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Note 1 - Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
1
.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION -
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Citizens & Northern Corporation and its subsidiaries, Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), Bucktail Life Insurance Company and Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation (collectively, “Corporation”), as well as C&N Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, C&N Financial Services Corporation. In
December 2018,
C&N Bank established a new entity, Northern Tier Holding LLC, for the purpose of acquiring, holding and disposing of real property acquired by C&N Bank. C&N Bank is the sole member of Northern Tier Holding LLC. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS -
The Corporation provides banking and related services to individual and corporate customers. Lending products include commercial, mortgage and consumer loans, as well as specialized instruments such as commercial letters-of-credit. Deposit products include various types of checking accounts, passbook and statement savings, money market accounts, interest checking accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts and certificates of deposit. As discussed further in Note
3,
in
2019
the Corporation expanded its primary market area from its historic concentration in northcentral Pennsylvania and southern New York State by acquiring Monument Bancorp, Inc. (“Monument”) with offices in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In
2019,
the Corporation also expanded into south central Pennsylvania by opening a lending office in York.
 
The Corporation provides Trust and Financial Management services, including administration of trusts and estates, retirement plans, and other employee benefit plans, and investment management services. The Corporation offers a variety of personal and commercial insurance products through C&N Financial Services Corporation. C&N Financial Services Corporation also offers mutual funds, annuities, educational savings accounts and other investment products through registered agents.
 
Management has determined that the Corporation has
one
reportable segment, “Community Banking.” All of the Corporation’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Corporation supports the others.
 
The Corporation is subject to competition from other financial institutions. It is also subject to regulation by certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examination by those regulatory authorities. As a consequence, the Corporation’s business is particularly susceptible to being affected by future federal and state legislation and regulations.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES -
The financial information is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and general practice for financial institutions in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In preparing financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. In addition, these estimates and assumptions affect revenues and expenses in the financial statements and as such, actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change include: (
1
) the allowance for loan losses, (
2
) fair values of debt securities based on estimates from independent valuation services or from brokers and (
3
) assessment of impaired securities to determine whether or
not
the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES -
Investment securities are accounted for as follows:
 
Available-for-sale
debt
securities -
includes debt securities
not
classified as held-to-maturity or trading. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported separately through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Premiums on non-amortizing available-for-sale debt securities are amortized using the level yield method to the earliest call date, while discounts on non-amortizing securities are amortized to the maturity date. Premiums and discounts on amortizing securities (mortgage-backed securities) are amortized using the level yield method over the remaining contractual life of the securities, adjusted for actual prepayments. Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are computed on the basis of specific identification of the adjusted cost of each security. Securities within the available-for-sale portfolio
may
be used as part of the Corporation’s asset and liability management strategy and
may
be sold in response to changes in interest rate risk, prepayment risk or other factors.
 
Other-than-temporary impairment
– Credit-related declines in the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) 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, (
3
) the intent and ability of the Corporation to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, and (
4
) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than
not
that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. The credit-related impairment is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective interest rate. For debt securities classified as held-to-maturity, if any, the amount of noncredit-related impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income and accreted over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security.
 
Marketable equity security
– The marketable equity security is carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Restricted equity securities
- Restricted equity securities consist primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock, and are carried at cost and evaluated for impairment. Holdings of restricted equity securities are included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and dividends received on restricted securities are included in Other Income in the consolidated statements of income.
 
LOANS HELD FOR SALE
-
Mortgage loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market, determined in the aggregate.
 
LOANS RECEIVABLE -
Loans originated by the Corporation which management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan fees. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination and commitment fees, as well as certain direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the lives of the related loans using the interest method.
 
The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. The residential mortgage segment includes the following classes:
first
and junior lien residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit and residential construction loans. The most significant classes of commercial loans are commercial loans secured by real estate, non-real estate secured commercial and industrial loans, loans to political subdivisions, commercial construction, multi-family residential and loans secured by farmland.
 
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans when, in the opinion of management, collection of interest is doubtful. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income is
not
recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on loans for which the risk of further loss is greater than remote are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. 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 (generally
six
months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is
no
longer in doubt. The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. Also, the amortization of deferred loan fees is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.
 
PURCHASED LOANS –
The Corporation purchased loans in connection with its acquisition of Monument, some of which had, at the acquisition date of
April 1, 2019,
shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. The Corporation considers several factors as indicators that an acquired loan has evidence of deterioration in credit quality. These factors include loans
90
days or more past due, loans with an internal risk rating of substandard or below, loans classified as nonaccrual by the acquired institution and loans that have been previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The purchased loans that showed evidence of credit impairment were designated as the purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans and were recorded at fair value, with
no
carryover of the allowance for loan losses. The PCI loans acquired are secured by real estate and the fair value of each loan at the acquisition date was determined based on the estimated proceeds to be derived from selling the collateral, net of selling costs. The PCI loans were placed into nonaccrual status upon acquisition (and remained in nonaccrual status at
December 31, 2019)
as the Corporation cannot reasonably estimate cash flows expected to be collected in order to compute yield on the loans.
 
