form10ka2009april.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549

AMENDMENT No. 2 on FORM 10-K/A

[ X ]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to              

Commission File No. 000-16435

COMMUNITY BANCORP.
Vermont
03-0284070
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
Address of Principal Executive Offices:  4811 US Route 5, Derby, Vermont  05829

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (802) 334-7915
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Name of each exchange on which registered
NONE
NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock - $2.50 par value per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     YES (  )     NO (X)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     YES(  )     NO (X)

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 (X)     NO (  )

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (X)

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

Large accelerated filer (  )
 
Accelerated filer (  )
Non-accelerated filer (  )
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company (X)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
YES (  )     NO(X)

As of June 30, 2009 the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $32,687,728, based on a per share trade price of $8.00, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board® on June 30, 2009.  For purposes of the calculation, all directors and executive officers were deemed to be affiliates of the registrant.  However, such assumption is not intended as an admission of affiliate status as to any such individual.

There were 4,550,745 shares outstanding of the issuer's class of common stock as of the close of business on March 23, 2010.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2009 are incorporated by reference to Part II.
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2010 are incorporated by reference to Part III.


EXPLANATORY NOTE:  The sole purpose of this amendment is to correct an error in the reported amount of the one-way (purchased) and two-way (exchanged) Certificate of Deposit Account Registry System (CDARS) deposits included in the balance reported as of December 31, 2009 in the Company's  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Part II, Item 7 of this report), under the caption "Liquidity and Capital Resources."  Of the $17.2 million CDARS balance at December 31, 2009, $15.1 million represented one-way deposits and $2.1 million represented two-way deposits, rather than one-way deposits of $2.1 million and two-way deposits of $15.1 million as previously reported.

There were no changes to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto, nor to any other disclosures in the report.


 
 

 

Part II

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

The following text amends and replaces in its entirety the text of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2009, included in filed Exhibit 13, which was previously filed with the Commission:


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

     Under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation G, public companies making disclosures containing financial measures that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP or GAAP) must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as a statement of the company’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure.  The SEC has exempted from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP.  However, two non-GAAP financial measures commonly used by financial institutions, namely tax-equivalent net interest income and tax- equivalent net interest margin, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC, and may therefore constitute non-GAAP financial measures under Regulation G.  However, we are unable to state with certainty whether the SEC would regard those measures as subject to Regulation G.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain forward-looking statements about the results of operations, financial condition and business of the Company and its subsidiary. When used therein, the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "predicts," or similar expressions, indicate that management of the Company is making forward-looking statements.

     Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  They necessarily involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Future results of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward looking statements included in this discussion include, but are not limited to, estimated contingent liability related to assumptions made within the asset/liability management process, management's expectations as to the future interest rate environment and the Company's related liquidity level, credit risk expectations relating to the Company's loan portfolio and its participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) program, and management's general outlook for the future performance of the Company, summarized below under "Overview".  Although forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates, many of the factors that could influence or determine actual results are unpredictable and not within the Company's control.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements as they speak only as of the date they are made.  The Company does not undertake, and disclaims any obligation, to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of this Report, except as required by applicable law.  The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) general economic or monetary conditions, either nationally or regionally, continue to deteriorate, resulting in a decline in credit quality or a diminished demand for the Company's products and services; (2) competitive pressures increase among financial service providers in the Company's northern New England market area or in the financial service industry generally, including competitive pressures from non-bank financial service providers, from increasing consolidation and integration of financial service providers, and from changes in technology and delivery systems; (3) interest rates change in such a way as to reduce the Company's margins;  (4) changes in laws or government rules, or the way in which courts and government agencies interpret those laws or rules, increase our costs of doing business or otherwise adversely affect the Company's business; (5) changes in federal or state tax policy; (6) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (7) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (8) changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits; and (9) the effect of and changes in the United States monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies and regulation of the money supply by the Federal Reserve Board, which, in turn, may result in inflation and interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations.

OVERVIEW

     The Company ended the year on December 31, 2009 with total assets of $505.3 million compared to $487.8 on December 31, 2008.  Gross loans and loans held for sale increased a total of $16.3 million and municipal investments increased $7.5 million, while the available-for-sale securities portfolio decreased $5.5 million, as maturities were used to fund loan demand.  Total deposits on December 31, 2009 were $418.8 million compared to $402.2 million on December 31, 2008.  The change in deposits reflected an increase of $24.6 million in non-maturing accounts, such as demand deposits, NOW and money market accounts and savings accounts, offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit of $8.1 million.  The Company believes that the low interest rate environment has caused some customers to leave money in money market and savings accounts for longer periods than in prior years.  While municipal deposits contributed to some of the growth in these accounts, an increase in non-municipal demand deposits and NOW accounts indicates a trend of growth of core deposits.

     On December 31, 2009, the FDIC required insured institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012.  This assessment includes a three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective January 1, 2011 and assumes a 5% growth in deposit balances.  As a result of this prepayment assessment, the Company recorded a non-interest earning asset of $2.1 million on December 31, 2009, which will be amortized as a non-interest expense in future quarterly periods through 2012.

     The Company declared dividends of $0.48 per common share in 2009 compared to $0.68 per common share in 2008.  This reduction in dividends paid, along with earnings of $3.7 million resulted in a reduction in the Company’s accumulated deficit of $1.4 million and an increase in total shareholders’ equity of $1.6 million.

     Average earning assets increased $5.7 million in 2009 while average interest bearing liabilities increased $7.2 million.  Although average earning assets increased, the average yield earned on interest-earning assets decreased 78 basis points as variable rate assets repriced, and new loans were recorded, at prevailing interest rates.  Similarly, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased, the average rate paid on the average balances decreased by 75 basis points, resulting in a decrease of approximately $328,000 in tax equivalent net interest income.

     Net income for 2009 was $3.7 million, or $.79 per share, compared to $2.2 million, or $.46 per share in 2008.  Total non-interest income was $5.7 million in 2009 compared to $4.0 million in 2008.  Early in the year, the Federal Reserve committed to purchasing high levels of mortgage-backed securities in an effort to stimulate the real estate market.   The Federal Reserve’s actions immediately drove down mortgage interest rates and sparked very strong mortgage refinancing in 2009. As a result, the Company experienced stronger than expected income from the origination and subsequent sale of residential fixed rate mortgages to Freddie Mac during 2009.  Income from sold loans was $1.1 million in 2009 compared to $317,598 in 2008.  Another unanticipated source of non-interest income during 2009 was $471,055 in net realized gains from the sale of the Company’s mortgage backed securities (MBS) and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), compared to no realized gains in 2008.  The large increase in non-interest income from sales of loans and investment securities was unanticipated and non-recurring in nature.

     Non-interest expenses in 2009 were $18.0 million compared to $18.2 million, a decrease of 1.2%.  Contributing to the decrease was the write down of the Fannie Mae preferred stock in 2008 of $739,332, compared to a further write down of $94,446 in 2009.  Amortization of the intangibles related to the loans and deposits acquired in the 2007 merger with LyndonBank was also lower during 2009 than 2008.  Furthermore, in 2008 occupancy expense included the merger-related cost of the computer conversion of approximately $450,000 and salary and benefit expense included additional personnel costs associated with post-merger integration of operations.  However, in 2009 the Company incurred a significant expense in FDIC insurance premiums of $784,877, including a FDIC special assessment of $233,500, compared to total FDIC insurance premiums of $144,234 in 2008.

     Although some economic indicators point toward a recovering U.S. economy, the length and depth of recession continues to have a negative impact on the local economy, which is reflected in the high unemployment rates.  The manufacturing industry was hardest hit early in the recession with most if its layoffs occurring in early 2009.  In the farming sector, while milk prices saw some increase in 2009 it was not to the extent needed and the sector remains stressed.  The 2009 construction season was very slow for both commercial and residential contractors, leaving many with depleted financial resources and less prepared for the slow winter season and their 2010 startup.  The service sector ultimately was the last to be touched by the recession, with an increasing proportion of unemployment claims in late 2009.  Tourism is seeing the impact of the recession as well, with lodging, restaurants, and the ski industry reporting their numbers down.  Below average snowfall in the local area during the current winter season has also adversely affected the local tourism industry.  The local real estate markets remain sluggish and listing prices have been reduced in an effort to move homes; inventory levels remain high.  These economic factors are considered in assessing the level of the Company’s reserve for loan losses in an effort to adequately reserve for probable losses due to consequences of the recession. The Company has experienced an increase in past due and non-performing loans and criticized and classified assets during 2009.  Continued deterioration of the local economy and the resulting impact on the Company’s loan portfolio could present a challenge to the Company’s future core earnings.  The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $625,004 in 2009 compared to $499,163 in 2008.

     The regulatory environment continues to increase operating costs and place extensive burden on management resources to comply with rules such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act, established to protect the U.S. financial system and the customer from fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and terrorism.  The Company implemented significant changes to lending procedures brought on by The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act that became effective in July 2009, and changes in the regulations under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which took effect on January 1, 2010. These burdens and associated costs will only increase if the regulatory reform proposals currently being considered in Congress, including the creation of a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency, are enacted.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared according to US GAAP.  The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and related notes.  The SEC has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the Company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Because of the significance of these estimates and assumptions, there is a high likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported for the Company under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates.  Management evaluates on an ongoing basis its judgment as to which policies are considered to be critical.

