Attached files

file filename
10-K - 10-K - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi1231201510k.htm
EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - SI Financial Group, Inc.exhibit102.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi12312015ex311.htm
EX-21.0 - EXHIBIT 21.0 - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi12312015ex210.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi12312015ex312.htm
EX-32.0 - EXHIBIT 32.0 - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi12312015ex320.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - SI Financial Group, Inc.sifi12312015ex231.htm
EX-10.14 - EXHIBIT 10.14 - SI Financial Group, Inc.exhibit1014.htm


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

General

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding changes in the Company’s financial condition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained elsewhere in this annual report.

This report may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects” and similar expressions.  These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on management’s current expectations regarding our business strategies, intended results and future performance.

Management’s ability to predict results of the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors that could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, national and regional economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, including policies of the United States Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan and investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Company’s market area, changes in real estate market values in the Company’s market area and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines.  Additional factors that may affect the Company’s results are discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Management Strategies

The Company’s mission is to operate and grow a profitable community-oriented financial institution.  The Company plans to achieve this mission by continuing its strategies of:

Offering a full range of financial products and services. The Bank has a long tradition of focusing on the needs of consumers and small and medium-sized businesses in the community and being an active corporate citizen.  The Bank believes its community orientation, quicker decision-making process and customized products are attractive to its customers and distinguishes it from the large regional banks that operate in its market area.  The Bank serves as a financial services company offering one-stop shopping for all of its customers’ financial needs through banking, investments, insurance and trust products and services.  The Bank believes that its broad array of product offerings deepen its relationships with its current customers and entice new customers to begin banking with them, ultimately increasing fee income and profitability.

Actively managing the balance sheet and diversifying the asset mix. The recent economic recession has underscored the importance of a strong balance sheet. The Company manages its balance sheet by: (1) prudently increasing the Bank's multi-family and commercial real estate and commercial business loan portfolios, which offer higher yields, shorter maturities and more sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations; (2) managing its interest rate risk by diversifying the type and maturity of its assets in its loan and

1



investment portfolios and monitoring the maturities in its deposit portfolio; and (3) maintaining strong capital levels and liquidity. Multi-family and commercial real estate and commercial business loans increased $126.5 million, $10.3 million and $124.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and comprised 57.7% of total loans at December 31, 2015.  The Company intends to continue to pursue the opportunities from the many multi-family and commercial properties and businesses located in its market area and areas outside its market area where lenders have specialized knowledge.

Continuing conservative underwriting practices and maintaining a high quality loan portfolio. The Bank believes that strong asset quality is a key to long-term financial success.  The Bank has sought to maintain a high level of asset quality and moderate credit risk by using conservative underwriting standards and by diligent monitoring and collection efforts.  Nonperforming loans increased from $5.0 million at December 31, 2014 to $6.6 million at December 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2015, nonperforming loans were 0.56% of the total loan portfolio and 0.44% of total assets.  Although the Bank intends to continue to increase its multi-family and commercial real estate and commercial business lending, it intends to continue its philosophy of managing large loan exposures through conservative loan underwriting and credit administration standards.

Increasing core deposits. The Bank’s primary source of funds is retail deposit accounts.  At December 31, 2015, 62.7% of the Bank's deposits were core deposits, consisting of demand, savings and money market accounts. The Bank values core deposits because they represent longer-term customer relationships and a lower cost of funding compared to certificates of deposit. We expect core deposits to continue to increase primarily due to the investments the Bank has made in its branch network, new product offerings, competitive interest rates and the movement of customer funds out of riskier investments, including the stock market. The Bank intends to continue to increase its core deposits and focus on gaining market share in counties outside of Windham County in Connecticut and Newport and Washington Counties in Rhode Island by continuing to offer exceptional customer service, cross-selling its loan and deposit products and trust, insurance and investment services and increasing its commercial deposits from small and medium-sized businesses through additional business banking and cash management products.

Supplementing fee income through expanded mortgage banking operations. The Company views the changing regulatory landscape and low interest rate environment as an opportunity to gain noninterest income by leveraging its expertise in originating residential mortgages and selling such increased originations in the secondary market. This strategy enables the Company to have a much larger lending capacity, provide a more comprehensive product offering and reduce the interest rate, prepayment and credit risks associated with originating residential loans for retention in its loan portfolio. Further, this strategy allows the Company to be more selective with the single-family residential loans that are held in portfolio.

Grow through acquisitions. The Company intends to pursue expansion opportunities in its existing market areas or adjacent areas in strategic locations that maximize growth opportunities or with companies that add complementary products to its existing business. The Company believes that the rate of consolidation in the banking industry will continue to increase. The Company will look to be opportunistic to expand through the acquisition of banks or other financial service companies.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses.  The Company considers accounting policies involving significant judgments and assumptions by management that have, or could have, a material impact on

2



the carrying value of certain assets or on income, to be its critical accounting policies.  The Company considers the determination of allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes and the impairment of long-lived assets to be its critical accounting policies.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  Determining the amount of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment.  Management reviews the level of the allowance on a monthly basis and establishes the provision for loan losses based on the size and the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency levels, loss experience, economic conditions and other factors related to the collectibility of the loan portfolio. The level of the allowance for loan losses fluctuates primarily due to changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio and in the level of nonperforming loans, delinquencies, classified assets and loan charge-offs.  A portion of the allowance is established by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning allocation percentages based on our historical loss experience, delinquency trends, economic conditions and other qualitative factors.  The allocation percentages are re-evaluated quarterly to ensure their relevance in the current economic environment. Accordingly, increases in the size of the loan portfolio and the increased emphasis on commercial real estate and commercial business loans, which carry a higher degree of risk of default and, thus, a higher allocation percentage, increases the allowance.  Additionally, a portion of the allowance is established based on the impairment analysis of specific nonperforming loans, classified assets and troubled debt restructurings.

Although management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, which is based on estimates that are susceptible to change, future additions to the allowance may be necessary as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors.  Additionally, the Bank’s regulators, as a part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require the Bank to increase the allowance for loan losses by recognizing additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease its allowance for loan losses by recognizing loan charge-offs.  See Notes 1 and 4 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Deferred Income Taxes.  The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance is established.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The Company exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities.  These judgments require the Company to make projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed periodically as regulatory and business factors change.  A reduction in estimated future taxable income may require the Company to record a valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset.  A valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period, which would negatively affect earnings.  See Notes 1 and 10 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  The Company is required to record certain assets it has acquired, including identifiable intangible assets such as core deposit intangibles and goodwill, at fair value, which may involve making estimates based on third-party valuations, such as appraisals or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques.  Further, long-lived assets, including intangible assets and premises and equipment, that are held and used by the Company, are presumed to have a useful life.  The determination of the useful lives of intangible assets is subjective, as is the appropriate amortization period for such intangible and long-lived assets.  Additionally, long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  If impairment is indicated by that review, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value through a charge to noninterest expenses.  Testing for impairment is a subjective process, the application of which could result in different evaluations of impairment.  See Notes 1, 6 and 7 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


Analysis of Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet.  The following sets forth information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resulting yields and rates paid, interest rate spread, net interest margin and the ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest &
Dividends
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest &
Dividends
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest &
Dividends
 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans (1) (2)
$
1,105,034

 
$
44,396

 
4.02
%
 
$
1,049,463

 
$
43,673

 
4.16
%
 
$
797,296

 
$
33,989

 
4.26
%
   Securities (3)
188,695

 
3,668

 
1.94

 
185,959

 
3,863

 
2.08

 
197,047

 
4,195

 
2.13

Other interest-earning assets
27,650

 
88

 
0.32

 
28,215

 
59

 
0.21

 
22,165

 
43

 
0.19

Total interest-earning assets
1,321,379

 
48,152

 
3.64

 
1,263,637

 
47,595

 
3.77

 
1,016,508

 
38,227

 
3.76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-earning assets
91,778

 
 
 
 
 
91,628

 
 

 
 

 
66,689

 
 

 
 

Total assets
$
1,413,157

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,355,265

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,083,197

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Business checking
$
376

 

 

 
$
158

 

 

 
$
26

 

 

NOW and money market
465,888

 
523

 
0.11

 
452,393

 
575

 
0.13

 
357,736

 
504

 
0.14

Savings (4)
37,895

 
70

 
0.18

 
46,964

 
79

 
0.17

 
43,253

 
75

 
0.17

Certificates of deposit (5)
384,207

 
5,010

 
1.30

 
364,954

 
4,740

 
1.30

 
294,354

 
4,633

 
1.57

Total interest-bearing deposits
888,366

 
5,603

 
0.63

 
864,469

 
5,394

 
0.62

 
695,369

 
5,212

 
0.75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
188,361

 
2,969

 
1.58

 
162,961

 
2,513

 
1.54

 
120,771

 
2,897

 
2.40

Subordinated debt
8,248

 
329

 
3.99

 
8,248

 
336

 
4.07

 
8,248

 
336

 
4.07

Other borrowed funds

 

 

 

 

 

 
3,093

 
9

 
0.29

Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,084,975

 
8,901

 
0.82

 
1,035,678

 
8,243

 
0.80

 
827,481

 
8,454

 
1.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
172,404

 
 
 
 
 
163,031

 
 

 
 

 
119,248

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities
1,257,379

 
 
 
 
 
1,198,709

 
 

 
 

 
946,729

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
155,778

 
 
 
 
 
156,556

 
 

 
 

 
136,468

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,413,157

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,355,265

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,083,197

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest-earning assets
$
236,404

 
 
 
 
 
$
227,959

 
 

 
 

 
$
189,027

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax equivalent net interest income(3)
 
 
39,251

 
 
 
 

 
39,352

 
 

 
 

 
29,773

 
 

Tax equivalent interest rate spread(6)
 
 
 
 
2.82
%
 
 

 
 

 
2.97
%
 
 

 
 

 
2.74
%
Tax equivalent net interest margin as a percentage of interest-earning assets (7)
 
 
 
 
2.97
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.11
%
 
 

 
 

 
2.93
%
Average of interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
121.79
%
 
 

 
 

 
122.01
%
 
 

 
 

 
122.84
%
Less tax equivalent adjustment (3)
 
 
(26
)
 
 
 
 

 
(74
)
 
 

 
 

 
(35
)
 
 

Net interest income
 
 
$
39,225

 
 
 
 

 
$
39,278

 
 

 
 

 
$
29,738

 
 

 
 
(1) Amount is net of deferred loan origination fees and costs. Average balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale and excludes the allowance for loan losses.
(2) Loan fees are included in interest income and are immaterial.
(3) Municipal securities income and net interest income are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. The tax equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax equivalent net interest income to agree to the amounts reported in the statements of operations.
(4) Includes mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts.
(5) Includes brokered deposits.
(6) Tax equivalent net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(7) Tax equivalent net interest margin represents tax equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.  

Rate/Volume Analysis.  The following table sets forth the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have on the Company’s interest income and interest expense for the periods presented.  The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate).  The net column represents the sum of the rate and volume columns.  For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both changes in rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
 
2015 Compared to 2014
 
2014 Compared to 2013
 
Increase (Decrease) Due To
 
Increase (Decrease) Due To
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Net
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Net
 
(In Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)(2)
$
(1,542
)
 
$
2,265

 
$
723

 
$
(828
)
 
$
10,512

 
$
9,684

Securities (3)
(251
)
 
56

 
(195
)
 
(100
)
 
(232
)
 
(332
)
Other interest-earning assets
30

 
(1
)
 
29

 
5

 
11

 
16

Total interest-earning assets
(1,763
)
 
2,320

 
557

 
(923
)
 
10,291

 
9,368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits (4)
(43
)
 
252

 
209

 
(946
)
 
1,128

 
182

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
71

 
385

 
456

 
(1,218
)
 
834

 
(384
)
Subordinated debt
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
 

 

 

Other borrowed funds

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(9
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
21

 
637

 
658

 
(2,169
)
 
1,958

 
(211
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net interest income (5)
$
(1,784
)
 
$
1,683

 
$
(101
)
 
$
1,246

 
$
8,333

 
$
9,579

 
 
(1) Amount is net of deferred loan origination fees and costs. Average balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
(2) Loan fees are included in interest income and are immaterial.
(3) Municipal securities income and net interest income are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. The tax equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax equivalent net interest income to agree to the amounts reported in the statements of operations.
(4) Includes mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts and brokered deposits.
(5) Presented on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%.


3



Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Assets:
Summary. Total assets increased $131.3 million, or 9.7%, to $1.48 billion at December 31, 2015, primarily due to increases of $120.5 million in net loans receivable, $3.6 million in Federal Reserve Bank stock, $2.5 million in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and $2.1 million in available for sales securities at fair value.

Loans Receivable, Net.  Net loans receivable increased $120.5 million during 2015, which reflects increases in multi-family and commercial mortgage loans of $87.0 million, SBA and USDA guaranteed loans of $26.8 million
and time share loans of $9.5 million, offset by a decrease in residential mortgage loans of $13.1 million. Loan
originations totaled $266.5 million for 2015, an increase of $98.5 million, or 58.6%, compared to 2014. Changes in the loan portfolio consisted of the following:

Residential Real Estate.  Residential mortgage loans comprised 35.6% of total loans at December 31, 2015.  The residential mortgage portfolio decreased $13.1 million, or 3.0%, primarily due to the sale of $28.2 million of fixed-rate residential mortgage loans. Residential mortgage loan originations increased $33.8 million during 2015 as a result of lower interest rates and increased activity in the housing market.
Multi-family and Commercial Real Estate.  At December 31, 2015, multi-family and commercial real estate represented 32.8% of the Company’s total loan portfolio and increased $87.0 million, or 29.2%, during 2015.  Loan originations for multi-family and commercial real estate loans were $116.7 million during 2015, representing an increase of $53.1 million.
Construction. Construction loans, which include both residential and commercial construction loans, increased $8.2 million, or 60.4%, during 2015 as a result of increased commercial construction volume.
Commercial Business. Commercial business loans represented 24.8% of total loans at December 31, 2015 and increased $39.5 million during 2015 primarily due to increases of $26.8 million in SBA and USDA guaranteed loans and $9.5 million in time share loans. Commercial business loan originations increased $17.0 million during 2015 as compared to 2014. At December 31, 2015, unfunded lines of credit related to time share lending totaled $23.7 million as a result of focused efforts dedicated to growth within the time share industry.
Consumer Loans.  Consumer loans represented 4.9% of the Company’s total loan portfolio and increased $817,000, or 1.4%, during 2015. Home equity loans increased $2.7 million, offset by decreases in indirect automobile lending of $2.0 million due to principal repayments. Loan originations for consumer loans totaled $22.9 million for 2015, representing a decrease of $5.4 million compared to the same period in 2014.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $9.9 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $7.8 million at December 31, 2014.  The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans increased from 0.74% at December 31, 2014 to 0.84% at December 31, 2015. This was necessitated by an increase in the commercial loan portfolio, which carry a higher degree of risk (excluding guaranteed SBA and USDA loans) than other loans held in portfolio, and an increase in nonperforming assets.

Liabilities.  Total liabilities increased $134.7 million, or 11.3%, to $1.33 billion at December 31, 2015. The increase in total liabilities included an increase in borrowings of $86.3 million from $156.5 million at December 31, 2014 to $242.8 million at December 31, 2015, which was used to fund increased commercial lending, including the $52.3 million purchase of SBA guaranteed loans in April 2015. Deposits increased $47.3 million, or 4.7%, which included increases in NOW and money market accounts of $23.6 million, noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $17.8 million and certificates of deposit of $16.9 million, offset by a decrease of $11.4 million in savings accounts.  

Equity:
Summary.  Shareholders’ equity decreased $3.4 million from $157.7 million at December 31, 2014 to $154.3 million at December 31, 2015.  The decrease in shareholders’ equity was attributable to the repurchase of 855,754
common shares totaling $10.3 million and dividends of $1.9 million, offset by income of $4.3 million and 298,146
stock options exercised totaling $3.3 million.

4




Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) comprises the unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, net of taxes.  Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes, totaled $190,000 at December 31, 2015 compared to net unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of taxes, of $199,000 at December 31, 2014.  Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities primarily resulted from a change in the market value of mortgage-backed securities, which was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) on the consolidated balance sheet and a component of comprehensive income on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).  There were no net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of taxes, at December 31, 2015, as the agreement for the derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge terminated on December 15, 2015. Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of taxes, were $104,000 at December 31, 2014.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

General. The Company’s results of operations depends primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on the Company’s interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest expense on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  The Company also generates noninterest income such as gains on the sale of securities, fees earned from mortgage banking activities, fees from deposit and trust and investment management services, insurance commissions and other fees.  The Company’s noninterest expenses primarily consist of employee compensation and benefits, occupancy, computer services, furniture and equipment, outside professional services, electronic banking fees, marketing and other general and administrative expenses.  The Company’s results of operations are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, governmental policies and actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company recorded net income of $4.3 million for 2015, a decrease of $63,000, compared to net income of $4.4 million for 2014.

Interest and Dividend Income.  Total interest and dividend income increased $605,000, or 1.3%, for 2015, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans, offset by lower yields on loans and securities versus the comparable period in 2014. Average interest-earning assets increased $57.7 million to $1.32 billion in 2015, due to a higher average balance of loans and securities of $55.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in other interest earning assets of $565,000. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 13 basis points to 3.64%. The average yields on both loans and securities decreased 14 basis points during 2015 as a result of lower market interest rates. The average yield on federal funds and other interest-earning assets increased 11 basis points during 2015. The average yield on loans continues to be negatively impacted by unrecognized interest related to nonaccrual loans.  

