. & A.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined), tier 1 capital to average assets, and common equity tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets. Additionally, under Basel III rules, the decision was made to opt-out of including accumulated other comprehensive income in regulatory capital. As of September 30, 2019, the Bank was categorized as “Well Capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action promulgated by the Federal Reserve. The Company believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would change this conclusion as of such date. To be categorized as Well Capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum Total Capital, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, Tier 1 Capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table (in thousands, except ratios).
24

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At September 30, 2019
COMPANY
BANK
MINIMUM
REQUIRED
FOR CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED
UNDER PROMPT
CORRECTIVE
ACTION
REGULATIONS*
AMOUNT
RATIO
AMOUNT
RATIO
RATIO
RATIO
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
$ 131,075 13.33% $ 118,832 12.14% 8.00% 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 (To Risk Weighted Assets)
102,337 10.41 109,483 11.19 4.50 6.50
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
114,221 11.62 109,483 11.19 6.00 8.00
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)
114,221 9.79 109,483 9.49 4.00 5.00
At December 31, 2018
COMPANY
BANK
MINIMUM
REQUIRED
FOR CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED
UNDER PROMPT
CORRECTIVE
ACTION
REGULATIONS*
AMOUNT
RATIO
AMOUNT
RATIO
RATIO
RATIO
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
$ 129,178 13.53% $ 115,451 12.14% 8.00% 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 (To Risk Weighted Assets)
100,258 10.50 105,891 11.14 4.50 6.50
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
112,130 11.74 105,891 11.14 6.00 8.00
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)
112,130 9.71 105,891 9.28 4.00 5.00
*
Applies to the Bank only.
Additionally, while not a regulatory capital ratio, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 7.81% (non-GAAP) at September 30, 2019. See the discussion of the tangible common equity ratio under the “Balance Sheet” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (M.D. & A.).
16.
Derivative Hedging Instruments
The Company can use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. The Company can use derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, to manage interest rate risk and match the rates on certain assets by hedging the fair value of certain fixed rate debt, which converts the debt to variable rates and by hedging the cash flow variability associated with certain variable rate debt by converting the debt to fixed rates.
To accommodate the needs of our customers and support the Company’s asset/liability positioning, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements with customers and a large financial institution that specializes in these types of transactions. These arrangements involve the exchange of interest payments based on the
25

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
notional amounts. The Company entered into floating rate loans and fixed rate swaps with our customers. Simultaneously, the Company entered into offsetting fixed rate swaps with Pittsburgh National Bank (PNC). In connection with each swap transaction, the Company agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on the same notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Company agrees to pay PNC the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. These transactions allow the Company’s customers to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customers, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. The swap assets and swap liabilities are recorded at fair value and are reported within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Disclosures related to the fair value of the swap transactions can be found in Note 20.
The following table summarizes the interest rate swap transactions that impacted the Company’s first nine months of 2019 and 2018 performance (in thousands, except percentages).
At September 30, 2019
HEDGE TYPE
AGGREGATE
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
RATE
RECEIVED/(PAID)
REPRICING
FREQUENCY
INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN
INTEREST
EXPENSE
SWAP ASSETS
FAIR VALUE
$ 23,866 4.69% MONTHLY $ 11
SWAP LIABILITIES
FAIR VALUE
(23,866) (4.69) MONTHLY (11)
NET EXPOSURE
At September 30, 2018
HEDGE
TYPE
AGGREGATE
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
RATE
RECEIVED/(PAID)
REPRICING
FREQUENCY
INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN
INTEREST
EXPENSE
SWAP ASSETS
FAIR VALUE
$ 19,983 4.20% MONTHLY $ (42)
SWAP LIABILITIES
FAIR VALUE
(19,983) (4.20) MONTHLY 42
NET EXPOSURE
The Company monitors and controls all derivative products with a comprehensive Board of Directors approved Hedging Policy. This policy permits a total maximum notional amount outstanding of $500 million for interest rate swaps, interest rate caps/floors, and swaptions. All hedge transactions must be approved in advance by the Investment Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise approved, as per the terms, within the Board of Directors approved Hedging Policy. The Company had no caps or floors outstanding at September 30, 2019 and 2018. None of the Company’s derivatives are designated as hedging instruments.
17.
Segment Results
The financial performance of the Company is also monitored by an internal funds transfer pricing profitability measurement system which produces line of business results and key performance measures. The Company’s major business units include retail banking, commercial banking, wealth management, and investment/parent. The reported results reflect the underlying economics of the business segments. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated based upon the cost and estimated usage of those services. The businesses are match-funded and interest rate risk is centrally managed and accounted for within the investment/parent business segment. The key performance measure the Company focuses on for each business segment is net income contribution.
Retail banking includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise and lending to both individuals and small businesses. Lending activities include residential mortgage loans, direct consumer loans, and small
26

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
business commercial loans. Commercial banking to businesses includes commercial loans, business services, and CRE loans. The wealth management segment includes the Trust Company, West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA), our registered investment advisory firm, and Financial Services. Wealth management activities include personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. Financial Services include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. The wealth management businesses also include the union collective investment funds, primarily the ERECT funds which are designed to use union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The investment/parent includes the net results of investment securities and borrowing activities, general corporate expenses not allocated to the business segments, interest expense on corporate debt, and centralized interest rate risk management. Inter-segment revenues were not material.
The contribution of the major business segments to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30, 2019
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
Total
revenue
Net
income (loss)
Total
revenue
Net
income (loss)
Retail banking
$ 7,064 $ 1,316 $ 20,597 $ 3,673
Commercial banking
4,675 1,475 13,770 4,948
Wealth management
2,458 477 7,315 1,365
Investment/Parent
(1,338) (1,579) (3,843) (4,627)
Total
$ 12,859 $ 1,689 $ 37,839 $ 5,359
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
Total
revenue
Net
income (loss)
Total
revenue
Net
income (loss)
Retail banking
$ 6,692 $ 1,145 $ 19,050 $ 2,605
Commercial banking
4,762 1,876 13,729 5,076
Wealth management
2,379 483 7,288 1,423
Investment/Parent
(1,138) (1,175) (2,450) (3,264)
Total
$ 12,695 $ 2,329 $ 37,617 $ 5,840
18.
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $227.5 million and $177.8 million along with standby letters of credit of  $15.0 million and $16.7 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Bank uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending.
Additionally, the Company is also subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company, neither the resolution of these claims nor the funding of these credit commitments will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
27

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
19.
Pension Benefits
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees who work at least 1,000 hours per year. The participants have a vested interest in their accrued benefit after five full years of service. The benefits of the plan are based upon the employee’s years of service and average annual earnings for the highest five consecutive calendar years during the final ten-year period of employment. Plan assets are primarily debt securities (including US Treasury and Agency securities, corporate notes and bonds), listed common stocks (including shares of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. common stock which is limited to 10% of the plan’s assets), mutual funds, and short-term cash equivalent instruments. The net periodic pension cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
$ 368 $ 370 $ 1,104 $ 1,110
Interest cost
392 318 1,176 954
Expected return on plan assets
(756) (699) (2,268) (2,097)
Special termination benefit liability
16 48
Recognized net actuarial loss
412 387 1,236 1,161
Net periodic pension cost
$ 416 $ 392 $ 1,248 $ 1,176
The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is included in “Salaries and employee benefits” and all other components of net periodic benefit cost are included in “Other expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company implemented a soft freeze of its defined benefit pension plan to provide that non-union employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 and union employees hired on or after January 1, 2014 are not eligible to participate in the pension plan. Instead, such employees are eligible to participate in a qualified 401(k) plan. This change was made to help reduce pension costs in future periods.
20.
Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
The following disclosures establish a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three broad levels defined within this hierarchy are as follows:
Level I:   Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.
Level II:   Pricing inputs are other than the quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities includes items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently and items that are fair-valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.
Level III:   Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
28