     Management believes that the calculation of the allowance for loan losses (ALL) is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.  In estimating the ALL, management considers historical experience as well as other qualitative factors, including the effect of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers and collateral, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, trends in criticized and classified assets, concentrations of credit, levels of exceptions, and the impact of competition in the market. Management’s estimates used in calculating the ALL may increase or decrease based on changes in these factors, which in turn will affect the amount of the Company’s provision for loan losses charged against current period income.  Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.

     Occasionally, the Company acquires property in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of debts previously contracted, other real estate owned (OREO).  Such properties are carried at fair value, which is the market value less estimated cost of disposition, i.e. sales commissions and costs associated with the sale.  Market value is defined as the cash price that might reasonably be anticipated in a current sale that is within 12 months, under all conditions requisite to a fair sale.  A fair sale means that a buyer and seller are each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and under no necessity to buy or sell.  Market value is determined, as appropriate, either by obtaining a current appraisal or evaluation prepared by an independent, qualified appraiser, by obtaining a Broker’s Price Opinion, and finally, if the Company has limited exposure and limited risk of loss, by the opinion of management as supported by an inspection of the property and its most recent tax valuation.  If the Company has a valid appraisal or an appropriate evaluation obtained in connection with the real estate loan, and there has been no obvious and material change in market conditions or physical aspects of the property, then the Company need not obtain another appraisal or evaluation when it acquires ownership of the property. Under recent and current market conditions, and periods of declining market values, the Company will generally obtain a new appraisal or evaluation.

     The amount, if any, by which the recorded amount of the loan exceeds the fair value, less cost to sell, is a loss which is charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time of foreclosure or repossession. The recorded amount of the loan is the loan balance adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount and unamortized loan fees or costs, less any amount previously charged off, plus recorded accrued interest.

     Companies are required to perform quarterly reviews of individual debt and equity securities in their investment portfolios to determine whether decline in the value of a security is other than temporary. A review of other-than-temporary impairment requires companies to make certain judgments regarding the materiality of the decline and the probability, extent and timing of a valuation recovery, the company’s intent to continue to hold the security and, in the case of debt securities, the likelihood that the company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  Pursuant to these requirements, management assesses valuation declines to determine the extent to which such changes are attributable to fundamental factors specific to the issuer, such as financial condition and business prospects, or to market-related or other factors, such as interest rates, and in the case of debt securities, the extent to which the impairment relates to credit losses of the issuer, as compared to other factors.  Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed in accordance with GAAP to be other than temporary, and declines in fair value of debt securities below their cost that are related to credit losses, are recorded in earnings as realized losses.  The non-credit loss portion of an other than temporary decline in the fair value of debt securities below their cost basis (generally, the difference between the fair value and the estimated net present value of the debt security) is recognized in other comprehensive income as an unrealized loss.

     Mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are required to be initially capitalized at fair value and subsequently accounted for using the “fair value method” or the “amortization method”. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.  The value of capitalized servicing rights represents the estimated present value of the future servicing fees arising from the right to service loans in the portfolio. The carrying value of the mortgage servicing rights is periodically reviewed for impairment based on a determination of fair value compared to amortized cost, and impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as amortization of other assets.  Subsequent improvement (if any) in the estimated fair value of impaired mortgage servicing rights is reflected in a positive valuation adjustment and is recognized in other income up to (but not in excess of) the amount of the prior impairment. Critical accounting policies for mortgage servicing rights relate to the initial valuation and subsequent impairment tests. The methodology used to determine the valuation of mortgage servicing rights requires the development and use of a number of estimates, including anticipated principal amortization and prepayments of that principal balance. Factors that may significantly affect the estimates used are changes in interest rates and the payment performance of the underlying loans.  The Company analyzes and accounts for the value of its servicing rights with the assistance of a third party consultant.

     The Company’s 2007 acquisition of LyndonBank requires the application of the purchase method of accounting.  Under the purchase method, the Company is required to record the net assets and liabilities acquired through an acquisition at fair value, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recorded as goodwill and evaluated annually for impairment.  The determination of fair value requires the use of assumptions, including discount rates, changes in which could significantly affect assigned fair values.

     Management utilizes numerous techniques to estimate the carrying value of various assets held by the Company, including, but not limited to, bank premises and equipment and deferred taxes. The assumptions considered in making these estimates are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances.  The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different estimates of carrying values and those differences could be material in some circumstances.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    The Company’s net income of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 represented an increase of $1.6 million or 70.3% from net income of $2.2 million for 2008, resulting in earnings per common share of $0.79 and $0.46, respectively.  A slight decrease of $149,842 or 0.90% is noted in net interest income for 2009 compared to 2008, which is attributable to a decrease in interest rates throughout 2009 and continued pressure on the net interest spread and net interest margin.  Non-interest income increased $1.6 million or 40.1%, while non-interest expense decreased $211,394 or 1.2%.  The increase in non-interest income was mostly driven by the points and premiums booked in connection to the high volume of loans originated and sold on the secondary market.  Income from the sale of these loans amounted to $1.1 million for 2009 compared to $317,598 for 2008.  The Company sold its entire portfolio of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO) during 2009 for a net gain of $471,055 which contributed to the increase in non-interest income.  While the Company recorded less of a non-cash charge to income on its investment in the Fannie Mae preferred stock in 2009 ($94,446, versus $739,332 in 2008), the additional FDIC insurance expense of $640,643 offset the $644,886 difference in investment securities write downs year over year.  The Company is continuing to see the benefits from the merger with LyndonBank at the end of 2007 as the costs of the merger process diminish and the benefits of the asset base and economies of scale increase as noted in various sections throughout this discussion.

     The Company’s average assets increased $2.3 million or .48% in 2009, with total average assets of $493.8 million during 2009, compared to average assets of $491.5 million during 2008.  The average loan portfolio increased $12.4 million or 3.5% from 2008 to 2009.  That increase was partially offset by a decrease in the average volume of the investment portfolio of $5.2 million or 6.4% and cash and due from banks, including overnight deposits of $2.4 million or 21.3%.

     Return on average assets (ROA), which is net income divided by average total assets, measures how effectively a corporation uses its assets to produce earnings.  Return on average equity (ROE), which is net income divided by average shareholders' equity, measures how effectively a corporation uses its equity capital to produce earnings.

The following table shows these ratios, as well as other equity ratios, for each of the last two fiscal years:

 
December 31,
 
2009
2008
     
Return on Average Assets
0.76%
0.45%
Return on Average Equity
10.44%
6.30%
Dividend Payout Ratio (1)
60.76%
147.83%
Average Equity to Average Assets Ratio
7.27%
7.10%

(1)Dividends declared per common share divided by earnings per common share.

INTEREST INCOME VERSUS INTEREST EXPENSE

     The largest component of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments versus the interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds (i.e. other borrowings).  The Company’s level of net interest income can fluctuate over time due to changes in the level and mix of earning assets, and sources of funds (volume) and from changes in the yield earned and costs of funds (rate).  Tables A and B below provide a comparison for each period.  A portion of the Company’s income from municipal investments is not subject to income taxes.  Because the proportion of tax-exempt items in the Company's portfolio varies from year-to-year, to improve comparability of information across years, the non-taxable income shown in tables A and B below has been converted to a tax equivalent basis. Because the Company’s corporate tax rate is 34%, to equalize tax-free and taxable income in the comparison, we divide the tax-free income by 66%, with the result that every tax-free dollar is equivalent to $1.52 in taxable income.

     Tax-exempt income is derived from municipal investments, which comprised the entire held-to-maturity portfolio of $44.8 million and $37.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009 and 2008, along with a small municipal portfolio classified as available-for-sale amounting to approximately $1.2 million at December 31, 2008 that was acquired through the merger with LyndonBank.  The Company sold the $1.2 million portfolio during the first month of 2009 and recorded a loss of $12,122.  The Company’s available-for-sale portfolio includes two classes of Fannie Mae preferred stock acquired through the acquisition of LyndonBank, which carried a 70% tax exemption on dividends paid.  Dividend payments on the Fannie Mae preferred stock, which amounted to $68,843 for the first nine months of 2008, ceased in the last quarter of 2008 following the federal government’s action in September, 2008 placing Fannie Mae under conservatorship.  There were no dividends paid on this stock in 2009 and resumption of dividends on such stock in the near term is unlikely.

     The following table provides the reconciliation between net interest income presented in the statement of income and the tax equivalent net interest income presented in Table A below for the 12 month comparison periods of 2009 and 2008.

   
For years ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Net interest income as presented
  $ 16,435     $ 16,584  
Effect of tax-exempt income
    705       884  
Net interest income, tax equivalent
  $ 17,140     $ 17,468  


     The table below presents the following information for each of the last two fiscal years: average earning assets (including non-accrual loans) and average interest-bearing liabilities supporting earning assets; and tax equivalent interest income and interest expense expressed both in dollars and as a rate/yield.