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $658,000, or 8.0%, to $8.9 million for 2015 compared to $8.2 million in 2014, primarily due to higher average balance of FHLB advances and deposits. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $23.9 million to $888.4 million and the average rate increased 1 basis point to 0.63%.  Increases in the average balance of certificate of deposit accounts of $19.3 million and NOW and money market accounts of $13.5 million contributed to the increase in the average balance of deposit accounts.  The average balance of FHLB advances increased $25.4 million while the average rate increased 4 basis points to 1.58% for 2015.  

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses increased $970,000 to $2.5 million in 2015 compared to $1.5 million in 2014, primarily due to increases in nonperforming loans and commercial loans outstanding, which carry a higher degree of risk than other loans held in the loan portfolio, offset by lower net loan charge-offs.  At December 31, 2015, nonperforming loans totaled $6.6 million, compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in nonperforming multi-family and commercial mortgage loans of $1.3 million and residential mortgage loans of $727,000.  For 2015, net loan charge-offs totaled $443,000, consisting primarily of multi-family and commercial real estate loan charge-offs, compared to $658,000 for 2014.

5




Noninterest Income.  Total noninterest income increased $155,000 to $10.3 million in 2015.  The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes from 2014 to 2015.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Service fees
$
6,726

 
$
6,964

 
$
(238
)
 
(3.4
)%
Wealth management fees
1,204

 
1,221

 
(17
)
 
(1.4
)
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
618

 
580

 
38

 
6.6

Net gain on sale of securities
146

 
64

 
82

 
128.1

Mortgage banking
721

 
535

 
186

 
34.8

Net gain on trading securities and derivatives
50

 
60

 
(10
)
 
(16.7
)
Other
856

 
742

 
114

 
15.4

Total noninterest income
$
10,321

 
$
10,166

 
$
155

 
1.5
 %

Mortgage banking activities increased $186,000 during 2015 due to a higher volume of residential mortgage loan sales as compared to 2014. Other noninterest income increased $114,000 for 2015 primarily due to an increase in rental income from renting additional office space on the second floor of our Newport branch. Service fees decreased $238,000 in 2015 predominately due to lower overdraft privilege fees.

Noninterest Expenses.  Noninterest expenses decreased $921,000 for 2015 compared to 2014.  The following table shows the components of noninterest expenses and the dollar and percentage changes from 2014 to 2015.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
19,903

 
$
20,001

 
$
(98
)
 
(0.5
)%
Occupancy and equipment
7,409

 
7,724

 
(315
)
 
(4.1
)
Computer and electronic banking services
5,629

 
5,630

 
(1
)
 

Outside professional services
1,872

 
1,808

 
64

 
3.5

Marketing and advertising
964

 
977

 
(13
)
 
(1.3
)
Supplies
586

 
612

 
(26
)
 
(4.2
)
FDIC deposit insurance and regulatory assessments
1,015

 
1,234

 
(219
)
 
(17.7
)
Core deposit intangible amortization
601

 
613

 
(12
)
 
(2.0
)
Other real estate operations
538

 
425

 
113

 
26.6

Other
2,068

 
2,482

 
(414
)
 
(16.7
)
Total noninterest expenses
$
40,585

 
$
41,506

 
$
(921
)
 
(2.2
)%

Other noninterest expenses decreased $414,000 during 2015 compared to 2014 as a result of fraudulent debit card transactions of $412,000 and prepayment penalties totaling $110,000 for the early extinguishment of certain FHLB borrowings recognized in 2014. Decreased occupancy and equipment expense of $315,000 for 2015 versus 2014, was in large part a result of reconfiguring and optimizing telephone and data services. The Bank's conversion to a state-chartered financial institution effective in December 2014 contributed to a decrease of $219,000 in the regulatory assessment for 2015. Costs related to other real estate operations increased $113,000 in 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $98,000, as a result of a reduction in staffing levels and associated benefit costs year-over-year.

Income Tax Provision.  For 2015, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $2.1 million compared to $2.0 million in 2014. The effective tax rate was 32.6% and 31.1% for 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 10 in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for more details.   

6




Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

The Company recorded net income of $4.4 million for 2014, an increase of $5.3 million, compared to a net loss of $855,000 for 2013. The acquisition of Newport in September 2013 contributed to higher net income for 2014. Contributing to the net loss for 2013 were $2.6 million in pretax costs associated with the Newport acquisition, losses realized on security sales of $1.2 million and penalties of $659,000 related to the prepayment of FHLB advances.

Interest and Dividend Income.  Total interest and dividend income increased $9.3 million, or 24.4%, for 2014, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans, offset by lower yields on loans and securities versus 2013. Average interest-earning assets increased $247.1 million to $1.26 billion in 2014, due to a higher average balance of loans and other interest-earning assets of $252.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of securities of $11.1 million. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by 1 basis point to 3.77%, despite decreases in the yield on loans of 10 basis points and 5 basis points on securities during 2014 as a result of lower market interest rates. The yield on federal funds and other interest-earning assets increased 2 basis points during 2014. The yield on loans continues to be negatively impacted by unrecognized interest related to nonaccrual loans.  

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $211,000, or 2.5%, to $8.2 million for 2014 compared to $8.5 million in 2013, primarily due to lower rates paid on deposits and borrowings, offset by a higher average balance of deposits and FHLB advances. Average interest-bearing deposits increased $169.1 million to $864.5 million and the average rate decreased 13 basis points to 0.62%.  Increases in the average balance of NOW and money market accounts of $94.7 million and certificate of deposit accounts of $70.6 million contributed to the increase in the average balance of deposit accounts.  The average balance of FHLB advances increased $42.2 million while the average rate decreased 86 basis points to 1.54% for 2014.  The lower rate on FHLB advances was attributable to the prepayment or modification of certain higher rate advances and new advances at significantly lower rates.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses increased $220,000 to $1.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in commercial loans outstanding, which carry a higher degree of risk than other loans held in the loan portfolio, offset by decreases in nonperforming loans and net loan charge-offs.  At December 31, 2014, nonperforming loans totaled $5.0 million, compared to $7.0 million at December 31, 2013, primarily due to decreases in nonperforming multi-family and commercial mortgage loans of $2.1 million and residential mortgage loans of $393,000.  For 2014, net loan charge-offs totaled $658,000, consisting primarily of residential mortgage loan charge-offs, compared to $790,000 for 2013.

Noninterest Income.  Total noninterest income increased $1.9 million to $10.2 million in 2014.  The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes from 2013 to 2014.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Dollars
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Service fees
$
6,964

 
$
5,766

 
$
1,198

 
20.8
 %
Wealth management fees
1,221

 
1,157

 
64

 
5.5

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
580

 
400

 
180

 
45.0

Net gain (loss) on sale of securities
64

 
(1,155
)
 
1,219

 
(105.5
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 
(8
)
 
8

 
(100.0
)
Mortgage banking
535

 
1,083

 
(548
)
 
(50.6
)
Net gain on trading securities and derivatives
60

 
205

 
(145
)
 
(70.7
)
Other
742

 
857

 
(115
)
 
(13.4
)
Total noninterest income
$
10,166

 
$
8,305

 
$
1,861

 
22.4
 %


7



Service fees increased $1.2 million in 2014 as a result of additional deposit customers from the Newport acquisition and fees associated with higher electronic banking usage. Mortgage banking fees declined $548,000 during 2014 due to a lower volume of residential mortgage loan sales as compared to 2013 due to a rising interest rate environment. Other noninterest income for 2014 included the reimbursement of $250,000 in legal fees and other foreclosure expenses incurred in a prior period on two commercial loans, partially offset by an impairment charge of $175,000 to reduce the carrying value of one of the Bank's small business investment company limited partnerships. For 2013, the Company realized net losses of $1.2 million primarily related to the sale of $6.0 million in collateralized debt obligations and non-agency mortgage-backed securities previously classified as substandard, offset by a gain of $201,000 on the sale of $3.0 million in commercial business loans held for investment.

Noninterest Expenses.  Noninterest expenses increased $3.8 million for 2014 compared to 2013.  The following table shows the components of noninterest expenses and the dollar and percentage changes from 2013 to 2014.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Dollars
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
20,001

 
$
17,924

 
$
2,077

 
11.6
 %
Occupancy and equipment
7,724

 
5,971

 
1,753

 
29.4

Computer and electronic banking services
5,630

 
4,177

 
1,453

 
34.8

Outside professional services
1,808

 
1,296

 
512

 
39.5

Marketing and advertising
977

 
705

 
272

 
38.6

Supplies
612

 
459

 
153

 
33.3

FDIC deposit insurance and regulatory assessments
1,234

 
1,058

 
176

 
16.6

Merger expenses

 
2,608

 
(2,608
)
 
(100.0
)
Core deposit intangible amortization
613

 
220

 
393

 
178.6

Other real estate operations
425

 
564

 
(139
)
 
(24.6
)
Other
2,482

 
2,695

 
(213
)
 
(7.9
)
Total noninterest expenses
$
41,506

 
$
37,677

 
$
3,829

 
10.2
 %

Excluding merger costs, noninterest expenses increased $6.4 million, or 18.4%, in 2014 as a result of 12 months of operating costs attributable to the six branches acquired in the Newport merger, compared to four months of costs included in the results for 2013. Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.1 million as a result of additional staff and higher benefit costs. Outside professional services expense increased primarily as a result of contractual payment obligations to former Newport officers under their noncompetition agreements. Higher other noninterest expenses for 2014 were comprised of increases in fraudulent debit card transactions of $412,000 and prepayment penalties of $110,000 for the early extinguishment of certain higher-rate FHLB borrowings. For 2013, noninterest expenses included pre-tax merger costs for the acquisition of Newport of $2.6 million and $659,000 of prepayment penalties for the early extinguishment of FHLB borrowings for the year.
Income Tax Provision.  For 2014, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $2.0 million compared to an income tax benefit of $98,000 in 2013. The effective tax rate was 31.1% and 10.3% for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2013 was impacted by nondeductible costs associated with the Newport merger. See Note 10 in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for more details.   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short- and long-term nature.  The Bank's primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan sales and repayments, maturities and sales of securities and FHLB borrowings.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows, mortgage prepayments and loan and security sales are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.


8



The Bank regularly adjusts its investment in liquid assets based upon its assessment of (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities and (4) the objectives of the Company’s asset/liability management, funds management and liquidity policies.  The Company’s policy is to maintain liquid assets less short-term liabilities within a range of 9.0% to 20.0% of total assets.  Liquid assets were 9.9% of total assets at December 31, 2015.  Excess liquid assets are generally invested in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.

The Bank’s most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents.  The levels of these assets depend on the Bank’s operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period.  At December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $40.8 million.  Securities classified as available for sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $175.1 million at December 31, 2015.  In addition, at December 31, 2015, the Bank had the ability to borrow an additional $38.1 million from the FHLB, which includes overnight lines of credit of $10.0 million.  On that date, the Bank had FHLB advances outstanding of $234.6 million and no overnight advances outstanding. Additionally, the Bank has the ability to access the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window on a collateralized basis and maintains a $7.0 million unsecured line of credit with a financial institution to access federal funds.  The Bank believes that its liquid assets combined with the available lines from the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank provide adequate liquidity to meet its current financial obligations.

In addition, the Bank believes that deposit inflows through its branch network, which is presently comprised of 25 full-service retail banking offices located throughout its primary market area, and the general cash flows from its existing lending and investment activities, will afford it sufficient long-term liquidity.

The Bank’s primary investing activities are the origination, purchase and sale of loans and the purchase and sale of securities.  For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bank originated $266.5 million of loans and purchased $45.4 million of securities and $113.2 million of loans.  In 2014, the Bank originated $168.0 million of loans and purchased $36.2 million of securities and $59.9 million of loans.

At December 31, 2015, the Bank had $132.1 million in loan commitments outstanding, which included $7.5 million in commitments to grant loans, $46.8 million in unused home equity lines of credit, $47.4 million in commercial lines of credit, $28.9 million in undisbursed construction loans, $1.3 million in overdraft protection lines and $173,000 in standby letters of credit.  

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and in borrowed funds.  The increased liquidity needed to fund asset growth has been provided through proceeds from the sale of loans and securities and increased deposits and borrowings.  The net increase in total deposits, including mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts, was $47.2 million and $26.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2015 totaled $176.5 million, or 16.7% of total deposits. Management believes that the amount of deposits in shorter-term certificates of deposit reflects customers’ hesitancy to invest their funds in longer-term certificates of deposit due to the uncertain interest rate environment.  To compensate, the Bank has increased the duration of its borrowings with the FHLB.  The Bank will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and lines of credit, if maturing certificates of deposit are not retained.  Depending on market conditions, the Bank may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than are currently paid on certificates of deposit.  Additionally, a shorter duration in the securities portfolio may be necessary to provide liquidity to compensate for any deposit outflows.  The Bank believes, however, based on past experience, a significant portion of its certificates of deposit will be retained.  The Bank has the ability, if necessary, to adjust the interest rates offered to its customers in an effort to attract and retain deposits.

Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by the Bank and its local competitors and other factors.  The Bank generally manages the pricing of its deposits to be competitive and to increase core deposits and commercial banking relationships.  Occasionally, the Bank offers promotional rates on certain deposit products to attract deposits.  

9




FHLB advances increased $86.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and decreased $28.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

SI Financial Group, Inc. is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, SI Financial Group is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its shareholders and making payments on its subordinated debentures. SI Financial Group may continue to repurchase shares of its common stock in the future. SI Financial Group's primary sources of funds are interest and dividends on securities and dividends received from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may declare and pay to SI Financial Group in any calendar year, without prior regulatory approval, cannot exceed net income for that year to date plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years. SI Financial Group believes that such restriction will not have an impact on SI Financial Group's ability to meet its ongoing cash obligations. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, SI Financial Group had cash and cash equivalents of $3.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

The Company's Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 5%, or 630,000 shares, of the Company's outstanding common stock. During 2015, the Company purchased all shares under the repurchase plan.

The Company and the Bank have managed their capital to maintain strong protection for depositors and creditors.  The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements promulgated by federal bank regulatory agencies, including a risk-based capital measure.  The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  At December 31, 2015, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject and are “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.  The Company became subject to Basel III capital requirements that became effective January 1, 2015.  See Note 14 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information relating to regulatory capital requirements.


Payments Due Under Contractual Obligations

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s payments due under contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015.
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One to
Three
Years
 
Three to
Five Years
 
More
Than Five
Years
 
Total
 
 
(In Thousands)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
$
53,034

 
$
100,828

 
$
59,500

 
$
21,233

 
$
234,595

Operating lease obligations (1)
1,470

 
2,478

 
2,099

 
7,040

 
13,087

Purchase obligations
1,342

 
681

 

 

 
2,023

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet (2)

 

 

 
8,248

 
8,248

Total contractual obligations
$
55,846

 
$
103,987

 
$
61,599

 
$
36,521

 
$
257,953

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Payments are for the lease of real property.
(2) Represents junior subordinated debt owed to an unconsolidated trust.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of the commitments to

10



extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represent the amounts of potential accounting loss should the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer defaults and the value of any existing collateral becomes worthless.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. 

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commitments to originate loans
$
7,531

 
$
26,170

Undisbursed construction loans
28,939

 
25,107

Undisbursed home equity lines of credit
46,819

 
45,403

Undisbursed commercial lines of credit
47,354

 
60,363

Overdraft protection lines
1,262

 
1,230

Standby letters of credit
173

 
81

Total commitments
$
132,078

 
$
158,354


Commitments to originate loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 included fixed-rate loan commitments of $5.3 million and $10.8 million, respectively, at interest rates ranging from 2.88% to 5.75% and 3.00% to 5.75%, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-
by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held varies but may include residential and commercial property, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, deposits and securities.

Undisbursed commitments under construction, home equity or commercial lines of credit are commitments for future extensions of credit to existing customers.  Total undisbursed amounts on lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon and therefore, do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Letters of credit are primarily issued to support public or private borrowing arrangements.  Essentially all letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year.

The Bank is a limited partner in three small business investment corporations.  At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s remaining off-balance sheet commitment for the capital investments was $1.0 million.  See Note 12 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In 2004, the Bank established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for the benefit of its eligible employees.  In conjunction with the "second step" public stock offering completed in 2011, the Company provided an additional loan to the ESOP totaling $3.1 million to purchase additional common shares. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining principal balance on the ESOP debt totaled $4.2 million.  At December 31, 2015, allocated shares, including shares committed to be allocated to participants, totaled 324,491 and the amount of unallocated common shares held in suspense totaled 410,525, with a fair value of $5.6 million.  See Note 11 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


11



As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not engage in any off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  See Note 12 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impact of Inflation and Changes in Prices

The financial statements and financial data presented within this document have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial condition and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on the Company’s operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

Impact of Recent Accounting Standards

For information relating to new accounting pronouncements, reference Note 1 – “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk
The primary market risk affecting the financial condition and operating results of the Company is interest rate risk.  Interest rate risk is the exposure of current and future earnings and capital arising from movements in interest rates.  The Company manages the interest rate sensitivity of its interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment. To reduce the volatility of its earnings, the Company has sought to improve the match between asset and liability maturities and rates, while maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread. The Company’s strategy for managing interest rate risk generally is to emphasize the origination of adjustable-rate mortgage loans for retention in its loan portfolio. However, the ability to originate adjustable-rate loans depends to a great extent on market interest rates and borrowers’ preferences. As an alternative to adjustable-rate mortgage loans, the Company purchases variable-rate SBA and USDA loans in the secondary market that are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government. These loans have a significantly shorter duration than fixed-rate mortgage loans. Fixed-rate mortgage loans typically have an adverse effect on interest rate sensitivity compared to adjustable-rate loans. Accordingly, the Company has sold more longer-term fixed-rate mortgage loans in the secondary market in recent years to manage interest rate risk.  The Company offers 10-year fixed-rate mortgage loans that it retains in its portfolio. The Company may offer attractive rates for existing certificates of deposit accounts to extend their maturities. The Company also uses shorter-term investment securities and longer-term borrowings from the FHLB to help manage interest rate risk.
 
