UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

or

For the transition period from              to             .

Commission file number 333-183118

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (877) 533-4420

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act:    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The approximate aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates based on the most recent known trade and shares outstanding as of June 30, 2015 is $24,949,000.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each     of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None

 

 

---

FIRST PRIORITY FINANCIAL CORP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

i

---

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, and as such, statements containing the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “seeks,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “continues,” “hope” and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value, and effect. Such risks, uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value and effect could cause First Priority Financial Corp.’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

Although the Company believes its plans, intentions, and expectations as reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its plans, intentions, or expectations will be achieved. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on them. Listed below, and discussed elsewhere, are some important risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that could cause actual results, performances, or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements made in this document. These factors, risks, uncertainties, and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:

The effects of these factors are difficult to predict. New factors emerge from time to time, and we are not able to assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document.

Because these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this annual report.

 

 

 

 

ii

---

 

PART I

Item 1.  Business.

First Priority Financial Corp.

First Priority Financial Corp. (“First Priority”, or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on February 13, 2007, for the purpose of becoming the holding company of First Priority Bank (the “Bank”) and had no prior operating history. On May 11, 2007, as a result of a reorganization and merger, First Priority Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Priority.

On February 28, 2013, First Priority and Affinity Bancorp, Inc. (“Affinity”), the holding company for Affinity Bank of PA (“Affinity Bank”), merged with and into First Priority. The fair value of total assets acquired as a result of the merger were $174.4 million, including $77.4 million in loans, and deposits of $150.9 million. Total incremental equity resulting from the transaction was $10.1 million. A total of 1,933,665 shares of First Priority common stock were issued in connection with the merger. In conjunction with the completion of the merger, the Company also issued 1,268,576 shares of First Priority common stock as part of a private placement offering resulting in incremental net equity proceeds of $6.6 million.

First Priority provides banking services through First Priority Bank and does not engage in any activities other than banking and related activities. As of December 31, 2015, First Priority had total assets of $546.5 million and total shareholders’ equity of $52.1 million.

First Priority Bank

First Priority Bank is a state-chartered commercial banking institution which was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 25, 2005. First Priority Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount permitted for all banks. As of December 31, 2015, First Priority Bank had total assets of $546.2 million, total loans of $409.2 million, total deposits of $415.3 million and total shareholder’s equity of $45.4 million.

First Priority Bank engages in a full service commercial and consumer banking business with strong private banking and individual wealth management services. First Priority Bank offers a variety of commercial, private banking, and consumer loans, mortgage products and commercial real estate financing. The Company’s operations are significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, and the monetary, fiscal, and regulatory policies of governmental agencies. Lending activities are influenced by a number of factors, including the general credit needs of individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in the Company’s market area, competition, the current regulatory environment, the level of interest rates, and the availability of funds. Deposit flows and costs of funds are influenced by prevailing market rates of interest, competition, account maturities, and the level of personal income and savings in the market area.

First Priority Bank also offers certain financial planning and investment management services. These investment services are provided by First Priority Financial Services, a Division of First Priority Bank, through an agreement with a third party provider. In addition, various life insurance products are offered through First Priority Bank, and the Bank has also entered into solicitation agreements with several investment advisors to provide portfolio management services to customers of the Bank.

First Priority Bank currently seeks deposits and commercial and consumer banking relationships through its eight banking offices. The Bank provides deposit products that include checking, money market and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit as well as other deposit services, including cash management and electronic banking products and online account opening capabilities. The Bank obtains funding in the local community by providing excellent service and competitive rates to its customers and utilizes electronic and print media advertising to attract current and potential deposit customers. The Bank also uses brokered certificates of deposit as a cost effective funding alternative.

At December 31, 2015, First Priority had 68 full time equivalent employees consisting of 65 full time employees and 6 part time employees. None of such employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and First Priority believes that it enjoys good relations with its personnel.

Supervision and Regulation

The Company is subject to the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and to supervision and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank is also subject to the supervision and examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), as its primary federal

 

1

---

 

regulator and as the insurer of the Bank’s deposits. The Bank is also regulated and examined by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “Department”).

The FRB has issued regulations under the BHCA that require a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks. As a result, the FRB, pursuant to such regulations, may require the Company to stand ready to use its resources to provide adequate capital funds to the Bank during periods of financial stress or adversity. The BHCA requires the Company to secure the prior approval of the FRB before it can acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or acquire ownership or control of 5% or more of any voting shares of any bank. Such a transaction would also require approval of the Department.

A bank holding company is prohibited under the BHCA from engaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect control of, more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in nonbanking activities unless the FRB, by order or regulation, has found such activities to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Under the BHCA, the FRB has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the FRB’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

Bank holding companies are required to comply with the FRB’s risk-based capital guidelines. The risk-based capital rules are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Currently, the required minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%. At least half of the total capital is required to be Tier 1 capital, consisting principally of common shareholders’ equity, less certain intangible assets. The remainder (“Tier 2 capital”) may consist of certain preferred stock, a limited amount of subordinated debt, certain hybrid capital instruments and other debt securities, 45% of net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities, and a limited amount of the general loan loss allowance. The risk-based capital guidelines are required to take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk, and risks of nontraditional activities.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the FRB requires each bank holding company to comply with the leverage ratio, under which the bank holding company must maintain a minimum level of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets of 3% for those bank holding companies which have the highest regulatory examination ratings and are not contemplating or experiencing significant growth or expansion. All other bank holding companies are expected to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 4% to 5%. The Bank is subject to similar capital requirements adopted by the FDIC.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted revisions to the agencies’ capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules, which were designed to enhance such requirements and implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly referred to as Basel III. The final rules generally implement higher minimum capital requirements, add a new common equity tier 1 capital requirement, and establish criteria that instruments must meet to be considered common equity tier 1 capital, additional tier 1 capital or tier 2 capital. The new minimum capital to risk-adjusted assets requirements are a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% (6.5% to be considered “well capitalized”) and a tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, increased from 4.0% (and increased from 6.0% to 8.0% to be considered “well capitalized”); the total capital ratio remains at 8.0% under the new rules (10.0% to be considered “well capitalized”). Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets. The new minimum capital requirements became effective on January 1, 2015. The capital contribution buffer requirements phase in over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2016.

Dividends

Federal and state laws impose limitations on the payment of dividends by the Bank. The Pennsylvania Banking Code restricts the availability of capital funds for payment of dividends by the Banks to their additional paid-in capital.

In addition to the dividend restrictions described above, the banking regulators have the authority to prohibit or to limit the payment of dividends by the Banks if, in the banking regulator’s opinion, payment of a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of the Banks.

Under Pennsylvania law, the Company may not pay a dividend, if, after giving effect thereto, it would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business and, after giving effect to the dividend, the total assets of the

 

2

---

 

Company would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose rights are superior to those receiving the dividend.