Table A
 
Average Balances and Interest Rates
 
                                     
         
2009
               
2008
       
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
 
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
 
Interest-Earning Assets
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                                     
 Loans (1)
  $ 370,527     $ 21,908       5.91 %   $ 358,127     $ 23,633       6.60 %
 Taxable investment securities
    25,344       779       3.07 %     31,875       1,464       4.59 %
 Tax exempt investment securities
    46,299       2,072       4.48 %     45,077       2,624       5.82 %
 Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    170       0       0.00 %     1,734       64       3.69 %
 FHLBB stock (2)
    3,319       0       0.00 %     3,319       122       3.68 %
 Other investments
    975       65       6.67 %     843       64       7.59 %
     Total
  $ 446,634     $ 24,824       5.56 %   $ 440,975     $ 27,971       6.34 %
                                                 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                                               
                                                 
 NOW & money market funds
  $ 126,369     $ 1,293       1.02 %   $ 123,203     $ 2,069       1.68 %
 Savings deposits
    53,218       163       0.31 %     50,087       184       0.37 %
 Time deposits
    169,267       4,692       2.77 %     176,916       6,576       3.72 %
 Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    21,189       235       1.11 %     14,662       360       2.46 %
 Repurchase agreements
    18,401       255       1.39 %     16,319       263       1.61 %
 Capital lease obligations
    894       72       8.05 %     913       75       8.21 %
 Junior subordinated debentures
    12,887       974       7.56 %     12,887       976       7.57 %
     Total
  $ 402,225     $ 7,684       1.91 %   $ 394,987     $ 10,503       2.66 %
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 17,140                     $ 17,468          
Net interest spread (3)
                    3.65 %                     3.68 %
Interest margin (4)
                    3.84 %                     3.96 %
                                                 
(1) Included in gross loans are non-accrual loans with an average balance of $3,193,691 and $1,186,511 for the twelve
 
months ended 2009 and 2008, respectively. Loans are stated before deduction of unearned discount and allowance
 
for loan losses.
 
(2) Dividends on FHLBB stock ceased during the fourth quarter of 2008 and are suspended until further notice.
 
(3) Net interest spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing
 
liabilities.
 
(4) Interest margin is net interest income divided by average earning assets.
 

     Interest income from loans of $21.9 million accounts for approximately 88.3% of total tax-equivalent interest income for 2009, compared to $23.6 million or 84.5% for 2008, with average yields of 5.91% and 6.60%, respectively. The average volume of loans increased $12.4 million, or 3.46% from 2008 to 2009, while the average rate earned on these assets decreased 69 basis points from 2008 to 2009, reflecting the low interest rate environment that prevailed throughout 2009, as loans repriced and new loans were recorded at lower rates.  Other investments consist primarily of required holdings of Federal Reserve Bank Stock (FRB), based on the Company’s paid in capital, and a capital contribution in CMTV Statutory Trust I (See Note 11 of the financial statements) at the Holding Company level.  As discussed in various sections of this Annual Report, dividend payments on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Stock (FHLBB) ceased as of the beginning of 2009.  The annualized dividend rate on the FHLBB stock started the 2008 year at 6.50% and decreased to an annualized rate of 2.5% by the third quarter of 2008 when dividend payments ceased.  Dividends earned on the FHLBB stock in 2008 amounted to $121,267 with an average yield of 3.68%.  For presentation purposes, the Company chose to segregate this investment from other investments in order to more accurately present the yields on the remaining investments.

     Interest expense on time deposits represents approximately 61.1% of total interest expense for 2009 compared to 62.6% for 2008, with interest expense totaling $4.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, and average rates paid of 2.77% and 3.72%, respectively.  The average volume of time deposits decreased $7.6 million or 4.3%, and the average rate paid decreased 95 basis points from 2008 to 2009.  The average volume of the capital lease obligation decreased $18,485 or approximately 2.0% from 2008 to 2009, which, due to the nature of the obligation will continue to decrease throughout its term.  Increases are noted in the average volumes of all other components of interest-bearing liabilities, with federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds (primarily through FHLBB) reporting the largest increase of $6.5 million or 44.5%, with average rates paid of 1.11% for 2009 compared to 2.46% for 2008.  Average balances of NOW and money market funds reported the second largest increase of $3.2 million or 2.6%, with average rates paid of 1.02% for 2009, compared to 1.68% for 2008.  The cost of borrowing funds through FHLBB remained more favorable during 2009 causing the Company to turn to that funding source as opposed to paying higher rates to attract more long-term borrowings such as time deposits.  This funding strategy accounts for the decrease in those deposits and the increase in borrowed funds. This strategy also helped the Company to limit the decline in the net interest spread to three basis points, with a spread of 3.65%for 2009, compared to last year’s spread of 3.68% in spite of the prolonged low-rate environment.
 
 
     The Company uses a deposit reclassification tool as an additional means to increase spread income. Deposit reclassification allows banks to reclassify certain balances of transactional accounts to non-transactional accounts for the purposes of calculating the daily non-interest bearing cash reserve balances required to be maintained at the FRB.  Prior to implementation in 2007, the Company’s reserve requirement for any given period was in excess of $1.0 million, with a 2006 year-end reserve requirement totaling approximately $3.0 million.  At December 31, 2009, the reserve requirement was $275,000 compared to $256,000 at December 31, 2008.  Under amendments to the Federal Reserve Act adopted in 2006 and further amended by EESA in 2008, the FRB began paying interest on required reserve balances in October 2008 at a rate equal to the average targeted federal funds rate less 10 basis points.

The following table summarizes the variances in income for the years 2009 and 2008 resulting from volume changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in rates earned and paid.

Table B
 
Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense
 
   
2009 vs. 2008
 
   
Variance
   
Variance
       
Rate / Volume
 
Due to
   
Due to
   
Total
 
   
Rate(1)
   
Volume(1)
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Interest-Earning Assets
                 
                   
 Loans
  $ (2,544 )   $ 818     $ (1,726 )
 Taxable investment securities
    (484 )     (200 )     (684 )
 Tax exempt investment securities
    (622 )     71       (551 )
 Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    (60 )     (4 )     (64 )
 FHLBB stock
    (122 )     0       (122 )
 Other investments
    (10 )     10       0  
     Total
  $ (3,842 )   $ 695     $ (3,147 )
                         
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                       
                         
 NOW & money market funds
  $ (829 )   $ 53     $ (776 )
 Savings deposits
    (34 )     12       (22 )
 Time deposits
    (1,672 )     (212 )     (1,884 )
 Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    (284 )     160       (124 )
 Repurchase agreements
    (41 )     33       (8 )
 Capital lease obligations
    (2 )     (1 )     (3 )
 Junior subordinated debentures
    (2 )     0       (2 )
     Total
  $ (2,864 )   $ 45     $ (2,819 )
                         
     Changes in Net Interest Income
  $ (978 )   $ 650     $ (328 )

 (1)  Items which have shown a year-to-year increase in volume have variances allocated as follows:
 
Variance due to rate = Change in rate x new volume
 
Variance due to volume = Change in volume x old rate
      Items which have shown a year-to-year decrease in volume have variances allocated as follows:
 
Variance due to rate = Change in rate x old volume
 
Variance due to volume = Change in volume x new rate
NON-INTEREST INCOME AND NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest Income: The Company's non-interest income increased 40.1% to $5.7 million in 2009 from just over $4.0 million in 2008. Income from sold loans and gains on securities are the largest items that contribute to total non-interest income.  Income from sold loans was approximately $1.1 million in 2009, an increase of $796,501 or 250.8% compared to $317,598 in 2008.  Due principally to the low interest rate environment in 2009 and the associated refinance activity, the Company experienced heavy secondary market residential mortgage sales volume.  Originations of loans sold to the secondary market were $70.1 million in 2009 compared to $27.4 million in 2008.  Although the Company anticipates a constant volume of secondary market sales, it does not expect to see numbers comparable to 2009 in the near future.  As mentioned in the “Results of Operations”, the Company chose to sell its entire MBS and CMO portfolios during the first half of 2009, resulting in a net gain of $471,055. These portfolios were acquired in the merger with LyndonBank. Historically, the Company has chosen not to hold MBS and CMOs in its investment portfolio.  Exchange income, a component of other income, increased $110,000 or 169.2% from $65,000 in 2008 to $175,000 in 2009.  The Company has five branch offices in close proximity to the US/Canadian border so depending on the currency exchange rate, these offices can experience a fairly constant volume of currency exchange.  The currency exchange rate was closer to par in 2008 thereby generating less demand for exchange.  Another component of other income, Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) income, increased $100,941 from a loss of $64,984 in 2008 to income of $35,957 in 2009. This is investment income from assets held in a rabbi trust under the Company’s SERP.

Non-interest Expense: The Company's non-interest expense decreased 1.2% to just over $18.0 million compared to $18.2 million for 2008.  Salaries and wages increased $85,147 or 1.4% for 2009 compared to 2008.  The Company had anticipated a decrease in salaries due to the retirement of several long-time officers and employees whose positions were filled from within.  This decrease was offset by an increase of approximately $100,000 in commissions paid to mortgage loan originators given the high volume of loan activity during 2010.  Decreases are noted in many of the other components of non-interest expense with the most significant decrease on the write down of its investment in two classes of Fannie Mae preferred stock.  In 2008, the Company recorded a total non-cash charge before taxes of $739,332 ($487,959, net of tax) for this write down, compared to $94,446 ($62,334, net of tax) in 2009, a decrease of $644,886 or 87.2%.  This decrease was offset by an increase in FDIC insurance premiums of $640,643 with total premiums for 2008 of $144,234 compared to $784,877 for 2009.  The 2009 premiums include the “special assessment” paid in 2009 in the amount of $233,500.  Employee benefits decreased $155,135 or 6.7% from 2008 to 2009 which is attributable primarily to the higher costs in 2008 related to the LyndonBank merger.  Group insurance payments decreased $186,419 or 14.7% from 2008 to 2009 due in part to insurance payments made on behalf of former LyndonBank employees whose employment was terminated during the first half of 2008.  Occupancy expense decreased $244,161 or 7.6% with total expenses of $3.2 million for 2008 compared to $3.0 million for 2009.  Service contracts, a component of occupancy expense, decreased $60,559 or 8.4% from 2008 to 2009.  As a result of the LyndonBank merger, the Company acquired additional costs to terminate service contracts held by the former LyndonBank, accounting for this decrease from 2008 to 2009.  Other expenses increased $273,438 or 5.4% from 2008 to 2009.  Although some components of other expenses such as marketing, contributions and currency and transportation cost decreased in total by $161,164 or 22.7%, loss on limited partnerships increased $612,820 or 165.1%.  The amortization of the Company’s core deposit intangible (discussed in Note 7) was $665,760 for 2009 compared to $832,200 for 2008, contributing to a portion of the decrease in non-interest expense.