For purchased loans that did
not
show evidence of credit deterioration at the acquisition date, the difference between the fair value of the loan at the acquisition date and the loan’s contractual amount is being amortized as a yield adjustment over the estimated remaining life of the loan using the effective interest method.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
-
The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the collection of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off
no
later than when they are
120
days past due on a contractual basis, or earlier in the event of bankruptcy or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible.
 
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Corporation’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 revision as more information becomes available. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies
may
require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination. In the process of evaluating the loan portfolio, management also considers the Corporation’s exposure to losses from unfunded loan commitments. As of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
management determined that
no
allowance for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments was required.
 
The allowance consists primarily of
two
major components – (
1
) a specific component based on a detailed assessment of certain larger loan relationships, mainly commercial purpose, determined on a loan-by-loan basis; and (
2
) a general component for the remainder of the portfolio, except for the performing loans purchased in
2019
from Monument, based on a collective evaluation of pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The general component is assigned to each pool of loans based on both historical net charge-off experience, and an evaluation of certain qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the above methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
 
The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired based on a detailed assessment of certain larger loan relationships evaluated by a management committee referred to as the Watch List Committee. Specific loan relationships are identified for evaluation based on the related credit risk rating. For individual loans classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the collateral value less estimated selling costs, present value of discounted cash flows or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.
 
The scope of loans reviewed individually each quarter to determine if they are impaired include all commercial loan relationships greater than
$200,000
and any residential mortgage or consumer loans of
$400,000
or more for which there is at least
one
extension of credit graded Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful. Loans that are individually reviewed, but which are determined to
not
be impaired, are combined with all remaining loans that are
not
reviewed on a specific basis, and such loans are included within larger pools of loans based on similar risk and loss characteristics for purposes of determining the general component of the allowance. All loans classified as troubled debt restructurings and all commercial loan relationships less than
$200,000
or other loan relationships less than
$400,000
in the aggregate, but with an estimated loss of
$100,000
or more, are individually evaluated for impairment.
 
Loans acquired from Monument that did
not
show evidence of credit deterioration at the acquisition date (
April 1, 2019)
were initially recorded at fair value, including a discount for credit losses reflecting an estimate of the present value of credit losses based on market expectations.
None
of the performing loans purchased were impaired at
December 31, 2019,
and these purchased performing loans were excluded from the loan pools for which the general component of the allowance for loan losses was calculated. A provision for loan losses on purchased performing loans would be recognized only when the required allowance for loan losses or charge-off would exceed any remaining purchase discount at the loan level. 
 
The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans
not
considered individually impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous classes of loans, such as residential real estate, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. Accordingly, the Corporation generally does
not
separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such a loan: (
1
) is subject to a restructuring agreement, (
2
) has an outstanding balance of
$400,000
or more and a credit grade of Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful, or (
3
) has an estimated loss of
$100,000
or more. The pools of loans for each loan segment are evaluated for loss exposure based upon average historical net charge-off rates, adjusted for qualitative factors. The time period used in determining the average historical net charge-off rate for each loan class is based on management’s evaluation of an appropriate time period that captures an historical loss experience relevant to the current portfolio. Qualitative risk factors (described in the following paragraph) are evaluated for the impact on each of the
three
distinct segments (residential mortgage, commercial and consumer) within the loan portfolio. Each qualitative factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Any adjustments to the factors are supported by a narrative documentation of changes in conditions accompanying the allowance for loan losses calculation.
 
The qualitative factors used in the general component calculations are designed to address credit risk characteristics associated with each segment. The Corporation’s credit risk associated with all of the segments is significantly impacted by these factors, which include economic conditions within its market area, the Corporation’s lending policies, changes or trends in the portfolio, risk profile, competition, regulatory requirements and other factors.
 
Loans are classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation 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 shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial loans by the fair value of the collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent), by future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate or by the loan’s observable market price.
 
For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through
third
-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.
 
For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging data or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.
 
Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Corporation grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve reductions in required payments, an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date or a temporary reduction in interest rate. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings
may
be restored to accrual status if the ultimate collectability of principal and interest payments under the modified terms is
not
in doubt, and there has been a period (generally, for at least
six
consecutive months) of satisfactory payment performance by the borrower either immediately before or after the restructuring.
 
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
- Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Repair and maintenance expenditures which extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized, and other repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method.
 
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
- The Corporation reviews long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment and intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset
may
not
be recoverable. These changes in circumstances
may
include a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or the manner in which an asset is used. If there is an indication the carrying value of an asset
may
not
be recoverable, future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset are estimated. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair market value of the asset.
 
FORECLOSED ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
- Foreclosed assets held for sale consist of real estate acquired by foreclosure and are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs.
 