It is also the policy of the FRB that a bank holding company generally only pay dividends on common stock out of net income available to common shareholders over the past year and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with a bank holding company’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. In the current financial and economic environment, the FRB has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged dividend pay-out ratios at the 100% level unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. A bank holding company also should not maintain a dividend level that places undue pressure on the capital of such institution’s subsidiaries, or that may undermine the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength for such subsidiaries.

Regulation of the Bank

The Bank is regulated by the FDIC and the Department. The laws that such agencies enforce limit the specific types of businesses in which the Bank may engage, and the products and services that the Bank may offer to customers. Generally, these limitations are designed to protect the insurance fund of the FDIC and/or the customers of the Bank, and not the Bank or its shareholders. From time to time, various types of new federal and state legislation have been proposed that could result in additional regulation of, and restrictions of, the business of the Bank. It cannot be predicted whether any such legislation will be adopted or how such legislation would affect business of the Bank. As a consequence of the extensive regulation of commercial banking activities in the United States, the Bank’s business is particularly susceptible to being affected by federal legislation and regulations that may increase the costs of doing business. Some of the major regulatory provisions that affect the business of the Bank are discussed briefly below.

Prompt Corrective Action

The FDIC has specified the levels at which an insured institution will be considered “well-capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” In the event an institution’s capital deteriorates to the “undercapitalized” category or below, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”) and FDIC regulations prescribe an increasing amount of regulatory intervention, including: (1) the institution of a capital restoration plan by a bank and a guarantee of the plan by a parent institution and liability for civil money damages for failure to fulfill its commitment on that guarantee; and (2) the placement of a hold on increases in assets, number of branches, or lines of business. If capital has reached the significantly or critically undercapitalized levels, further material restrictions can be imposed, including restrictions on interest payable on accounts, dismissal of management and (in critically undercapitalized situations) appointment of a receiver. For well-capitalized institutions, the FDIA provides authority for regulatory intervention where the institution is deemed to be engaging in unsafe or unsound practices or receives a less than satisfactory examination report rating for asset quality, management, earnings or liquidity.

Deposit Insurance

The Bank’s deposits are insured up to $250,000 per related ownership category, as defined by the FDIC.  The FDIC maintains the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) by assessing depository institutions an insurance premium.

Beginning with the second quarter of 2011, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the assessment base that the FDIC uses to calculate assessment premiums became a bank’s average assets minus average tangible equity.  Assessment rates range from a low of 2.5 basis points to a high of 45 basis points, per $100 of assets.

The FDIC is required under the Dodd-Frank Act to establish assessment rates that will allow the DIF to achieve a reserve ratio of 1.35% of insurance fund insured deposits by September 2020. In addition, the FDIC has established a “designated reserve ratio” of 2.0%, a target ratio that, until it is achieved, will not likely result in the FDIC reducing assessment rates. In attempting to achieve the mandated 1.35% ratio, the FDIC is required to implement assessment formulas that charge banks over $10 billion in asset size more than banks under that size. Those new formulas began in the second quarter of 2011, but did not affect the Bank. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC is authorized to make reimbursements from the insurance fund to banks if the reserve ratio exceeds 1.50%, but the FDIC has adopted the “designated reserve ratio” of 2.0% and has announced that any reimbursements from the fund are indefinitely suspended.

 

3

---

 

Other Legislation

The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in July 2010. This law has affected bank regulatory structure and the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. 

Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have and will continue to impact the Company. For example, effective July 21, 2011, a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. This significant change affects competition for deposits and could have an adverse impact on the Company’s interest expense.

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the assessment base will no longer be an institution’s deposit base, but rather its average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity during the assessment period. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008.

Bank and thrift holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009, such as the Company, will be permitted to include trust preferred securities that were issued before May 19, 2010, as Tier 1 capital; however, trust preferred securities issued by a bank or thrift holding company (other than those with assets of less than $500 million) after May 19, 2010, will no longer count as Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities still will be entitled to be treated as Tier 2 capital.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give shareholders a nonbinding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” arrangements, and may allow greater access by shareholders to the company’s proxy material by authorizing the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow shareholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directs the FRB to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded.

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets such as the Bank will continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.

At this time, it is difficult to predict the long-term impact of the Dodd-Frank Act rules and regulations on community banks. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted to enhance penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures under the federal securities laws. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally applies to all companies, including the Company, that file or are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. The legislation includes provisions, among other things, governing the services that can be provided by a public company’s independent auditors and the procedures for approving such services, requiring the chief executive officer and principal accounting officer to certify certain matters relating to the company’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act, requiring expedited filings of reports by insiders of their securities transactions and containing other provisions relating to insider conflicts of interest, increasing disclosure requirements relating to critical financial accounting policies and their application, increasing penalties for securities law violations, and creating a new public accounting oversight board, a regulatory body subject to SEC jurisdiction with broad powers to set auditing, quality control, and ethics standards for accounting firms. In response to the legislation, the national securities exchanges have adopted new rules relating to certain matters, including the independence of members of a company’s audit committee as a condition to listing or continued listing.

 

4

---

 

Congress is often considering some financial industry legislation, and the federal banking agencies routinely propose new regulations. The Company cannot predict how any new legislation, or new rules adopted by federal or state banking agencies, may affect the business of the Company and its subsidiaries in the future. Given that the financial industry remains under stress and severe scrutiny, and given that the U.S. economy has not yet fully recovered to pre-crisis levels of activity, the Company expects that there will be significant legislation and regulatory actions that may materially affect the banking industry for the foreseeable future.

Environmental Laws

Environmentally related hazards have become a source of high risk and potential liability for financial institutions relating to their loans. Environmentally contaminated properties owned by an institution’s borrowers may result in a drastic reduction in the value of the collateral securing the institution’s loans to such borrowers, high environmental cleanup costs to the borrower affecting its ability to repay the loans, the subordination of any lien in favor of the institution to a state or federal lien securing cleanup costs, and liability to the institution for cleanup costs if it forecloses on the contaminated property or becomes involved in the management of the borrower. The Company is not aware of any borrower who is currently subject to any environmental investigation or cleanup proceeding that is likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Effect of Government Monetary Policies

The earnings of the Company are and will be affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States Government and its agencies. The monetary policies of the FRB have had, and will likely continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The FRB has a major effect upon the levels of bank loans, investments, and deposits through its open market operations in the United States Government securities and through its regulation of, among other things, the discount rate on borrowing of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Not applicable.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

The principal executive offices of First Priority and First Priority Bank, and the full-service main office of First Priority Bank, are located in an office building in Malvern, Pennsylvania. First Priority Bank currently has offices located in Chester, Berks, Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, at the following locations:

 

In March 2016, First Priority informed customers of the Plumstead office that the office will be closing in the 2^nd quarter of 2016 and customer accounts will be reassigned to the Newtown office.