     Total losses relating to various limited partnership investments for affordable housing in our market area constitute a notable portion of other expenses.  These losses amounted to $983,904 or 18.4% of other expenses in 2009 compared to $371,084 or 7.3% in 2008. These investments provide tax benefits, including tax credits, and are designed to yield between 8% and 10%.The Company amortizes its investments in these limited partnerships under the effective yield method, resulting in the asset being amortized consistent with the periods in which the Company receives the tax benefit.  The Company entered into a new local partnership in 2009 with an amortization expense for the year of $626,185 which is the same partnership that produced the one-time historic tax credit of $549,378 mentioned in the “Results of Operations”.

APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES

     Provisions for income taxes increased as the tax benefit decreased from $324,622 in 2008 to a tax benefit of $315,319 in 2009, a decrease of $9,303 or 2.9%.  The decrease in the tax benefit in 2009 compared to 2008 reflected the increase in non-interest earnings in 2009, as well as the 2008 tax benefit of $251,373 on the write down of the Fannie Mae preferred stock and the tax benefit of $72,967 on the 2008 write down of mortgage servicing rights.  The offset was the tax credits for the investments in the limited partnerships of $402,780 in 2008 compared to $1,022,294 in 2009.


CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

     The following discussion refers to the volume of average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity in the table labeled “Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity” on the next page.

     Average assets increased $2.3 million or 0.48% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009.  The average volume of loans increased $12.4 million or 3.5% despite a weakening economy, due in part to the decrease in mortgage interest rates during the last quarter of 2008, which continued throughout 2009.  This decrease sparked interest in new loans and refinancings in both the residential and commercial mortgage portfolios.  The average volume of taxable investments decreased $6.5 million, or 20.3% during 2009, while the average volume of the tax-exempt portfolio increased approximately $1.1 million or 2.7% in volume year over year.  When the Company sold its MBS and CMO portfolios during 2009, it only replaced the volume necessary to collateralize its repurchase agreements with U.S. government sponsored enterprise securities, deploying funds to meet loan growth.  The held to maturity portfolio is made up of local municipal accounts and increased due to competitive pricing by the Company.

     Average liabilities increased $1.4 million or 0.30% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009.  The average volume of time deposits decreased $7.6 million or 4.3% from 2008 to 2009 and the average volume of demand deposits decreased $3.1 million or 5.6% for the same period.  NOW and money market funds increased $3.2 million in average volume or by 2.6% and savings accounts increased $3.1 million or 6.3% year over year.  The average volume of borrowed funds increased $7.4 million or 50.6% from 2008 to 2009.  The average cost of funds from FHLBB during 2009 was 0.30%, causing the Company to rely more heavily on this source of funding as opposed to offering higher rates in order to replace the maturing time deposits.  While the Company strives to keep its core customers, there was not as much emphasis placed on attracting rate shoppers.  The Company was able to attract new municipal accounts, most of which were in the form of NOW or money market funds and some savings accounts, reflecting the increase in these categories.
 
 
 

 
    The following table provides a visual comparison of the breakdown of average assets and liabilities as well as average shareholders' equity for the comparison periods.  The numbers for 2007 are not reflective of the numbers for the acquired LyndonBank.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
 
                                     
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Average Assets
 
Balance
   
%
   
Balance
   
%
   
Balance
   
%
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Cash and due from banks
                                   
 Non-interest bearing
  $ 8,672       1.76 %   $ 9,504       1.93 %   $ 7,004       2.01 %
Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    170       0.03 %     1,734       0.35 %     10,203       2.93 %
Taxable investment securities(1)
    25,344       5.13 %     31,875       6.49 %     22,567       6.49 %
Tax-exempt investment securities(1)
    46,299       9.38 %     45,077       9.17 %     25,384       7.30 %
Other securities(1)
    3,907       0.79 %     3,775       0.77 %     2,391       0.69 %
  Total investment securities
    75,550       15.30 %     80,727       16.43 %     50,342       14.48 %
Gross loans
    370,527       75.03 %     358,127       72.86 %     263,597       75.78 %
Reserve for loan losses and accrued fees
    (3,624 )     -0.73 %     (3,399 )     -0.69 %     (2,852 )     -0.82 %
Premises and equipment
    14,286       2.89 %     15,570       3.17 %     12,111       3.48 %
Other real estate owned
    435       0.09 %     63       0.01 %     0       0.00 %
Investment in Capital trust
    387       0.08 %     387       0.08 %     65       0.02 %
Bank owned life insurance
    3,748       0.76 %     3,622       0.74 %     0       0.00 %
Core deposit intangible
    2,980       0.60 %     3,710       0.76 %     0       0.00 %
Goodwill
    11,574       2.34 %     10,785       2.19 %     0       0.00 %
Other assets
    9,135       1.85 %     10,665       2.17 %     7,364       2.12 %
          Total average assets
  $ 493,840       100 %   $ 491,495       100 %   $ 347,834       100 %
                                                 
Average Liabilities
                                               
                                                 
Demand deposits
  $ 51,989       10.53 %   $ 55,053       11.20 %   $ 47,614       13.69 %
Now and money market accounts
    126,369       25.59 %     123,203       25.07 %     77,431       22.26 %
Savings accounts
    53,218       10.77 %     50,087       10.19 %     39,005       11.21 %
Time deposits
    169,267       34.28 %     176,916       36.00 %     132,393       38.06 %
          Total average deposits
    400,843       81.17 %     405,259       82.46 %     296,443       85.22 %
                                                 
Other borrowed funds
    22,083       4.47 %     14,662       2.98 %     1,685       0.49 %
Repurchase agreements
    18,401       3.73 %     16,319       3.32 %     13,825       3.97 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    12,887       2.61 %     12,887       2.62 %     2,154       0.62 %
Other liabilities
    3,721       0.75 %     7,452       1.52 %     2,255       0.65 %
          Total average liabilities
    457,935       92.73 %     456,579       92.90 %     316,362       90.95 %
                                                 
Average Shareholders' Equity
                                               
                                                 
Preferred stock
    2,500       0.50 %     2,500       0.51 %     109       0.03 %
Common stock
    11,787       2.39 %     11,601       2.36 %     11,222       3.23 %
Additional paid-in capital
    25,892       5.24 %     25,488       5.19 %     23,659       6.80 %
Accumulated deficit
    (1,896 )     -0.38 %     (2,060 )     -0.42 %     (741 )     -0.21 %
Less: Treasury stock
    (2,623 )     -0.53 %     (2,623 )     -0.54 %     (2,618 )     -0.75 %
Accumulated other comprehensive
                                               
  income (loss)(1)
    245       0.05 %     10       0.00 %     (159 )     -0.05 %
          Total average shareholders' equity
    35,905       7.27 %     34,916       7.10 %     31,472       9.05 %
          Total average liabilities and
                                               
            shareholders' equity
  $ 493,840       100 %   $ 491,495       100 %   $ 347,834       100 %

(1)
In accordance with accounting for investments, securities classified as held to maturity are carried at book value and securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain (loss), net of applicable income taxes, reported as a net amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The Company does not carry, nor does it intend to carry, securities classified as trading.


CERTAIN TIME DEPOSITS

     Increments of maturity of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding on December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

Maturity Date
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
       
3 Months or Less
  $ 16,103  
Over 3 through 6 Months
    15,673  
Over 6 through 12 Months
    8,646  
Over 12 Months
    22,840  
    Total
  $ 63,262  

RISK MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management - Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure and attempts to structure the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk.  The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) is made up of the Executive Officers and all the Vice Presidents of the Bank.  The ALCO formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, liquidity, and various business strategies.  The ALCO meets monthly to review financial statements, liquidity levels, yields and spreads to better understand, measure, monitor and control the Company’s interest rate risk.  In the ALCO process, the committee members apply policy limits set forth in the Asset Liability, Liquidity and Investment policies approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The ALCO's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the effects of interest rate changes on net interest income and an analysis of the Company's interest rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the entire balance sheet.

     Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates.  As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s financial instruments also change, thereby impacting net interest income (NII), the primary component of the Company’s earnings.  Fluctuations in interest rates can also have an impact on liquidity.  The ALCO uses an outside consultant to perform rate shock simulations to the Company's net interest income, as well as a variety of other analyses.  It is the ALCO’s function to provide the assumptions used in the modeling process.  The ALCO utilizes the results of this simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII and liquidity to sustained interest rate changes.  The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and interest expense paid on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet.  Furthermore, the model simulates the balance sheet’s sensitivity to a prolonged flat rate environment. All rate scenarios are simulated assuming a parallel shift of the yield curve; however further simulations are performed utilizing a flattening yield curve as well. This sensitivity analysis is compared to the ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a 1-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) shift upward and a 100 bp shift downward in interest rates.  The analysis also provides a summary of the Company's liquidity position. Furthermore, the analysis provides testing of the assumptions used in previous simulation models by comparing the projected NII with actual NII.  The asset/liability simulation model provides management with an important tool for making sound economic decisions regarding the balance sheet.

