Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Franklin Financial Services Corporation (the Corporation) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; Farmers and Merchants Trust Company of Chambersburg and Franklin Future Fund Inc. Farmers and Merchants Trust Company of Chambersburg is a commercial bank (the Bank) that has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Franklin Financial Properties Corp., which holds real estate assets that are leased by the Bank.  Franklin Future Fund Inc. is a non-bank investment company that makes venture capital investments within the Corporation’s primary market area.  The activities of non-bank entities are not significant to the consolidated totals.  All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

Nature Of Operations [Policy Text Block]

Nature of Operations– The Corporation conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiary bank, Farmers and Merchants Trust Company, which serves its customer base through twenty-six community-banking offices located in Franklin, Cumberland, Fulton and Huntingdon Counties, Pennsylvania. These counties are considered to be the Corporation’s primary market area.  The Bank is a community-oriented commercial bank that emphasizes customer service and convenience.  As part of its strategy, the Bank has sought to develop a variety of products and services that meet the needs of both its retail and commercial customers.  The Corporation and the Bank are subject to the regulations of various federal and state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by these regulatory authorities. 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, and the assessment of other than temporary impairment of investment securities and impairment of restricted stock, the value of mortgage servicing rights and derivatives, and the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block]

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk – Most of the Corporation’s activities are with customers located within its primary market area.  Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements shows the types of securities in which the Corporation invests.  Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements shows the types of lending in which the Corporation engages.  The Corporation does not have any significant concentrations of any one industry or customer.

Statement of Cash Flows [Policy Text Block]

Statement of Cash Flows – For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include Cash and due from banks, Interest-bearing deposits in other banks and Federal funds sold.  Generally, Federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.

Investment Securities [Policy Text Block]

Investment Securities – Management classifies its securities at the time of purchase as available for sale or held to maturity. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, all securities were classified as available for sale, meaning that the Corporation intends to hold them for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Available for sale securities are stated at estimated fair value, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts which are recognized as adjustments of interest income through call date or maturity.  The related unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, until realized.  Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities to amounts below cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses.  In estimating the other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) determines if the Corporation does not intend to sell the security or it if is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. When a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists but the Corporationdoes not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Realized securities gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method. Gains or losses on the disposition of investment securities are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying amount of the specific security sold. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movement in interest rates, changes in maturity or mix of the Bank’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations and other similar factors.

Restricted Stock [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Stock– Restricted stock, which is carried at cost, consists of stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) and Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (ACBB).  The Bank held $3.6 million of restricted stock at the end of 2012. With the exception of $30 thousand, this investment represents stock in the FHLB that the Bank is required to hold in order to be a member of FHLB and is carried at a cost of $100 per share.  Federal law requires a member institution of the FHLB to hold FHLB stock according to a predetermined formula. In December 2008, FHLB announced it would suspend dividends and the regular repurchase of excess capital stock from its members due to deterioration in its financial condition.  As a result, the Bank may hold more FHLB stock than would have been previously required.   Management evaluates the restricted stock for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 320.  Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on their assessment of the ultimate recoverability of their cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of their cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the banks as compared to the capital stock amount for the banks and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the banks to make payments required by law or regulation and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the banks.  As a government sponsored entity, FHLB has the ability to raise funding through the U.S. Treasury that can be used to support its operations.  There is not a public market for FHLB or ACBB stock and the benefits of membership (e.g., liquidity and low cost funding) add value to the stock beyond purely financial measures. Management intends to remain a member of the FHLB and believes that it will be able to fully recover the cost basis of this investment. Management believes no impairment charge is necessary related to the FHLB or ACBB restricted stock as of December 31, 2012.

Financial Derivatives [Policy Text Block]

Financial Derivatives – The Corporation uses interest rate swaps, which it has designated as cash-flow hedges, to manage interest rate risk associated with variable-rate funding sources.  All such derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at estimated fair value in other assets or liabilities as appropriate.  To the extent the derivatives are effective and meet the requirements for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income with income statement reclassification occurring as the hedged item affects earnings.  Conversely, changes in fair value attributable to ineffectiveness or to derivatives that do not qualify as hedges are recognized as they occur in the income statement’s interest expense account associated with the hedged item.