 

5

---

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.  

A certain amount of litigation arises in the ordinary course of the business of First Priority and First Priority Bank. In the opinion of the management of First Priority, there are no proceedings pending to which First Priority or First Priority Bank is a party or to which any of their property is subject, that, if determined adversely to them, would be material in relation to First Priority’s shareholders’ equity or financial condition, nor are there any proceedings pending other than ordinary routine litigation incident to the business of First Priority and First Priority Bank. In addition, no material proceedings are pending or are known to be threatened or contemplated against First Priority or First Priority Bank by governmental authorities.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

First Priority’s common stock began trading on March 12, 2015 on the OTCQX marketplace, under the symbol FPBK.  Before March 12, 2015 First Priority had not historically traded on a national securities exchange, listing service, or similar trading platform for listing or quotation of securities, and there had been no active or liquid public trading market for First Priority common stock. To First Priority’s knowledge, only infrequent trades occurred during the period from January 1, 2014 through March 11, 2015.

There were approximately 850 shareholders who owned 6.5 million shares of common stock outstanding at March 15, 2016.  High and low sales prices are set forth in the following table for the periods presented subsequent to March 12, 2015.

 

First Priority has never paid a dividend on its common stock, and no assurance can be given that dividends will be declared on First Priority common stock in the foreseeable future. First Priority has no significant source of cash flow other than dividends from First Priority Bank. First Priority’s ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions under both Federal and state banking laws which limit its ability to pay dividends. For a description of such restrictions see “Business-Supervision and Regulation” under Item 1 of Part I.

The information required with respect to securities authorized for issuance under First Priority’s compensation plans is set forth in “Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters”, and incorporated herein by reference.

None.

(c)  Purchases of Equity Securities by First Priority and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

 

6

---

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table provides historical consolidated summary financial data for First Priority. The data at or for the five years ended December 31, 2015, as presented below, is derived from First Priority’s audited financial statements for the periods then ended, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, contained elsewhere herein.

 

 

 

GAAP versus Non-GAAP Presentation – The Corporation supplements its traditional GAAP measurements with an additional Non-GAAP measurement, Tangible Book Value Per Common Share.  As a result of merger transactions, intangible assets, consisting of goodwill and core deposit intangibles, were created. The Non-GAAP disclosures are intended to eliminate the effects of the intangible assets and allow for better comparisons to periods when such assets did not exist.  However, not all companies use the same calculation methods for the same non-GAAP measurements and therefore may not be comparable. The following table shows the adjustments made between the GAAP and NON-GAAP measurements:

 

 

 

7

---

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion summarizes First Priority’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and its financial condition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and highlights material changes. This discussion is intended to provide additional information about the significant changes in the results of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, contained in this document, for First Priority and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Priority Bank. First Priority’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations consist essentially of First Priority Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Current performance does not guarantee, and may not be indicative of, similar performance in the future. This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as First Priority’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions.

Readers should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this report, could affect the future financial results of First Priority and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in this document.

Overview

The following table sets forth selected measures of First Priority’s financial position or performance for the dates or periods indicated (dollars in thousands).

 

_____________________                                    

Like most financial institutions, First Priority derives the majority of its income from interest it receives on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments. First Priority’s primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is its deposits, on which it pays interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of First Priority’s success is its amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on its average interest-earning assets and the expense on its average interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Another key measure is the spread between the yield First Priority earns on these average interest-earning assets and the rate it pays on its average interest-bearing liabilities, which is called its net interest spread.

There are risks inherent in all loans, and First Priority maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb potential losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. This allowance is maintained by charging a provision for loan losses against operating earnings. A detailed discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing the allowance for loan losses is included herein.

In addition to earning interest on its loans and investments, First Priority earns income through other sources, such as fees and other charges to its banking customers and income from providing wealth management services, as well as net gains or losses realized from the sale of assets. The various components of non-interest income, as well as non-interest expense, are described in this section.

Critical Accounting Policies

First Priority has adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that are consistent with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. First Priority’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

8

---

 

Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by First Priority that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. First Priority considers these accounting policies to be critical accounting estimates. The judgment and assumptions used are based on historical experience and other factors, which First Priority believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and have been reasonably consistent with prior results. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made, actual results could differ from these estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of its assets and liabilities and its results of operations. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to investment securities impairment evaluation, the valuation of acquired loans, the determination of the allowance for loan losses, valuation of other real estate owned, the analysis of potential impairment of goodwill, the valuation of deferred tax assets and accounting for stock-based compensation.

Investment Securities Impairment Evaluation. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. When a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Management believes that there are no investment securities with other-than-temporary impairment for each of the reporting periods presented.

Acquired Loans. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves significant assumptions and judgments as to estimate of credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans.

Pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates in each category of loans and adjusted for qualitative factors. Management assigned each factor a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on its best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

See the Allowance for Loan Losses sections related to Balance Sheet Review as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for more information.

Other Real Estate Owned. Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-down, at or prior to the dates the real estate is considered foreclosed, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment.

Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets (“DTA”) are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.

 

9

---

 

Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with the Bank.

 If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded. These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

When determining the continuing need for a valuation allowance, the Company assessed the possible sources of taxable income available under tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards, as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740-10-30-18. This guidance related to when a valuation allowance on the DTA should be maintained, generally provides that the valuation allowance should be reversed, when in the judgment of management, it is more likely than not that the DTA will be realized.  Management has determined that the DTA will be realized and does not maintain a valuation allowance.

Stock Based Compensation. Compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions are recognized in the financial statements over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on management’s assumptions.  Therefore value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the estimated fair value of the shares at the date of the award.

Results of Operations

Income Statement Review

First Priority’s results of operations are affected by five major elements: (1) net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and interest expense accrued on deposits and borrowed funds; (2) the provision for loan losses, or the amount added to the allowance for loan losses to provide reserves for inherent losses on loans; (3) non-interest income, consisting of income from wealth management services, fees and other charges to our banking customers, and net gains or losses realized from the sale of assets; (4) non-interest expense, which consists primarily of salaries, employee benefits and other operating expenses; and (5) income taxes, including deferred taxes, when applicable. Each of these major elements is reviewed in more detail in the following discussion.

 

10

---

 

Results of Operations Comparative Summary

Shown in the table below are the reported results of operations as well as the increase (decrease) for the respective periods.

 

Summary

For the year ended December 31, 2015, First Priority’s consolidated income before income taxes increased 26% to $3.05 million compared to $2.42 million for the same period of 2014.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $2.11 million, or $0.20 per basic and diluted common share after preferred dividends totaling $801 thousand.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014, including a tax benefit totaling $4.50 million totaled $6.93 million, or $0.98 per basic and diluted common share after preferred dividends totaling $579 thousand paid during the period.  During the third quarter of 2014, the Company reversed the valuation allowance related to its net deferred tax asset and, accordingly, recognized a tax benefit in that quarter of $4.71 million.