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Assets and Liability Measured and Recorded on a Recurring Basis
Equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. These securities are mutual funds held within a rabbi trust for the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan. The mutual funds held are open-end funds that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price.
Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the US Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
The fair values of the fair value swaps used for interest rate risk management represents the amount the Company would expect to receive or pay to terminate such agreements. These fair values are based on an external derivative valuation model using data inputs as of the valuation date and classified Level 2.
The following table presents the assets and liability measured and recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis at their fair value as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands).
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Equity securities
$ 354 $ 354 $ $
Available for sale securities:
US Agency
6,280 6,280
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
85,490 85,490
Municipal
14,415 14,415
Corporate bonds
37,215 37,215
Fair value swap asset
1,453 1,453
Fair value swap liability
(1,453) (1,453)
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Available for sale securities:
US Agency
$ 7,529 $ $ 7,529 $
US Agency mortgage-backed securities
89,527 89,527
Municipal
13,181 13,181
Corporate bonds
36,494 36,494
Fair value swap asset
257 257
Fair value swap liability
(257) (257)
Assets Measured and Recorded on a Non-Recurring Basis
Loans considered impaired are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. As detailed in the allowance for loan loss footnote, impaired loans are reported at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral if the repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on observable market data which at times are discounted. At September 30,
29

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019, impaired loans with a carrying value of  $829,000 were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $96,000 resulting in a net fair value of  $733,000. At December 31, 2018, impaired loans with a carrying value of  $11,000 were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $11,000 resulting in a net fair value of zero.
Other real estate owned is measured at fair value based on appraisals, less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure. Valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from OREO.
Assets measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands, except range data):
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Impaired loans
$ 733 $ $ $ 733
Other real estate owned
57 57
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Impaired loans
$ $ $ $
Other real estate owned
157 157
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
September 30, 2019
Fair Value
Estimate
Valuation
Techniques
Unobservable
Input
Range
(Wgtd Avg)
Impaired loans
$ 674
Appraisal of collateral(1)
Appraisal adjustments(2)
0% to 100% (11)%
59
Discounted cash flows
Probability of loss adjustment(3)
15% (15)%
Other real estate owned
57
Appraisal of collateral(1)
Appraisal
adjustments(2)
Liquidation expenses
0% to 44% (35)%
12% to 114% (28)%
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2018
Fair Value
Estimate
Valuation
Techniques
Unobservable
Input
Range
(Wgtd Avg)
Impaired loans
$
Appraisal of collateral(1)
Appraisal adjustments(2)
100% (100)%
Other real estate owned
157
Appraisal of collateral(1)
Appraisal
adjustments(2)
Liquidation expenses
0% to 39% (8)%
21% to 195% (40)%
(1)
Fair Value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various level 3 inputs which are not identifiable. Also includes qualitative adjustments by management and estimated liquidation expenses.
(2)
Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions.
(3)
Includes qualitative adjustments by management based on circumstances specific to each loan.
30

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
For the Company, as for most financial institutions, approximately 90% of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. Therefore, significant estimates and present value calculations were used by the Company for the purpose of this disclosure.
Fair values have been determined by the Company using independent third party valuations that use the best available data (Level 2) and an estimation methodology (Level 3) the Company believes is suitable for each category of financial instruments. Management believes that cash and cash equivalents, bank owned life insurance, regulatory stock, accrued interest receivable and payable, and short term borrowings have fair values which approximate the recorded carrying values. The fair value measurements for all of these financial instruments are Level 1 measurements.
The estimated fair values based on US GAAP measurements and recorded carrying values at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, for the remaining financial instruments not required to be measured or reported at fair value were as follows (in thousands):
September 30, 2019
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Investment securities – HTM
$ 39,299 $ 40,813 $ $ 37,849 $ 2,964
Loans held for sale
5,949 6,102 6,102
Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned
income
860,788 862,163 862,163
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Deposits with no stated maturities
$ 666,977 $ 655,398 $ $ $ 655,398
Deposits with stated maturities
303,012 304,249 304,249
All other borrowings(1)
76,086 76,664 76,664
December 31, 2018
Carrying V
alue
Fair
Value
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Investment securities – HTM
$ 40,760 $ 40,324 $ $ 37,398 $ 2,926
Loans held for sale
847 871 871
Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned
income
853,611 836,122 836,122
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Deposits with no stated maturities
$ 671,666 $ 627,323 $ $ $ 627,323
Deposits with stated maturities
277,505 277,010 277,010
All other borrowings(1)
67,148 69,692 69,692
(1)
All other borrowings include advances from Federal Home Loan Bank, guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and subordinated debt.
Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values. The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities which are not considered financial instruments have not been valued differently than has been customary under historical cost accounting.
31

Item 2.   
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (“M.D. & A.”)
…..2019 THIRD QUARTER SUMMARY OVERVIEW….. AmeriServ reported third quarter 2019 net income of  $1,689,000, or $0.10 per share. This represents a 27.5%, or $640,000, decrease from the third quarter of 2018 when net income totaled $2,329,000, or $0.13 per share.
AmeriServ Financial Inc. was able to return 85% of third quarter 2019 earnings to our shareholders through accretive common stock buybacks and an increased cash dividend. This strategic focus on active capital management continues to favorably impact both earnings per share and tangible book value per share. The Company did experience net interest margin compression during the third quarter which will be discussed later in this M.D. & A. We continue to achieve solid deposit growth this year due, in part, to the success of our financial banking center in Hagerstown, Maryland that was opened in December 2018. Overall, total deposits continued to grow for a fifth consecutive quarter and reached its historically highest level.
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
..…PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW…..The following table summarizes some of the Company’s key performance indicators (in thousands, except per share and ratios).
Three months ended
September 30, 2019
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
Net income
$ 1,689 $ 2,329
Diluted earnings per share
0.10 0.13
Return on average assets (annualized)
0.57% 0.79%
Return on average equity (annualized)
6.60% 9.54%
..…NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN…..The Company’s net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on average earning assets exceeds interest paid on average interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a primary source of the Company’s earnings, and it is effected by interest rate fluctuations as well as changes in the amount and mix of average earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities. The following table compares the Company’s net interest income performance for the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2018 (in thousands, except percentages):
Three months ended
September 30, 2019
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
$ Change
% Change
Interest income
$ 12,433 $ 12,149 $ 284 2.3%
Interest expense
3,669 3,040 629 20.7
Net interest income
$ 8,764 $ 9,109 $ (345) (3.8)
Net interest margin
3.18% 3.31% (0.13)% N/M
N/M — not meaningful
The Company’s net interest income in the third quarter of 2019 decreased by $345,000, or 3.8%, from the prior year’s third quarter. The Company’s net interest margin of 3.18% for the third quarter of 2019 was 13 basis points lower than the net interest margin of 3.31% for the third quarter of 2018. The 2019 decrease in net interest income is the result of net interest margin compression caused by a combination of the lower interest rates that exist in the economy and a decrease in the balance of total average loans. Overall, the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve has shifted downward, flattened and became inverted in certain segments. Slightly offsetting these unfavorable items was an increase in the average balance of total investment securities. In addition, there was a favorable shift experienced in the mix of total average interest bearing liabilities as total interest bearing deposits increased and resulted in less reliance on higher cost borrowings to fund interest earning assets.
32

