SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest bearing demand deposits with banks and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.

Allowance for Credit Losses-Held to Maturity, Available for Sale Securities, Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

Allowance for Credit Losses – Held to Maturity Securities

Management measures expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on held to maturity debt securities, recorded in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition, totaled $384,000 and $404,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Management classifies the held to maturity portfolio into two security types: obligations of U.S. government sponsored enterprises and mortgage-backed securities. All the Company’s held to maturity debt securities are issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, except for the Federal Farm Credit Bank securities, but all are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Available for Sale Securities

For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet that criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as credit loss expense (or reversal). Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available for sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable on available for sale debt securities, recorded in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition, totaled $300,000 at December 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition and adjusted through credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $56.0 million in unfunded commitments and $419,000 in anticipated credit losses in the reserve for unfunded lending commitments subject to ASC 326 requirements.

Restricted Investment in Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors and may invest in additional amounts. The Bank also owns restricted stock investments in the Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”). Both the FHLB and ACBB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. The Bank owned $1.6 million in restricted stock investments with the FHLB at December 31, 2023 and $3.6 million at December 31, 2022. The Bank owned $80,000 in restricted stock investments with the ACBB at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Loan Origination Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees and related direct origination costs for a given loan are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan on a level-yield basis as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loan. The amount of net unamortized origination fees carried as an adjustment to outstanding loan balances as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $171,000 and $47,000, respectively.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The ACL requires a projection of credit losses estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a loan modification will be executed with an individual borrower, or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. The ACL is adjusted through the provision for credit losses and reduced by net charge offs of loans.

Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, related to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of certain macro-economic variables. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, lending personnel, delinquency trends, credit concentrations, loan review results, changes in collateral values, as well as the impact of changes in the regulatory and business environment or other relevant factors.

The Company utilizes the Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) method to analyze most loan segments, particularly loan segments with longer average lives and regular payment structures, as it allows for the effective incorporation of a reasonable and supportable forecast in a directionally consistent and objective manner. The DCF model has two key components; a loss driver analysis combined with a cash flow analysis. The contractual cash flow is adjusted for probability of default/loss given defaults (“PD/LGD”) and prepayment speed to establish a reserve level. The prepayment and curtailment studies are updated quarterly by a third-party for each applicable pool of loans. The Company estimates losses over a four quarter forecast period using Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) estimates for real GDP and unemployment rate. Based on the final values in the forecast and the uncertainty of a post-pandemic economic recovery, management has elected to revert to historical loss experience over four quarters. The economic factors considered as part of the ACL were selected after a rigorous regression analysis and model selection process. Additionally, the Company uses reasonable credit risk assumptions based on an annual report produced by Moody’s for the obligations of states and political subdivisions segment.

The Weighted Average Remaining Life (“WARM”) method is used to analyze the personal loan segment, which includes revolving credit plans, automobile loans and other consumer loans, because this segment contains loans with many different structures, payment streams and collateral. The WARM method uses an average annual charge-off rate applied to the contractual term, further adjusted for estimated prepayments to determine the unadjusted historical charge-off rate for the remaining balance of assets.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using the following methods:


Portfolio Segments	Methodology	Loss Drivers
Commercial, financial and agricultural	DCF	National unemployment
Real estate - commercial	DCF	National unemployment & national GDP
Real estate - construction:
1-4 family residential construction	DCF	National unemployment & national GDP
Other construction loans	DCF	National unemployment & national GDP
Real estate - mortgage	DCF	National unemployment & national GDP
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	DCF	Moody's report
Personal	Remaining Life	Call report loss history

According to ASC 326, an entity may make an accounting policy election not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable if the entity writes off the applicable accrued interest receivable balance in a timely manner. The Company has made the accounting policy election not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable for all loan segments. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when the payment of principal or interest is in doubt or when a loan becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to principal or interest, except for loans that are well-secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any accrued but uncollected interest is reversed from current income.

The determination of the ACL is complex, and the Company makes decisions on the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Evaluations of the loan portfolio and individual credits require certain estimates, assumptions and judgements as to the facts and circumstances related to particular situations or credits. There may be significant changes in the ACL in future periods determined by factors prevailing at that point in time along with future forecasts.

Risks associated with each portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial, Financial and Agricultural Lending:

The Company originates commercial, financial and agricultural loans primarily to businesses located in its primary market area and surrounding areas. These loans are used for various business purposes, which include short-term loans and lines of credit to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable. Generally, the maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is shorter and does not exceed the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment. Most business lines of credit are written with a five year maturity, subject to an annual credit review. Commercial loans are generally secured with short-term assets; however, in many cases, additional collateral, such as real estate, is provided as additional security for the loan. Loan-to-value maximum values have been established by the Company and are specific to the type of collateral. Collateral values may be determined using invoices, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging reports, collateral appraisals, and other methods.

In underwriting commercial loans, the Company performs an analysis of the borrower’s character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, and conditions affecting the borrower. Evaluation of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s analysis. Concentration analysis assists in identifying industry specific risk inherent in commercial, financial and agricultural lending. Mitigants include the identification of secondary and tertiary sources of repayment and appropriate increases in oversight. Commercial, financial and agricultural loans generally present a higher level of risk than certain other types of loans, particularly during slow economic conditions.