GOODWILL
 -
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested at least annually at
December 31
for impairment, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there
may
be impairment. The Corporation has the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether any further quantitative testing for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or
not
to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually.
 
CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES –
Amortization of core deposit intangibles is calculated using an accelerated method. In determining amortization using the accelerated method for any given period, the amount of expected cash flows for that period that were used in determining the acquisition-date fair value is divided by the total amount of expected cash flows over the life of the asset. That percentage is multiplied by the initial carrying amount of the asset to arrive at amortization expense for that period. If the Corporation’s cash flow patterns differ significantly from the initial estimates, the amortization schedule would be adjusted prospectively.
 
SERVICING RIGHTS
- The estimated fair value of servicing rights related to mortgage loans sold and serviced by the Corporation is recorded as an asset upon the sale of such loans. The valuation of servicing rights is adjusted quarterly, with changes in fair value included in Loan Servicing Fees, Net, in the consolidated statements of income. Significant inputs to the valuation include expected net servicing income to be received, the expected life of the underlying loans and the discount rate. The servicing rights asset is included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
INCOME TAXES
- Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are
not
expected to be realized based upon available evidence. Tax benefits from investments in limited partnerships that have qualified for federal low-income tax credits are recognized as a reduction in the provision for income tax over the term of the investment using the effective yield method. The Corporation includes income tax penalties in the provision for income tax. The Corporation has
no
accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.
 
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
- The Corporation’s stock-based compensation policy applies to all forms of stock-based compensation including stock options and restricted stock units. All stock-based compensation is accounted for under the fair value method as required by U.S. GAAP. The expense associated with stock-based compensation is recognized over the vesting period of each individual arrangement.
 
The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the current market price on the date of grant.
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable.
 
CASH FLOWS
- The Corporation utilizes the net reporting of cash receipts and cash payments for certain deposit and lending activities. Cash equivalents include federal funds sold and all cash and amounts due from depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits in other banks with original maturities of
three
months or less.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION -
As of
January 1, 2018,
the Corporation adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
2014
-
09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606
), as well as subsequent ASUs that modified Topic
606.
The Company elected to apply the ASU and all related ASUs using the modified retrospective implementation method. The implementation of the guidance had
no
material impact on the measurement or recognition of revenue of prior periods. The Corporation generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is little judgment involved in applying Topic
606
that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.
 
Additional disclosures related to the Corporation’s largest sources of noninterest income within the consolidated statements of income that are subject to Topic
606
are as follows:
 
Trust and financial management revenue
– C&N Bank’s trust division provides a wide range of financial services, including wealth management services for individuals, businesses and retirement funds, administration of
401
(k) and other retirement plans, retirement planning, estate planning and estate settlement services. Trust clients are located primarily within the Corporation’s geographic markets. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity by C&N Bank are
not
the Corporation’s assets and are therefore
not
included in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of trust assets under management was approximately
$1,007,113,000
at
December 31, 2019
and
$862,517,000
at
December 31, 2018.
Trust and financial management revenue is included within noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Trust revenue is recorded on a cash basis, which is
not
materially different from the accrual basis. The majority (approximately
82%,
based on annual
2019
results) of trust revenue is earned and collected monthly, with the amount determined based on a percentage of the fair value of the trust assets under management. Wealth management fees are contractually agreed with each customer, and fee levels vary based mainly on the size of assets under management. The services provided under such a contract represent a single performance obligation under the ASU because it embodies a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.
None
of the contracts with trust customers provide for incentive-based fees. In addition to wealth management fees, trust revenue includes fees for provision of services, including employee benefit plan administration, tax return preparation and estate planning and settlement. Fees for such services are billed based on contractual arrangements or established fee schedules and are typically billed upon completion of providing such services. The costs of acquiring trust customers are incremental and recognized within noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
- Deposits are included as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Service charges on deposit accounts include: overdraft fees, which are charged when customers overdraw their accounts beyond available funds; automated teller machine (ATM) fees charged for withdrawals by deposit customers from other financial institutions’ ATMs; and a variety of other monthly or transactional fees for services provided to retail and business customers, mainly associated with checking accounts. All deposit liabilities are considered to have
one
-day terms and therefore related fees are recognized in income at the time when the services are provided to the customers. Incremental costs of obtaining deposit contracts are
not
significant and are recognized as expense when incurred within noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
 
Interchange revenue from debit card transactions
– The Corporation issues debit cards to consumer and business customers with checking, savings or money market deposit accounts. Debit card and ATM transactions are processed via electronic systems that involve several parties. The Corporation’s debit card and ATM transaction processing is executed via contractual arrangements with payment processing networks, a processor and a settlement bank. As described above, all deposit liabilities are considered to have
one
-day terms and therefore interchange revenue from customers’ use of their debit cards to initiate transactions are recognized in income at the time when the services are provided and related fees received in the Corporation’s deposit account with the settlement bank. Incremental costs associated with ATM and interchange processing are recognized as expense when incurred within noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.