Total investment securities averaged $192 million in the third quarter of 2019 which is $7.3 million, or 4.0%, higher than the $185 million average for the third quarter of 2018. The growth in the investment securities portfolio is the result of the rising interest rate environment experienced during 2018 which provided an attractive market for additional security purchases. This growth was accomplished while maintaining the risk profile of the portfolio. Purchases primarily focused on federal agency mortgage backed securities due to the ongoing cash flow that these securities provide. Also, management continued its portfolio diversification strategy through purchases of high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities. Investment security purchase activity slowed significantly during the second and third quarters of 2019 and was more selective as the market became less favorable. Overall, interest income on investment securities increased between the third quarter of 2019 and the third quarter of 2018 by $129,000, or 8.7%.
Total loans averaged $880 million in the third quarter of 2019 which is $9.4 million, or 1.1%, lower than the $890 million average for the third quarter of 2018. The lower balance of total average loans reflects the high level of loan payoffs received which exceeded the level of new loan originations, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2018 and, again, in the third quarter of 2019. The decrease between years occurred primarily in the commercial real estate and commercial & industrial loan portfolios. Loan pipelines remain strong. However, potential new loan customers delayed their decision to obtain loans given the Federal Reserve’s action to decrease interest rates in late July and in the middle of September 2019 causing the sentiment in national credit markets that additional interest rate reductions may occur this year. Loan interest and fee income increased by $130,000, or 1.2%, between the third quarter of 2019 and last year’s third quarter. The higher loan interest income primarily reflects new loans originating at higher yields throughout 2018 and during the first half of 2019 as well as the upward repricing of certain loans tied to LIBOR or the prime rate as both of these indices have moved up with the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase the target federal funds interest rate in 2018. Overall, total interest income increased by $284,000, or 2.3%, between years.
Total deposit interest expense in 2019 was higher by $731,000, or 33.8%, for the third quarter, which reflects the higher level of total average interest bearing deposits and certain indexed money market accounts repricing upward due to the impact of the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates during 2018. The Company did begin to experience deposit pricing relief to a small degree during the third quarter of 2019 because of the Federal Reserve easing interest rates late in July and in September. However, the Company continues to experience competitive market pressure to retain existing deposit customers and attract new customer deposits. Customer product preference changed as well since last year as movement of funds occurred from non-interest bearing demand deposits and lower yielding money market accounts into higher yielding certificates of deposit. Overall, total deposits continued to grow for a fifth consecutive quarter and averaged $985 million in the third quarter of 2019, which was $28.4 million, or 3.0%, higher than the 2018 third quarter average. The Company’s loan to deposit ratio averaged 89.4% in the third quarter of 2019, which we believe indicates that the Company has ample capacity to grow its loan portfolio.
The Company experienced a $102,000, or 11.6%, decrease in the interest cost for borrowings in the third quarter of 2019. The 2019 third quarter average of FHLB borrowed funds was $61.8 million, which represented a decrease of  $28.9 million, or 31.8%, due to the increase in total average deposits.During the quarter, within total average borrowings, the total average term advances from FHLB increased by approximately $12.0 million, or 27.3%, when compared to the third quarter of 2018. This increase is due to the inversion demonstrated in certain segments of the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve in 2019 and resulted in certain term advances costing less than overnight borrowed funds. As a result of this and the Federal Reserve decreasing the federal funds rate late in July and, to a lesser extent, the middle of September, the interest cost of borrowings decreased between quarters. Overall, total interest expense for the third quarter of 2019 increased by $629,000, or 20.7%, when compared to 2018.
The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 setting forth (i) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest earning assets and average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iv) the Company’s interest rate spread (the difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities), and (v) the Company’s net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest earning assets). For purposes of these
33

tables, loan balances include non-accrual loans, and interest income on loans includes loan fees or amortization of such fees which have been deferred, as well as interest recorded on certain non-accrual loans as cash is received. Regulatory stock is included within available for sale investment securities for this analysis. Additionally, a tax rate of 21% is used to compute tax-equivalent interest income and yields(non-GAAP). The tax equivalent adjustments to interest income on loans and municipal securities for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $5,000, which is reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measure at the bottom of the table. Differences between the net interest spread and margin from a GAAP basis to a tax-equivalent basis were not material.
Three months ended September 30 (In thousands, except percentages)
2019
2018
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/​
Expense
Yield/​
Rate
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/​
Expense
Yield/​
Rate
Interest earning assets:
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
$ 880,320 $ 10,742 4.80% $ 889,702 $ 10,612 4.69%
Short-term investment in money market funds and bank deposits
12,168 90 2.92 7,657 65 3.33
Investment securities – AFS
152,304 1,265 3.34 145,715 1,144 3.14
Investment securities – HTM
40,163 341 3.32 39,416 333 3.38
Total investment securities
192,467 1,606 3.34 185,131 1,477 3.19
Total interest earning assets/interest
income
1,084,955 12,438 4.52 1,082,490 12,154 4.43
Non-interest earning assets:
Cash and due from banks
19,803 24,078
Premises and equipment
18,881 12,283
Other assets
65,545 61,860
Allowance for loan losses
(8,247) (9,636)
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 1,180,937 $ 1,171,075
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing deposits:
Interest bearing demand
$ 174,452 $ 427 0.97% $ 130,782 $ 267 0.81%
Savings
97,281 41 0.17 98,763 41 0.17
Money markets
231,024 639 1.10 251,000 547 0.87
Time deposits
330,878 1,788 2.15 301,126 1,309 1.74
Total interest bearing deposits
833,635 2,895 1.37 781,671 2,164 1.10
Short-term borrowings
6,053 38 2.43 46,898 267 2.23
Advances from Federal Home Loan
Bank
55,781 297 2.11 43,816 199 1.80
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
13,085 280 8.57 13,085 280 8.57
Subordinated debt
7,650 130 6.80 7,650 130 6.80
Lease liabilities
4,122 29 2.82
Total interest bearing liabilities/interest expense
920,326 3,669 1.58 893,120 3,040 1.35
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits
151,096 174,632
Other liabilities
7,949 6,455
Shareholders’ equity
101,566 96,868
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 1,180,937 $ 1,171,075
Interest rate spread
2.94 3.08
Net interest income/ Net interest margin
8,769 3.18% 9,114 3.31%
Tax-equivalent adjustment
(5) (5)
Net Interest Income
$ 8,764 $ 9,109
34

…..PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES..… The Company recorded a $225,000 provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to a zero provision in the third quarter of 2018. The third quarter 2019 provision expense follows the first two quarters of 2019 in which a provision recovery and no provision expense was recognized, respectively. The recognition of a $225,000 provision expense in the third quarter primarily reflects an increase in criticized loan totals. The Company experienced net loan recoveries of  $18,000, which equates to 0.01% of total loans, in the 2019 third quarter compared to net loan charge-offs of  $82,000, or 0.04% of total loans, in the third quarter of 2018. Overall, the Company continued to maintain strong asset quality as its nonperforming assets totaled just under $2.0 million, or only 0.22% of total loans, at September 30, 2019. In summary, the allowance for loan losses provided 426% coverage of non-performing assets, and was 0.95% of total loans, at September 30, 2019, compared to 629% coverage of non-performing assets, and 1.00% of total loans, at December 31, 2018.
…..NON-INTEREST INCOME….. Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2019 totaled $4.1 million and increased $509,000, or 14.2%, from the third quarter 2018 performance. Factors contributing to this higher level of non-interest income for the quarter included:

a $229,000 increase in net realized gains on loans held for sale primarily due to the sale of the guaranteed portion of a Small Business Administration loan that resulted in a $197,000 gain. The remainder of the net gain was due to increased residential mortgage loan sales in the secondary market as the lower interest rate environment in the third quarter of 2019 as well as continued business development efforts resulted in a greater level of residential mortgage loan production;

the Company recognized an $88,000 investment security sale gain in the third quarter of 2019 after no security sale activity occurred in the third quarter of 2018. The opportunity existed to capture gains on certain securities that demonstrated higher than typical market appreciation in this low interest rate environment;

an $86,000 increase in other income due to a higher level of letter of credit fees and increased revenue from check supply sales because of a favorable vendor contract renegotiation;

a $72,000 increase in wealth management fees as the Company benefitted from a continuing increase in market values for assets under management; and

a $43,000 increase in mortgage related fees resulted from the increased residential mortgage loan production.
..…NON-INTEREST EXPENSE….. Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2019 totaled $10.5 million and increased by $407,000, or 4.0%, from the prior year’s third quarter. Factors contributing to the higher level of non-interest expense for the quarter included:

a $509,000 increase in salaries & benefits expense due to annual merit increases, the addition of several employees to address management succession planning, staffing our new financial banking center in Hagerstown, Maryland and higher health care costs and pension expense;

a $140,000 decrease in FDIC insurance cost due to the application of the Small Bank Assessment Credit regulation which resulted in the FDIC awarding community banks under $10 billion in assets an assessment credit because the banking industry reserve ratio exceeded its 1.38% target. The Bank’s remaining credit balance should be sufficient to result in no deposit insurance premiums for the next two quarters provided the deposit insurance fund balance remains at a sufficient level under the banking regulations;

a $66,000 increase in other expenses reflects our increased investment in technology as evidenced by higher website costs and additional telecommunications expense; and

a $45,000 decrease in professional fees due to reduced recruitment costs and expenses for other professional services.
…..INCOME TAX EXPENSE…..The Company recorded an income tax expense of  $442,000, or an effective tax rate of 20.7%, in the third quarter of 2019. This compares to an income tax expense of $270,000, or an effective tax rate of 10.4%, for the third quarter of 2018. The lower effective tax rate and income tax expense in the third quarter of 2018 reflected the benefits of corporate tax reform as a result of
35

the enactment of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” which allowed the Company to contribute additional funds to our pension plan in 2018 in order to achieve a greater income tax benefit. The tax benefit of this additional pension contribution favorably reduced income tax expense by $264,000 in the third quarter of 2018.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
…..PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW…..The following table summarizes some of the Company’s key performance indicators (in thousands, except per share and ratios).
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
Net income
$ 5,359 $ 5,840
Diluted earnings per share
0.31 0.32
Return on average assets (annualized)
0.61% 0.67%
Return on average equity (annualized)
7.21% 8.14%
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, the Company reported net income of $5,359,000, or $0.31 per diluted common share. This earnings performance represents a 3.1% decrease in earnings per share when compared to the first nine months of 2018 when net income totaled $5,840,000, or $0.32 per diluted common share. The Company experienced higher non-interest expenses and net interest margin compression during the first nine months of 2019. These unfavorable items were partially offset by the recognition of a loan loss provision recovery through nine months this year which reflects our overall strong asset quality, limited loan growth, and low level of net loan charge-offs.
…..NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN…..The following table compares the Company’s net interest income performance for the first nine months of 2019 to the first nine months of 2018 (in thousands, except percentages):
Nine months ended
September 30, 2019
Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
$ Change
% Change
Interest income
$ 37,362 $ 34,969 $ 2,393 6.8%
Interest expense
10,880 8,254 2,626 31.8
Net interest income
$ 26,482 $ 26,715 $ (233) (0.9)
Net interest margin
3.24% 3.29% (0.05) N/M
N/M — not meaningful
The Company’s net interest income in the first nine months of 2019 decreased by $233,000, or 0.9%, when compared to the first nine months of 2018. The Company’s net interest margin of 3.24% for the nine month timeframe of 2019 declined by five basis points from the prior year’s nine month time period. Similar to the quarterly comparison, the decrease in net interest income in 2019 is the result of net interest margin compression caused by a combination of the lower interest rates that exist in the economy and a decrease in the balance of total average loans. Slightly offsetting these unfavorable items was an increase in the average balance of total investment securities as well as a favorable shift in the mix of total average interest bearing liabilities as total interest bearing deposits increased and resulted in less reliance on higher cost borrowings to fund interest earning assets.
Total investment securities averaged $197 million in the first nine months of 2019 which was $15.2 million, or 8.4%, higher than the $182 million average for the first nine months of 2018. The growth in the investment securities portfolio occurred primarily during 2018 and is the result of management taking advantage of the rising interest rate environment experienced during 2018 which provided an attractive market for additional security purchases. Purchases primarily focused on federal agency mortgage backed securities due to the ongoing cash flow that these securities provide. Also, management continued its portfolio diversification strategy through purchases of high quality corporate and taxable municipal
36

securities. Investment security purchase activity slowed significantly during the second and third quarters of 2019 as the interest rate market was less favorable. As a result, interest income on investments increased between the first nine months of 2019 and the first nine months of 2018 by $727,000, or 17.1%.
Total loans averaged $875 million in the first nine months of 2019 which was $10.0 million, or 1.1%, lower than the 2018 first nine month average.The lower balance of total average loans reflects the high level of loan payoffs received during the fourth quarter of 2018 and, again, during the third quarter of 2019 which exceeded the level of new loan originations during both time periods. In 2019, after a first quarter in which total average loans remained relatively consistent, loan growth returned during the second quarter as loan originations exceeded loan payoffs. However, during the third quarter, although loan pipelines remained strong, loan originations began to slow and trailed loan payoffs. The decrease between years occurred primarily in the commercial real estate and commercial & industrial loan portfolios. Even though the nine month average of total loans decreased since last year, loan interest and fee income increased by $1.6 million, or 5.2%, between the first nine months of 2019 and last year’s first nine months. The higher loan interest income primarily reflects the Federal Reserve’s increases to the target federal funds interest rate during 2018. This resulted in new loans originating at higher yields throughout 2018 and during the first half of 2019 and also caused the upward repricing of certain loans tied to LIBOR or the prime rate as both of these indices moved up with the federal funds rate 2018 increases. Also, included in this increase was a higher level of loan fee income by $65,000, due primarily to prepayment fees collected on certain early loan pay-offs. Overall, total interest income increased by $2.4 million, or 6.8%, in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018.
Total interest expense for the first nine months of 2019 increased by $2.6 million, or 31.8%, when compared to 2018, due to higher levels of both deposit and borrowing interest expense. Total deposit interest expense increased by $2.6 million, or 43.5%, between time periods and reflects the higher level of total average interest bearing deposits and the upward repricing of certain indexed money market accounts after the Federal Reserve interest rate increases during 2018. Additionally, and similar to the quarterly comparison, the Company has experienced increasing competitive market pressure to retain existing deposit customers and attract new customer deposits. Customer product preference changed as well resulting in movement of some funds out of non-interest bearing demand deposits and lower yielding money market accounts into higher yielding certificates of deposit. Overall, total deposits averaged $978 million in the first nine months of 2019 which was $20.6 million, or 2.1%, higher than the $957 million average for 2018.
Even though total average borrowings decreased between years, the Company experienced a $52,000, or 2.2%, increase in the interest cost for borrowings in the first nine months of 2019 due to the impact that the 2018 increases in the federal funds rate had on the cost of overnight borrowed funds and the replacement of matured FHLB term advances. Also, due to a new accounting pronouncement that became effective January 1, 2019, the Company recognized additional interest expense on its financing property leases of  $88,000. In the first nine months of 2019, total average FHLB borrowed funds was $65.1 million, a decrease of  $14.1 million, or 17.8%, from the same period during 2018, which was due to the increase in total average deposits.
The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. For a detailed discussion of the components and assumptions included in the table, see the paragraph before the quarterly table on page s 33 and 34. The tax equivalent adjustments to interest income on loans and municipal securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $17,000 and $16,000, respectively, which is reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measure at the bottom of the table. Differences between the net interest spread and margin from a GAAP basis to a tax-equivalent basis were not material.
37