The Company has an Asset/Liability Committee to communicate, coordinate and control all aspects involving asset/liability management. The committee establishes and monitors the volume, maturities, pricing and mix of assets and funding sources with the objective of managing assets and funding sources to provide results that are consistent with liquidity, growth, risk limits and profitability goals.
 
In July 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a third-party financial institution with a notional amount of $8.0 million whereby the counterparty will pay a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR and the Company will pay a fixed rate of 2.44%. The agreement was effective on December 15, 2010 and terminated on December 15, 2015. This agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge against the trust preferred securities issued by SI Capital Trust II. This effectively fixed the interest rate on the $8.0 million of trust preferred securities at 4.14% for the duration of the agreement.

12




In January 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a third-party financial institution with a notional amount of $15.0 million, whereby the counterparty will pay a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR and the Company will pay a fixed-rate of 1.26%. The agreement was effective January 11, 2012 and terminates January 11, 2017. This agreement was not designated as a hedging instrument.

Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk
The Company analyzes its interest rate sensitivity position to manage the risk associated with interest rate movements through the use of interest income simulation.  The matching of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which such assets and liabilities are “interest rate sensitive.” An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period.  The Company’s goal is to manage asset and liability positions to moderate the effect of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income.

Net Interest Income Simulation Analysis
Interest income simulations are completed quarterly and presented to the Asset/Liability Committee. The simulations provide an estimate of the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income under a range of assumptions. The numerous assumptions used in the simulation process are reviewed by the Asset/Liability Committee on a quarterly basis. Changes to these assumptions can significantly affect the results of the simulation. The simulation incorporates assumptions regarding the potential timing in the repricing of certain assets and liabilities when market rates change and the changes in spreads between different market rates. The simulation analysis incorporates management’s current assessment of the risk that pricing margins will change adversely over time due to competition or other factors.  Simulation analysis is only an estimate of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time. The Company continually reviews the potential effect changes in interest rates could have on the repayment of rate sensitive assets and funding requirements of rate sensitive liabilities.

The table below sets forth an approximation of the Company’s exposure as a percentage of estimated net interest income for the next 12- and 24-month periods using interest income simulation. The simulation uses projected repricing of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated repayments and scheduled rate adjustments. Prepayment rates can have a significant impact on interest income simulation. Because of the large percentage of loans and mortgage-backed securities the Company holds, rising or falling interest rates have a significant impact on the prepayment speeds of the Company’s earning assets that in turn affect the rate sensitivity position. When interest rates rise, prepayments tend to slow. When interest rates fall, prepayments tend to rise. The Company’s asset sensitivity would be reduced if prepayments slow and vice versa. While the Company believes such assumptions to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future mortgage-backed security and loan repayment activity.

The following table reflects changes in estimated net interest income at December 31, 2015.
 
Percentage Change in Estimated
Net Interest Income Over
 
12 Months
 
24 Months
100 basis point decrease in rates
(0.52
)%
 
(1.04
)%
150 basis point increase in rates
0.70

 
(0.92
)
400 basis point increase in rates
(0.85
)
 
(2.99
)

As indicated by the results of the above scenarios, net interest income would be adversely affected (within our internal guidelines) if rates decreased 100 basis points or increased 400 basis points in the 12- and 24-month periods or if rates increased 150 basis points in the 24-month period. Conversely, net interest income would be positively impacted if rates increased 150 basis points in the 12-month period as a result of the Company's strategy to position the balance sheet for the anticipated increase in market interest rates. The Company's strategy for mitigating interest rate risk includes the purchase of adjustable-rate investment securities and SBA and

13



USDA guaranteed loans that will reprice in a rising rate environment, selling longer-term and lower fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in the secondary market, restructuring FHLB advances to current lower market interest rates while extending their duration and utilizing certain derivative instruments such as forward loan sale commitments to manage the risk of loss associated with its mortgage banking activities.

Stock Performance Graph
 
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's common stock with the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Composite (U.S. Companies) and with the SNL $1B - $5B Thrift Index.  Total return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends.  The graph assumes $100 was invested at the close of business on December 31, 2010.
SI Financial Group, Inc.



 
Period Ending
Index
12/31/10

12/31/11

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

12/31/15

SI Financial Group, Inc.
100.00

101.45

119.73

126.79

120.49

147.11

NASDAQ Composite
100.00

99.21

116.82

163.75

188.03

201.40

SNL U.S. Thrift $1B-$5B
100.00

97.18

122.94

156.89

169.72

199.21


Common Stock Information

The common stock of the Company is listed on NASDAQ Global Market ("NASDAQ") under the trading symbol "SIFI." As of March 7, 2016, there were 12,217,088 shares of common stock outstanding, which were held by approximately 1,261 shareholders of record.

The following table sets forth the market price and dividend information for the Company's common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by NASDAQ.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Price Range
 
Dividends Declared
 
Price Range
 
Dividends Declared
 
High
 
Low
 
 
High
 
Low
 
First Quarter
$
12.29

 
$
10.82

 
$
0.04

 
$
12.14

 
$
11.20

 
$
0.03

Second Quarter
12.20

 
11.25

 
0.04

 
11.83

 
11.00

 
0.03

Third Quarter
12.20

 
11.25

 
0.04

 
11.72

 
10.66

 
0.03

Fourth Quarter
14.00

 
11.81

 
0.04

 
11.79

 
10.90

 
0.03


14



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
of SI Financial Group, Inc.
 
We have audited SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements of SI Financial Group, Inc. and our report, dated March 11, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts
March 11, 2016




15


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
of SI Financial Group, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), SI Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report, dated March 11, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts
March 11, 2016


16



SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks:
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing
$
14,373

 
$
18,965

Interest-bearing
26,405

 
20,286

Total cash and cash equivalents
40,778

 
39,251

 
 
 
 
Available for sale securities, at fair value
175,132

 
173,040

Loans held for sale
1,804

 
747

Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $9,863 and $7,797 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
1,165,372

 
1,044,864

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
12,874

 
10,333

Federal Reserve Bank Stock, at cost
3,621

 

Bank-owned life insurance
21,924

 
21,306

Premises and equipment, net
21,188

 
21,711

Goodwill and other intangibles
18,096

 
18,697

Accrued interest receivable
4,283

 
3,853

Deferred tax asset, net
8,961

 
8,048

Other real estate owned, net
1,088

 
1,271

Other assets
6,713

 
7,412

Total assets
$
1,481,834

 
$
1,350,533

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

Noninterest-bearing
$
163,893

 
$
146,062

Interest-bearing
894,124

 
864,651

Total deposits
1,058,017

 
1,010,713

 
 
 
 
Mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts
3,508

 
3,600

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
234,595

 
148,277

Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trust
8,248

 
8,248

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
23,136

 
21,956

Total liabilities
1,327,504

 
1,192,794

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 11 and 12)


 


 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock ($0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued)

 

Common stock ($0.01 par value per share; 35,000,000 shares authorized; 12,218,818 shares and 12,776,426 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
122

 
128

Additional paid-in-capital
124,997

 
125,459

Unallocated common shares held by ESOP
(3,648
)
 
(4,128
)
Unearned restricted shares
(815
)
 
(1,312
)
Retained earnings
33,864

 
37,497

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(190
)
 
95

Total shareholders' equity
154,330

 
157,739

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,481,834

 
$
1,350,533

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

17



SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest and dividend income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
44,396

 
$
43,673

 
$
33,989

Securities:
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable interest
3,130

 
3,488

 
4,132

Tax-exempt interest
77

 
117

 
1

Dividends
435

 
184

 
27

Other
88

 
59

 
43

Total interest and dividend income
48,126

 
47,521

 
38,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
5,603

 
5,394

 
5,212

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
2,969

 
2,513

 
2,897

Subordinated debt and other borrowings
329

 
336

 
345

Total interest expense
8,901

 
8,243

 
8,454

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
39,225

 
39,278

 
29,738

 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
2,509

 
1,539

 
1,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
36,716

 
37,739

 
28,419

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest income:
 

 
 

 
 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

 
(8
)
Service fees
6,726

 
6,964

 
5,766

Wealth management fees
1,204

 
1,221

 
1,157

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
618

 
580

 
400

Net gain (loss) on sale of securities
146

 
64

 
(1,155
)
Mortgage banking
721

 
535

 
1,083

Net gain on derivatives
50

 
60

 
205

Other
856

 
742

 
857

Total noninterest income
10,321

 
10,166

 
8,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
19,903

 
20,001

 
17,924

Occupancy and equipment
7,409

 
7,724

 
5,971

Computer and electronic banking services
5,629

 
5,630

 
4,177

Outside professional services
1,872

 
1,808

 
1,296

Marketing and advertising
964

 
977

 
705

Supplies
586

 
612

 
459

FDIC deposit insurance and regulatory assessments
1,015

 
1,234

 
1,058

Merger expenses

 

 
2,608

Core deposit intangible amortization
601

 
613

 
220

Other real estate operations
538

 
425

 
564

Other
2,068

 
2,482

 
2,695

Total noninterest expenses
40,585

 
41,506

 
37,677

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit)
6,452

 
6,399

 
(953
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
2,104

 
1,988

 
(98
)
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.36

 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.08
)
Diluted
$
0.36

 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.08
)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

18



SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In Thousands)

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
     Available for sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
          Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
(293
)
 
883

 
(3,308
)
          Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses recognized in net income (loss)(1)
(96
)
 
(42
)
 
762

          Plus: credit portion of OTTI losses recognized in net income (loss)(2)

 

 
5

          Plus: noncredit portion of OTTI losses

 

 
176

          Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities
(389
)
 
841

 
(2,365
)
     Net unrealized gain on interest-rate swap derivative
104

 
102

 
104

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(285
)
 
943

 
(2,261
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
4,063

 
$
5,354

 
$
(3,116
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Amounts are included in net gain (loss) on the sale of securities in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of operations. Income tax expense (benefit) associated with the reclassification adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $50,000, $22,000 and $(393,000), respectively.
(2) Amounts are included in net impairment losses recognized in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of operations. Income tax benefit associated with the reclassification adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $0, $0 and $3,000, respectively.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


19



SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Unallocated
Common
Shares Held by ESOP
 
Unearned
Restricted Shares
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareholders' Equity
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
10,112,310

 
$
101

 
$
94,810

 
$
(5,088
)
 
$
(2,210
)
 
$
36,733

 
$
1,413

 
$
125,759

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 
(855
)
 
(2,261
)
 
(3,116
)
Acquisition of Newport Federal Savings Bank
2,683,099

 
27

 
30,078

 

 

 

 

 
30,105

Cash dividends declared ($0.12 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(1,227
)
 

 
(1,227
)
Restricted shares activity

 

 
5

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 

Equity incentive plan compensation

 

 
293

 

 
464

 

 

 
757

Allocation of 48,637 ESOP shares

 

 
79

 
480

 

 

 

 
559

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

 
9

 

 

 

 

 
9

Stock options exercised
11,388

 

 
94

 

 

 

 

 
94

Common shares repurchased
(8,336
)
 

 
(91
)
 

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(98
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
12,798,461

 
128

 
125,277

 
(4,608
)
 
(1,751
)
 
34,644

 
(848
)
 
152,842

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
4,411

 
943

 
5,354

Cash dividends declared ($0.12 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(1,475
)
 

 
(1,475
)
Equity incentive plan compensation

 

 
307

 

 
439

 

 

 
746

Allocation of 48,638 ESOP shares

 

 
72

 
480

 

 

 

 
552

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

 
4

 

 

 

 

 
4

Stock options exercised
52,406

 

 
557

 

 

 

 

 
557

Common shares repurchased
(74,441
)
 

 
(758
)
 

 

 
(83
)
 

 
(841
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
12,776,426

 
128

 
125,459

 
(4,128
)
 
(1,312
)
 
37,497

 
95

 
157,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
4,348

 
(285
)
 
4,063

Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(1,914
)
 

 
(1,914
)
Restricted shares activity

 

 
29

 

 
(29
)
 

 

 

Equity incentive plan compensation

 

 
334

 

 
526

 

 

 
860

Allocation of 48,638 ESOP shares

 

 
102

 
480

 

 

 

 
582

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

 
15

 

 

 

 

 
15

Stock options exercised
298,146

 
3

 
3,275

 

 

 

 

 
3,278

Common shares repurchased
(855,754
)
 
(9
)
 
(4,217
)
 

 

 
(6,067
)
 

 
(10,293
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
12,218,818

 
$
122

 
$
124,997

 
$
(3,648
)
 
$
(815
)
 
$
33,864

 
$
(190
)
 
$
154,330

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

20




SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Provision for loan losses
2,509

 
1,539

 
1,319

Employee stock ownership plan expense
582

 
552

 
559

Equity incentive plan expense
860

 
746

 
757

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
(15
)
 
(4
)
 
(9
)
Amortization of investment premiums and discounts, net
996

 
1,059

 
1,259

Amortization of loan premiums and discounts, net
1,821

 
1,419

 
1,473

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
2,678

 
2,596

 
1,992

Amortization of core deposit intangible
601

 
613

 
220

Amortization of deferred debt issue costs
18

 
90

 
262

Net (gain) loss on sale of securities
(146
)
 
(64
)
 
1,155

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

 
8

Net gain on derivatives
(50
)
 
(60
)
 
(205
)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
(766
)
 
1,183

 
(1,073
)
Loans originated for sale
(29,228
)
 
(16,255
)
 
(46,239
)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
28,435

 
17,380

 
49,985

Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
(472
)
 
(274
)
 
(835
)
Net gain on sale of loans held for investment

 

 
(201
)
Net loss on sales or write-downs of other real estate owned
267

 
104

 
43

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
(618
)
 
(580
)
 
(400
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

Accrued interest receivable
(430
)
 
168

 
42

Other assets
907

 
2,016

 
(609
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,402

 
1,121

 
1,509

Net cash provided by operating activities
13,699

 
17,760

 
10,157

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Purchases of available for sale securities
(45,360
)
 
(36,216
)
 
(54,671
)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
9,703

 
1,109

 
26,115

Proceeds from maturities of and principal repayments on available for sale securities
32,126

 
32,566

 
45,275

Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
(2,541
)
 

 

Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank stock
(3,621
)
 

 

Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

 
2,776

 
325

Loan principal collections (originations), net
(12,114
)
 
59,185

 
13,585

Purchases of loans
(113,192
)
 
(59,900
)
 
(22,950
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment

 

 
3,189

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
384

 
1,357

 
1,314

Purchases of premises and equipment
(2,155
)
 
(3,217
)
 
(2,140
)
Net cash paid for Newport acquisition

 

 
(8,935
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(136,770
)
 
(2,340
)
 
1,107

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Net increase (decrease) in deposits
47,304

 
25,964

 
(8,836
)
Net increase (decrease) in mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts
(92
)
 
386

 
7

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
147,728

 
29,000

 
63,000

Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net of amortization of discount
(61,428
)
 
(57,085
)
 
(59,509
)
Repayments of other borrowings, net of amortization of discount

 

 
(15,072
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
15

 
4

 
9

Stock options exercised
715

 
367

 
94

Cash dividends on common stock
(1,914
)
 
(1,475
)
 
(1,227
)
Common shares repurchased
(7,730
)
 
(651
)
 
(98
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
124,598

 
(3,490
)
 
(21,632
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
1,527

 
11,930

 
(10,368
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
39,251

 
27,321

 
37,689

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
40,778

 
$
39,251

 
$
27,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
 

 
 

 
 

Interest paid
$
8,873

 
$
8,306

 
$
8,335

Income taxes paid (received), net
1,846

 
(67
)
 
1,562

Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
468

 
303

 
2,393

Stock options exercised by net-share settlement
2,563

 
190

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
In connection with the purchase acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of non-cash tangible assets acquired
$

 
$

 
$
408,392

Goodwill and core deposit intangibles

 

 
16,079

Fair value of liabilities assumed

 

 
385,431

Value of common shares issued

 

 
30,105



21


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 






NOTE 1.  NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business
SI Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) is the holding company for Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”).  Established in 1842, the Bank is a community-oriented financial institution headquartered in Willimantic, Connecticut.  The Bank provides a variety of financial services to individuals, businesses and municipalities through its twenty-five offices in eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Its primary products include savings, checking and certificate of deposit accounts, residential and commercial mortgage loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans.  In addition, wealth management services, which include trust, financial planning, life insurance and investment services, are offered to individuals and businesses through the Bank’s offices.  The Company does not conduct any material business other than owning all of the stock of the Bank and making payments on the subordinated debentures held by the Company.