     The Company’s Asset/Liability Policy has been enhanced with a contingency funding plan to help management prepare for unforeseen liquidity restrictions to include hypothetical severe liquidity crises.

     While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot provide any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

     The following reflects the Company's NII sensitivity analysis over one-year and two-year horizons, assuming a parallel shift of the yield curve as of December 31, 2009.

One Year Horizon
Two Year Horizon
Rate Change       
Percent Change in NII
Rate Change     
Percent Change in NII
       
Down 100 basis points
-0.79%
Down 100 basis points
-4.57%
Up 200 basis points
-0.24%
Up 200 basis points
 2.58%

     The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions and factors, some of which are outside the Company’s control, including, among others, the nature and timing of interest rate levels, yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Credit Risk - A primary challenge of management is to reduce the exposure to credit loss within the loan portfolio. Management follows established underwriting guidelines, and exceptions to the policy must be approved in accordance with limits prescribed by the Board of Directors.  The adequacy of the loan loss coverage is reviewed quarterly by the risk management committee of the Board of Directors and then presented to the full Board of Directors for approval.  This committee meets to discuss, among other matters, potential exposures, historical loss experience, and overall economic conditions.  Existing or potential problems are noted and addressed by senior management in order to assess the risk of probable loss or delinquency.  A variety of loans are reviewed periodically by an independent firm in order to assure accuracy of the Company's internal risk ratings and compliance with various internal policies and procedures, as well as those set by the regulatory authorities.  The Company also has a Credit Administration department whose function includes credit analysis and monitoring and reporting on the status of the loan portfolio including delinquent and non-performing loans.  Credit risk may also arise from geographic concentration of loans.  While the Company’s loan portfolio is derived primarily from its primary market area in northern Vermont, and in particular, Orleans County, geographic concentration is partially mitigated by the continued growth of the Company’s loan portfolio in central Vermont, and through the year-end 2007 LyndonBank acquisition, which increased the level of loans particularly in Caledonia County, and to a lesser extent in Lamoille and Franklin Counties.  The Company also monitors concentrations of credit to individual borrowers, to various industries, and to owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate.

 
 

 
     The following table reflects the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as of December 31,

Composition of Loan Portfolio(1)
 
                                                             
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
Total
   
% of
   
Total
   
% of
   
Total
   
% of
   
Total
   
% of
   
Total
   
% of
 
   
Loans
   
Total
   
Loans
   
Total
   
Loans
   
Total
   
Loans
   
Total
   
Loans
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Real Estate Loans
                                                           
  Construction & Land
                                                           
    Development
  $ 16,869       4.41 %   $ 15,204       4.15 %   $ 12,896       3.62 %   $ 11,889       4.42 %   $ 13,931       5.52 %
  Farm Land
    10,039       2.63 %     8,534       2.33 %     9,646       2.70 %     3,217       1.19 %     2,870       1.14 %
  1-4 Family Residential
    216,458       56.62 %     213,279       58.28 %     195,845       54.92 %     157,008       58.30 %     144,777       57.40 %
  Commercial
    97,620       25.54 %     88,547       24.19 %     85,576       24.00 %     54,236       20.14 %     48,505       19.23 %
Loans to Finance
                                                                               
  Agricultural Production
    952       0.25 %     884       0.24 %     2,431       0.68 %     224       0.08 %     214       0.09 %
Commercial & Industrial
    26,496       6.93 %     23,307       6.37 %     31,258       8.77 %     21,993       8.17 %     20,049       7.95 %
Consumer Loans
    13,635       3.57 %     15,922       4.35 %     18,461       5.18 %     20,588       7.65 %     21,296       8.44 %
All Other Loans
    190       0.05 %     317       0.09 %     459       0.13 %     141       0.05 %     567       0.23 %
          Gross Loans
    382,259       100 %     365,994       100 %     356,572       100 %     269,296       100 %     252,209       100 %
                                                                                 
Less:
                                                                               
  Allowance for Loan
                                                                               
     Losses
    (3,451 )             (3,233 )             (3,026 )             (2,268 )             (2,189 )        
  Deferred Loan Fees
    (152 )             (301 )             (443 )             (632 )             (684 )        
          Net Loans
  $ 378,656             $ 362,460             $ 353,103             $ 266,396             $ 249,336          
   
(1) Includes loans held for sale and the loan portfolio of the acquired LyndonBank at fair value for 2009, 2008 and 2007;
 
balances presented for 2006 and 2005 do not include LyndonBank loans.
 

     The following table shows the estimated maturity of the Company's commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2009.

Maturity Schedule
 
             
   
Fixed Rate Loans
   
Variable Rate Loans
 
   
Within
      2 - 5    
After
         
Within
      2 - 5    
After
       
   
1 Year
   
Years
   
5 years
   
Total
   
1 Year
   
Years
   
5 years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Real Estate
                                                   
  Construction & Land Development
  $ 4,021     $ 137     $ 5,438     $ 9,596     $ 6,117     $ 506     $ 650     $ 7,273  
  Secured by Farm Land
    73       497       2,829       3,399       3,644       2,123       873       6,640  
  Commercial Real Estate
    5,693       3,331       10,248       19,272       25,242       49,906       3,200       78,348  
Loans to Finance Agricultural Production
    15       79       66       160       693       99       0       792  
Commercial & Industrial Loans
    3,029       7,026       875       10,930       11,025       4,555       (14 )     15,566  
                                                                 
Total
  $ 12,831     $ 11,070     $ 19,456     $ 43,357     $ 46,721     $ 57,189     $ 4,709     $ 108,619  

Allowance for loan losses and provisions - The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio (See “Critical Accounting Policies). Although the Company, in establishing the allowance, considers the inherent losses in individual loans and pools of loans, the allowance is a general reserve available to absorb all credit losses in the loan portfolio.  No part of the allowance is segregated for, or allocated to, any particular loan or pools of loans.

     When establishing the allowance each quarter the Company applies a combination of historical loss factors and qualitative factors to pools of loans including the residential mortgage, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and consumer loan and overdraft portfolios.  The Company will shorten or lengthen its look back period for determining average portfolio historical loss rates as the economy either contracts or expands; during a period of economic contraction a shortening of the look back period may more conservatively reflect the current economic climate.  In light of the current recession, in late 2008 the Company modified its allowance methodology by shortening its historical look back period from five years to one to two years, and by also comparing loss rates to losses experienced during the last economic downturn, from 1999 to 2002. The highest loss rates experienced for these look back periods are applied to the various pools in establishing the allowance.

     The Company then applies numerous qualitative factors to each of these segments of the loan portfolio. Those factors include the levels of and trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans, criticized and classified assets, volumes and terms of loans, and the impact of any loan policy changes. Experience, ability and depth of lending personnel, levels of policy and documentation exceptions, national and local economic trends, the competitive environment, and concentrations of credit are also factors considered.
 
 
 

 
     The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience for each of the last five years.

Summary of Loan Loss Experience (1)
 
                               
December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
                               
Loans Outstanding End of Year
  $ 382,259     $ 365,994     $ 356,572     $ 269,296     $ 252,209  
                                         
Average Loans Outstanding During Year
  $ 370,527     $ 358,127     $ 263,597     $ 263,901     $ 238,376  
                                         
Loan Loss Reserve, Beginning of Year
  $ 3,233     $ 3,026     $ 2,268     $ 2,189     $ 2,153  
                                         
Loans Charged Off:
                                       
  Residential Real Estate
    110       162       0       6       5  
  Commercial Real Estate
    80       16       51       17       0  
  Commercial
    140       109       25       13       45  
  Consumer
    146       115       172       91       130  
          Total
    476       402       248       127       180  
Recoveries:
                                       
  Residential Real Estate
    2       7       14       1       1  
  Commercial Real Estate
    18       2       12       6       0  
  Commercial
    12       21       3       3       6  
  Consumer
    37       80       42       58       59  
          Total
    69       110       71       68       66  
                                         
Net Loans Charged Off
    407       292       177       59       114  
Provision Charged to Income
    625       499       148       138       150  
                                         
Allowance for loan loss of acquired bank
    0       0       787       0       0  
Loan Loss Reserve, End of Year
  $ 3,451     $ 3,233     $ 3,026     $ 2,268     $ 2,189  
                                         
Net Losses as a Percent of Average Loans
    0.11 %     0.08 %     0.07 %     0.02 %     0.05 %
Provision Charged to Income as a Percent
                                       
  of Average Loans
    0.17 %     0.14 %     0.06 %     0.05 %     0.06 %
At End of Year:
                                       
 Loan Loss Reserve as a Percent of
                                       
   Outstanding Loans
    0.90 %     0.88 %     0.85 %     0.84 %     0.87 %

(1)  Does not include the loan loss experience for the acquired LyndonBank for 2005 through 2007.

     Specific allocations to the reserve are made for impaired loans.  Impaired loans are those that have been placed in non-accrual status. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are placed in non-accrual status when there is deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, payment in full of principal and interest is not expected, and/or principal or interest has been in default for 90 days or more. Such a loan need not be placed in non-accrual status if it is both well secured and in the process of collection.  Residential mortgages and home equity loans are considered for non-accrual status at 90 days past due and are evaluated on a case by case basis to assure that the Company’s net income is not materially overstated. The Company obtains current property appraisals and valuations and considers the cost to carry and sell collateral in order to assess the level of specific allocations required. Consumer loans are generally not placed in non-accrual but are charged off by the time they reach 120 days past due.