Net Interest Income

First Priority’s primary source of revenue is net interest income. Net interest income is determined by the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned and paid on these balances. The amount of net interest income recorded by First Priority is affected by the rate, mix and amount of growth of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the amount of interest-earning assets as compared to the amount of interest-bearing liabilities, and by changes in interest rates earned and interest rates paid on these assets and liabilities.

The following table sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, information related to First Priority’s average balances, yields on average assets, and costs of average liabilities. Average balances are derived from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated and yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. Average loans are stated net of deferred costs. The net dollar amounts and percentage changes of interest income and expense are presented for comparative purposes.

 

11

---

 

 Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income can also be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume as shown in the Changes in Net Interest Income table below which sets forth the effect which varying levels of average interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable yields and rates have had on changes in net interest income for the periods presented.

 

 

 

12

---

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, net interest income increased 2.60%, or $410 thousand, to $16.19 million compared to $15.78 million for the same period in 2014. Net interest margin declined 20 basis points from 3.70% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 3.50% for the same period in 2015. Net interest spread, defined as the mathematical difference between the yield on average earning assets and the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities, declined 20 basis points from 3.55% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 3.35% for the same period in 2015. When comparing these periods, incremental growth of balances accounted for an increase of $1.17 million while the change in our relative rate structure resulted in a decline in net interest income of $760 thousand.

Average interest earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $35.3 million, or 8.3%, including increases in average loans of $32.3 million, or 9.1%, and average investment balances of $5.3 million, or 8.1%, when compared to the prior year. This increased volume of average earning assets provided an additional $1.68 million in interest income, $1.49 million provided from incremental loan balances and $194 thousand from investment securities, including deposits with banks. The average yield on earning assets declined 15 basis points in the current year compared to the prior year from 4.37% to 4.22%, which resulted in a decline of interest income between the periods of $817 thousand. Of this decline, $916 thousand was related to lower yields on loans partially offset by a net increase of $99 thousand related to investment securities, deposits with other banks and other investment income, including an increase of $72 thousand related to dividends paid on FHLB restricted stock outstanding during the period.

Average interest bearing liabilities increased $32.6 million, or 9.3%, in 2015. During this time, overall deposit balances increased $28.9 million, as time deposits grew $40.8 million, while interest bearing demand deposits decreased $6.9 million and money market and savings deposits decreased $5.0 million.  At the same time, borrowed funds increased $3.7 million. The incremental growth of interest bearing liabilities resulted in an increase of interest expense of $510 thousand. Additionally, the average rate on interest bearing liabilities increased 5 basis points from 0.82% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 0.87% in the current year; however, due to the changing mix among products, interest expense related to average rates on interest bearing liabilities declined by $57 thousand when comparing the two years.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority’s balance sheet was moderately liability sensitive, which suggests that First Priority would experience moderate net interest margin compression in a rising interest rate environment.

Provision for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged against operations. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance as recoveries.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on known or potential risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, the composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available or economic conditions change.

At the end of each quarter or more often, if necessary, First Priority analyzes the collectability of its loans and accordingly adjusts the loan loss allowance to an appropriate level. The allowance for loan losses covers estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that are determined to be impaired, as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio. For a description of the process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, see the “Allowance for Loan Losses” section below.

The provision for loan losses was $610 thousand in 2015 compared to $1.13 million for 2014. The level of provision is impacted by the adequacy of the allowance as described above, including an analysis of impaired and non-performing loans, as well as by the level of incremental loan volume and net charge-offs of loans. Total loans increased $33.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 and $39.5 million during 2014. Net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, totaled $128 thousand and $1.09 million, respectively.  2014 included a charge-off of $513 thousand related to a non-performing commercial line of credit, resulting from an updated appraisal value indicating a shortfall in the collateral position.  The allowance for loan losses was $2.8 million and $2.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which represented 0.68% and 0.62% of total loans outstanding at each respective date.

Acquired loans are initially recorded at acquisition date at their acquisition date fair values, and therefore, are excluded from the calculation of loan loss reserves as of the acquisition date. As acquired loans are paid off or are refinanced or

 

13

---

 

extended under First Priority’s credit underwriting process, they are no longer considered acquired loans, but instead are prospectively considered originated loans and therefore, are included as part of the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. To the extent there is a decrease in the present value of cash flows from acquired impaired loans after the date of acquisition, the Company records a provision for loan losses. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses totaling $230 thousand related to acquired loans, of which $127 thousand related to net charge-offs on non-credit impaired purchased loans while charge-offs related to acquired loans which were initially considered credit impaired loans as of the acquisition date were $73 thousand.  As of December 31, 2015, there was $30 thousand specifically designated within the Company’s allowance for loan losses related to acquired loans.  

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses totaling $425 thousand related to acquired loans. There were charge-offs recorded during 2014 totaling $250 thousand related to loans that were initially considered credit impaired loans as of the acquisition date while net charge-offs on non-credit impaired purchased loans totaled $175 thousand during 2014.  As of December 31, 2014, there were no loans for which any portion of the Company’s allowance for loan losses was specifically designated to acquired loans

Non-Interest Income

For the year ended December 31, 2015, non-interest income totaled $1.16 million compared to $1.01 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of $148 thousand, or 14.7%. Non-interest income is comprised of wealth management fees which are principally non-recurring commissions and fees related to the sale of insurance products and annuities, service charges on deposit accounts, income resulting from the investment in bank owned life insurance, gain (losses) from the sale of investment securities, and other fees which First Priority Bank collects from its banking customers. In the current year, there were $259 thousand in gains from the sale of investment securities available for sale while gains of $51 thousand were realized in 2014.

Components of non-interest income are shown in the table below:

 

 

 

14

---

 

Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses were $13.68 million in 2015 compared to $13.23 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $456 thousand, or 3.4%. The following table sets forth information related to the various components of non-interest expenses for each respective period.

 

Highlights of significant non-interest expenses items for the year ended, 2015 compared to the year ended, 2014

 

15

---

 

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax expense recorded in the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $935 thousand.  The Company recognized a tax benefit in the Statement of Operations of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as a result of reversing the valuation allowance on the Company’s net deferred tax asset (“DTA”) during the third quarter of 2014, which established the net DTA position on the balance sheet of the Company.  Subsequent to the reversal of the valuation allowance, the Company records current tax expense in its Statement of Operations and reports earnings of the Company to its shareholders and regulators on an after tax basis.  The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 30.7% which approximates the expected tax rate going forward.  