In September 2013, the Company acquired Newport Bancorp, Inc. ("Newport"), the holding company for Newport Federal Savings Bank. The acquisition added six full-service banking offices located in eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank, and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, SI Mortgage Company and SI Realty Company, Inc.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the balance sheets and reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the years presented.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of securities, deferred income taxes and the impairment of long-lived assets.

Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the Company’s prior year consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss).

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk
A majority of the Company’s activities are with customers located within eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.  The Company does not have any significant concentrations in any one industry or customer.  See Notes 3 and 4 for details relating to the Company’s investment and lending activities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows
Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments with maturities at date of purchase of less than 90 days are recognized as cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows.  Federal funds sold generally mature in one day.  For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Cash flows from loans and deposits are reported on a net basis.  The Company maintains amounts due from banks and federal funds sold that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses from such concentrations.


22


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company groups its assets and liabilities in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using unobservable inputs to pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of a reporting period, if applicable.

Securities
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the date individual securities are acquired, and the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each reporting date.

Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost.  Securities that are held principally for trading in the near term are classified as “trading securities.”  Trading securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.  Interest and dividends are included in net interest income.  Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.  Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

At each reporting period, the Company evaluates securities with a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the investment to determine whether or not the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary. The evaluation is based upon factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuers/guarantors, the underlying collateral, if applicable, and the continuing performance of the securities.  Management also evaluates other facts and circumstances that may be indicative of an OTTI condition, such as the type of security, length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and near-term prospects of the issuers.  OTTI is required to be recognized if (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. For all other impaired debt securities, credit-related OTTI is recognized through earnings and noncredit-related OTTI is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.  See Notes 3 and 15 for more details.


23


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”), is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB.  Based on redemption provisions of the FHLB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost.  At its discretion, the FHLB may declare dividends on its stock.  The stock is redeemable at par by the FHLB and the Company’s ability to redeem the shares owned is dependent on the redemption practices of the FHLB.  The Company reviews its investment in FHLB stock for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis in the FHLB stock.  No impairment charges were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Federal Reserve Bank Stock
The Bank became a member of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") system in 2015 and is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FRB. Based on redemption provisions of the FRB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. The Company reviews its investment in FRB stock for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis in FRB stock. No impairment charges were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Loans Held for Sale
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value, as determined by aggregate outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements.  Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to noninterest income.  Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold on the trade date and reported within mortgage banking activities on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are stated at current unpaid principal balances, net of the allowance for loan losses and deferred loan origination fees and costs.  Management has the ability and intent to hold its loans receivable for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for residential and commercial mortgage loans and commercial business loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not typically identify individual consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

The Company periodically may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans.  When a loan is modified and concessions have been made to the original contractual terms, such as reductions of interest rates or deferral of interest or principal payments, due to the borrower’s financial condition, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).  

Management considers all nonaccrual loans, with the exception of certain consumer loans, to be impaired.  Also, all TDRs are initially classified as impaired. In most cases, loan payments less than 90 days past due are considered minor collection delays and the related loans are generally not considered impaired.


24


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses, a material estimate which could change significantly in the near-term, is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings to account for losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio and estimated to occur, and is maintained at a level that management considers adequate to absorb losses in the
loan portfolio.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the uncollectibility of the principal loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses when received.  In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management may obtain independent appraisals for significant properties, if necessary.

Management's judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.  The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a monthly basis by management and is based on the evaluation of the known and inherent risk characteristics and size and composition of the loan portfolio, the assessment of current economic and real estate market conditions, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, historical loan loss experience, the level and trends of nonperforming loans, delinquencies, classified assets and loan charge-offs and evaluations of loans and other relevant factors.

The allowance for loan losses consists of the following key elements:

Specific allowance for identified impaired loans.  For loans that are identified as impaired, an allowance is established when the present value of expected cash flows (or observable market price of the loan or fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

General valuation allowance.  The general component represents a valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio, after excluding impaired loans.  For this portion of the allowance, loans are segregated by category and assigned an allowance percentage based on historical loan loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments:  residential one- to four-family, multi-family and commercial real estate, construction, commercial business and consumer.   Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on the time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment.  This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices; changes in international, national, regional and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectibility of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments; changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio and in the terms of the loans; changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans; changes in the quality of the loan review system; changes in the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations; the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the portfolio.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the following various risk characteristics for each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Residential – One- to Four-Family – The Bank primarily originates conventional loans with loan-to-value ratios less than 95% and generally originates loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80% only when secured by first liens on owner-occupied one- to four-family residences.  Loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80% generally require private mortgage insurance or additional collateral.

25


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.  The overall health of the economy,
including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

Multi-family and Commercial – Loans in this segment are originated for acquiring, developing, improving or refinancing multi-family and commercial real estate where the property is the primary collateral securing the loan, and the income generated from the property is the primary repayment source.  The underlying cash flows generated by the properties can be impacted by the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates.  Payments on loans secured by income-producing properties often depend on the successful operation and management of the properties. Management continually monitors the cash flows of these loans.

Construction – This segment includes loans to individuals, and to a lesser extent builders, to finance the construction of residential dwellings.  The Bank also originates construction loans for commercial development projects.  Upon the completion of construction, the loan generally converts to a permanent mortgage loan.  Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, correct estimates of the sale price of the property, time to sell at an adequate price and market conditions.

Commercial Business – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business.  Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business.  A weakened economy and reduced viability of the industry in which the customer operates will have a negative impact on the credit quality in this segment. The Bank provides loans to investors in the time share industry, which are secured by consumer receivables, and provides loans for capital improvements to condominium associations, which are secured by the assigned rights to levy special assessments to condominium owners.

Consumer – Loans in this segment primarily include home equity lines of credit (representing both first and second liens), indirect automobile loans and, to a lesser extent, loans secured by marketable securities, passbook or certificate accounts, motorcycles, automobiles and recreational vehicles, as well as unsecured loans.  Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.

In computing the allowance for loan losses, we do not assign a general valuation allowance to the Small Business Administration ("SBA") and United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") loans that we purchase as such loans are fully guaranteed.  These loans are included in commercial business loans. See Note 4 for details.

The majority of the Company's loans are collateralized by real estate located in eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. To a lesser extent, certain commercial real estate loans are secured by collateral located outside of our primary market area, with concentrations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Accordingly, the collateral value of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio and real estate acquired through foreclosure is susceptible to changes in local market conditions.

Although management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations.  Furthermore, while management believes it has established the allowance for loan losses in conformity with GAAP, our regulators, in reviewing the loan portfolio, may request us to increase our allowance for loan losses based on judgments different from ours.  In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and

26


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing allowance for loan losses may not be adequate or increases may be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above.  Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses would adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Loans Acquired with Deteriorating Credit Quality
Loans acquired in a transfer, including business combinations, where there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments, are accounted for under accounting guidance for purchased credit-impaired loans. This guidance provides that the excess of the cash flows initially expected to be collected over the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date (i.e., the accretable yield) is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans, provided that the timing and amount of future cash flows is reasonably estimable. Such loans are considered to be accruing because their interest income relates to the accretable yield and not to contractual interest payments. The difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Subsequent to acquisition, probable decreases in expected cash flows are recognized through a provision for loan losses, resulting in an increase to the allowance for loan losses. If the Company has probable and significant increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company will first reverse any previously established allowance for loan losses and then increase interest income as a prospective yield adjustment.
 
Interest and Fees on Loans
Interest on loans is accrued and included in net interest income based on contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.  Accrual of interest is discontinued when loan payments are 90 days or more past due, based on contractual terms, or when, in the judgment of management, collectibility of the loan or loan interest becomes uncertain.  Subsequent recognition of income occurs only to the extent payment is received subject to management's assessment of the collectibility of the remaining interest and principal.  A nonaccrual loan is restored to accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectibility of interest and principal is no longer in doubt and the borrower has made regular payments in accordance with the terms of the loan over a period of at least six months.  Interest collected on nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent cash payments are received, and may be recorded as a reduction to principal if the collectibility of the principal balance of the loan is unlikely.

Loan origination fees, direct loan origination costs and loan purchase premiums are deferred, and the net amount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield utilizing the interest method over the contractual life of the loan.

Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and measured at fair value.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements - The Company uses interest rate swap agreements as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate flows are exchanged over a prescribed period.  The notional amount on which the interest payments are based is not exchanged.  The Company’s swap agreements are derivative instruments and convert a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate.

Interest rate derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment only if they are designated as a hedge and are expected to be, and are, effective in substantially reducing interest rate risk arising from the assets and liabilities identified as exposing the Company to risk.  If periodic assessment indicates derivatives no longer provide an effective hedge, the derivative contracts would be closed out and settled, or classified as a trading

27


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





activity. For cash flow hedges, the net settlement (upon close-out or termination) that offsets changes in the value of the hedged debt is deferred and amortized into net interest income over the life of the hedged debt.  The portion, if any, of the net settlement amount that did not offset changes in the value of the hedged asset or liability is recognized immediately in noninterest income.

The Company had characterized one of its interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge.  Cash flow hedges are used to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions caused by interest rate fluctuations, and are recorded at fair value in other assets or liabilities within the Company’s balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments, if any, is recognized in earnings.

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

Certain derivative instruments do not meet the requirements to be accounted for as hedging instruments. These undesignated derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in other noninterest income. The Company's remaining interest rate swap agreement is not designated as a hedge.  

Derivative Loan Commitments - Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding.  Loan commitments that are derivatives are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in noninterest income.

Forward Loan Sale Commitments - To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company utilizes “mandatory delivery” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.  Mandatory delivery contracts are accounted for as derivative instruments.  Mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in noninterest income.  

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and no condition both constrains the transferee from taking advantage of that right and provides more than a trivial benefit for the transferor and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem the assets before maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

During the normal course of business, the Company may transfer a portion of a financial asset, for example, a participation loan or the government guaranteed portion of a loan.  In order to be eligible for sales treatment, the transfer of the portion of the loan must meet the criteria of a participating interest.  If it does not meet the criteria of a participating interest, the transfer must be accounted for as a secured borrowing.  In order to meet the criteria for a participating interest, all cash flows from the loan must be divided proportionately, the rights of each loan holder must have the same priority, the loan holders must have no recourse to the transferor other than standard representations and warranties and no loan holder has the right to pledge or exchange the entire loan.


28


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or other proceedings and is initially recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, the properties are held for sale and are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs of disposal.  Any write-down to fair value at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Properties are evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amounts are supported by current fair values, and a charge to operations is recorded as necessary to reduce the carrying amount to fair value less estimated costs to dispose.  Revenue and expense from the operation of other real estate owned and the provision to establish and adjust valuation allowances are included in noninterest expenses.  Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, subject to the limit of fair value of the collateral. Gains or losses are included in noninterest expenses upon disposal.  See Note 5 for additional details related to other real estate owned.

Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost.  Premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to operations using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated economic lives of the improvements or the expected lease terms.  Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured.  

The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
Classification
Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings
5 to 40 years
Furniture and equipment
3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements
5 to 20 years

Gains and losses on dispositions are recognized upon realization.  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized.

Bank-owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance policies are presented on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in cash surrender value, as well as gains on the surrender of policies, are reflected in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations and are not subject to income taxes.  See Note 11 for additional discussion.

Servicing
The Company services mortgage loans for others.  Mortgage servicing assets are recognized as separate assets at fair value when rights are acquired through purchase or retained through the sale of financial assets.  Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.  Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into mortgage banking income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that the fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum.  Changes in the valuation allowance are reported in loan servicing fee income. Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for

29


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





servicing loans, which is included in mortgage banking income.  The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned.  

Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets, including premises and equipment and certain identifiable intangible assets that are held and used by the Company, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If impairment is indicated by that review, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value through a charge to earnings.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of a business combination over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable intangible and other assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but rather assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances warrant.

Management has the option of first assessing qualitative factors, such as events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not, meaning a likelihood of more than 50%, the value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after considering all relevant events and circumstances, management determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing an impairment test is unnecessary. For the year ended December 31, 2015, management determined that it was not more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit (the consolidated Company, in our case) was less than its carrying amount. If management had determined otherwise, the two-step process would have been completed to determine the impairment and necessary write-down of goodwill.

Other Investments
The Company is a limited partner in three Small Business Investment Companies (“SBICs”), which are licensed by the Small Business Administration.  They provide mezzanine financing and private equity investments to small companies which may not otherwise qualify for standard bank financing.  The Company records its investment in the SBICs at cost and evaluates its investment for impairment on a quarterly basis.  Impairment that is considered by management to be other-than-temporary results in a write-down of the investment which is recognized as a charge to earnings.  See Note 12 regarding the Bank's investment in and outstanding capital commitments to the limited partnerships.

Trust Assets
Trust assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity, other than trust cash on deposit at the Bank, are not included in these consolidated financial statements because they are not assets of the Company.  Trust fees are recognized on the accrual basis of accounting.

Related Party Transactions
Directors, officers and affiliates of the Company and the Bank have been customers of and have had transactions with the Bank, and it is expected that such persons will continue to have such transactions in the future. All deposit accounts, loans, services and commitments comprising such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers who were not directors, officers or affiliates.  The transactions with related parties did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility, favored treatment or terms or present other unfavorable features.  See Note 13 for details regarding related party transactions.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The loans to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") are repaid from the Bank’s contributions to the ESOP and dividends payable on common stock held by the ESOP over 15 years for the first loan and 20 years for the second loan.  Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. Compensation expense is recognized as ESOP shares are committed to be

30


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





released and is based on the average fair market value of the shares during the period.  The difference between the average fair value and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for calculating earnings per share.  Dividends paid on allocated ESOP shares are charged to retained earnings and dividends paid on unallocated ESOP shares are used to satisfy debt service.  See Note 11 for additional discussion.

Equity Incentive Plan
The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued.  Share-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period of service or performance for the award.   Reductions in compensation expense associated with forfeited options are estimated at the date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted based on actual forfeiture experience.  The fair value of each restricted stock allocation, equal to the market price at the date of grant, is recorded as unearned restricted shares.  The fair value of each stock option award is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which includes several assumptions such as expected volatility, dividends, term and risk-free rate for each stock option award.  See Note 11 for additional discussion.

Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The Company exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities.  These judgments require the Company to make projections of future taxable income.  These judgments and estimates, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed periodically as regulatory and business factors change.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions which require accrual or disclosure at December 31, 2015 or 2014.  In accordance with the provisions of applicable accounting guidance, in future periods, the Company may record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to the recognition, derecognition or change in measurement of a tax position as a result of new tax positions, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty of existing tax positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to the statutes of limitation, status of examinations and litigation and legislative activity.  The Company has elected to report future interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.  No interest or penalties were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Income tax benefits related to stock compensation in excess of grant date fair value less any proceeds on exercise are recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital upon vesting or exercising and delivery of the stock.  Any income tax effects related to stock compensation that are less than grant date fair value less any proceeds on exercise would be recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital to the extent of previously recognized income tax benefits and then through income tax expense for the remaining amount.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and certain cash flow hedges, are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, such items,

31


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





along with net income (loss), are components of comprehensive income (loss).  See Note 15 for components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects.

Common Share Repurchases
The Company is chartered in Maryland. Maryland law does not provide for treasury shares, rather shares repurchased by the Company constitute authorized but unissued shares. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America state that accounting for treasury stock shall conform to state law. Therefore, the cost of shares repurchased by the Company has been allocated to common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings balances.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Unvested restricted shares are considered outstanding in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share since the shares participate in dividends and the rights to the dividends are non-forfeitable.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed in a manner similar to basic earnings (loss) per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the incremental common shares (as computed using the treasury stock method) that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were issued during the period.  The Company’s common stock equivalents relate solely to stock options.  Repurchased common shares and unallocated common shares held by the Bank's ESOP are not deemed outstanding for earnings (loss)
per share calculations.

Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted average exercise prices in excess of the weighted average market value for the periods presented, and are not considered in diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations. The Company had 300,151, 533,413 and 554,029 anti-dilutive common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The computation of earnings (loss) per share is as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 

 
 

Basic
11,976,291

 
12,313,549

 
10,434,191

Effect of dilutive stock options
29,696

 
33,580

 

Diluted
12,005,987

 
12,347,129

 
10,434,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.36

 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.08
)
Diluted
$
0.36

 
$
0.36

 
$
(0.08
)

Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, the accounts of an acquired entity are included with the acquirer's accounts as of the date of the acquisition with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) capitalized as goodwill.