     A portion of the allowance (termed "unallocated") is established to absorb inherent losses that exist as of the valuation date although not specifically identified through management's process for estimating credit losses.  While the allowance is described as consisting of separate allocated portions, the entire allowance is available to support loan losses, regardless of category.


     The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses, as well as the percent of loans in each category to total loans:

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses (1)
 
December 31,
 
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
   
2007
   
%
   
2006
   
%
   
2005
   
%
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Domestic
                                                           
 Residential Real Estate
  $ 1,589       57 %   $ 1,404       58 %   $ 1,258       55 %   $ 1,055       58 %   $ 973       57 %
 Commercial (2)
    1,616       40 %     1,497       37 %     1,486       40 %     956       34 %     858       34 %
 Consumer
    182       3 %     255       5 %     248       5 %     204       8 %     229       9 %
Unallocated
    64       0 %     77       0 %     34       0 %     53       0 %     129       0 %
          Total
  $ 3,451       100 %   $ 3,233       100 %   $ 3,026       100 %   $ 2,268       100 %   $ 2,189       100 %

(1)  Does not include loan loss allowance information for the acquired LyndonBank for 2005 through 2007.
(2)  Includes commercial loans secured by real estate, as well as unsecured commercial loans and those
      secured by other types of collateral

     The Company has experienced an increase in collection activity on loans 30 to 60 days past due during 2009. The Company works actively with customers early in the delinquency process to help them to avoid default and foreclosure.  The Company’s non-performing loans increased $2.6 million or 101.7% for 2009 compared to 2008, approximately $1.1 million or 73% for 2008 compared to 2007, $550 thousand or 59% for 2007 compared to 2006, and approximately $314 thousand or 51% for 2006 compared to 2005.  The increase for 2009 is attributable to three 1-4 family residential mortgage loans of substantial size, one of which amounts to $1.3 million and a commercial mortgage property amounting to $318,957.  The increase for 2008 is attributable primarily to five loans of substantial size that were changed to a non-accrual status during 2008.  The increase for 2007 is attributable primarily to the consolidation of non-performing loans of the recently acquired LyndonBank, which included $12 thousand in commercial loans past due 90 days or more and $757 thousand in non-accrual loans.  Management reports increasing trends in the levels of non-performing loans and criticized and classified assets, which is consistent with the length and depth of the current economic recession. Accordingly, during 2009 the Company has carried the maximum qualitative factor adjustment for economic conditions and has increased the factors for trends in delinquency and non-accrual loans and criticized and classified assets.

     When it is determined that future collection of interest and principal is doubtful, a loan is placed in non-accrual status.  At this point, the Company's policy is to reverse the accrued interest against current period income and to discontinue the accrual of interest until the borrower clearly demonstrates the ability and intention to resume normal payments, typically demonstrated by regular timely payments for a period of not less than six months.  Interest payments received on non-accrual or impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance.  Deferred taxes are calculated monthly, based on interest amounts that would have accrued through the normal accrual process.  As of December 31, for each respective year, this interest amounted to $117,575 for 2009, $72,954 for 2008, $55,507 for 2007, $32,362 for 2006, and $6,889 for 2005.

     Non-performing assets were made up of the following:

Non-Performing Assets (1)
 
December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Accruing Loans Past Due 90 Days or More:
                             
  Consumer
  $ 20     $ 2     $ 11     $ 32     $ 8  
  Commercial
    0       0       0       60       0  
  Commercial Real Estate
    0       0       70       0       0  
  Residential Real Estate
    538       245       57       113       169  
     Total Past Due 90 Days or More
    558       247       138       205       177  
Non-accrual Loans
    3,844       2,119       1,338       721       436  
Total Non-accrual, Past Due Loans
    4,402       2,366       1,476       926       613  
Other Real Estate Owned
    743       185       0       0       0  
   Total Non Performing Loans
  $ 5,145     $ 2,551     $ 1,476     $ 926     $ 613  
                                         
Percent of Gross Loans
    1.35 %     0.70 %     0.41 %     0.34 %     0.24 %
Reserve Coverage of Non Performing Loans
    67.07 %     126.73 %     205.01 %     244.92 %     357.10 %

(1)  Does not include non-performing assets for the acquired LyndonBank for 2005 through 2007.

     The Company’s impaired loans increased $2.0 million or 107.8% during 2009 from $1.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $3.8 million as of December 31, 2009 with the increase almost equally divided between residential and commercial mortgage loans.  Specific allocations to the reserve increased accordingly for the same period, from $100,862 to $232,900.  Three of the impaired loans to one borrower totaling just under $1.0 million at December 31, 2008 were rewritten through a “Troubled Debt Restructuring” in 2009.  As of December 31, 2009, the book balance was $629,457 and the loan is being repaid according to terms.  The impaired portfolio mix as of December 31, 2009 includes approximately 65% residential real estate, 30% commercial real estate, with the balance in commercial or installment loans not secured by real estate, compared to 47%, 17%, and 36%, respectively in 2008.

     The Company’s OREO portfolio at December 31, 2009 consists of two properties acquired through the normal foreclosure process amounting to $158,000 and one former LyndonBank branch property in Derby, Vermont with an estimated fair value of $585,000, which was placed in OREO a short time after the merger, when that branch was consolidated with the Company’s main office.

     The Company is not contractually committed to lend additional funds to debtors with impaired, non-accrual or modified loans.

     The Company is committed to a conservative lending philosophy and maintains high credit and underwriting standards. As of December 31, 2009, the Company maintained a residential loan portfolio of $216.5 million compared to $213.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and a commercial real estate portfolio (including construction, land development and farm land loans) of $124.5 million as of December 31, 2009 and $112.3 million as of December 31, 2008, together accounting for approximately 90% of the total loan portfolio for each period.

     The residential mortgage portfolio makes up the largest part of the overall loan portfolio and continues to have the lowest historical loss ratio.  The Company maintains a mortgage loan portfolio of traditional mortgage products and has not engaged in higher risk loans such as option ARM products, high loan-to-value products, interest only mortgages, subprime loans and products with deeply discounted teaser rates.  In areas of the country where such risky products were originated, borrowers with little or no equity in their property have been defaulting on mortgages they can longer afford, and walking away from those properties as real estate values have fallen precipitously.  While real estate values have declined in the Company’s market area, the sound underwriting standards historically employed by the Company have mitigated the trends in defaults and property surrenders experienced elsewhere.  Residential mortgages with loan-to-values exceeding 80% are generally covered by private mortgage insurance (PMI).  A 90% loan-to-value residential mortgage product without PMI is only available to borrowers with excellent credit and low debt-to-income ratios and has not been widely originated.  Junior lien home equity products make up 24% of the residential mortgage portfolio with maximum loan-to-value ratios (including prior liens) of 80%.  The residential mortgage portfolio has performed well in light of current economic conditions.

     Risk in the Company’s commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios is mitigated in part by using government guarantees issued by federal agencies such as the US Small Business Administration and USDA Rural Development. At December 31, 2009, the Company had $17.8 million in guaranteed loans, compared to $15.9 million at December 31, 2008.

     Net loan losses increased for 2009, 2008 and 2007, while decreases are noted for 2006 compared to 2005.  Given these trends and the depth of the current recession, management increased the provision for loan losses to $625,004 for 2009, compared to $499,163 for 2008 and believes this is directionally consistent with the trends and risk in the loan portfolio and with the increase in the amount of the portfolio. The Company has an experienced collections department that continues to work actively with borrowers to resolve problem loans, and management continues to monitor the loan portfolio closely.

Market Risk - In addition to credit risk in the Company’s loan portfolio and liquidity risk, the Company’s business activities also generate market risk.  Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.  Declining capital markets can result in fair value adjustments necessary to record decreases in the value of the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary-impairment.  The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes.  The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities.  During times of recessionary periods, a declining housing market can result in an increase in loan loss reserves or ultimately an increase in foreclosures.  Interest rate risk is directly related to the different maturities and repricing characteristics of interest-bearing assets and liabilities, as well as to loan prepayment risks, early withdrawal of time deposits, and the fact that the speed and magnitude of responses to interest rate changes vary by product.  The recent deterioration of the economy and disruption in the financial markets may heighten the Company’s market risk.  As discussed above under "Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management", the Company actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk through the ALCO process.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     The Company maintains an investment portfolio of various securities to diversify its revenues, as well as provide interest rate risk and credit risk diversification and to provide for its liquidity and funding needs.  The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale securities decreased approximately $5.5 million in 2009, from $29.5 million at December 31, 2008 to just under $24.0 million at December 31, 2009.  This decrease is due primarily to approximately $7.0 million in maturities and paydowns and $15.7 million in sales during 2009, compared to $17.7 million in purchases, the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the loan growth.  The Company’s held-to-maturity portfolio consisted of obligations of state and political subdivisions with a book value of $44.8 million as of December 31, 2009, compared to $37.3 million as of December 31, 2008.  This increase was primarily due to additional investments for a few existing municipal customers as well as a few new municipal customers.

     Accounting standards require banks to recognize all appreciation or depreciation of investments classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale either through the income statement or on the balance sheet even though a gain or loss has not been realized.  Securities classified as trading securities are marked to market with any gain or loss charged to income.  The Company's investment policy does not permit the holding of trading securities. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at book value, subject to adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment.  Securities classified as available-for-sale are marked to market with any gain or loss after taxes charged to the equity portion of the balance sheet.  These adjustments in the available-for-sale portfolio resulted in an unrealized gain after taxes of $112,882 at December 31, 2009, compared to $532,859 at December 31, 2008.  This decrease is due primarily to the change in the interest rate environment.  As rates increase, securities with lower coupons decrease in value in order to equalize the yield.  Although classified as available for sale, these securities are short term and we anticipate keeping them until maturity.  The unrealized loss position of the investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009 is considered to be temporary.