The Company’s net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards totaled $7.9 million as of December 31, 2015, including acquired NOLs. First Priority had NOL carryforwards of $5.5 million at December 31, 2015, which expire in 2028 through 2034; such NOL carryforwards, however, are available prior to expiration to reduce future federal income taxes until such time as the entire NOL is utilized.

First Priority acquired a NOL for tax purposes related to the acquisition of Prestige Community Bank, which initially totaled $2.0 million, with a remaining balance of $1.7 million at December 31, 2015, which is subject to certain limitations and expires in 2027 through 2028 if not fully utilized. In addition, an initial NOL carryforward balance of $940 thousand was recorded resulting from the merger with Affinity, of which $656 thousand remains available to reduce future federal income taxes as of December 31, 2015. This NOL is also subject to certain limitations and expires in 2026 through 2032 if not fully utilized.

Financial Condition as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Balance Sheet Review

 

Total assets at December 31, 2015 were $546.5 million, representing an increase of $54.2 million, or 11.0%, when compared to total assets of $492.3 million at December 31, 2014. Total assets at December 31, 2015 consisted principally of earning assets which includes loans outstanding of $409.2 million, investment securities of $114.6 million and cash and cash equivalents of $5.9 million. At December 31, 2014, earning assets consisted of loans outstanding of $375.2 million, investment securities of $91.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $7.9 million.

 

16

---

 

Deposits totaled $408.7 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $378.2 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $30.5 million, or 8.1%. During 2015, increases in brokered time deposits of $38.7 million, retail time deposits of $1.6 million and NOW accounts of $4.1 million were offset by declines of $3.1 million in non-interest bearing demand accounts and $10.8 million in money market and savings deposit accounts.

Borrowings totaled $83.9 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $62.5 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $21.5 million, or 34.3%. During the fourth quarter of 2015, First Priority Bank issued $9.5 million of ten year Tier 2 qualifying subordinated term notes, or $9.2 million net of issuance costs. In addition, short-term borrowings increased $8.2 million and long-term FHLB borrowings increased $4.0 million.  

Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 was $52.1 million, representing an increase of $1.9 million from $50.2 million at December 31, 2014. The enhanced capital position is attributable to net income of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, market volatility related to the investment securities portfolio resulting in a net unrealized gain position totaling $242 thousand and the reclassification of stock compensation expense of $327 thousand. These increases were partially offset by preferred dividends declared of $801 thousand.

Investments

First Priority’s total investment portfolio was $114.6 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $91.5 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $23.1 million, or 25.2%.  As of both December 31, 2015 and 2014, the investment portfolio included $50 million and $30 million of short-term investments, respectively, consisting of United States Treasury securities or Federal Home Loan Bank notes, which were purchased related to year-end tax planning strategies and subsequently matured in January of each respective following year.

During the second quarter of 2015, the Company purchased $10 million of ten year U.S. Treasury securities that were subsequently sold in the second half of the year due to favorable market conditions, which resulted in gains from sale of investments totaling $172 thousand.  An additional $15 million of investments, primarily state and municipal bonds were purchased during 2015.  Also, during 2015, three municipal bonds were sold totaling $1.5 million, which resulted in additional investment gains of $87 thousand, while maturities and other called securities totaled approximately $8 million during the year.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, investments totaling $94.7 million and $75.6 million, respectively, were classified as available for sale while $19.9 million and $16.0 million, respectively, were classified as held to maturity. Total investments accounted for 21.0% and 18.6% of total assets at each respective date.

The Company previously transferred investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity securities.  Due to these transfers securities classified as held to maturity have net unrealized holding gains, totaling $43 thousand as of December 31, 2015, which are being amortized over the remaining life of the related securities as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the accretion of discount on debt securities. This will have no impact on the Company’s net income because the amortization of the unrealized holding gains reported in equity will offset the effect on interest income of the accretion of the discount on these securities. The transfer of securities from available for sale to held to maturity was completed in order to mitigate the volatility to common equity caused by sudden market fluctuations and to lock in a predictable earnings on these related securities.

Securities classified as available for sale are accounted for at fair value, with the difference between fair value and amortized cost reflected in the capital account as other comprehensive income or loss. The Company had net unrealized gains on available for sale securities totaling $315 thousand at December 31, 2015 compared to unrealized losses of $86 thousand at December 31, 2014. Available for sale securities are securities that management intends to hold for an indefinite period of time or securities that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment expectations, capital management and liquidity needs.

The total investment portfolio at December 31, 2015 was comprised of federal agency securities (54%), federal agency mortgage backed securities and federal agency collateralized mortgage obligations (15%), obligations of states and political subdivisions (30%), and corporate and other debt securities (1%). All investment securities were either government guaranteed, issued by a government agency or investment grade. First Priority had no investment securities deemed to have other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at December 31, 2015 or 2014, respectively, and recorded no OTTI charges during either of the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

17

---

 

The following table sets forth information about the contractual maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2015. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to scheduled principal payments and unscheduled prepayments of mortgage backed securities and, where applicable, the ability of an issuer to call a security prior to the contractual maturity date.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of First Priority’s investments, classified as available for sale or held to maturity as of each of the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are shown in the following table:

 

Restricted investments in bank stocks

Restricted investments in bank stocks represent the investment in the common stock of correspondent banks required in order to transact business with those banks. Investments in restricted stock are carried at cost.

At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority Bank held $110 thousand in common stock of Atlantic Community Bankers Bank, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Additionally, First Priority had investments in the common stock of the FHLB Bank of Pittsburgh totaling $3.26 million and $2.87 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in investments is attributable to the incremental investment required to support increased borrowings.

 

18

---

 

Loans

First Priority’s loan portfolio is the primary component of its assets. At December 31, 2015, total loans were $409.2 million, representing an increase of $34.0 million, or 9.1%, from total loans outstanding of $375.2 million at December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, loan growth included new organic loan production of approximately $68 million while loan payoffs combined with normal principal payments totaled $44 million. Also included in the current year loan growth is $9.8 million from the purchase of performing residential real estate loans located in western Pennsylvania which were underwritten using similar underwriting standards as the Bank uses for its organic portfolio. The following table sets forth the classification of First Priority’s loan portfolio for each of the five years ended December 31, 2015:

 

 

        Commercial mortgage loans consist of loans originated for commercial purposes which are secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties, multifamily residential properties, or 1-4 family residential properties. As of December 31, 2015, commercial mortgage loans totaled $179.4 million, consisting of $121.3 million of loans to finance commercial business properties of which 60% are owner occupied; $17.3 million to finance and are secured by multifamily properties; $36.2 million secured by 1-4 family residential dwelling properties for business purposes; and $4.6 million for other purposes. In addition, as of December 31, 2015, loans to lessors of non-residential buildings totaled $74.1 million, which is included in commercial mortgage loans; of this amount, $35.4 million, or 48% of these loans are related to owner occupied buildings.