Business Segment Reporting
Public companies are required to report (i) certain financial and descriptive information about “reportable operating segments,” as defined, and (ii) certain enterprise-wide financial information about products and

32


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





services, geographic areas and major customers.  An operating segment is a component of a business for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance.  The Company’s operations are limited to financial services provided within the framework of a community bank, and decisions are generally based on specific market areas and or product offerings.  Accordingly, based on the financial information presently evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker, the Company’s operations are aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance that clarifies when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amended guidance clarifies that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. In addition, the amended guidance requires interim and annual disclosures of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The adoption of the amended guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure - In August 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance that addresses the diversity in practice regarding the classification and measurement of foreclosed loans which were part of a government-sponsored loan guarantee program (e.g. HUD, FHA, VA). The amended guidance outlines certain criteria that, if met, the loan (residential or commercial) should be derecognized and a separate other receivable should be recorded upon foreclosure at the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The adoption of the amended guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs - In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amended guidance should be applied on a retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - In August 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcement at the June 18, 2015 Emerging Issues Task Force meeting that the update issued in April 2015 does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance within the previous update for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit-arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting

33


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there were any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Overall - In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance addressing certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Targeted improvements to generally accepted accounting principles include the requirement for equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, the elimination of the requirement for non-public business entities to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measures at amortized cost and the elimination of the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has elected to not disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost in its financial statements as of December 31, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Leases (Topic 842): - In February 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Disclosures are required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. An entity that elects to apply the practical expedients will, in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with previous GAAP unless the lease is modified, except that lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating leases at each reporting date based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments that were tracked and disclosed under previous GAAP. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is still reviewing the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2.  RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND AMOUNTS DUE FROM BANKS

The Bank is required to maintain cash reserve balances against its respective transaction accounts and non-personal time deposits.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank was required to maintain cash and liquid asset reserves of $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.



34


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 3.  SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of available for sale securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
 
(In Thousands)
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
71,142

 
$
242

 
$
(388
)
 
$
70,996

Government-sponsored enterprises
25,313

 
95

 
(5
)
 
25,403

Mortgage-backed securities:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency - residential
72,248

 
680

 
(962
)
 
71,966

Non-agency - residential
116

 

 
(4
)
 
112

Corporate debt securities
1,000

 

 

 
1,000

Collateralized debt obligations
1,156

 

 
(10
)
 
1,146

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
1,270

 
1

 

 
1,271

Tax-exempt securities
3,175

 
64

 
(1
)
 
3,238

Total available for sale securities
$
175,420

 
$
1,082

 
$
(1,370
)
 
$
175,132

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Agency securities refer to debt obligations issued or guaranteed by government corporations or government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs").  Non-agency securities, or private-label securities, are the sole obligation of their issuer and are not guaranteed by one of the GSEs or the U.S. Government.
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
 
(In Thousands)
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
66,232

 
$
385

 
$
(226
)
 
$
66,391

Government-sponsored enterprises
27,435

 
120

 
(67
)
 
27,488

Mortgage-backed securities:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Agency - residential
67,008

 
907

 
(1,065
)
 
66,850

Non-agency - residential
254

 
3

 
(4
)
 
253

Corporate debt securities
1,000

 

 

 
1,000

Collateralized debt obligations
1,188

 

 
(7
)
 
1,181

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
3,039

 
167

 
(6
)
 
3,200

Tax-exempt securities
6,583

 
97

 
(3
)
 
6,677

Total available for sale securities
$
172,739

 
$
1,679

 
$
(1,378
)
 
$
173,040

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Agency securities refer to debt obligations issued or guaranteed by government corporations or GSEs. Non-agency securities, or private-label securities, are the sole obligation of their issuer and are not guaranteed by one of the GSEs or the U.S. Government.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, U.S. government and agency obligations and government-sponsored enterprise securities with an amortized cost of $9.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively, and a fair value of $8.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturities at December 31, 2015 are presented below.  Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of potential

35


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





prepayments or early redemptions.  Because mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are not due at a single maturity date, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
(In Thousands)
Within 1 year
$
481

 
$
471

After 1 but within 5 years
49,617

 
49,789

After 5 but within 10 years
11,764

 
11,665

After 10 years
41,194

 
41,129

 
103,056

 
103,054

Mortgage-backed securities
72,364

 
72,078

Total debt securities
$
175,420

 
$
175,132


The following is a summary of realized gains and losses on the sale of securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Gross gains on sales
$
169

 
$
64

 
$
626

Gross losses on sales
(23
)
 

 
(1,781
)
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities
$
146

 
$
64

 
$
(1,155
)

The tax provision (benefit) applicable to the above net realized gains (losses) amounted to $50,000, $22,000 and $(393,000) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities totaled $9.7 million, $1.1 million and $26.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The following tables present information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
December 31, 2015:
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Thousands)
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
9,374

 
$
36

 
$
18,715

 
$
352

 
$
28,089

 
$
388

Government-sponsored enterprises
8,454

 
5

 

 

 
8,454

 
5

Mortgage-backed securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Agency - residential
21,956

 
129

 
27,210

 
833

 
49,166

 
962

Non-agency - residential

 

 
112

 
4

 
112

 
4

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
1,146

 
10

 
1,146

 
10

Tax-exempt securities
582

 
1

 

 

 
582

 
1

Total
$
40,366

 
$
171

 
$
47,183

 
$
1,199

 
$
87,549

 
$
1,370


36


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months Or More
 
Total
December 31, 2014:
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Thousands)
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
9,273

 
$
15

 
$
16,655

 
$
211

 
$
25,928

 
$
226

Government-sponsored enterprises
6,974

 
4

 
3,973

 
63

 
10,947

 
67

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Agency - residential
4,251

 
122

 
32,127

 
943

 
36,378

 
1,065

Non-agency - residential

 

 
127

 
4

 
127

 
4

Collateralized debt obligations
1,181

 
7

 

 

 
1,181

 
7

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

 
668

 
6

 
668

 
6

Tax-exempt securities
1,141

 
3

 

 

 
1,141

 
3

Total
$
22,820

 
$
151

 
$
53,550

 
$
1,227

 
$
76,370

 
$
1,378


Management believes that no individual unrealized loss as of December 31, 2015 represents an other-than-temporary impairment based on its detailed quarterly review of the securities portfolio.  Among other things, the other-than-temporary impairment review of the investment securities portfolio focuses on the combined factors of percentage and length of time by which the issue is below book value, as well as consideration of issuer specific information (present value of cash flows expected to be collected, issuer rating changes and trends, credit worthiness and review of underlying collateral), broad market details and the Company’s intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovering its cost.  The Company also considers whether the depreciation is due to interest rates, market changes or credit risk.  The services of an independent third-party are utilized by the Company to provide information used to assist in the impairment analysis.

At December 31, 2015, forty-two debt securities with gross unrealized losses had aggregate depreciation of approximately 1.5% of the Company’s amortized cost basis.  The majority of the unrealized losses related to the Company’s mortgage-backed securities.  For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized no net impairment charges on investments deemed other-than-temporarily impaired. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $8,000 of net impairment charges on investments deemed other-than-temporarily impaired. The following summarizes, by security type, the basis for management’s determination during the preparation of the financial statements of whether the applicable investments within the Company’s securities portfolio were other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations and Mortgage-backed Securities -Agency - Residential.  The unrealized losses on the Company’s U.S. Government and agency obligations and mortgage-backed agency residential securities were caused by spread widening to the government curve.  The Company does not expect these securities to settle at a price less than the par value of the securities.

Mortgage-backed Securities - Non-agency - Residential.  The unrealized losses on the Company’s non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities relate to one investment which has been evaluated by management and no potential credit loss was identified. 

Collateralized Debt Obligations.  The unrealized losses on the Company’s collateralized debt obligations relate to one investment in a pooled trust preferred security (“PTPS”) which management does not believe will suffer from any credit-related losses, based on its senior credit profile.  The unrealized loss on this security is caused by the low

37


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





interest rate environment, as this security reprices quarterly to the three month LIBOR and market spreads on similar newly issued securities have increased. 

The following table presents a roll-forward of the balance of credit losses on the Company’s debt securities for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015

2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$

 
$

 
$
259

Amounts related to credit losses for which OTTI losses were not previously recognized

 

 
8

Reduction for securities sold during the period (realized)

 

 
(267
)
Balance at end of year
$

 
$

 
$


NOTE 4.  LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loan Portfolio
The composition of the Company's loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
417,458

 
$
430,575

Multi-family and commercial
385,341

 
298,320

Construction
21,786

 
13,579

Total real estate loans
824,585

 
742,474

 
 
 
 
Commercial business loans:
 
 
 

SBA and USDA guaranteed
145,238

 
118,466

Time share
55,192

 
45,669

Condominium association
21,986

 
21,386

Other
69,033

 
66,446

Total commercial business loans
291,449

 
251,967

 
 
 
 
Consumer loans:
 
 
 
Home equity
53,779

 
51,093

Indirect automobile
1,741

 
3,692

Other
1,946

 
1,864

Total consumer loans
57,466

 
56,649

 
 
 
 
Total loans
1,173,500

 
1,051,090

 
 
 
 
Deferred loan origination costs, net of fees
1,735

 
1,571

Allowance for loan losses
(9,863
)
 
(7,797
)
Loans receivable, net
$
1,165,372

 
$
1,044,864



38


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The Company has transferred a portion of its originated commercial real estate loans to participating lenders. The amounts transferred have been accounted for as sales and are therefore, not included in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company and participating lenders share ratably in cash flows and any gains or losses that may result from a borrower's lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan. The Company continues to service the loans on behalf of the participating lenders and, as such, collects cash payments from the borrowers, remits payments (net of servicing fees) to participating lenders and disburses required escrow funds to relevant parties. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company was servicing loans for participations aggregating $7.3 million and $7.5 million, respectively.
 
The Company purchased commercial loans totaling $113.2 million, $59.9 million and $23.0 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
  
Allowance for Loan Losses
Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 Family
 
Multi-family and Commercial
 
Construction
 
Commercial Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
1,125

 
$
3,028

 
$
22

 
$
1,735

 
$
477

 
$
6,387

 
Provision for loan losses
522

 
523

 
56

 
159

 
59

 
1,319

 
Loans charged-off
(712
)
 
(228
)
 

 
(22
)
 
(95
)
 
(1,057
)
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
40

 
72

 
91

 
3

 
61

 
267

 
Balance at December 31, 2013
975

 
3,395

 
169

 
1,875

 
502

 
6,916

 
Provision for loan losses
277

 
355

 
85

 
666

 
156

 
1,539

 
Loans charged-off
(335
)
 
(144
)
 

 
(164
)
 
(80
)
 
(723
)
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
38

 
1

 

 
5

 
21

 
65

 
Balance at December 31, 2014
955

 
3,607

 
254

 
2,382

 
599

 
7,797

 
Provision for loan losses
109

 
1,691

 
262

 
393

 
54

 
2,509

 
Loans charged-off
(102
)
 
(289
)
 

 
(165
)
 
(1
)
 
(557
)
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
74

 
24

 

 
15

 
1

 
114

 
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
1,036

 
$
5,033

 
$
516

 
$
2,625

 
$
653

 
$
9,863
















39


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Further information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

December 31, 2015
Residential - 1 to 4 Family
 
Multi-family and Commercial
 
Construction
 
Commercial
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Allowance for loans individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired
$
303

 
$
35

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
338

Allowance for loans individually or collectively evaluated and not deemed to be impaired
733

 
4,998

 
516

 
2,625

 
653

 
9,525

Allowance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 

 

 

 

 

Total loan loss allowance
$
1,036

 
$
5,033

 
$
516

 
$
2,625

 
$
653

 
$
9,863

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired
$
6,354

 
$
3,750

 
$

 
$
356

 
$
158

 
$
10,618

Loans individually or collectively evaluated and not deemed to be impaired
410,699

 
377,503

 
21,786

 
291,093

 
57,308

 
1,158,389

Amount of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
405

 
4,088

 

 

 

 
4,493

Total loans
$
417,458

 
$
385,341

 
$
21,786

 
$
291,449

 
$
57,466

 
$
1,173,500


December 31, 2014
Residential - 1 to 4 Family
 
Multi-family and Commercial
 
Construction
 
Commercial
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Allowance for loans individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired
$
287

 
$
52

 
$

 
$
20

 
$

 
$
359

Allowance for loans individually or collectively evaluated and not deemed to be impaired
668

 
3,555

 
254

 
2,362

 
599

 
7,438

Allowance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 

 

 

 

 

Total loan loss allowance
$
955

 
$
3,607

 
$
254

 
$
2,382

 
$
599

 
$
7,797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired
$
5,318

 
$
1,872

 
$

 
$
470

 
$

 
$
7,660

Loans individually or collectively evaluated and not deemed to be impaired
424,885

 
292,215

 
13,579

 
251,140

 
56,649

 
1,038,468

Amount of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
372

 
4,233

 

 
357

 

 
4,962

Total loans
$
430,575

 
$
298,320

 
$
13,579

 
$
251,967

 
$
56,649

 
$
1,051,090




40


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Past Due Loans

The following represents an aging of loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
December 31, 2015
30-59
Days
Past Due
 
60-89
Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total 30
Days or More
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
 
Past Due 90
Days or More
and Accruing
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
5,906

 
$
1,054

 
$
1,283

 
$
8,243

 
$
409,215

 
$
417,458

 
$

Multi-family and commercial
5,930

 
203

 
1,061

 
7,194

 
378,147

 
385,341

 

Construction

 

 

 

 
21,786

 
21,786

 

Commercial Business:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

SBA and USDA guaranteed

 

 

 

 
145,238

 
145,238

 

Time share

 

 

 

 
55,192

 
55,192

 

Condominium association

 

 

 

 
21,986

 
21,986

 

Other
45

 
22

 
339

 
406

 
68,627

 
69,033

 

Consumer:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Home equity
130

 

 
121

 
251

 
53,528

 
53,779

 

Indirect automobile
31

 

 

 
31

 
1,710

 
1,741

 

Other
1

 
3

 
25

 
29

 
1,917

 
1,946

 

Total
$
12,043

 
$
1,282

 
$
2,829

 
$
16,154

 
$
1,157,346

 
$
1,173,500

 
$


December 31, 2014
30-59
Days
Past Due
 
60-89
Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total 30
Days or More
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Loans
 
Past Due 90
Days or More
and Accruing
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
4,194

 
$
258

 
$
1,602

 
$
6,054

 
$
424,521

 
$
430,575

 
$

Multi-family and commercial
768

 
794

 
775

 
2,337

 
295,983

 
298,320

 

Construction

 

 

 

 
13,579

 
13,579

 

Commercial Business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA and USDA guaranteed
1,536

 

 
459

 
1,995

 
116,471

 
118,466

 
459

Time share

 

 

 

 
45,669

 
45,669

 

Condominium association

 

 

 

 
21,386

 
21,386

 

Other
50

 

 
446

 
496

 
65,950

 
66,446

 

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
20

 
158

 
23

 
201

 
50,892

 
51,093

 

Indirect automobile
103

 
10

 

 
113

 
3,579

 
3,692

 

Other

 

 

 

 
1,864

 
1,864

 

Total
$
6,671

 
$
1,220

 
$
3,305

 
$
11,196

 
$
1,039,894

 
$
1,051,090

 
$
459


41


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans
The following is a summary of impaired and nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Impaired Loans (1)
 
 
December 31, 2015
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
 
(In Thousands)
Impaired loans without valuation allowance: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
3,957

 
$
3,975

 
$

 
$
3,748

Multi-family and commercial
5,756

 
6,159

 

 
2,167

Commercial business - Other
356

 
356

 

 
339

Consumer - Home equity
158

 
158

 

 
183

Total impaired loans without valuation allowance
10,227

 
10,648

 

 
6,437

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with valuation allowance:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Real Estate:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential - 1 to 4 family
2,397

 
2,397

 
303

 
146

Multi-family and commercial
1,136

 
1,136

 
35

 

Total impaired loans with valuation allowance
3,533

 
3,533

 
338

 
146

Total impaired loans
$
13,760

 
$
14,181

 
$
338

 
$
6,583

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality from the Newport Federal Savings Bank ("Newport") merger and performing troubled debt restructurings. Some loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality have not been included as a result of sustained performance.

 
 
Impaired Loans (1)
 
 
December 31, 2014
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
 
(In Thousands)
Impaired loans without valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
3,414

 
$
3,485

 
$

 
$
2,923

Multi-family and commercial
4,815

 
5,102

 

 
775

Commercial business - Other
645

 
645

 

 
264

Consumer - Home equity

 

 

 
23

Total impaired loans without valuation allowance
8,874

 
9,232

 

 
3,985

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans with valuation allowance:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Real Estate:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential - 1 to 4 family
2,276

 
2,304

 
287

 
244

Multi-family and commercial
1,290

 
1,290

 
52

 
132

Commercial business - Other
182

 
182

 
20

 
182

Total impaired loans with valuation allowance
3,748

 
3,776

 
359

 
558

Total impaired loans
$
12,622

 
$
13,008

 
$
359

 
$
4,543

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality from the Newport merger and performing troubled debt restructurings.


42


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The Company reviews and establishes, if necessary, an allowance for certain impaired loans for the amount by which the present value of expected cash flows (or observable market price of loan or fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent) are lower than the carrying value of the loan.  For the periods presented, the Company concluded that certain impaired loans required no valuation allowance as a result of management’s measurement of impairment. No additional funds are committed to be advanced to those borrowers whose loans are deemed impaired.

Additional information related to impaired loans is as follows:
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Interest Income Recognized on Cash Basis
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
6,940

 
$
257

 
$
180

Multi-family and commercial
5,653

 
164

 

Commercial business - Other
924

 
23

 
5

Consumer - Home equity
224

 
36

 
36

Total
$
13,741

 
$
480

 
$
221

 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
5,890

 
$
142

 
$
47

Multi-family and commercial
6,487

 
391

 
72

Commercial business - Other
961

 
50

 
28

Consumer - Home equity
29

 
3

 
3

Consumer - Other
10

 

 

Total
$
13,377

 
$
586

 
$
150

 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$
5,891

 
$
110

 
$
7

Multi-family and commercial
6,268

 
308

 
34

Commercial business - Other
953

 
29

 
20

Consumer - Home equity
85

 
4

 
4

Total
$
13,197

 
$
451

 
$
65


Credit Quality Information
The Company utilizes an eight-grade internal loan rating system for all loans in the portfolio, with the exception of its purchased SBA and USDA commercial business loans that are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government, as follows:

Pass (Ratings 1-4):  Loans in these categories are considered low to average risk.