Real Estate - Commercial Lending:

The Company engages in real estate - commercial lending in its primary market area and surrounding areas. The Company’s real estate - commercial portfolio is secured primarily by residential housing, commercial buildings, raw land and hotels. Generally, real estate - commercial loans have terms that do not exceed 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the property and are typically secured by personal guarantees of the borrowers. As economic conditions deteriorate, the Company reduces its exposure in real estate loans with higher risk characteristics. In underwriting these loans, the Company performs a thorough analysis of the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan. Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers. Real estate - commercial loans generally present a higher level of risk than certain other types of loans, particularly during slow economic conditions.

Real Estate - Construction Lending:

The Company engages in real estate - construction lending in its primary market area and surrounding areas. The Company’s real estate - construction lending consists of 1-4 family residential construction loans and other construction loans, which are construction loans for purposes other than constructing 1-4 family residential properties such as land development and commercial building construction loans. The Company’s 1-4 family residential construction loans are loans for constructing 1-4 family residential properties, which will secure the loan. Other construction loans are generally secured with the subject property, and advances are made in conformity with a pre-determined draw schedule supported

by independent inspections. Terms of construction loans depend on the specifics of the project, such as estimated absorption rates, estimated time to complete, etc.

In underwriting real estate - construction loans, the Company performs a thorough analysis of the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history and, when applicable, the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the project using feasibility studies, market data, and other resources. Most appraisals on properties securing real estate - construction loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers. Real estate - construction loans generally present a higher level of risk than certain other types of loans, particularly during slow economic conditions. The difficulty of estimating total construction costs adds to the risk as well.

Real Estate - Mortgage Lending:

The Company’s real estate - mortgage portfolio is comprised of 1-4 family residential mortgages and business loans secured by 1-4 family properties. One-to-four family residential mortgage loan originations, including home equity installment and home equity lines of credit loans, are generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals. These loans originate primarily within the Company’s market area or with customers primarily from the market area. The Company offers fixed-rate and adjustable rate real estate - mortgage loans with a term up to a maximum of 25-years for both permanent structures and those under construction. The Company’s 1-4 family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas. Most of the Company’s residential real estate - mortgage loans originate with a loan-to-value of 80% or less. Home equity installment loans are secured by the borrower’s primary residence with a maximum loan-to-value of 80% and a maximum term of 15 years. Home equity lines of credit are secured by the borrower’s primary residence with a maximum loan-to-value of 90% and a maximum term of 20 years.

In underwriting 1-4 family residential real estate loans, the Company evaluates the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments, the borrower’s repayment history and the value of the property securing the loan. The ability to repay is determined by the borrower’s employment history, current financial conditions and credit background. The analysis is based primarily on the customer’s ability to repay and secondarily on the collateral or security. Most properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent fee appraisers. The Company generally requires mortgage loan borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion or title insurance and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan. The Company does not engage in sub-prime residential mortgage originations. Residential mortgage loans and home equity loans generally present a lower level of risk than certain other types of consumer loans because they are secured by the borrower’s primary residence. Risk is increased when the Company is in a subordinate position for the loan collateral.

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions:

The Company lends to local municipalities and other tax-exempt organizations. These loans are primarily tax-anticipation notes and, as such, carry minimal risk. Historically, the Company has never had a loss on any loan of this type.

Personal Lending:

The Company offers a variety of secured and unsecured personal loans, including vehicle loans, mobile home loans and loans secured by savings deposits as well as other types of personal loans. Personal loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral and creditworthiness of the borrower. In underwriting personal loans, a thorough analysis of the borrower’s willingness and financial ability to repay the loan as agreed is performed. The ability to repay is determined by the borrower’s employment history, current financial conditions and credit background. Personal loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of personal loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted personal loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. In addition, personal loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

Loans Held for Sale and Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company has originated residential mortgage loans with the intent to sell. These individual loans were normally sold to the buyer immediately. The Company maintains servicing rights on these loans.

When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Under the fair value measurement method, the Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur, which are included with mortgage banking income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to fluctuations because of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. The carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights was $83,000 and $92,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as mortgage banking income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. Servicing fees totaled $46,000 and $34,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill arises from business combinations and is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. Juniata has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives.

There were no impairment losses recognized based on periodic impairment testing in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 10 years for furniture and equipment and 25 to 40 years for buildings. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the assets’ useful life or the related lease term.

Bank Owned Life Insurance, Annuities and Split-dollar Arrangements

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Juniata has committed to a continuation of life insurance coverage for certain persons post-retirement. The estimated present value of future benefits to be paid was $1.1 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and is included in other liabilities. The related net expense for 2023 was $20,000, and the related net benefit for 2022 was $120,000.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.

Current income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the evidence available, it is more likely than not that some, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes a benefit for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms “examined” and “upon examination” also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes, if any, as a component of income tax expense.

Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition when they are funded.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable, and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management believes that there are no such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate footnote. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Segment Reporting

Management does not separately allocate expenses, including the cost of funding loan demand, between the commercial, retail and trust operations of the Company. As such, discrete financial information is not available, and segment reporting would not be meaningful.