Nine months ended September 30 (In thousands, except percentages)
2019
2018
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/​
Expense
Yield/​
Rate
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/​
Expense
Yield/​
Rate
Interest earning assets:
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
$ 874,601 $ 32,166 4.87% $ 884,620 $ 30,566 4.57%
Short-term investment in money market funds and bank deposits
9,264 231 3.29 7,828 164 2.76
Investment securities – AFS
155,998 3,898 3.33 142,366 3,274 3.07
Investment securities – HTM
40,799 1,084 3.54 39,262 981 3.33
Total investment securities
196,797 4,982 3.38 181,628 4,255 3.12
Total interest earning assets/interest income
1,080,662 37,379 4.59 1,074,076 34,985 4.32
Non-interest earning assets:
Cash and due from banks
20,356 22,598
Premises and equipment
17,663 12,417
Other assets
63,628 62,215
Allowance for loan losses
(8,366) (9,974)
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 1,173,943 $ 1,161,332
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing deposits:
Interest bearing demand
$ 169,125 $ 1,260 1.00% $ 131,062 $ 770 0.79%
Savings
97,672 122 0.17 98,445 122 0.17
Money markets
235,936 1,975 1.12 251,215 1,570 0.84
Time deposits
323,116 5,135 2.12 296,717 3,456 1.56
Total interest bearing deposits
825,849 8,492 1.37 777,439 5,918 1.02
Short-term borrowings
13,944 276 2.65 34,297 529 2.03
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
51,112 793 2.07 44,884 577 1.72
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
13,085 841 8.57 13,085 840 8.57
Subordinated debt
7,650 390 6.80 7,650 390 6.80
Lease liabilities
3,238 88 3.63
Total interest bearing liabilities/interest expense
914,878 10,880 1.59 877,355 8,254 1.26
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits
152,197 180,056
Other liabilities
7,501 8,033
Shareholders’ equity
99,367 95,888
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 1,173,943 $ 1,161,332
Interest rate spread
3.00 3.07
Net interest income/ Net interest
margin
26,499 3.24% 26,731 3.29%
Tax-equivalent adjustment
(17) (16)
Net Interest Income
$ 26,482 $ 26,715
…..PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES….. The Company recorded a $175,000 provision recovery for loan losses in the first nine months of 2019 compared to a $100,000 provision expense in the first nine months of 2018. The 2019 provision recovery reflects our overall strong asset quality, limited loan growth and low levels of net loan charge-offs. Specifically, for the first nine months of 2019, the Company
38

experienced net loan charge-offs of  $151,000, or 0.02% of total loans, compared to net loan charge-offs of $875,000, or 0.13% of total loans, in 2018. Overall, the Company continued to maintain strong asset quality as its nonperforming assets totaled $2.0 million, or only 0.22% of total loans, at September 30, 2019.
…..NON-INTEREST INCOME….. Non-interest income for the first nine months of 2019 totaled $11.4 million and increased by $455,000, or 4.2%, from the prior year. Factors contributing to the higher level of non-interest income for the first nine months included:

a $266,000 favorable change in investment security sale gains after the Company sold a portion of low balance, low yielding securities at a loss in 2018 to reposition the investment portfolio for stronger future returns. This line item was also favorably impacted by the investment security sale activity that occurred during the third quarter of 2019 and is discussed previously in the quarterly comparison comments;

a $181,000 increase in net gains on loan sales into the secondary market primarily due to the sale of the guaranteed portion of a Small Business Administration loan that resulted in a $197,000 gain;

a $118,000 decrease in revenue from deposit service charges due to a reduced level of overdraft fee income as the impact of the bank no longer charging a fee on overdrafts that result from signature based point of sale debit card transactions was evident in the first half of the year;

a $71,000 increase in other income due to a higher level of letter of credit fees and increased revenue from check supply sales due to a favorable vendor contract renegotiation; and

a $53,000 increase in mortgage related fees due to increased residential mortgage loan production.
…..NON-INTEREST EXPENSE….. Non-interest expense for the first nine months of 2019 totaled $31.3 million and increased by $753,000, or 2.5%, from the prior year. Factors contributing to the higher level of non-interest expense for the first nine months included:

a $847,000 increase in salaries & benefits expense due to higher salaries which resulted from annual merit increases, the addition of several employees to address management succession planning, staffing our new financial banking center in Hagerstown, Maryland and higher health care costs and pension expense. These increased expenses more than offset reduced incentive compensation;

a $307,000 increase in other expense due to increased investment in technology resulting in higher website costs and additional telecommunications expense. Also, there was a higher funding of the unfunded commitment reserve by $113,000 due to increased loan approvals during 2019;

a $297,000 reduction in FDIC deposit insurance expense due to the application of the Small Bank Assessment Credit regulation, as previously discussed; and

a $112,000 decrease in professional fees due to lower legal fees, recruitment costs and expenses for other professional services.
…..INCOME TAX EXPENSE…..The Company recorded an income tax expense of  $1,403,000, or an effective tax rate of 20.7%, in the first nine months of 2019. This compares to the income tax expense of $1,178,000, or an effective tax rate of 16.8%, for the first nine months of 2018. The lower effective tax rate and income tax expense in 2018 reflects the benefits of corporate tax reform as a result of the enactment of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” late in the fourth quarter of 2017. As previously discussed in the quarterly comparison of the M.D. & A., the Company recognized a $264,000 income tax benefit in 2018 as the result of an additional contribution made to our defined benefit pension plan.
…..SEGMENT RESULTS.…. Retail banking’s net income contribution was $1,316,000 in the third quarter of 2019 and $3,673,000 for the first nine months of 2019 which was up by $171,000 from the third quarter of last year and by $1,068,000 from the net income contribution for the first nine months of 2018. The increase reflects a higher level of net interest income as the funding benefit for deposits provided by this segment improved due to the growth of total deposits. This funding benefit more than offset the impact of the immediate upward repricing of money market deposit accounts because of the increases to the federal
39