Special Mention (Rating 5): Loans in this category are starting to show signs of potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.

Substandard (Rating 6): Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors and/or the collateral pledged.  There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.

43


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 






Doubtful (Rating 7):  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss (Rating 8):  Loans in this category are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.

Management periodically reviews the ratings described above and the Company’s internal audit function reviews components of the credit files, including the assigned risk ratings, of certain commercial loans as part of its loan review.  

The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
December 31, 2015
Not Rated
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$

 
$
409,331

 
$
2,001

 
$
6,126

 
$

 
$

 
$
417,458

Multi-family and commercial

 
356,921

 
14,187

 
14,233

 

 

 
385,341

Construction

 
21,786

 

 

 

 

 
21,786

Total real estate loans

 
788,038

 
16,188

 
20,359

 

 

 
824,585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA and USDA guaranteed
145,238

 

 

 

 

 

 
145,238

Time share

 
55,192

 

 

 

 

 
55,192

Condominium association

 
21,986

 

 

 

 

 
21,986

Other

 
66,205

 
1,534

 
1,294

 

 

 
69,033

Total commercial business loans
145,238

 
143,383

 
1,534

 
1,294

 

 

 
291,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity

 
53,487

 
63

 
229

 

 

 
53,779

Indirect automobile

 
1,741

 

 

 

 

 
1,741

Other

 
1,946

 

 

 

 

 
1,946

Total consumer loans

 
57,174

 
63

 
229

 

 

 
57,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans
$
145,238

 
$
988,595

 
$
17,785

 
$
21,882

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,173,500



44


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





December 31, 2014
Not Rated
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
$

 
$
423,134

 
$
1,430

 
$
6,011

 
$

 
$

 
$
430,575

Multi-family and commercial

 
269,680

 
17,058

 
11,582

 

 

 
298,320

Construction

 
13,579

 

 

 

 

 
13,579

Total real estate loans

 
706,393

 
18,488

 
17,593

 

 

 
742,474

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA and USDA guaranteed
118,466

 

 

 

 

 

 
118,466

Time share

 
45,669

 

 

 

 

 
45,669

Condominium association

 
21,386

 

 

 

 

 
21,386

Other

 
61,835

 
2,709

 
1,902

 

 

 
66,446

Total commercial business loans
118,466

 
128,890

 
2,709

 
1,902

 

 

 
251,967

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity

 
50,965

 
57

 
71

 

 

 
51,093

Indirect automobile

 
3,692

 

 

 

 

 
3,692

Other

 
1,864

 

 

 

 

 
1,864

Total consumer loans

 
56,521

 
57

 
71

 

 

 
56,649

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans
$
118,466

 
$
891,804

 
$
21,254

 
$
19,566

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,051,090


Troubled Debt Restructurings
A modified loan is considered a TDR when two conditions are met: 1) the borrower is experiencing documented financial difficulty and 2) concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar risk characteristics. The most common types of modifications include below market interest rate reductions, deferrals of principal and maturity extensions. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower. If the modification agreement is violated, the loan is handled by the Company's Collections Department for resolution, which may result in foreclosure. The Company's determination of whether a loan modification is a TDR considers the individual facts and circumstances surrounding each modification.

The Company's nonaccrual policy is followed for TDRs. If the loan was current prior to modification, nonaccrual status would not be required. If the loan was on nonaccrual prior to modification or if the payment amount significantly increases, the loan will remain on nonaccrual for a period of at least six months. Loans qualify for return to accrual status once the borrower has demonstrated the willingness and the ability to perform in accordance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement for a period of not less than six consecutive months.

All TDRs are initially reported as impaired. Impaired classification may be removed after a year following the restructure if the borrower demonstrates compliance with the modified terms and the restructuring agreement specifies an interest rate equal to that which would be provided to a borrower with similar risk characteristics at the time of restructuring.


45


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The following table provides information on loans modified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for
 
Number
 
Recorded
 
Loan Losses
 
of Loans
 
Investment
 
(End of Period)
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
1
 
$
152

 
$
17

Total
1
 
$
152

 
$
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
1
 
$
107

 
$

Multi-family and commercial
2
 
1,405

 
46

Commercial business - other
2
 
207

 
20

Total
5
 
$
1,719

 
$
66

 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Residential - 1 to 4 family
3
 
$
496

 
$
32

Multi-family and commercial
5
 
1,370

 

Commercial business - other
1
 
17

 

Consumer - home equity
1
 
98

 

Total
10
 
$
1,981

 
$
32


During the modification process, there were no loan charge-offs or principal reductions for loans included in the table above for all periods presented.  

The following table provides the recorded investment, by type of modification, for modified loans identified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In Thousands)
Interest rate adjustments
$
539

 
$
379

 
$

Principal deferrals
213

 

 

Combination of rate and payment (1)
146

 
182

 

Combination of rate and maturity (2)

 
1,158

 
152

Maturity only
1,083

 

 

Total
$
1,981

 
$
1,719

 
$
152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Terms include combination of interest rate adjustments and interest-only payments with deferral of principal.
(2) Terms include combination of interest rate adjustments and extensions of maturity.
     
For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were two TDRs, with a recorded investment totaling $322,000 and no allowance, that were in payment default (defined as 90 days or more past due). For the year ended December 31, 2014, there were two TDRs, with a recorded investment totaling $429,000 and allowance totaling $20,000, that were in payment default. For the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no TDRs in payment default.


46


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





As of December 31, 2015, the Company held $691,000 in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.
 
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
The following is a summary of loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration from Newport as of
December 31, 2015.
 
Contractual Required Payments Receivable
 
Cash Expected To Be Collected
 
Non-Accretable Discount
 
Accretable Yield
 
Loans Receivable
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at acquisition date of September 6, 2013
$
8,112

 
$
6,885

 
$
1,227

 
$

 
$
6,885

2013 Collections
(336
)
 
(336
)
 

 

 
(336
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
7,776

 
6,549

 
1,227

 

 
6,549

2014 Collections
(255
)
 
(220
)
 
(35
)
 

 
(220
)
2014 Dispositions
(1,722
)
 
(1,367
)
 
(355
)
 

 
(1,367
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
5,799

 
4,962

 
837

 

 
4,962

Additions

 
186

 
(186
)
 
186

 

2015 Collections
(143
)
 
(135
)
 
(8
)
 
(65
)
 
(70
)
2015 Dispositions
(580
)
 
(520
)
 
(60
)
 

 
(520
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
5,076

 
$
4,493

 
$
583

 
$
121

 
$
4,372


Related Party Loans
Related party transactions, including loans with related parties, are discussed in further detail in Note 13.

Loans Held for Sale
Total loans held for sale amounted to $1.8 million and $747,000, consisting of fixed-rate residential mortgage loans, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Residential Mortgage Loans Serviced for Others
The Company services certain loans that it has sold with and without recourse to third parties and other loans for which the Company acquired the servicing rights.  Loans serviced for others are not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The risks inherent in mortgage servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in mortgage interest rates. The fair value of servicing rights was determined using a discount rate of 10.33%, prepayment speeds ranging from 105% to 369% and minimal anticipated credit losses. At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate of residential mortgage loans serviced for others amounted to $209.8 million, $211.5 million and $218.0 million, respectively.


47


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The following summarizes activity in capitalized mortgage servicing rights:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
1,117

 
$
1,354

 
$
1,313

Additions
197

 
129

 
384

Amortization
(361
)
 
(366
)
 
(343
)
Balance at end of year
$
953

 
$
1,117

 
$
1,354

Fair value of mortgage servicing assets
$
1,909

 
$
1,840

 
$
1,918


Contractually specified servicing fees included in mortgage banking income were $604,000, $623,000 and $587,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

NOTE 5.  OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

At December 31, 2015, other real estate owned consisted of two residential and three commercial real estate properties. At December 31, 2014, other real estate owned consisted of four commercial real estate properties which were held for sale. A summary of expenses applicable to other real estate operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Net loss from sales or write-downs of other real estate owned
$
267

 
$
104

 
$
43

Other real estate expense, net of rental income
271

 
321

 
521

Expense from other real estate operations, net
$
538

 
$
425

 
$
564


NOTE 6.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Land
$
4,746

 
$
4,746

Buildings
13,583

 
11,879

Leasehold improvements
10,717

 
10,802

Furniture and equipment
12,905

 
12,741

Construction in process
30

 
1,233

 
41,981

 
41,401

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(20,793
)
 
(19,690
)
Premises and equipment, net
$
21,188

 
$
21,711


At December 31, 2015, construction in process related to a project to redesign traffic flow at an existing branch and the relocation of another branch. At December 31, 2014, construction in process related to construction, design and site costs associated with a new branch location in Tolland, Connecticut, which opened in January 2015.


48


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.7 million, $2.6 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  See Note 12 for a schedule of future minimum rental commitments pursuant to the terms of noncancelable lease agreements.

NOTE 7.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill
Goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
11,711

 
$
11,213

 
$
3,451

Acquisition of Newport

 
498

 
7,762

Balance at end of year
$
11,711

 
$
11,711

 
$
11,213


At December 31, 2015, the Company’s goodwill related to the acquisition of Newport in 2013 and two branch locations acquired in 2008.  Annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant such evaluation, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment.  During 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment upon finalization of the fair value of the core deposit intangible related to the Newport acquisition which resulted in an increase in goodwill. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Core Deposit Intangible
In connection with the assumption of $288.4 million of deposit liabilities from the Newport acquisition in September 2013, of which $216.2 million were core deposits, the Bank recorded a core deposit intangible of $7.8 million. The resulting core deposit intangible is amortized over thirteen years using the straight-line method. The Company's core deposit intangible is summarized as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
6,986

 
$
8,353

Purchase fair value adjustment

 
(754
)
Amortization
(601
)
 
(613
)
Balance at end of year
$
6,385

 
$
6,986


Amortization expense was $601,000, $613,000 and $220,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2015, future amortization of the core deposit intangible totals $601,000 for each of the next five years and $3.4 million thereafter.



49


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 8.  DEPOSITS

A summary of deposit balances, by type, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In Thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
$
163,893

 
$
146,062

 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing accounts:
 

 
 

Business checking
612

 
206

NOW and money market accounts
466,288

 
442,723

Savings accounts
32,848

 
44,236

Certificates of deposit (1)
394,376

 
377,486

Total interest-bearing accounts
894,124

 
864,651

Total deposits
$
1,058,017

 
$
1,010,713

 
 
 
 
 
( 1) Includes brokered deposits of $24.3 million and $19.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more were $68.3 million at December 31, 2015.

Contractual maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2015 are summarized below (in thousands).
2016
$
176,472

2017
128,350

2018
43,352

2019
27,273

2020
18,904

Thereafter
25

Total certificates of deposit
$
394,376


A summary of interest expense, by account type, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
NOW and money market accounts
$
523

 
$
575

 
$
504

Savings accounts (1)
70

 
79

 
75

Certificates of deposit (2)
5,010

 
4,740

 
4,633

Total
$
5,603

 
$
5,394

 
$
5,212

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes interest expense on mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts.
(2) Includes interest expense on brokered deposits.
 
Related Party Deposits
Reference Note 13 for a discussion of related party transactions, including deposits from related parties.


50


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 9.  BORROWINGS

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
As a member of the FHLB, the Bank has access to a pre-approved secured line of credit with the FHLB of $10.0 million and the capacity to obtain additional advances up to a certain percentage of the value of its qualified collateral, as defined in the FHLB Statement of Credit Policy.  FHLB advances are secured by qualified collateral, which is based on a percentage of its outstanding residential first mortgage loans.  In accordance with an agreement with the FHLB, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and encumbrances.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no advances outstanding under the line of credit.  Other outstanding advances from the FHLB aggregated $234.6 million and $148.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, at interest rates ranging from 0.03% to 3.99% and 0.22% to 3.99%, respectively.

Junior Subordinated Debt Owed to Unconsolidated Trust
SI Capital Trust II (the “Trust”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed on August 31, 2006.  The Trust had no independent assets or operations, and was formed to issue $8.0 million of trust securities and invest the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company.  The trust preferred securities mature in 2036 and bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus 1.70%.  The Company may redeem the trust preferred securities, in whole or in part.

In 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert the floating rate interest on its junior subordinated debentures to a fixed interest rate, which terminated on December 31, 2015. See Note 17 for a discussion of derivative instruments and hedging activities.

The subordinated debt securities are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness of the Company.  The Company has entered into a guarantee, which together with its obligations under the subordinated debt securities and the declaration of trust governing the Trust, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities, other than trust securities, provides a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts on the capital securities.  If the Company defers interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities, or otherwise is in default of the obligations, the Company would be prohibited from making dividend payments to its shareholders.

The contractual maturities of borrowings, by year, at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
 
FHLB
Advances
 
Subordinated
Debt
 
Total
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
2016
 
$
53,034

 
$

 
$
53,034

2017(1)
 
56,328

 

 
56,328

2018(2)
 
44,500

 

 
44,500

2019(3)
 
32,000

 

 
32,000

2020(4)
 
27,500

 

 
27,500

Thereafter (5)
21,233

 
8,248

 
29,481

Total
 
$
234,595

 
$
8,248

 
$
242,843

Weighted average rate
1.50
%
 
2.21
%
 
1.52
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes FHLB advances of $21.5 million that are callable during 2016.
(2) Includes an FHLB advance of $4.0 million that is callable during 2016.
(3) Includes FHLB advances of $10.0 million that are callable during 2016.
(4) Includes an FHLB advance of $3.0 million that are callable during 2017.
(5) Includes an FHLB advance of $6.0 million that are callable during 2020.


51


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 10.  INCOME TAXES

The components of the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Current income tax provision:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
2,865

 
$
800

 
$
971

State
5

 
5

 
4

Total current income tax provision
2,870

 
805

 
975

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit):
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
(766
)
 
1,183

 
(1,073
)
Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)
(766
)
 
1,183

 
(1,073
)
Total income tax provision (benefit)
$
2,104

 
$
1,988

 
$
(98
)
 
A reconciliation of the anticipated income tax provision (benefit), based on the statutory tax rate of 34.0%, to the income tax provision (benefit) as reported in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Income tax provision (benefit) at statutory tax rate
$
2,194

 
$
2,176

 
$
(324
)
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
 

 
 

 
 

Bank-owned life insurance
(210
)
 
(197
)
 
(136
)
Tax-exempt income
(52
)
 
(84
)
 
(56
)
Compensation and employee benefit plans
183

 
134

 
162

Nondeductible expenses
9

 
7

 
317

Expired capital loss carryforward
278

 

 

Tax credit
(56
)
 
(56
)
 
(56
)
Change in valuation allowance
(300
)
 
(49
)
 

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
3

 
3

 
2

Other
55

 
54

 
(7
)
Total income tax provision (benefit)
$
2,104

 
$
1,988

 
$
(98
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
32.6
%
 
31.1
%
 
10.3
%


52


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
3,571

 
$
2,885

Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
466

 
469

Depreciation of premises and equipment
2,795

 
2,593

Impairment - long lived asset
3

 

Deferred compensation
5,423

 
5,081

Employee benefit plans
414

 
493

Capital loss carry-forward
8

 
326

Interest receivable on nonaccrual loans
93

 
112

Deferred other real estate owned write-downs
15

 
15

Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
17

 
92

Acquisition fair value adjustments
515

 
646

Other
136

 
348

Total deferred tax assets
13,456

 
13,060

Less valuation allowance

 
(300
)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
13,456

 
12,760

 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on available for sale securities
368

 
571

Goodwill and other intangibles
2,753

 
2,873

Deferred loan costs
1,050

 
888

Mortgage servicing asset
324

 
380

Total deferred tax liabilities
4,495

 
4,712

Deferred tax asset, net
$
8,961

 
$
8,048


The decrease in the valuation allowance from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 is attributed to the expiration of capital loss carry-forwards.

Retained earnings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 includes a contingency reserve for loan losses of $4.7 million, which represents the tax reserve balance existing at December 31, 1987, and is maintained in accordance with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to savings banks.  Amounts transferred to the reserve have been claimed as deductions from taxable income, and, if the reserve is used for purposes other than to absorb losses on loans, a federal income tax liability could be incurred.  It is not anticipated that the Company will incur a federal income tax liability relating to this reserve balance, and accordingly, deferred income taxes of approximately $1.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 have not been recognized.

Financial service companies doing business in Connecticut are permitted to establish a “passive investment company” (“PIC”) to hold and manage loans secured by real property.  PICs are exempt from Connecticut corporation business tax, and dividends received by the financial services companies from PICs are not taxable.  In January 1999, the Bank established a PIC, as a wholly-owned subsidiary, and in June 2000, transferred a portion of its residential and commercial mortgage loan portfolios from the Bank to the PIC.  A substantial portion of the

53


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Company’s interest income is now derived from the PIC, an entity whose net income is exempt from State of Connecticut taxes, and accordingly, state income taxes are minimal.  The Bank’s ability to continue to realize the tax benefits of the PIC is subject to the PIC continuing to comply with all statutory requirements related to the operations of the PIC.