As of December 31, 2014, total commercial mortgage loans of $169.0 million, consisting of $115.8 million of loans to finance commercial business properties, of which 60% are owner occupied, $15.4 million to finance, and are secured by, multifamily properties, $31.4 million secured by 1-4 family residential dwelling properties for business purposes, and $6.4 million for other purposes. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, loans to lessors of non-residential buildings totaled $69.5 million, which is included in commercial mortgage loans; of this amount, $33.7 million, or 48% of these loans are related to owner occupied buildings.

The payment experience of certain non-owner occupied commercial mortgage loans may be dependent upon the successful operation of the real estate project. These risks can be significantly affected by supply and demand conditions in the market for office and retail space and for apartments and, as such, may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the economy. In dealing with these risk factors, First Priority generally limits itself to a real estate market or to borrowers with which First Priority has experience. First Priority generally concentrates on originating commercial real estate loans secured by properties located within its market area and many of First Priority’s commercial real estate loans are secured by owner-occupied property with personal guarantees of the debt.

Regulatory guidance exists whereby total construction, land development and other land loans should not exceed 100% of total risk-based capital and further guidance whereby total construction, land development and other land loans combined with real estate loans secured by multifamily or nonresidential properties and loans to finance commercial real estate or construction loans (not secured by real estate) should not exceed 300% of total risk-based capital. First Priority Bank monitors these two ratios, which as of December 31, 2015, totaled 36% and 182% of total risk-based capital, respectively, both well within the regulatory suggested guidance.

 

19

---

 

The information in the following tables is based on the contractual maturities of individual loans, including loans that may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity. Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon their maturity. Actual repayments of loans may differ from the maturities reflected below because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

The following tables summarize the loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate characteristics as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

_____________________                                    

 

 

20

---

 

_____________________                                    

Credit Quality

First Priority Bank’s written lending policies require specified underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding, with additional credit department approval for the majority of new loan balances. The Loan Committee is comprised of senior members of management who oversee the loan approval process to monitor that proper standards are maintained.

The following table summarizes non-performing assets and performing troubled debt restructurings at the dates indicated.

 

 

_____________________                                    

 

21

---

 

Total non-performing loans were $1.9 million at December 31, 2015, a decline of $2.7 million from the $4.6 million at December 31, 2014. This decrease consisted of payments or payoffs totaling $1.7 million on existing non-performing loans, two loans totaling $224 thousand which were restored to performing based on improving financial positions of the borrowers, another loan of $70 thousand, previously reported as past due 90 days or more, which was paid current, and two non-performing loans totaling $35 thousand that were charged-off during this period.  Six loan relationships with balances totaling $776 thousand were transferred to other real estate owned.  Additionally, there were four new non-performing loans identified in 2015 totaling $280 thousand. Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans at December 31, 2015 was 0.47%, down from 1.21% at December 31, 2014. Other real estate owned totaled $1.6 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $1.3 million at December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015 there were no repossessed assets.  Repossessed assets totaled $42 thousand at December 31, 2014. Nonperforming assets totaled $3.6 million, or 0.65% of total assets, as of December 31, 2015, compared to $5.9 million, or 1.19% of total assets as of December 31, 2014.  

While not considered non-performing, First Priority’s performing troubled debt restructurings are closely monitored as they consist of loans that have been modified where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Troubled debt restructurings may be deemed to have a higher risk of loss than loans which have not been restructured. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority’s performing troubled debt restructurings totaled $2.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

First Priority Bank’s management continues to monitor and explore potential options and remedial actions to recover First Priority Bank’s investment in non-performing loans. According to policy, First Priority Bank is required to maintain a specific reserve for impaired loans. See the “Allowance for Loan Losses” section below for further information.

First Priority Bank’s total delinquency amount is comprised of loans past due 30 to 89 days and still accruing plus the balance of non-performing loans. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, loans past due 30 to 89 days and still accruing totaled $1.0 million and $986 thousand, respectively, which when added to the non-performing loans for each period, resulted in a total delinquency ratio of 0.73% and 1.48%, respectively, of total loans outstanding.

Allowance for loan losses

The allowance for loan losses represents an amount that First Priority believes will be adequate to absorb estimated credit losses on loans that may become impaired. While First Priority applies the methodology discussed below in connection with the establishment of the allowance for loan losses, the allowance is subject to critical judgments on the part of management. Risks within the loan portfolio are analyzed on a continuous basis by the management of First Priority Bank, periodically analyzed by an external independent loan review function, and are also reviewed by the audit committee. A risk system, consisting of multiple grading categories, is utilized as an analytical tool to assess risk and appropriate allowances. In addition to the risk system, management further evaluates the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio under current and anticipated economic conditions and considers such factors as the financial condition of the borrower, past and expected loss experience, and other factors which management believes deserve recognition in establishing an appropriate allowance. These estimates are reviewed at least quarterly, and, as adjustments become necessary, they are realized in the periods in which they become known.

First Priority uses a quantitative and qualitative method to allocating its allowance to the various loan categories. An unallocated component, which is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of potential losses, reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio. Additions to the allowance are made by provisions charged to expense, and the allowance is reduced by net charge-offs, which are loans judged to be uncollectible, less any recoveries on loans previously charged off. Although management attempts to maintain the allowance at an adequate level, future additions to the allowance may be required due to the growth of the loan portfolio, changes in asset quality, changes in market conditions and other factors. Additionally, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These agencies may require additional provisions based upon their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. Although management uses what it believes to be the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate which is subject to significant judgment and short term change.

 

22

---

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

                                  

                                               

The allowance for loan losses was $2.8 million and $2.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which represented 0.68% and 0.62% of total loans outstanding at each respective date. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the unamortized portion of the general credit fair value adjustment totaled $174 thousand and $509 thousand, respectively, and the specific credit market valuation adjustment totaled $362 thousand and $443 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the combination of these remaining credit fair value adjustments related to acquired loans, totaling $536 thousand and $952 thousand, respectively, and the allowance for loan losses of $2.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, or a total of $3.3 million for both periods, would equate to 0.81% and 0.87% of total loans outstanding as of each respective period. Net charge-offs recorded totaled $128 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2014.

 

23

---

 

The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category. The specific allocations in any particular category may be reallocated in the future to reflect the then current conditions. Accordingly, management considers the entire allowance to be available to absorb losses in any category.

 

_____________________                                    

A specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is established for loans that are classified as impaired or are performing troubled debt restructurings when the discounted cash flows or related collateral value of each loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  A specific allocation of $452 thousand has been provided on impaired loans of $4.6 million at December 31, 2015 compared to a specific allocation of $166 thousand related to $6.6 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2014.