funds rate during 2018 and the corresponding incremental increase to other term deposit products. Note that this segment did experience some deposit cost relief because of the Federal Reserve’s action to decrease the fed funds rate in July and September of this year. Retail banking was positively impacted by the lower level of FDIC insurance expense due to the application of the assessment credit in the third quarter of 2019 and, also, by an increase to net gains on loan sales into the secondary market due to increased residential mortgage loan production.Additionally, the retail banking segment benefitted from the loan loss provision recovery for the full nine months of 2019. Slightly offsetting these favorable items was non-interest income decreasing due to the lower deposit service charge income.
The commercial banking segment reported net income of  $1,475,000 in the third quarter of 2019 and $4,948,000 for the first nine months of 2019 which was down by $401,000 from the third quarter of last year and by $128,000 from the net income contribution for the first nine months of 2018. The decline in net income was due to the lower level of average total commercial & industrial and commercial real estate loans for both time periods combined with the lower national interest rate environment. Additionally, this segment was unfavorably impacted during the third quarter of 2019 by the Federal Reserve’s recent action to reduce interest rates. This segment benefitted from the loan loss provision recovery recognized for the nine month period but was negatively impacted for the third quarter comparison since a provision expense was recognized in 2019 after a zero provision was recorded last year. The increase in loan fee income positively impacted the nine month time period due primarily to prepayment fees collected on certain early loan pay-offs. Additionally, this segment benefitted from the $197,000 gain recognized on the sale of the guaranteed portion of a Small Business Administration loan. Finally, and unfavorably impacting net income was total employee costs increasing due to a higher level of full time equivalent employees in the commercial banking segment as well as a higher level of funding for the unfunded commitment reserve due to increased loan approvals for the nine months of 2019.
The wealth management segment reported net income of  $477,000 in the third quarter of 2019 and $1,365,000 for the first nine months of 2019 which was $6,000 lower for the quarter and $58,000 lower for the nine month period. The year over year decrease is due to wealth management fees declining during the first quarter of 2019 as this segment was unfavorably impacted by decreased market values for assets under management after the equity markets declined late in the fourth quarter of 2018. Also contributing to the year over year decline is a decrease in the volume of life insurance sales within the financial services division. Wealth management fees did recover during the second and third quarter of 2019 due to market values for assets under management improving after the equity markets rebounded resulting in a favorable quarterly comparison for total revenue. Finally, and also positively impacting the wealth management segment’s net income was lower professional fees due to lower legal fees and costs for other professional services. Wealth management continues to be an important strategic focus of the Company.
The investment/parent segment reported a net loss of  $1,579,000 in the third quarter of 2019 and a net loss of  $4,627,000 for the first nine months of 2019 which is a greater loss by $404,000 for the quarter and $1,363,000 for the nine month period. The increased loss was the result of overnight borrowed funds having a higher cost due to the increase to national interest rates during 2018 and the immediate impact that the rising interest rates had on overnight borrowed funds. Additionally, maturing FHLB term advances and their replacement repriced upward during the first nine months of 2019.
…..BALANCE SHEET…..The Company’s total consolidated assets were $1.17 billion at September 30, 2019, which increased by $10.7 million, or 0.9%, from the December 31, 2018 asset level. This change was driven primarily by an increased level of loans and fixed assets. Specifically, loans and loans held for sale increased by $12.0 million, or 1.4%, and as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), the Company reported $4.0 million of right of use assets within the fixed assets line of the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2019. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of total investment securities of  $4.8 million, or 2.6%.
Total deposits increased by $20.8 million, or 2.2%, in the first nine months of 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the 25 largest depositors represented 22.1% of total deposits, which is a slight decrease from December 31, 2018 when it was 22.7%. Total borrowings have decreased by $16.7 million, or 15.5%, since year-end 2018. The decrease was driven, primarily, by the reduction in short term borrowings of  $29.8 million, or 72.5%, and is attributable to the increase in total deposits. The substantial decrease in short term
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borrowings was partially offset by an increase in FHLB term advances and lease liabilities. Specifically, total FHLB term advances increased by $8.9 million, or 19.1%, and totaled $55.6 million. The Company has utilized these term advances to help manage interest rate risk and the inversion demonstrated by the U.S. Treasury Yield Curve in 2019 resulted in certain term advances costing less than overnight borrowed funds. In addition, the Company reported $4.1 million of lease liabilities as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The Company’s total shareholders’ equity increased by $4.5 million over the first nine months of 2019 due to the retention of earnings more than offsetting our common stock dividend payment to shareholders and the impact of our common stock buyback program. Additionally, the improved value of the investment securities portfolio had a positive impact on accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The Company continues to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes with a total capital ratio of 13.33%, and a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 10.41% at September 30, 2019. (See the discussion of the Basel III capital requirements under the “Capital Resources” section.) As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s book value per common share was $5.98 and its tangible book value per common share was $5.28 (non-GAAP). When compared to December 31, 2018, book value per common share and tangible book value per common share improved by $0.42 and $0.40, respectively, per common share. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.81% (non-GAAP) at September 30, 2019 and improved by 32 basis points when compared to December 31, 2018.
The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share are considered to be non-GAAP measures and are calculated by dividing tangible equity by tangible assets or shares outstanding. The following table sets forth the calculation of the Company’s tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands, except share and ratio data):
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
Total shareholders’ equity
$ 102,460 $ 97,977
Less: Goodwill
11,944 11,944
Tangible equity
90,516 86,033
Total assets
1,171,426 1,160,680
Less: Goodwill
11,944 11,944
Tangible assets
1,159,482 1,148,736
Tangible common equity ratio
7.81% 7.49%
Total shares outstanding
17,146,714 17,619,303
Tangible book value per share
$ 5.28 $ 4.88
…..LOAN QUALITY…..The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s loan delinquency, non-performing assets, and classified assets (in thousands, except percentages):
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
September 30,
2018
Total accruing loan delinquency (past due 30 to 89 days)
$ 2,397 $ 4,752 $ 9,365
Total non-accrual loans
1,080 1,221 904
Total non-performing assets including TDR*
1,957 1,378 1,067
Accruing loan delinquency, as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income
0.27% 0.55% 1.06%
Non-accrual loans, as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned
income
0.12 0.14 0.10
Non-performing assets, as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned
0.22 0.16 0.12
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
0.17 0.12 0.09
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September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
September 30,
2018
As a percent of average loans, net of unearned income:
Annualized net charge-offs
0.02 0.11 0.13
Annualized provision (credit) for loan losses
(0.03) (0.07) 0.02
Total classified loans (loans rated substandard or doubtful)**
$ 7,687 $ 4,302 $ 4,051
*
Non-performing assets are comprised of  (i) loans that are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest and principal payments, (iii) performing loans classified as a troubled debt restructuring and (iv) other real estate owned.
**
Total classified loans include non-performing residential mortgage and consumer loans.
Overall, the Company continued to maintain strong asset quality in the first nine months of 2019 as evidenced by low levels of non-accrual loans, non-performing assets, and loan delinquency levels that continue to be near or below 1% of total loans. The Company did experience an increase in classified loans during the third quarter of 2019 due to the downgrade of several credits that are still paying on a timely basis. We also continue to closely monitor the loan portfolio given the number of relatively large-sized commercial and commercial real estate loans within the portfolio. As of September 30, 2019, the 25 largest credits represented 24.3% of total loans outstanding, which represents a decrease from the third quarter of 2018 when it was 27.2%.
…..ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES…..The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses and certain ratios for the periods ended (in thousands, except percentages):
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2018
September 30,
2018
Allowance for loan losses
$ 8,345 $ 8,671 $ 9,439
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of each of the following:
total loans, net of unearned income
0.95% 1.00% 1.07%
total accruing delinquent loans (past due 30 to 89 days)
348.14 182.47 100.79
total non-accrual loans
772.69 710.16 1,044.14
total non-performing assets
426.42 629.25 884.63
The Company recorded a $175,000 loan loss provision recovery in the first nine months of 2019 compared to a $100,000 provision expense for loan losses in the first nine months of 2018 that resulted in a positive change of  $275,000 between periods. The loan loss provision recovery in 2019 reflects our overall strong asset quality, limited loan growth, and low level of net loan charge-offs.
…..LIQUIDITY….. The Company’s liquidity position has been strong during the last several years, primarily due to our core retail deposit base, which provides a reliable source of funds for the Company’s operations. Payments and prepayments from the loan portfolio, as well as, cash flow from maturities, prepayments and amortization of securities were also used to help fund new loan originations. We strive to operate our loan to deposit ratio in a range of 80% to 100%. For the third quarter of 2019, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio has averaged 89.4%. Given the slowdown in loan originations and the increase in prepayment activity experienced during the third quarter of 2019 combined with the strength of our current loan pipeline, we expect our loan to deposit ratio to be relatively stable through the remainder of 2019.
Liquidity can be analyzed by utilizing the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.8 million from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019, due to $3.4 million of net cash used in financing activities, which more than offset $1.3 million of net cash provided by operating activities and $332,000 of net cash provided by investing activities. Within investing activities, cash advanced for new loan fundings and loan participation purchases was $163.3 million, which was $7.0 million higher than the $151.8 million of cash received from loan principal payments and $4.6 million from loan participations sold. Cash utilized for new investment security purchases totaled $12.7 million and was
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less than cash provided from investment security maturities and sales of  $21.5 million. Within financing activities, deposit balances increased by $20.8 million. Short term borrowed funds decreased by $29.8 million, and more than offset an increase in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of  $8.9 million. Within operating activities,originations of residential mortgage loans of  $28.2 million more than offset sales of residential mortgage loans of  $23.7 million. At September 30, 2019, the Company had immediately available $380 million of overnight borrowing capacity at the FHLB and $35 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks.
The holding company had $6.4 million of cash, short-term investments, and investment securities at September 30, 2019. Additionally, dividend payments from our subsidiaries also provide ongoing cash to the holding company. At September 30, 2019, our subsidiary Bank had $10.6 million of cash available for immediate dividends to the holding company under applicable regulatory formulas. Management follows a policy that limits dividend payments from the Trust Company to 75% of annual net income. Overall, we believe that the holding company has strong liquidity to meet its trust preferred debt service requirements, its subordinated debt interest payments, its increased common stock dividend, and support the common stock repurchase program.
…..CAPITAL RESOURCES…..The Bank meaningfully exceeds all regulatory capital ratios for each of the periods presented and is considered well capitalized. The Company’s common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 10.41%, the tier 1 capital ratio was 11.62%, and the total capital ratio was 13.33% at September 30, 2019. The Company’s tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.79% at September 30, 2019. We anticipate that we will maintain our strong capital ratios throughout the remainder of 2019. Capital generated from earnings will be utilized to pay the common stock cash dividend, fund the stock repurchase program, and will also support controlled balance sheet growth. There is a particular emphasis on ensuring that the subsidiary bank has appropriate levels of capital to support its non-owner occupied commercial real estate loan concentration, which stood at 336% of regulatory capital at September 30, 2019.
The Basel III capital standards establish the minimum capital levels in addition to the well capitalized requirements under the federal banking regulations prompt corrective action. Under the Basel III capital standards, the minimum capital ratios are:
Minimum capital ratio
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
4.5%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
6.0
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
8.0
Tier 1 capital to total average consolidated assets
4.0
The capital rules also impose a capital conservation buffer (“CCB”) on top of the three minimum risk-weighted asset ratios listed above. As of January 1, 2019, the CCB has been fully phased-in and is 2.5%. Banking institutions that fail to meet the effective minimum ratios once the CCB is taken into account (that is, 7.0% for common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 8.5% for tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and 10.5% for total capital to risk-weighted assets) will be subject to constraints on capital distributions, including dividends and share repurchases, and certain discretionary executive compensation. The severity of the constraints depends on the amount of the shortfall and the institution’s “eligible retained income” (four quarter trailing net income, net of distributions and tax effects not reflected in net income). The Company and the Bank meet all capital requirements, including the fully phased-in buffer, and continue to be committed to maintaining strong capital levels that exceed regulatory requirements while also supporting balance sheet growth and providing a return to our shareholders.
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company completed the previous common stock repurchase program where it bought back 540,000 shares, or 3% of its common stock, over a 9-month period at a total cost of $2.38 million. Specifically, during the first three months of 2019, the Company was able to repurchase 112,311 shares of its common stock and return $476,000 of capital to its shareholders through this program.
On April 16, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a new common stock repurchase program which calls for AmeriServ Financial, Inc. to buy back up to 3%, or approximately 526,000 shares, of its outstanding common stock during the next 12 months. The authorized repurchases
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will be made from time to time in either the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing, volume and nature of share repurchases will be at the sole discretion of management, dependent on market conditions, applicable securities laws, and other factors, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. No assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased. This buyback program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. During the second and third quarters of 2019, the Company was able to repurchase 399,195 shares of its common stock and return $1.7 million of capital to its shareholders through this program. Overall in 2019, this latest common stock buyback program, combined with the first quarter completion of the previously authorized common stock buyback program, resulted in the Company returning $2.2 million to its shareholders through the repurchase of 511,506 shares of its common stock. When including the increased cash dividend payments on our common stock, total capital returned to our shareholders exceeded 63% of net income for the first nine months of 2019. At September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately 17.1 million common shares outstanding.
…..INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY…..The following table presents an analysis of the sensitivity inherent in the Company’s net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. The interest rate scenarios in the table compare the Company’s base forecast, which was prepared using a flat interest rate scenario, to scenarios that reflect immediate interest rate changes of 100 and 200 basis points. Note that we suspended the 200 basis point downward rate shock since it has little value due to the absolute low level of interest rates. Each rate scenario contains unique prepayment and repricing assumptions that are applied to the Company’s existing balance sheet that was developed under the flat interest rate scenario.
Interest Rate Scenario
Variability of Net
Interest Income
Change in Market
Value of Portfolio Equity
200bp increase
5.4% 29.6%
100bp increase
3.4 18.3
100bp decrease
(4.8) (27.1)
The Company believes that its overall interest rate risk position is well controlled. The variability of net interest income is positive in the upward rate shocks due to the Company’s short duration investment securities portfolio, the scheduled repricing of loans tied to LIBOR or prime, and the reduction to overnight borrowed funds. Also, the Company will continue its disciplined approach to price its core deposit accounts in a controlled but competitive manner when interest rates rise. The variability of net interest income is negative in the 100 basis point downward rate scenario as the Company has more exposure to assets repricing downward to a greater extent than liabilities due to the absolute low level of interest rates with the fed funds rate currently at a targeted range of 1.75% to 2.00%. The market value of portfolio equity increases in the upward rate shocks due to the improved value of the Company’s core deposit base. Negative variability of market value of portfolio equity occurs in the downward rate shock due to a reduced value for core deposits.
…..OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS…..The Company incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $227.5 million and standby letters of credit of  $15.0 million as of September 30, 2019. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending.
…..REGULATORY UPDATE…..The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”), which was designed to ease certain restrictions imposed by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, was enacted into law on May 24, 2018. Most of the changes made by the Act can be grouped into five general areas: mortgage lending; certain regulatory relief for “community” banks; enhanced consumer protections in specific areas, including subjecting credit reporting agencies to additional requirements; certain regulatory relief for large financial institutions,
44