With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state and local income tax examinations by the tax authorities for the years prior to 2012.

NOTE 11.  BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Plan
As a result of the Newport acquisition, the Company participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (the "Pentegra DB Plan"), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multi-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. In connection with the Newport acquisition, the plan was frozen effective September 6, 2013 and the Company recorded a contingent obligation to settle the plan at some future date. At December 31, 2015, the Company's recorded liability related to Newport's Pentegra DB Plan totaled $4.9 million.

The Pentegra DB Plan is a single plan under the Internal Revenue Code and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra DB Plan contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers.

The funded status (market value of plan assets divided by funding target) of the Pentegra DB Plan, as of July 1, 2015 was 87.45% per the valuation reports. Market value of plan assets reflects contributions received through June 30, 2015.

The Bank's contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan are not more than 5% of the total contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, total contributions of $121,000 and $226,000, respectively, were paid by the Bank. During the year ended December 2013, total contributions of $163,000 were paid by either the Bank or Newport. The Bank recognized pension expense of $218,000 and $27,000 under the plan for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Bank did not recognize pension expense under the plan for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Defined Contribution Plan
The Bank’s Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) is a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of its eligible employees.  The Bank’s profit sharing contribution to the Plan is a discretionary amount authorized by the Board of Directors, based on the financial results of the Bank.  An employee’s share of the profit sharing contribution represents the ratio of the employee’s salary to the total salary expense of the Bank. Participants vest in the Bank’s discretionary profit sharing contributions based on years of service, with 100% vesting attained upon five years of service.  There were no profit sharing contributions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The Plan also includes a 401(k) feature.  Eligible participants may make salary deferral contributions of up to 100% of earnings subject to Internal Revenue Services limitations.  The Bank makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the participants’ contributions up to 6% of the participants’ earnings.  Participants are immediately vested in their salary deferral contributions, employer matching contributions and earnings thereon.  Bank contributions were $268,000, $277,000 and $250,000 for the years ended December 31, 20152014 and 2013, respectively.

Group Term Replacement Plan
The Bank maintains the Group Term Replacement Plan to provide a death benefit to executives designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  The death benefits are funded through certain insurance policies that are owned by the Bank on the lives of the participating executives.  The Bank pays the life insurance premiums, which fund the death benefits from its general assets, and is the beneficiary of any death benefits exceeding any executive’s maximum dollar amount specified in his or her split-dollar endorsement policy.  The maximum dollar amount of each executive’s split-dollar death benefit equals three times the executive’s annual compensation less amount of pre-retirement life insurance benefit and three times final annual compensation post-retirement not to exceed a specified dollar amount.  For purposes of the plan, annual compensation includes an executive’s base compensation, commissions and cash bonuses earned under the Bank’s bonus plan. Participation in the plan ceases if an executive is terminated for cause or the executive terminates employment for reasons other than death, disability or retirement.  If the Bank wishes to maintain the insurance after a participant’s termination in the plan, the Bank will be the direct beneficiary of the entire death proceeds of the insurance policies. Total expense recognized under this plan was $150,000, $29,000 and $106,000 for the years ended December 31, 20152014 and 2013, respectively.

Executive Supplemental Retirement Agreements – Defined Benefit
The Bank maintains unfunded supplemental defined benefit retirement agreements with its directors and certain members of senior management, as well as certain former officers and directors of Newport.  These agreements provide for supplemental retirement benefits to certain executives based upon average annual compensation and years of service.  Entitlement of benefits commence upon the earlier of the executive’s termination of employment (other than for cause), at or after attaining age 65 or, depending on the executive, on the date when the executive’s years of service and age total 80 or 78.  Total expense incurred under these agreements for the years ended December 31, 20152014 and 2013 was $708,000, $769,000 and $737,000, respectively.

Performance-Based Incentive Plan
The Bank has an incentive plan whereby all employees are eligible to receive a bonus tied to both the Company and individual performance.  Non-discretionary contributions to the plan require the approval of the Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee.  Total expense recognized was $605,000, $578,000 and $112,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Bank maintains the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to provide restorative payments to executives, designated by the Board of Directors, who are prevented from receiving the full benefits of the Bank’s Profit Sharing and 401(k) Savings Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  The supplemental executive retirement plan also provides supplemental benefits to participants upon a change in control prior to the scheduled repayment of the ESOP loan.  For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the former Chief Financial Officer were designated by the Board of Directors to participate in the plan.  Total expense incurred under this plan was $45,000, $3,000 and $13,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan
In September 2004, the Bank established an ESOP for the benefit of its eligible employees.  The Company provided a loan to the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $4.9 million which was used to purchase 492,499 shares of the Company’s outstanding stock.  The loan bears interest equal to 4.75% and provides for annual payments of interest and principal over the 15-year term of the loan.

In January 2011, the Company completed its public stock offering. At that time, the Company provided an additional loan to the Savings Institute Bank and Trust Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $3.1 million, which was

54


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





used to purchase 392,670 shares of the Company's common stock. The new loan bears interest equal to 3.25% and provides for annual payments of interest and principal over the 20-year term of the loan.

At December 31, 2015, the remaining principal balance on the ESOP debt is payable as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2016
$
516

2017
539

2018
563

2019
587

2020
152

Thereafter
1,818

Total
$
4,175


The Bank has committed to make contributions to the ESOP sufficient to support the debt service of the loans.  The loans are secured by the shares purchased, which are held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loans are repaid.  Shares held by the ESOP include the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Allocated
275,853

 
243,549

Committed to be allocated
48,638

 
48,638

Unallocated
410,525

 
459,163

Total shares
735,016

 
751,350

Fair value of unallocated shares
$
5,604

 
$
5,202


Total compensation expense recognized in connection with the ESOP was $582,000, $552,000 and $559,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Equity Incentive Plans
The Company's equity incentive plans consist of stock options and shares of restricted stock that may be granted to its employees, officers, directors and directors emeritus.  Both incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under these plans.  The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan allows the Company to grant up to 552,891 stock options and 221,154 shares of restricted stock. The 2012 Equity Incentive Plan allows the Company to grant up to 504,794 stock options and 201,918 shares of restricted stock.  All options have a contractual life of ten years and vest equally over a period of five years beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.  Under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, both performance and time-based restricted stock awards may be granted under the plan. At December 31, 2015, a total of 113,313 stock options and 20,190 shares of restricted stock were available for future grants under the plans.  

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense related to the stock option and restricted stock awards of $860,000, $746,000 and $757,000, respectively.

The Company granted stock options totaling 110,000 and 8,981 during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. The fair value of each option was determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

55


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





 
2015
 
2014
Expected term (years)
10.00

 
10.00

Expected dividend yield
1.70
%
 
1.37
%
Expected volatility
56.31
%
 
58.19
%
Risk-free interest rate
2.16
%
 
2.67
%
Fair value of options granted
$
6.37

 
$
6.79


The expected term was based on the estimated life of the stock options.  The dividend yield assumption was based on the Company’s historical and expected dividend pay-outs.  The expected volatility represents the Company’s historical volatility.  The risk-free interest rate was based on the implied yields of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues for periods within the contractual life of the awards in effect at the time of the stock option grants.

The following is a summary of activity for the Company’s stock options for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options outstanding at beginning of year
752,263

 
$
10.83

 
 
Options granted
110,000

 
11.86

 
 
Options exercised
(298,146
)
 
10.99

 
 
Options forfeited
(56,345
)
 
11.02

 
 
Options expired
(22,570
)
 
11.25

 
 
Options outstanding at end of year
485,202

 
10.92

 
6.88
Options exercisable at end of year
254,113

 
10.49

 
5.71
 
There were 298,146, 52,406 and 11,388 options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was $326,000, $58,000 and $38,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2015 was $1.3 million and $810,000, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
 
The following table presents the summary of activity for the Company’s unvested restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
 
 
 
Unvested restricted shares at beginning of year
110,078

 
$
11.04

Restricted shares granted
38,000

 
11.86

Restricted shares vested
(48,733
)
 
11.23

Restricted shares forfeited
(18,874
)
 
11.09

Unvested restricted shares at end of year
80,471

 
11.30

 

56


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 






The aggregate fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $592,000, $363,000 and $296,000, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, there was $597,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards granted under the incentive plans, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance
The Company has an investment in, and is the beneficiary of, life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers and former officers and directors of Newport.  The purpose of these life insurance investments is to provide income through the appreciation in cash surrender value of the policies, which is used to offset the costs of various benefit and retirement plans.  The Company’s investment in bank-owned life insurance does not exceed the regulatory limitation of 25 percent of Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan and lease losses.  The aggregate cash surrender value of all policies owned by the Company amounted to $21.9 million and $21.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Income earned on these life insurance policies aggregated $618,000, $580,000 and $400,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There were no gains recognized on death benefit proceeds received during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

NOTE 12.  OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, there are outstanding commitments and contingencies that are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the balance sheets.  The contractual amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

Loan Commitments and Letters of Credit
The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represent the amount of potential loss should the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer defaults and the value of any existing collateral be determined as worthless.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. 
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commitments to originate loans
$
7,531

 
$
26,170

Undisbursed construction loans
28,939

 
25,107

Undisbursed home equity lines of credit
46,819

 
45,403

Undisbursed commercial lines of credit
47,354

 
60,363

Overdraft protection lines
1,262

 
1,230

Standby letters of credit
173

 
81

Total commitments
$
132,078

 
$
158,354



57


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Commitments to originate loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 included fixed rate loan commitments of $5.3 million and $10.8 million, respectively, at interest rates ranging from 2.88% to 5.75% and 3.00% to 5.75%, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held varies but may include residential and commercial property, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, deposits and securities.

Undisbursed commitments under construction and home equity or commercial lines of credit are commitments for future extensions of credit to existing customers.  Total undisbursed amounts on lines of credit may expire without being fully drawn upon and therefore, do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Letters of credit are primarily issued to support public or private borrowing arrangements.  Essentially all letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year.

Operating Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain of its branch offices and equipment under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2039.  At December 31, 2015, future minimum rental commitments pursuant to the terms of noncancelable lease agreements, by year and in the aggregate, are as follows (in thousands):
2016
$
1,470

2017
1,316

2018
1,162

2019
1,100

2020
999

Thereafter
7,040

Total
$
13,087


Certain leases contain options to extend for periods of 5 to 50 years.  The cost of such extensions is not included in the above amounts.  Rental expense charged to operations for cancelable and noncancelable operating leases was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Rental Income Under Subleases
The Company is subleasing excess office space under noncancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2024. At December 31, 2015, future minimum lease payments receivable for the noncancelable lease agreement is as follows (in thousands):
 
2016
$
236

2017
234

2018
34

2019
19

2020
19

Thereafter
67

Total
$
609


58


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 






Rental income under the noncancelable lease agreement was $213,000, $27,000 and $19,200 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Investment Commitments
The Bank is a limited partner in three SBICs and committed to contribute capital of $3.0 million to the limited partnerships.  The Bank recognized write-downs totaling $36,000, $175,000 and $81,000 on its investment in the SBICs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The SBICs, with a combined net book value of $1.8 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, net of impairment charges and distributions, are included in other assets. At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s remaining off-balance sheet commitment for capital investment in the SBICs was $1.0 million.

Change in Control Agreements
The Company has entered into change in control agreements with certain officers that provide for certain benefits for a specified period of time under certain conditions. Under the terms of the agreements, these payments could occur in the event of a change in control of the Company, as defined, along with other specific conditions. Depending on the officer, the severance payment under these agreements is equal to either one, two or three times the individual's annual salary in the event of a change in control.

Legal Matters
Various legal claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business.  Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE 13.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Loans Receivable
In the normal course of business, the Bank grants loans to related parties.  Related parties include directors and certain officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and their immediate family members and respective affiliates in which they have a controlling interest.  These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with customers, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all related party loans were performing in accordance with their terms.

Changes in loans outstanding to such related parties during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
1,716

 
$
2,029

Additions
174

 
442

Repayments
(419
)
 
(755
)
Balance at end of year
$
1,471

 
$
1,716


Deposits
Deposit accounts of directors, certain officers and other related parties aggregated $1.1 million and $2.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


59


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 14.  REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements promulgated by federal bank regulatory agencies. Failure by the Company or the Bank to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.  The following tables present regulatory capital information for the Company and the Bank. Information presented for December 31, 2015 reflects the Basel III capital requirements that became effective January 1, 2015 for both the Company and the Bank and changed the inputs and methodology for computing capital. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Bank was subject to capital requirements under Basel II and there were no capital requirements for the Company. Under these capital requirements, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company's and the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Company's and the Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation require the Company and the Bank to maintain certain minimum capital amounts and ratios. Federal bank regulators require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of core capital to adjusted average assets of 4.0%, common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5%, tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0% and total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject and were “well capitalized” under the regulatory requirements. To be "well capitalized," the Company and the Bank must maintain minimum leverage, common equity tier 1 risk-based, tier 1 risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios of at least 5.0%, 6.5%, 8.0% and 10.0%, respectively. Management believes no conditions or events have occurred since December 31, 2015 that would materially adversely change the Company's and the Bank's capital classifications.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Basel III implements a requirement for all banking organizations to maintain a capital conservation buffer above the minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, stock repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital conservation buffer will be exclusively composed of common equity tier 1 capital. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Also, certain new deductions from, and adjustments to, regulatory capital will be phased in over several years.


60


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
December 31, 2015
Actual
 
Minimum Capital Requirement
 
Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
$
140,862

 
9.73
%
 
$
57,896

 
4.00
%
 
$
72,370

 
5.00
%
   Bank
134,992

 
9.38

 
57,550

 
4.00

 
71,937

 
5.00

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
140,862

 
14.86

 
56,861

 
6.00

 
75,814

 
8.00

   Bank
134,992

 
14.27

 
56,773

 
6.00

 
75,698

 
8.00

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
151,327

 
15.97

 
75,814

 
8.00

 
94,768

 
10.00

   Bank
145,457

 
15.37

 
75,698

 
8.00

 
94,622

 
10.00

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
140,862

 
14.86

 
42,645

 
4.50

 
61,599

 
6.50

   Bank
134,992

 
14.27

 
42,580

 
4.50

 
61,504

 
6.50


December 31, 2014
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
 
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
Bank:
(Dollars in Thousands)
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets
$
123,862

 
9.37
%
 
$
52,876

 
4.00
%
 
$
66,095

 
5.00
%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
123,862

 
14.86

 
33,341

 
4.00

 
50,012

 
6.00

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
132,306

 
15.87

 
66,695

 
8.00

 
83,369

 
10.00

Tangible Equity Ratio
123,862

 
9.37

 
19,828

 
1.50

 
 N/A

 
          N/A

Reconciliations of the Company’s total capital to the Bank’s regulatory capital are as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
Total capital per consolidated financial statements
$
154,330

 
$
157,739

Holding company equity not available for regulatory capital
(5,272
)
 
(13,151
)
Accumulated (gains) losses on available for sale securities
199

 
(189
)
Intangible assets
(14,265
)
 
(18,697
)
Disallowed deferred tax asset

 
(1,840
)
Total tier I capital
134,992

 
123,862

Adjustments for total capital:
 
 
 

Allowance for loan and credit losses
10,465

 
8,444

Total capital per regulatory reporting
$
145,457

 
$
132,306


NOTE 15.  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income (loss).  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity on the balance sheet, such items along with net income (loss) are components of comprehensive income (loss).

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax
Effects
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities
$
(443
)
 
$
150

 
$
(293
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(146
)
 
50

 
(96
)
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes
(589
)
 
200

 
(389
)
Derivative instrument:
 

 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of effective cash flow hedging derivative
157

 
(53
)
 
104

Other comprehensive loss
$
(432
)
 
$
147

 
$
(285
)

 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax
Effects
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities
$
1,338

 
$
(455
)
 
$
883

Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(64
)
 
22

 
(42
)
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities, net of taxes
1,274

 
(433
)
 
841

Derivative instrument:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of effective cash flow hedging derivative
155

 
(53
)
 
102

Other comprehensive income
$
1,429

 
$
(486
)
 
$
943



61


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax
Effects
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities
$
(5,012
)
 
$
1,704

 
$
(3,308
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net loss
1,155

 
(393
)
 
762

Credit portion of OTTI losses recognized in net loss
8

 
(3
)
 
5

Noncredit portion of OTTI gains on available for sale securities
266

 
(90
)
 
176

Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes
(3,583
)
 
1,218

 
(2,365
)
Derivative instrument:
 

 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of effective cash flow hedging derivative
158

 
(54
)
 
104

Other comprehensive loss
$
(3,425
)
 
$
1,164

 
$
(2,261
)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax
Effects
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities
$
(288
)
 
$
98

 
$
(190
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(288
)
 
$
98

 
$
(190
)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax
Effects
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
(In Thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities
$
301

 
$
(102
)
 
$
199

Net unrealized loss on effective cash flow hedging derivative
(157
)
 
53

 
(104
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
144

 
$
(49
)
 
$
95


NOTE 16.  FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Determination of Fair Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.


62


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures of its financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents.  The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate the fair values based on the short-term nature of the assets.