The general allocation component of the allowance for loan losses relates to reserves established for pools of homogenous loans which includes both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis utilizes a risk matrix that incorporates qualitative and environmental factors such as: loan volume, management, loan review process, internal policies and procedures, economic environment, credit concentrations, credit quality trends, and regulatory and other external factors. These factors are each risk rated using five levels from weak to strong which could create a total qualitative factor of up to 42 basis points of gross loans, depending on individual ratings applied.   The quantitative analysis uses a historical four year rolling average loan loss experience factor which management believes is a sufficient period to properly represent swings resulting from changing economic cycles, and therefore, reflects an appropriate period of loss history for calculating the general reserve in the current environment.  

The cumulative results from the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the loan portfolio resulted in a general allocation portion of the allowance for loan losses totaling $1.6 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  When comparing these periods, the inherent increase resulting from a higher level of outstanding loans was offset by a decline due to lower historical loss factors.  This decline in loss factors, when comparing each period’s trailing four year historical losses, resulted from relative lower losses incurred in the 2015 compared to higher losses incurred during the financial crisis in 2011, the initial year used to determine the 2014 loss factors.

An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect Management’s estimate of probable loss.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.  

These allocations could change based on general economic or environmental factors or due to a specific credit situation which could develop within the loan portfolio.  However, based on all relevant information currently available as of December 31, 2015, management believes that the allowance for loan losses of $2.8 million is adequate as of that date and the allocations described above are appropriate.

Loan Concentrations

The Company’s loans consist of credits to borrowers spread over a broad range of industrial classifications. The largest concentrations of loans are to lessors of nonresidential buildings and lessors of residential buildings and dwellings. As of December 31, 2015, these loans totaled $74.1 million and $58.4 million, respectively, or 18.1% and 14.3%, respectively, of

 

24

---

 

the total loans outstanding. As of December 31, 2014, these same classifications of loans totaled $69.5 million and $54.7 million, respectively, or 18.5% and 14.6%, respectively, of the total loans outstanding. These credits were subject to normal underwriting standards and did not present more than the normal amount of risk assumed by the Company’s other lending activities. Management believes this concentration does not pose abnormal risk when compared to the risk it assumes in other types of lending. The Company has no other concentration of loans which exceeds 10% of total loans.

Deposits

Deposits represent the primary source of funding for earning assets. Deposits totaled $408.7 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $378.2 million at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $30.5 million, or 8.1%. During 2015, increases in brokered time deposits of $38.7 million, retail time deposits of $1.6 million and NOW accounts of $4.1 million were offset by declines of $3.1 million in non-interest bearing demand accounts and $10.8 million in money market and savings deposit accounts.

First Priority attracts deposits by offering competitive products and interest rates on a broad spectrum of deposit products to customers in its local marketplace, generally through its retail branch system, and also through its internet banking platform. First Priority Bank supplements deposits raised locally with the issuance of brokered deposits when cost effective relative to local market pricing. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, brokered deposits totaled $113.3 million and $74.6 million, respectively. The guidelines governing First Priority Bank’s participation in the brokered CD market are included in First Priority Bank’s Asset Liability Management Policy, which is reviewed, revised and approved annually by the asset liability management committee and the board of directors. The FDIC places restrictions on a depository institution’s use of brokered deposits based on the bank’s capital classification. A well-capitalized institution may accept brokered deposits without FDIC restrictions. An adequately capitalized institution must obtain a waiver from the FDIC in order to accept brokered deposits, while an undercapitalized institution is prohibited by the FDIC from accepting brokered deposits. First Priority Bank is classified as well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (see “Regulatory Matters” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and, therefore, may accept brokered deposits without FDIC restrictions.

The following table sets forth the average balance of First Priority’s deposits and the average rates paid on deposits for the three years ended December 31, 2015.

 

 

 

25

---

 

The maturity distribution of time deposits of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2015, is as follows:

 

Short-Term Borrowed Funds

At December 31, 2015, First Priority had short-term borrowings totaling $59.7 million, compared to $51.5 million at December 31, 2014. Short-term borrowings consisted of advances from the FHLB as of each of these periods. The increase in short-term borrowings resulted primarily from net funding requirements of growth in earning assets in conjunction with slower growth in deposit balances.  Advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2015 are collateralized by an investment in the common stock of the FHLB, by a specific pledge of First Priority Bank’s investment assets and by a blanket lien on qualifying mortgages within First Priority Bank’s loan portfolio.

The following table outlines First Priority’s various sources of short-term borrowed funds at or for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The maximum balance represents the highest indebtedness for each category of short-term borrowed funds at any month-end during each of the periods shown.

 

Long-Term Debt

Long term debt totaled $15.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2014. These borrowings consisted of advances from the FHLB with a weighted average interest rate of 1.09% and 0.88%, respectively, as of each of these dates and an average remaining life of 1.9 years and 2.2 years for each respective period.  Advances from the FHLB are collateralized by an investment in the common stock of the FHLB, by a specific pledge of First Priority Bank’s investment assets and by a blanket lien on qualifying mortgages within First Priority Bank’s loan portfolio. Balances of FHLB long-term debt averaged $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $11.0 million during the same period in 2014 with an average rate of 1.00% in 2015 and 0.89% for the same period in 2014. The maximum month end balance of these borrowings was $16.0 million and $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Subordinated Debt

On November 13, 2015, First Priority Bank entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with five accredited investors under which the Bank issued subordinated notes (the “Notes”) totaling $9.5 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $9.2 million after issuance costs. The Notes have a maturity date of November 30, 2025, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.00% per annum.  The Notes are non-callable for an initial period of five years and include provisions for redemption pricing between 101.5% and 100.5% of the liquidation value, if called after five years but prior to the maturity

 

26

---

 

date.  Upon receipt of regulatory approvals in December 2015, First Priority Bank distributed $6.0 million of the proceeds from the subordinated note issuance to First Priority, and subsequently, in January 2016, First Priority utilized the distribution from the Bank to redeem 6,000 of the 9,404 outstanding shares of its 9.00% Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, which was originally issued to the United States Department of the Treasury during 2009 as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“TARP CPP”), at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share, or $6.0 million, plus accrued dividends.  First Priority Bank will utilize the remainder of the issuance for general corporate purposes.  The distribution from First Priority Bank to First Priority received all required approvals, including from the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.

The ongoing financial benefit related to specifically utilizing $6.0 million of the subordinated debt issuance to redeem a like amount of preferred stock will increase income to common shareholders by $263 thousand on an annualized basis going forward.  Dividends paid on preferred stock, calculated using a 9% dividend rate, will decline by $540 thousand annually after $6 million of the preferred stock is redeemed.  Incremental interest expense, based on the subordinated debt interest rate of 7.0%, totals $420 thousand annually; however, this expense is tax deductible resulting in an income tax benefit of $143 thousand.