including increasing the threshold at which institutions are classified as systemically important financial institutions (from $50 billion to $250 billion) and therefore subject to stricter oversight, and revising the rules for larger institution stress testing; and certain changes to federal securities regulations designed to promote capital formation.
Some of the key provisions of the Act as it relates to community banks and bank holding companies include, but are not limited to: (i) designating mortgages held in portfolio as “qualified mortgages” for banks with less than $10 billion in assets, subject to certain documentation and product limitations; (ii) exempting banks with less than $10 billion in assets from Volcker Rule requirements relating to proprietary trading; (iii) simplifying capital calculations for banks with less than $10 billion in assets by requiring federal banking agencies to establish a community bank leverage ratio of tangible equity to average consolidated assets not less than 8% or more than 10% and provide that banks that maintain tangible equity in excess of such ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with risk-based capital and leverage requirements; (iv) assisting smaller banks with obtaining stable funding by providing an exception for reciprocal deposits from FDIC restrictions on acceptance of brokered deposits; (v) raising the eligibility for use of short-form Call Reports from $1 billion to $5 billion in assets; and (vi) clarifying definitions pertaining to high volatility commercial real estate loans (HVCRE), which require higher capital allocations, so that only loans with increased risk are subject to higher risk weightings.
In September 2019, as directed pursuant to the Act, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued final rules for a community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) for certain community banking organizations, which will be available to use in call reports filed for the period beginning January 1, 2020 or April 1, 2020 pursuant to subsequent final rules adopted in October 2019. Under the final rules, a bank or holding company would be eligible to elect the CBLR framework if the institution had less than $10.0 billion in total consolidated assets, met certain risk-based qualifying criteria and had a CBLR greater than 9%. A qualifying community banking organization that elected to opt in to the CBLR framework would not be subject to risk-based and leverage capital requirements under the Basel III rules. In July 2019, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued final rules pursuant to the Act simplifying several requirements in the agencies’ regulatory capital rules for banks generally less than $250 billion in assets. As directed pursuant to the Act, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued final rules increasing the asset thresholds for management interlocks between depository institutions, which became effective in October 2019. Also, in October 2019, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued final rules to, among other things, increase the threshold for appraisals in a residential real estate transaction from $250,000 to $400,000 and make conforming changes to add to the list of exempt transactions those transactions secured by residential property in rural areas that have been exempted from the agencies’ appraisal requirements pursuant to the Act. Additionally, the Act requires the enactment of a number of other implementing regulations, the details of which may have a material effect on the ultimate impact of the law. The Company continues to analyze the changes implemented by the Act and further rulemaking from federal banking regulators, but, at this time, does not believe that such changes will materially impact the Company’s business, operations, or financial results.
…..CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES…..The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, income taxes, and investment securities are deemed critical because they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in material changes in the Company’s financial position or results of operation.
ACCOUNT — Allowance for Loan Losses
BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Allowance for loan losses
INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision (credit) for loan losses
DESCRIPTION
The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining reserve levels believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the credit portfolio and other relevant
45