Securities available for sale.  Included in the available for sale category are debt securities.  The securities measured at fair value in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in an active exchange market. Securities measured at fair value in Level 2 are based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data. The Company utilizes a nationally-recognized third-party pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for the majority of its portfolio.  The pricing service evaluates each asset class based on relevant market information considering observable data, but these prices do not represent binding quotes.  The fair value prices on all investments are reviewed for reasonableness by management.  Securities measured at fair value in Level 3 include one collateralized debt obligation that was backed by a trust preferred security issued by banks and insurance companies. Management determined that an orderly and active market for this security and similar securities did not exist based on a significant reduction in trading volume and widening spreads relative to historical levels. The Company estimates future cash flows discounted using a rate management believes is representative of current market conditions.  Factors in determining the discount rate include the current level of deferrals and/or defaults, changes in credit rating and the financial condition of the debtors within the underlying securities, broker quotes for securities with similar structure and credit risk, interest rate movements and pricing for new issuances.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock.  The carrying value of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB.

Federal Reserve Bank stock. The carrying value of FRB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the FRB.

Loans held for sale.  The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated using quoted market prices.

Loans receivable.  For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  The fair value of fixed-rate loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates at the end of the period in which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Fair values for nonperforming loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

Accrued interest receivable.  The carrying amount of accrued interest approximates fair value.

Deposits.  The fair value of demand deposits, negotiable orders of withdrawal, regular savings, certain money market deposits and mortgagors’ and investors’ escrow accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of certificates of deposit and other time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities on such deposits.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  The fair value of the advances is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current FHLB interest rates for advances of similar maturity to a schedule of maturities of such advances.


63


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trust.  Rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.

Interest rate swap agreements.  The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps are obtained from a third-party pricing service and are determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivative.  The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual term of the derivative, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves.

Forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments.  Forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments are based on the fair values of the underlying mortgage loans, including the servicing rights for derivative loan commitments, and the probability of such commitments being exercised.  Significant management judgment and estimation is required in determining these fair value measurements.

Off-balance sheet instruments.  Fair values for off-balance sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standings.
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.  The Company had no significant transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
25,045

 
$
45,951

 
$

 
$
70,996

Government-sponsored enterprises

 
25,403

 

 
25,403

Mortgage-backed securities

 
72,078

 

 
72,078

Corporate debt securities

 
1,000

 

 
1,000

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
1,146

 
1,146

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 
1,271

 

 
1,271

Tax-exempt securities

 
3,238

 

 
3,238

Forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments

 

 
71

 
71

Total assets
$
25,045

 
$
148,941

 
$
1,217

 
$
175,203

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Interest rate swap agreement

 
64

 

 
64

Total liabilities
$

 
$
64

 
$
1

 
$
65



64


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





 
December 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
21,001

 
$
45,390

 
$

 
$
66,391

Government-sponsored enterprises

 
27,488

 

 
27,488

Mortgage-backed securities

 
67,103

 

 
67,103

Corporate debt securities

 
1,000

 

 
1,000

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
1,181

 
1,181

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 
3,200

 

 
3,200

Tax-exempt securities

 
6,677

 

 
6,677

Derivative loan commitments

 

 
59

 
59

Total assets
$
21,001

 
$
150,858

 
$
1,240

 
$
173,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap agreements
$

 
$
271

 
$

 
$
271

Total liabilities
$

 
$
271

 
$

 
$
271


The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for Level 3 assets (liabilities):
 
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations
 
Derivatives and
Forward Loan Sale
Commitments, Net
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
1,191

 
$
22

Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
(10
)
 
37

Balance at December 31, 2014
1,181

 
59

Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive loss
(35
)
 
11

Balance at December 31, 2015
$
1,146

 
$
70


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.  There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 
At December 31, 2015
 
At December 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In Thousands)
Impaired loans
$

 
$

 
$
588

 
$

 
$

 
$
356

Other real estate owned

 

 
1,088

 

 

 
1,271

Total assets
$

 
$

 
$
1,676

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,627



65


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The following table summarizes losses resulting from fair value adjustments for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Impaired loans
$
200

 
$
85

 
$
404

Other real estate owned
52

 
6

 
39

Total losses
$
252

 
$
91

 
$
443


The Company measures the impairment of loans that are collateral dependent based on the fair value of the collateral (Level 3).  The fair value of collateral used by the Company represents the amount expected to be received from the sale of the property, net of selling costs, as determined by an independent, licensed or certified appraiser using observable market data.  This data includes information such as selling price of similar properties, expected future cash flows or earnings of the subject property based on current market expectations and relevant legal, physical and economic factors.  The appraised values of collateral are adjusted as necessary by management based on unobservable inputs for specific properties. Losses applicable to write-downs of impaired loans are based on the appraised market value of the underlying collateral, assuming foreclosure of these loans is imminent, and are recorded through the provision for loan losses.

The amount of other real estate owned represents the carrying value of the collateral based on the appraised value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs.  The loss on foreclosed assets represents adjustments in the valuation recorded during the time period indicated and not for losses incurred on sales.

The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.  Based on this evaluation, no goodwill impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Summary of Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values, and related carrying or notional amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are presented in the following table.  Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are exempt from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company's financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at December 31, 2015 or 2014.  The estimated fair value amounts for 2015 and 2014 have been measured as of their respective year-ends, and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.  The information presented should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company's assets. Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimate, comparisons between the Company's disclosures and those of other banks may not be meaningful.


66


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the recorded carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial Assets:
(In Thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
40,778

 
$
40,778

 
$

 
$

 
$
40,778

Available for sale securities
175,132

 
25,045

 
148,941

 
1,146

 
175,132

Loans held for sale
1,804

 

 

 
1,825

 
1,825

Loans receivable, net
1,165,372

 

 

 
1,179,487

 
1,179,487

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
12,874

 

 

 
12,874

 
12,874

Federal Reserve Bank stock
3,621

 

 

 
3,621

 
3,621

Accrued interest receivable
4,283

 

 

 
4,283

 
4,283

Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
1,058,017

 

 

 
1,062,884

 
1,062,884

Mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts
3,508

 

 

 
3,508

 
3,508

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
234,595

 

 
234,504

 

 
234,504

Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trust
8,248

 

 
5,442

 

 
5,442

On-balance Sheet Derivative Financial Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative loan commitments
51

 

 

 
51

 
51

    Forward loan sale commitments
20

 

 

 
20

 
20

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan sale commitments
1

 

 

 
1

 
1

Interest rate swap agreements
64

 

 
64

 

 
64


 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial Assets:
(In Thousands)
  Cash and cash equivalents
$
39,251

 
$
39,251

 
$

 
$

 
$
39,251

  Available for sale securities
173,040

 
21,001

 
150,858

 
1,181

 
173,040

  Loans held for sale
747

 

 

 
747

 
747

  Loans receivable, net
1,044,864

 

 

 
1,063,121

 
1,063,121

  Federal Home Loan Bank stock
10,333

 

 

 
10,333

 
10,333

  Accrued interest receivable
3,853

 

 

 
3,853

 
3,853

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Deposits
1,010,713

 

 

 
1,013,614

 
1,013,614

  Mortgagors' and investors' escrow accounts
3,600

 

 

 
3,600

 
3,600

  Federal Home Loan Bank advances
148,277

 

 
149,380

 

 
149,380

  Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trust
8,248

 

 
5,815

 

 
5,815

On-balance Sheet Derivative Financial Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Derivative loan commitments
59

 

 

 
59

 
59

  Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest rate swap agreement
271

 

 
271

 

 
271




67


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 17.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company has stand-alone derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swap agreements, which derive their value from underlying interest rates.  These transactions involve both credit and market risk.  The notional amounts are amounts on which calculations, payments and the value of the derivatives are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures.  Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any.  Such difference, which represents the fair value of the derivative instruments, is reflected on the Company’s balance sheets as other assets and other liabilities.
The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to these agreements.  The Company controls the credit risk of its financial contracts through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures and does not expect any counterparties to fail their obligations.

Derivative instruments are generally either negotiated over-the-counter contracts or standardized contracts executed on a recognized exchange.  Negotiated over-the-counter derivative contracts are generally entered into between two counterparties that negotiate specific agreement terms, including the underlying instrument, amount, exercise prices and maturity.

Derivative Instruments Designated As Hedging Instruments
The Company uses long-term variable rate debt as a source of funds for use in the Company’s lending and investment activities and other general business purposes.  These debt obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates.  If interest rates increase, interest expense increases.  Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense decreases.  Management believes it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its interest payments and, therefore, generally hedges a portion of its variable-rate interest payments.  To meet this objective, management entered into an interest rate swap agreement in 2010 characterized as a cash flow hedge, whereby the Company received variable interest rate payments determined by three-month LIBOR in exchange for making payments at a fixed interest rate. This agreement terminated on December 15, 2015.

At December 31, 2014, the information pertaining to the interest rate swap agreement used to hedge variable rate debt was as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Notional amount
$
8,000

Weighted average fixed pay rate
2.44
%
Weighted average variable receive rate
0.24
%
Weighted average maturity in years
1.0

Unrealized loss relating to interest rate swap
$
157


At December 31, 2014, the unrealized loss related to the above mentioned interest rate swap was recorded as a derivative liability. Changes in the fair value of an interest rate swap designated as a hedging instrument of the variability of cash flows associated with long-term debt are reported in other comprehensive income (loss). These amounts are subsequently reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest on the long-term debt affects earnings.

Risk management results for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the balance sheet hedging of long-term debt indicate that the hedge was 100% effective and that there was no component of the derivative instrument’s loss which was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.


68


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





The Company’s derivative contract contained a provision establishing a collateral requirement (subject to minimum collateral posting thresholds) based on the Company’s external credit rating.  If the Company’s junior subordinated debt rating was to fall below the level generally recognized as investment grade, the counterparty to such derivative contract could require additional collateral on the derivative transaction in a net liability position (after considering the effect of bilateral netting arrangements and posted collateral).  The Company had posted collateral of $400,000 in the normal course of business for a derivative instrument, with a credit-related contingent feature, that was in a net liability position at December 31, 2014. There was no collateral and no net liability position at December 31, 2015.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Certain derivative instruments do not meet the requirements to be accounted for as hedging instruments.  These undesignated derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in other noninterest income.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement - In 2012, management entered into an interest rate swap agreement that does not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of FASB's "Derivatives and Hedging" standard to manage the Company's exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks. Changes in fair value of this instrument are recorded as a component of noninterest income. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, information pertaining to the Company's interest rate swap agreement not designated as a hedge is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Notional amount
$
15,000

 
$
15,000

Weighted average fixed pay rate
1.26
%
 
1.26
%
Weighted average variable receive rate
0.32
%
 
0.25
%
Weighted average maturity in years
1.0

 
2.0

Unrealized loss relating to interest rate swap
$
64

 
$
114


The Company reported a gain in fair value on the interest rate swap not designated as a hedge of $50,000 and $60,000 in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Derivative Loan Commitments - Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding.  The Company enters into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specified times in the future, with the intention that these loans will subsequently be sold in the secondary market.  A mortgage loan commitment binds the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specified interest rate and within a specified period of time, generally up to 60 days after inception of the rate lock.

Outstanding derivative loan commitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the loans arising from exercise of the loan commitment might decline from inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan due to increases in mortgage interest rates.  If interest rates increase, the value of these loan commitments decrease. Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the value of these loan commitments increase.  The notional amount of undesignated mortgage loan commitments was $6.2 million and $6.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair values of such commitments were a net asset of $51,000 and $59,000, respectively.

Forward Loan Sale Commitments - To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company utilizes “mandatory delivery” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments.

69


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 






With a “mandatory delivery” contract, the Company commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date.  If the Company fails to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, it is obligated to pay a “pair-off” fee, based on then-current market prices, to the investor to compensate the investor for the shortfall.

The Company expects that these forward loan sale commitments will experience changes in fair value opposite to the change in fair value of derivative loan commitments.  The notional amount of undesignated forward loan sale commitments was $3.7 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of such commitments were a net asset of $19,000 and $0, respectively.

Interest Rate Risk Management - Derivative Instruments
The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Notional Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
Derivative designated as hedging instrument:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
Other Liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
8,000

 
$
(157
)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
Other Liabilities
 
15,000

 
(64
)
 
15,000

 
(114
)
Derivative loan commitments
Other Assets
 
6,170

 
51

 
6,436

 
59

Forward loan sale commitments
Other Assets
 
3,656

 
19

 
2,754

 


NOTE 18.  RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS, LOANS AND ADVANCES

Federal and state regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid and loans or advances made by the Bank to the Company.  The total amount of dividends which may be declared in a given calendar year without regulatory approval is generally limited to the net income of the Bank for that year plus retained net income for the preceding two years.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank’s retained earnings available for payment of dividends was $9.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively.  Accordingly, $139.7 million and $138.2 million of the Company’s equity in the net assets of the Bank were restricted at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In addition, the Company is further restricted, under its junior subordinated debt obligation, from paying dividends to its shareholders if the Company has deferred interest payments or has otherwise defaulted on its junior subordinated debt obligation.

Under federal regulation, the Bank is also limited to the amount it may loan to the Company, unless such loans are collateralized by specific obligations.  Loans or advances to the Company by the Bank are limited to 10% of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus on a secured basis.  In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof, would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.



70


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 19.  COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company repurchases stock primarily to create economic value for its shareholders and to provide additional liquidity to the stock. Shares are purchased as part of a board approved plan or withheld on behalf of plan participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted shares. Shares repurchased are retired and reflected as a reduction in shareholders’ equity.

In May 2012, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 5%, or approximately 528,815 shares, of the Company’s common stock through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 63,715 shares, which represented the remaining shares to be repurchased under the May 2012 plan, at a cost of approximately $722,000. On March 12, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 5% or approximately 630,000 shares of the Company's common stock through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. During 2015, the Company purchased 628,530 shares, which completed the March 2015 plan, at a cost of $7.5 million.

NOTE 20.  CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY

Condensed financial information pertaining only to the parent company, SI Financial Group, Inc., is as follows:

 
December 31,
Condensed Balance Sheets
2015
 
2014
Assets:
(In Thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,546

 
$
12,930

Available for sale securities
5,009

 
2,992

Investment in Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company
149,058

 
144,588

ESOP note receivable
4,176

 
4,671

Taxes receivable
325

 
446

Other assets
755

 
765

Total assets
$
162,869

 
$
166,392

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
 

 
 

Liabilities
$
8,539

 
$
8,653

Shareholders' equity
154,330

 
157,739

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
162,869

 
$
166,392



71


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





Condensed Statements of Operations
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In Thousands)
Dividend from subsidiary
$
475

 
$

 
$
24,400

Interest and dividends on investments
60

 
57

 
123

Other income
230

 
315

 
276

Total income
765

 
372

 
24,799

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
795

 
781

 
2,152

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income
(30
)
 
(409
)
 
22,647

Income tax benefit
(117
)
 
(173
)
 
(418
)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiary
87

 
(236
)
 
23,065

Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiary
4,261

 
4,647

 
(23,920
)
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
(In Thousands)
Net income (loss)
$
4,348

 
$
4,411

 
$
(855
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiary
(4,261
)
 
(4,647
)
 
23,920

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
(15
)
 
(4
)
 
(9
)
Deferred income taxes
295

 
1,364

 
(1,050
)
Other, net
132

 
3,323

 
211

Cash provided by operating activities
499

 
4,447

 
22,217

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of available for sale securities
(3,014
)
 
(1,973
)
 

Proceeds from maturities of available for sale securities
1,000

 
3,015

 
3,165

Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities

 
1,028

 

Net cash paid for Newport acquisition

 

 
(28,272
)
Payments received on ESOP note receivable
495

 
475

 
455

Investment in subsidiary
550

 
1,104

 
655

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(969
)
 
3,649

 
(23,997
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Stock options exercised
3,278

 
557

 
94

Common shares repurchased
(10,293
)
 
(841
)
 
(98
)
Cash dividends on common stock
(1,914
)
 
(1,475
)
 
(1,227
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
15

 
4

 
9

Cash used in financing activities
(8,914
)
 
(1,755
)
 
(1,222
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(9,384
)
 
6,341

 
(3,002
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
12,930

 
6,589

 
9,591

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
3,546

 
$
12,930

 
$
6,589


72


SI FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
 
 
 





NOTE 21.  QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
First
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
First
Quarter
 
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Interest and dividend income
$
12,649

 
$
12,217

 
$
11,790

 
$
11,470

 
$
12,039

 
$
11,728

 
$
11,683

 
$
12,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
2,376

 
2,333

 
2,145

 
2,047

 
2,038

 
2,041

 
2,080

 
2,084

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest and dividend income
10,273

 
9,884

 
9,645

 
9,423

 
10,001

 
9,687

 
9,603

 
9,987

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
797

 
1,017

 
360

 
335

 
344

 
350

 
415

 
430

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses
9,476

 
8,867

 
9,285

 
9,088


9,657

 
9,337

 
9,188

 
9,557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest income
2,628

 
2,746

 
2,610

 
2,337

 
2,486

 
2,446

 
2,462

 
2,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest expenses
9,973

 
10,145

 
10,406

 
10,061

 
10,211

 
10,004

 
10,337

 
10,954

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
2,131

 
1,468

 
1,489

 
1,364

 
1,932

 
1,779

 
1,313

 
1,375

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax provision
683

 
494

 
484

 
443

 
541

 
579

 
399

 
469

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,448

 
$
974

 
$
1,005

 
$
921

 
$
1,391

 
$
1,200

 
$
914

 
$
906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.12

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.07

Diluted
$
0.12

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarterly per share data may not add to annual data due to rounding


73