Interest rate derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment only if they are designated as a hedge and are expected to be, and are, effective in substantially reducing interest rate risk arising from the assets and liabilities identified as exposing the Corporation to risk.  Those derivative financial instruments that do not meet the hedging criteria discussed below would be classified as trading activities and would be recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in income.  Derivative hedge contracts must meet specific effectiveness tests (i.e., over time the change in their fair values due to the designated hedge risk must be within 80 to 125 percent of the opposite change in the fair values of the hedged assets or liabilities).  Changes in fair value of the derivative financial instruments must be effective at offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged items due to the designated hedge risk during the term of the hedge.  Further, if the underlying financial instrument differs from the hedged asset or liability, there must be a clear economic relationship between the prices of the two financial instruments.  If periodic assessments indicate derivatives no longer provide an effective hedge, the derivatives contracts would be closed out and settled or classified as a trading activity.

Cash flows resulting from the derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as hedges of assets and liabilities are classified in the cash flow statement in the same category as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

Loans [Policy Text Block]

Loans – Loans, that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff, are stated at the outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of any deferred fees.  Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) of the related loans using the interest method.  The Corporation is generally amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the loan.

The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectibility of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing.  A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in a prior year is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied initially against principal,then interest income, late charges and any other expenses.  Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.  Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due.  Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loans.

Loans Held for Sale [Policy Text Block]

Loans Held for Sale – Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market at the time of origination are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value (determined on an aggregate basis).  All sales are made without recourse.  Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold. Loans held for sale at December 31, 2012 represent loans originated through a third-party brokerage agreement for a fee and present no price risk to the Bank.

Loan Servicing [Policy Text Block]

Loan Servicing – Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through sale of financial assets.  A portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value.  Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, prepayment speeds, default rates and losses.  Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the periods of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.  Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost.  For the purpose of computing impairment, mortgage servicing rights are stratified based on risk characteristics of the underlying loans that are expected to have the most impact on projected prepayments including loan type, interest rate and term.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount.  If the Corporation later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income.  Servicing fee 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.  The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.  Loans serviced by the Bank for the benefit of others totaled $46.1 million, $65.6 million and $79.9 million at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged against income.  Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated.  Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Bank’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors.  This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank 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 determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  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.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and commercial real estate loans either by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

The Corporation’s allowance for possible loan losses consists of two elements: (1) specific valuation allowances established for probable losses on specific loans and (2) historical valuation allowances calculated based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary to reflect the impact general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Corporation.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment using historical charge-offs as the starting point in estimating loss.  Accordingly, the Corporation may not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

Premises and Equipment [Policy Text Block]

Premises and Equipment – Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or the lease term for lease hold improvements, whichever is shorter.  When assets are retired or sold, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts, and any resultant gain or loss is included in net income.

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to operating expense as incurred, and the cost of major additions and improvements is capitalized.

Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]

Intangible Assets – The Bank has $9.0 million of goodwill recorded on its balances sheet as the result of corporate acquisitions.  Goodwill is not amortized, nor deductible for tax purposes.   However, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with ASC Topic 350.   Goodwill was tested for impairment as of August 31, 2012. The impairment test was conducted following the step-one test under ASC Topic 350 rather than the qualitative assessment permitted under ASU 2011-08 that was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Corporation chose not to use the qualitative assessment method for the August 31, 2012 test primarily due to a lower level of earnings and the fact that the Corporation’s stock price is trading below its book value. The Corporation uses several different weighted methods to determine the fair value of the reporting unit under the step-one test, including a dividend analysis, comparable sale transactions, and change of control premium estimates. As a result of the step-one test, the estimated fair value of the Corporation exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5% (compared to 15% in 2011) and Management determined goodwill was not impaired.  The decline in the valuation excess compared to 2011 is primarily the result of the book value of the Corporation increasing more than the estimated value, even though both values increased over the prior year. If the step-one test fails, a more comprehensive step-two test is performed before a final determination of impairment is made. At December 31, 2012, Management subsequently considered certain qualitative factors affecting the Corporation and determined that it was not likely that the results of the prior test had changed and it determined that goodwill was not impaired at year end. If goodwill is determined to be impaired, an impairment write-down is charged to results of operations in the period in which the impairment is determined.  For more information on Goodwill refer to Note 8 of the accompanying financial statements.  The customer list is amortized over 10 years using the sum-of-the-years digits method.    