     The Company acquired two classes of Fannie Mae preferred stock in the 2007 LyndonBank merger.  During the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash other-than-temporary impairment charge to income with respect to that stock in the amount of $739,332, with a tax benefit of $251,373, for a net charge to income totaling $487,959.  That action was taken after the federal government placed Fannie Mae and its sister government sponsored enterprise, Freddie Mac, under conservatorship.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a further non-cash other-than-temporary impairment charge to income for its investment in the Fannie Mae preferred stock in the amount of $94,446, reducing the book value of those shares to the estimated fair market value of $68,164 as of June 30, 2009.  As of December 31, 2009 the estimated fair market value of the shares was $71,488, an increase of $32,944 over the December 31, 2008 estimated fair value of $38,544.

     The restricted equity securities comprise the Company’s membership stock in FRB and FHLBB.  On December 31, 2009 and 2008 the Company held $588,150 in FRB stock and $3.3 million in FHLBB stock.  Membership in FRB and FHLBB requires the purchase of their stock in specified amounts.  The stock is typically held for an extended period of time and can only be sold back to the issuer, or in the case of FHLBB, a member institution.  Restricted equity stock is sold and redeemed at par.  Due to the unique nature of the restricted equity stock, including the purpose for owning it, the ownership structure and the absence of a real “market” for the stock, these securities are not marked to market, but carried at par.

     Some of the Company’s investment securities have a call feature, meaning that the issuer may call in the investment, before maturity, at predetermined call dates and prices.  Given the low rate environment, many of those investments with call features were exercised during 2008, the proceeds of which were used by the Company to paydown borrowings.
 
 
 

 
     The Company's investment portfolios as of December 31 were as follows:

         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
December 31, 2009
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
   
Available-for-Sale
 
   U. S. Government sponsored enterprise securities
  $ 18,687     $ 138     $ 18     $ 18,807  
   U. S. Government securities
    5,049       49       1       5,097  
   Preferred stock
    68       3       0       71  
    $ 23,804     $ 190     $ 19     $ 23,975  
   
Held-to-Maturity
 
   States and political subdivisions
  $ 44,766     $ 777     $ 0     $ 45,543  
   
Restricted Equity Securities (1)
  $ 3,907     $ 0     $ 0     $ 3,907  
   
         Total
  $ 72,477     $ 967     $ 19     $ 73,425  
   
December 31, 2008
     
   
Available-for-Sale
 
   U. S. Government sponsored enterprise securities
  $ 8,172     $ 274     $ 0     $ 8,446  
   U. S. Government securities
    4,047       153       0       4,200  
   States and political subdivisions
    1,143       20       0       1,163  
   Mortgage-backed securities
    15,117       491       7       15,601  
   Preferred stock
    163       0       124       39  
    $ 28,642     $ 938     $ 131     $ 29,449  
   
Held-to-Maturity
 
   States and political subdivisions
  $ 37,288     $ 924     $ 0     $ 38,212  
   
Restricted Equity Securities (1)
  $ 3,907     $ 0     $ 0     $ 3,907  
   
         Total
  $ 69,837     $ 1,862     $ 131     $ 71,568  

(1)  Required equity purchases for membership in the Federal Reserve System and Federal Home Loan Bank System.

     In 2009 there were realized gains of $483,177 from the sale of the Company’s MBS and CMO portfolios and realized losses of $12,122 from the sale of the States and political subdivisions portfolio classified as available-for-sale, for a net realized gain of $471,055.  There were no sales of investments available-for-sale in 2008.  The write down of $739,332 in 2008 and $94,446 in 2009 on the Fannie Mae preferred stock was recorded as a separate component of non-interest expense through the consolidated statement of income.

 
 

 


     The following is an analysis of the maturities and yields of the debt securities in the Company's investment portfolio for each of the last three fiscal years:

Maturities and Yields of Investment Portfolio
 
                                     
  December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
   
Fair
   
Average
   
Fair
   
Average
   
Fair
   
Average
 
   
Value (1)
   
Yield (2)
   
Value (1)
   
Yield (2)
   
Value (1)
   
Yield (2)
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Available-for-Sale
                                   
                                     
   U.S. Treasury & Agency Obligations
                                   
      Due in one year or less
  $ 8,311       3.17 %   $ 6,149       4.44 %   $ 9,978       6.16 %
      Due from one to five years
    15,593       1.40 %     6,498       4.40 %     14,351       4.44 %
      Due from five to ten years
    0       0.00 %     0       0.00 %     1,984       5.06 %
         Total
  $ 23,904       2.01 %   $ 12,647       4.42 %   $ 26,313       5.14 %
                                                 
   Tax-exempt Municipals
                                               
      Due after ten years
  $ 0       0.00 %   $ 1,163       5.22 %   $ 1,157       5.19 %
                                                 
   Mortgage Backed Securities
  $ 0       0.00 %   $ 13,883       4.70 %   $ 15,766       4.80 %
                                                 
   Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
  $ 0       0.00 %   $ 1,718       3.80 %   $ 2,102       4.48 %
                                                 
   FRB Stock(3)
  $ 588       6.00 %   $ 588       6.00 %   $ 138       6.00 %
                                                 
   FHLBB Stock(3)
  $ 3,319       0.00 %   $ 3,319       2.50 %   $ 3,319       6.50 %
                                                 
   Preferred Stock
  $ 71       0.00 %   $ 39       0.00 %   $ 1,538       8.43 %
                                                 
Held-to-Maturity
                                               
                                                 
   Obligations of State & Political Subdivisions
                                               
      Due in one year or less
  $ 35,864       3.31 %   $ 28,694       4.65 %   $ 29,717       5.46 %
      Due from one to five years
    4,035       5.01 %     3,934       5.32 %     1,699       6.42 %
      Due from five to ten years
    1,483       5.59 %     1,414       5.86 %     2,290       7.81 %
      Due after ten years
    3,384       8.03 %     3,246       8.24 %     605       10.81 %
         Total
  $ 44,766       3.89 %   $ 37,288       5.08 %   $ 34,311       5.76 %

(1)  Investments classified as available-for-sale are presented at fair value, and investments classified as held-to-maturity
     are presented at book value.
(2) The yield on Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions is calculated on a tax equivalent basis assuming a 34
     percent tax rate.
(3) Required equity purchases for membership in the Federal Reserve System and Federal Home Loan Bank System.


 
 

 

 
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
Major classes of bank premises and equipment and the total accumulated depreciation and amortization are as follows:
 

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Buildings and improvements
  $ 10,439     $ 10,945  
Land and land improvements
    2,572       2,707  
Furniture and equipment
    6,242       5,966  
Leasehold improvements
    1,277       1,268  
Capital lease
    928       928  
Other prepaid assets
    14       17  
      21,472       21,831  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (7,835 )     (6,842 )
    $ 13,637     $ 14,989  

     Depreciation included in occupancy and equipment expense amounted to $1,090,618 and $1,131,854, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

     The Company leases seven of its fifteen locations, including two under capital lease arrangements.  The leases for these seven locations expire in various years through 2022 with options to renew.  During the third quarter of 2008, the Company sold the former LyndonBank’s operations center and a parcel of vacant land to a local non-profit organization.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

     The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans.  Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. From December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009, there has not been any activity that has created any additional types of off-balance-sheet risk.

     The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. The Company's financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk as of December 31 were as follows:

   
Contract or
 
   
--Notional Amount--
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Unused portions of home equity lines of credit
  $ 15,557     $ 14,848  
Other commitments to extend credit
    26,613       25,172  
Residential construction lines of credit
    1,671       2,187  
Commercial real estate and other construction lines of credit
    12,664       2,710  
Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit
    735       353  
Recourse on sale of credit card portfolio
    391       941  
MPF credit enhancement obligation, net (See Note 17)
    1,486       1,438  

     Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company sold its credit card portfolio during the third quarter of 2007, but retained a partial recourse obligation under the terms of the sale, based on total lines, not balances outstanding.  Based on historical losses, the Company does not expect any significant losses from this commitment.

     In connection with its trust preferred securities financing completed on October 31, 2007, the Company guaranteed the payment obligations under the $12.5 million of capital securities of its subsidiary, CMTV Statutory Trust I.  The source of funds for payments by the Trust on its capital securities is payments made by the Company on its debentures issued to the Trust.  The Company's obligation under those debentures is fully reflected in the Company's balance sheet, in the gross amount of $12.9 million at December 31, 2007, of which $12.5 million represents external financing.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

     Rates of inflation affect the reported financial condition and results of operations of all industries, including the banking industry.  The effect of monetary inflation is generally magnified in bank financial and operating statements because most of a bank's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and, as costs and prices rise, cash and credit demands of individuals and businesses increase, while the purchasing power of net monetary assets declines.  During the recent economic downturn, the capital and credit markets have been experiencing significant volatility and disruption, with the federal government taking unprecedented steps to deal with the economic situation.  These measures include significant deficit spending, which could result in inflation in future periods.