factors. However, this quarterly evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, likelihood of customer default, loss given default, exposure at default, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on consumer loans and residential mortgages, and general amounts for historical loss experience. This process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the various credit portfolios. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. Also, the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan pools is based on historical loss trends and management’s judgment concerning those trends.
Commercial and commercial real estate loans are the largest category of credits and the most sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgments underlying the determination of the allowance for loan losses. Approximately $6.4 million, or 76%, of the total allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2019 has been allocated to these two loan categories. This allocation also considers other relevant factors such as actual versus estimated losses, economic trends, delinquencies, levels of non-performing and troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for loan losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.
ACCOUNT — Goodwill
BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Goodwill
INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Goodwill impairment
DESCRIPTION
The Company considers our accounting policies related to goodwill to be critical because the assumptions or judgment used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in past acquisitions are subjective and complex. As a result, changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including the resulting goodwill, was based either on quoted market prices or provided by other third party sources, when available. When third party information was not available, estimates were made in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective and are susceptible to significant changes. The Company routinely utilizes the services of an independent third party that is regarded within the banking industry as an expert in valuing core deposits to monitor the ongoing value and changes in the Company’s core deposit base. These core deposit valuation updates are based upon specific data provided from statistical analysis of the Company’s own deposit behavior to estimate the duration of these non-maturity deposits combined with market interest rates and other economic factors.
Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. The Company’s goodwill relates to value inherent in the banking and wealth management businesses, and the value is dependent upon the Company’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective services in the face of free competition from other market participants on a regional basis. This ability relies upon continuing investments in processing systems, the development of value-added service features and the ease of use of the Company’s services. As such, goodwill value is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted and the loyalty of the Company’s deposit and customer base over a longer time frame. The quality and value of a Company’s assets is also an important factor to consider when performing goodwill impairment testing. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost-effective value added services over sustained periods can lead to the impairment of goodwill.
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Goodwill, which has an indefinite useful life, is tested for impairment at least annually and written down and charged to results of operations only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the estimated fair value.
ACCOUNT — Income Taxes
BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Net deferred tax asset
INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for income tax expense
DESCRIPTION
The provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and deferred. The changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the changes in differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that management estimates will be in effect when the differences reverse. This income tax review is completed on a quarterly basis.
In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of tax differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether tax differences are permanent or temporary and the related timing of the expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. As of September 30, 2019, we believe that all of the deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet will ultimately be recovered and that no valuation allowances were needed.
In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to be.
ACCOUNT — Investment Securities
BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Investment securities
INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities
DESCRIPTION
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At September 30, 2019, the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale security portfolio were comprised of securities issued by government agencies or government sponsored agencies and certain high quality corporate and taxable municipal securities. The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.
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…..FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT…..
THE STRATEGIC FOCUS:
AmeriServ Financial is committed to increasing shareholder value by striving for consistently improving financial performance; providing our customers with products and exceptional service for every step in their lifetime financial journey; cultivating an employee atmosphere rooted in trust, empowerment and growth; and serving our communities through employee involvement and a philanthropic spirit. We will strive to provide our shareholders with consistently improved financial performance; the products, services and know-how needed to forge lasting banking for life customer relationships; a work environment that challenges and rewards staff; and the manpower and financial resources needed to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our strategic initiatives will focus on these four key constituencies:

Shareholders — We strive to increase earnings per share; identifying and managing revenue growth and expense reduction; and managing risk. Our goal is to increase value for AmeriServ shareholders by growing earnings per share by 10 percent year-over-year and narrowing the financial performance gap between AmeriServ and its peer banks. We try to return up to 75 percent of earnings to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases subject to maintaining sufficient capital to support balance sheet growth. We strive to educate our employee base as to the meaning/importance of earnings per share as a performance measure. We will develop a value added combination for increasing revenue and reducing expenses that is rooted in developing and offering high-quality financial products and services; an existing branch network; electronic banking capabilities with 24/7 convenience; and providing truly exceptional customer service. We will explore branch consolidation opportunities and further leverage union affiliated revenue streams, prudently manage the Company’s risk profile to improve asset yields and increase profitability and continue to identify and implement technological opportunities and advancements to drive efficiency for the holding company and its affiliates.

Customers — The Company expects to provide exceptional customer service, identifying opportunities to enhance the Banking for Life philosophy by providing products and services to meet the financial needs in every step through a customer’s life cycle, and further defining the role technology plays in anticipating and satisfying customer needs. We anticipate providing leading banking systems and solutions to improve and enhance customers’ Banking for Life experience. We will provide customers with a comprehensive offering of financial solutions including retail and business banking, home mortgages and wealth management at one location. We have upgraded and modernized select branches to be more inviting and technologically savvy to meet the needs of the next generation of AmeriServ customers without abandoning the needs of our existing demographic.

Staff — We are committed to developing high-performing employees, establishing and maintaining a culture of trust and effectively and efficiently managing staff attrition. We will employ a work force succession plan to manage anticipated staff attrition while identifying and grooming high performing staff members to assume positions with greater responsibility within the organization. We will employ technological systems and solutions to provide staff with the tools they need to perform more efficiently and effectively.

Communities — We will continue to promote and encourage employee community involvement and leadership while fostering a positive corporate image. This will be accomplished by demonstrating our commitment to the communities we serve through assistance in providing affordable housing programs for low-to-moderate-income families; donations to qualified charities; and the time and talent contributions of AmeriServ staff to a wide-range of charitable and civic organizations.
This Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates, intentions, operations, future results, and prospects, including statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks,
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uncertainties and assumptions. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q, even if subsequently made available on our website or otherwise, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-Q. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.
Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) the effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) inflation, stock and bond market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) credit risks of commercial, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (vi) changes in federal and state banking and financial services laws and regulations; (vii) the presence in the Company’s market area of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company; (viii) the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of those products and services by customers and regulators (when required); (ix) the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for those of the Company and vice versa; (x) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (xi) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; and (xii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance.
The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive, and neither such list nor any forward-looking statement takes into account the impact that any future acquisition may have on the Company and on any such forward-looking statement.
Item 3…..QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK…..The Company manages market risk, which for the Company is primarily interest rate risk, through its asset liability management process and committee, see further discussion in Interest Rate Sensitivity section of the M.D. & A.
Item 4…..CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES…..(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and the operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2019, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2019, are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in AmeriServ Financial Inc.’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II Other Information
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
There are no material proceedings to which the Company or any of our subsidiaries are a party or by which, to the Company’s knowledge, we, or any of our subsidiaries, are threatened. All legal proceedings presently pending or threatened against the Company or our subsidiaries involve routine litigation incidental to our business or that of the subsidiary involved and are not material in respect to the amount in controversy.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
Not Applicable
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Following are the Company’s monthly common stock purchases during the third quarter of 2019. All shares are repurchased under Board of Directors authorization.
Period
Total number of
shares purchased
Average price
paid per share
Total number of
shares purchased
as part of publicly
announced plan
Maximum number
of shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plan
July 1 – 31, 2019
32,164 $ 4.18 32,164 332,282
August 1 – 31, 2019
170,527 4.22 170,527 161,755
September 1 – 30, 2019
34,950 4.26 34,950 126,805
Total
237,641 237,641
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5.   Other Information
None
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Item 6.   Exhibits
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through August 11, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-176869) filed on September 16, 2011).
Bylaws, as amended and restated on October 17, 2019 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2019).
Report of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. regarding unaudited interim financial statement information.
Awareness Letter of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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The following information from AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited), (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), and (vi) Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
Registrant
Date: November 8, 2019
/s/ Jeffrey A. Stopko
Jeffrey A. Stopko
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 8, 2019
/s/ Michael D. Lynch
Michael D. Lynch
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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