Bank Owned Life Insurance [Policy Text Block]

Bank Owned Life Insurance – The Bank invests in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) as a source of funding for employee benefit expenses.  The Bank purchases life insurance coverage on the lives of a select group of employees.  The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of the policies and records the investment at the cash surrender value of the underlying policies.  Income from the increase in cash surrender value of the policies is included in noninterest income.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) [Policy Text Block]

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) – Foreclosed real estate (OREO) is comprised of property acquired through a foreclosure proceeding or an acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Balances are initially reflected at the estimated fair value less any estimated disposition costs, with subsequent adjustments made to reflect further declines in value.  Any losses realized upon disposition of the property, and holding costs prior thereto, are charged against income. All properties are actively marketed to potential buyers.

Transfers of Financial Assets [Policy Text Block]

Transfers of Financial Assets – Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Corporation, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Corporation does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Federal Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

Federal Income Taxes – Deferred income taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, when in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. ASC Topic 740   prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties.

Advertising Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Expenses – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]

Treasury Stock – The acquisition of treasury stock is recorded under the cost method.  The subsequent disposition or sale of the treasury stock is recorded using the average cost method.

Investment and Trust Services [Policy Text Block]

Investment and Trust Services – Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Corporation and therefore are not included in the consolidated financial statements.  Trust assets under management at December 31, 2012 were $520.4 million and $481.5 million at the prior year-end.  Revenue from investment and trust services is recognized on the accrual basis.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]

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 balance sheet when they are funded.  The amount of any liability for the credit risk associated with off-balance sheet financial instruments is recorded in other liabilities and was not material to the financial position of the Corporation at December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Stock-Based Compensation [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation – The Corporation accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with the ASC Topic 718, “ Stock Compensation.”  ASC Topic 718 requires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements (with limited exceptions).  The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.  Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an employee provides services in exchange for the award.  Compensation expense was $0 in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Pension [Policy Text Block]

Pension – The provision for pension expense was actuarially determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.  The funding policy is to contribute an amount sufficient to meet the requirements of ERISA, subject to Internal Revenue Code contribution limitations.

In accordance with ASC Topic 715, ”Compensation – Retirement Benefits”, the Corporation recognizes the plan’s over-funded or under-funded status as an asset or liability with an offsetting adjustment to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI).  ASC Topic 715 requires the determination of the fair value of a plan’s assets at the company’s year-end and the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, transition assets or obligations as a component of AOCI.  These amounts were previously netted against the plan’s funded status in the Corporation’s consolidated Balance Sheet. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs.  Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods that are not initially recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs will be recognized as a component of AOCI.  Those amounts will subsequently be recorded as component of net periodic benefit costs as they are amortized during future periods.

Earnings per share [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per share – Earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year.  The Corporation’s basic earnings per share are calculated as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  For diluted earnings per share, net income is divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the incremental number of shares added as a result of converting common stock equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method.  The Corporation’s common stock equivalents consist of stock options.  

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share follows:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	2012		2011		2010
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)		4,072		3,962		3,887
Impact of common stock equivalents		2		1		1
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)		4,074		3,963		3,888
Anti-dilutive options excluded from calculation		87		70		74
Net income	$	5,365	$	6,569	$	7,612
Basic earnings per share	$	1.32	$	1.66	$	1.96
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.32	$	1.66	$	1.96

Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications did not affect reported net income.

Segment Reporting [Policy Text Block]

Segment Reporting – The Bank acts as an independent community financial services provider and offers traditional banking and related financial services to individual, business and government customers.  Through its community office and automated teller machine network, the Bank offers a full array of commercial and retail financial services, including the taking of time, savings and demand deposits; the making of commercial, consumer and mortgage loans; and the providing of safe deposit services.  The Bank also performs personal, corporate, pension and fiduciary services through its Investment and Trust Services Department and Personal Investment Center.

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

Comprehensive Income [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and includes net income and unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on investment securities and derivatives and the change in plan assets and benefit obligations on the Bank’s pension plan, net of tax.