     The impact of inflation on the Company's financial results depends on management's ability to react to changes in interest rates in order to reduce inflationary effect on performance.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in conjunction with changes in the prices of other goods and services. As discussed above, management seeks to manage the relationship between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against significant interest rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Managing liquidity risk is essential to maintaining both depositor confidence and stability in earnings.  Liquidity management refers to the ability of the Company to adequately cover fluctuations in assets and liabilities.  Meeting loan demand (assets) and covering the withdrawal of deposit funds (liabilities) are two key components of the liquidity management process.  The Company’s principal sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and securities, maturities of investment securities, sales of loans available for sale, and earnings and funds provided from operations.  Maintaining a relatively stable funding base, which is achieved by diversifying funding sources, competitively pricing deposit products, and extending the contractual maturity of liabilities, reduces the Company’s exposure to roll over risk on deposits and limits reliance on volatile short-term borrowed funds.  Short-term funding needs arise from declines in deposits or other funding sources and
funding requirements for loan commitments.  The requirement to prepay the FDIC premiums for the next three years added to the Company’s challenge of meeting liquidity needs during 2009.  The Company’s strategy is to fund assets to the maximum extent possible with core deposits that provide a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds however, it is increasingly more challenging to fund the balance sheet with core deposits.

     As part of its deposit-gathering efforts the Company has from time to time taken the approach of offering deposit specials at competitive rates, in varying terms that fit within the balance sheet mix.  The strategy of offering specials is meant to provide a means to retain deposits while not having to reprice the entire deposit portfolio.  The Company recognizes that with increasing competition for deposits, it may at times be desirable to utilize alternative sources of funding to supplement locally generated deposits.  In 2007, the Board of Directors approved an updated Asset Liability Management Funding Policy that includes the expanded use of brokered deposits as a supplemental funding source.  This will allow the Company to augment retail deposits and borrowings with brokered deposits as needed to help fund loans.  The Company’s Asset, Liability and Funds Management Policy limits the use of brokered deposits to 5% of total assets.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had $17.2 million in deposits placed in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) of Promontory Interfinancial Network account, which allows the Company to provide FDIC deposit insurance in excess of account coverage limits by exchanging deposits with other CDARS members.  The Company may also purchase deposits from other CDARS members.  Such deposits are generally considered a form of brokered deposits.  Of the $17.2 million in CDARS deposits at December 31, 2009, $2.1 million represented exchanged deposits with other CDARS participating banks and $15.1 million represented purchased deposits, compared to $12.6 million in CDARS deposits as of December 31, 2008, with $7.2 million representing exchanged deposits and $5.4 million representing purchased deposits.

     In 2009 the Company established a borrowing line with the FRB to be used as a contingency funding source.  For this Borrower-in-Custody arrangement, the Company pledged eligible commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans, resulting in an available line of $71.0 million.  Credit advances in the FRB lending program are overnight advances with interest chargeable at the primary credit rate (generally referred to as the discount rate), currently 75 basis points.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had not borrowed any amount against this line.

     The Company has an unsecured Federal Funds line with the FHLBB an available balance of $500,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Interest is chargeable at a rate determined daily approximately 25 basis points higher than the rate paid on federal funds sold.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, additional borrowing capacity of approximately $90.9 million and $130.9 million, respectively, was available through the FHLBB secured by the Company's qualifying loan portfolio (generally, residential mortgages).

     At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had advances against the respective lines, consisting of the following:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Long-Term Borrowings
           
FHLBB term borrowing, 2.13% fixed rate, due January 31, 2011
  $ 10,000     $ 0  
Community Investment Program borrowing, 7.67% fixed rate,
               
   due November 16, 2012
    10       10  
      10,010       10  
Overnight Borrowings
               
Federal funds purchased (FHLBB) 0.200% and 0.375% respectively
    3,401       12,562  
          Total Borrowings
  $ 13,411     $ 12,572  

     Under a separate agreement, the Company has the authority to collateralize public unit deposits up to its FHLBB borrowing capacity ($90.9 million and $130.9 million, respectively, less outstanding advances) with letters of credit issued by the FHLBB.  The Company offers a Government Agency Account to the municipalities collateralized with these FHLBB letters of credit.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, approximately $40.2 million and $63.7 million, respectively, of qualifying residential real estate loans was pledged as collateral to the FHLBB for these collateralized governmental unit deposits.  Prior to 2009, the fee charged to the Company was based on the average daily balance outstanding at a rate of 20 basis points.  During 2009, the fee structure was changed to the amount of the line with a multiplier of 12.5 basis points and a minimum of $150.00 per letter of credit. Total fees for 2009 were $43,950 compared to $42,760 for 2008.

     Total cash dividends of $0.48 per common share were declared during 2009, representing a decrease of 29.4% over cash dividends of $0.68 declared during 2008.  The decision to reduce the quarterly dividend was carefully considered, given the importance of the dividend to our shareholders.  Management continues to believe that it was the right decision in light of the weakening economy and the pervasive uncertainty in the financial markets.  In December, 2009, the Company declared a $0.12 per common share cash dividend, payable February 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2010, requiring the Company to accrue a liability of $543,493 for this dividend in the fourth quarter of 2009.

     The following table illustrates the changes in shareholders' equity from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009:

Balance at December 31, 2008 (book value $7.33 per common share)
  $ 35,272,892  
   Net income
    3,747,862  
   Issuance of common stock (dividend reinvestment)
    636,611  
   Total dividends declared on common stock
    (2,160,050 )
   Total dividends declared on preferred stock
    (187,500 )
   Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    (419,977 )
       Balance at December 31, 2009 (book value $7.56 per common share)
  $ 36,889,838  

     On February 24, 2009, the FRB issued supervisory guidance in connection with the payment of dividends and redemption and repurchases of stock by bank holding companies.  The guidance heightened expectations that a bank holding company will inform and consult with FRB supervisory staff in advance of declaring and paying any dividend that could raise safety and soundness concerns, such as a dividend exceeding current period earnings; redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the bank holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses; or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred.  The guidance provides that a bank holding company should eliminate, defer or severely limit dividends if net income for the past four quarters is not sufficient to fully fund dividends; the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or the holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital ratios.  The Company would be required to consult with, and obtain the approval of, FRB staff for payment of any dividends, including regular quarterly cash dividends, in future periods that are in excess of earnings for the applicable quarterly period.  In 2008 and recent prior years, the Company maintained a high dividend to earnings payout ratio, and in 2008 it significantly exceeded 100%.  In light of the FRB’s guidance on shareholder distributions, as well as prevailing economic conditions and management's desire to focus on preservation and growth of capital, the Company reduced its dividend payout ratio during 2009 to 60.76%, down from 147.83% in 2008.  Management does not expect dividend rates to return to the higher levels paid in 2008 and prior recent years.

     The primary source of funds for the Company's payment of dividends to its shareholders is dividends paid to the Company by the Bank.  The Bank, as a national bank, is subject to the dividend restrictions set forth by the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC").  Under such restrictions, the Bank may not, without the prior approval of the OCC, declare dividends in excess of the sum of the current year's earnings (as defined) plus the retained earnings (as defined) from the prior two years.

     In August, 2008, the Board of Directors terminated a stock buyback program that had been in effect since 2000.

     The Bank is required under FRB rules to maintain a so-called consolidated leverage capital ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to total average assets (as defined).  Bank holding companies with total consolidated assets in excess of $500 million, or those with total consolidated assets less than $500 million that have a substantial amount of securities registered with the SEC, are also subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s risk-based capital regulations.  Those regulations include requirements as to ratios of Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets and total capital to risk-based assets.  The Company exceeded $500 million in assets for the first time as of December 31, 2009; however, it was already subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s consolidated capital requirements since its common stock is registered with the SEC.

     Regulators have also established minimum capital ratio guidelines for FDIC-insured banks under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.  These minimums are risk-based capital ratio of 10.0%, Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% and Leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to average assets) of 5.0%.

     As of December 31, 2009 both the Company and the Bank were considered well capitalized under regulatory capital guidelines.

     The following table shows the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of year end 2009 and 2008.

         
Minimum
     
Minimum
To Be Well
     
For Capital
Capitalized Under
     
Adequacy
Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
Purposes:
Action Provisions:
 
Amount
Ratio 
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
As of December 31, 2009:
           
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$40,326
11.57%
$27,877
8.00%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$40,336
11.60%
$27,811
8.00%
$34,764
10.00%
             
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$36,875
10.58%
$13,939
4.00%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$36,885
10.61%
$13,906
4.00%
$20,858
6.00%
             
Tier I capital (to average assets)
           
   Consolidated
$36,875
7.50%
$19,674
4.00%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$36,885
7.51%
$19,643
4.00%
$24,554
5.00%
             
As of December 31, 2008:
           
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$36,765
11.04%
$26,639
8.00%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$37,355
11.25%
$26,571
8.00%
$33,214
10.00%
             
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$33,532
10.07%
$13,319
4.00%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$34,122
10.27%
$13,285
4.00%
$19,928
6.00%
             
Tier I capital (to average assets)
           
   Consolidated
$33,532
7.08%
$18,948
4.00%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$34,122
7.22%
$18,917
4.00%
$23,569
5.00%

     The Company intends to continue the past policy of maintaining a strong capital resource position to support its asset size and level of operations.  Consistent with that policy, management will continue to anticipate the Company's future capital needs and will adjust its dividend payment practices consistent with those needs.

     From time to time the Company may make contributions to the capital of Community National Bank.  At present, regulatory authorities have made no demand on the Company to make additional capital contributions.


PART IV.

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(b)  Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Amendment No. 2 on Form 10-K/A:
Exhibit 31(i) - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31(ii) - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32(i) - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Exhibit 32(ii) - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

*This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Act of 1934.

 
 

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment to its report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMMUNITY BANCORP.

BY: /s/ Stephen P. Marsh              
 
Date:  April 27, 2010
   Stephen P. Marsh, President
   
   and Chief Executive Officer