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 was $52.1 million, representing an increase of $1.9 million from $50.2 million at December 31, 2014. The enhanced capital position is attributable to net income of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, market volatility related to the investment securities portfolio resulting in a net unrealized gain position totaling $242 thousand and the reclassification of stock compensation expense of $327 thousand.  These increases were partially offset by preferred dividends declared of $801 thousand.

On February 20, 2009, First Priority issued 4,579 shares of First Priority’s Series A preferred stock and a warrant to purchase, on a net basis, 229 shares of First Priority’s Series B preferred stock, which was immediately exercised, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.6 million under the TARP CPP. On December 18, 2009, First Priority issued 4,596 shares of Series C preferred stock, $100.00 par value per share, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.6 million.  

As noted in the Subordinated Debt section above, in January 2016, First Priority utilized $6 million of the proceeds received from the issuance of Tier 2 qualifying subordinated debt to redeem 6,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock.  This redemption consisted of all outstanding shares of Series A and Series B, and 1,192 shares of the Series C preferred stock, which were redeemed on a pro rata basis, which subsequently leaves 3,404 shares of Series C outstanding.  This redemption will also reduce the total amount of shareholders’ equity reported by the amount of the redemption.

First Priority Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on First Priority Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, First Priority Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of First Priority Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. First Priority Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.

First Priority Bank exceeds the minimum capital requirements established by regulatory agencies. Under the capital adequacy guidelines, capital is classified into two tiers. These guidelines require an institution to maintain a certain level of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets plus trust preferred securities up to 25% of Tier 1 capital, with the excess being treated as Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital also consists of the allowance for loan losses, subject to certain limitations, and qualifying subordinated debt. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset.

 

27

---

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require First Priority Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets, known as the Tier 1 leverage ratio. The following table sets forth the capital ratios for both First Priority and First Priority Bank at December 31, 2015 and 2014.  First Priority currently meets the definition of a “small bank holding company” under the FRB’s regulations, and thus is not subject to any capital requirements; however, the Company meets the holding company regulatory requirements for “well-capitalized” for each stated period.  First Priority Bank was considered “well-capitalized” and met or exceeded its applicable regulatory requirements for both periods.

 

The ratios shown above, for both the Company and the Bank, include the impact related to the $9.5 million issuance of Tier 2 qualifying subordinated debt noted above as well as the subsequent distribution from the Bank to the Holding Company of $6 million related to the redemption of the Bank’s common stock, which resulted in a reduction of Tier 1 capital at the Bank.  Additionally, the regulatory capital utilized to calculate the consolidated ratios shown above does not include the $6 million of preferred stock which was redeemed in January 2016 due to the short-term commitment to redeem this capital.

The capital ratios above reflect the new capital requirements under "Basel III" effective during the year ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Bank and the Company were in compliance with the new requirements. See Note 18 - Regulatory Matters for additional discussion regarding regulatory capital requirements.

Return on Average Equity and Assets

The following table shows the return on average assets (net income divided by total average assets), return on equity (net income divided by average equity), and the equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by total average assets) for each of the five years ended December 31, 2015.

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The effect of relative purchasing power over time due to inflation has not been taken into effect in First Priority’s consolidated financial statements. Rather, the statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions, such as First Priority and First Priority Bank, are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, the effect of changes in interest rates will have a more significant impact on its performance than will the effect of changing prices and inflation in general. In addition, interest rates may generally increase as the rate of inflation increases, although not necessarily in the same magnitude. First Priority seeks to manage the relationships between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide interest rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

 

28

---

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Through the operations of First Priority Bank, First Priority has made contractual commitments to extend credit, in the ordinary course of its business activities, to meet the financing needs of customers. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the balance sheets. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. The same credit and collateral policies are used in making these commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments.

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. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and collateral is obtained, if necessary, based on the credit evaluation of the borrower. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by First Priority Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include personal or commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, outstanding commitments to extend credit consisting of total unfunded commitments under lines of credit were $97.8 million and $83.2 million, respectively. In addition, as of each of these dates, there were $711 thousand and $349 million of performance standby letters of credit outstanding, respectively, and $1.1 million of financial standby letters of credit as of each respective date.  

In addition, as of December 31, 2014 the Bank pledged $214 thousand of deposit balances at a correspondent bank to support a letter of credit with a balance of $149 thousand, issued by the correspondent on behalf of a customer of the Bank. This transaction was fully secured by the customer through a pledge of the customer’s deposits at the Bank.  During 2015, First Priority Bank issued a letter of credit directly to the customer in relation to this transaction.

First Priority is not involved in any other off-balance sheet contractual relationships, unconsolidated related entities that have off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments that could significantly impact earnings. First Priority believes that it has adequate sources of liquidity to fund commitments that may be drawn upon by borrowers.

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to assure that sufficient sources of funds are available, as needed and at a reasonable cost, to meet the ongoing and unexpected operational cash needs and commitments of First Priority and to take advantage of income producing opportunities as they arise. Sufficient liquidity must be available to meet the cash requirements of depositors wanting to withdraw funds and of borrowers wanting their credit needs met. Additionally, liquidity is needed to insure that First Priority has the ability to act at those times when profitable new lending and investment opportunities arise. While the desired level of liquidity may vary depending upon a variety of factors, it is a primary goal of First Priority to maintain adequate liquidity in all economic environments through active balance sheet management.

Liquidity management is the ongoing process of monitoring and managing First Priority’s sources and uses of funds. The primary sources of funds are deposits, scheduled amortization of loans outstanding, maturities and cash flow generated from the investment portfolio and funds provided by operations. Scheduled loan payments and investment maturities are relatively predictable sources of funds; however, deposit flows and loan prepayments are far less predictable and are influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions, local competition and customer preferences. Liquidity is also provided by unused lines of credit with correspondent banks and First Priority’s borrowing capacity at the FHLB. First Priority measures and monitors its liquidity position on an ongoing basis in order to better understand, predict and respond to balance sheet trends, unused borrowing capacity and liquidity needs. The liquidity position is managed on a daily basis as part of the daily settlement function and on an ongoing basis through the asset liability management function.

The key elements of First Priority’s liquidity planning process involve a primary focus on the development of a stable core funding base; utilization of wholesale funding sources to supplement core funding; maintenance of an appropriate level of asset liquidity; management of the maturity structure of funding sources and of funding concentrations; and maintenance of borrowing facilities.

 

29

---

 

Wholesale funding sources utilized by First Priority Bank include brokered certificates of deposits, secured advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, federal funds purchased and other secured borrowing facilities. At December 31, 2015, wholesale funding sources totaled $188.0 million and were comprised of $113.3 million of brokered certificates of deposit and $74.7 million of FHLB advances. At December 31, 2014, wholesale funding sources totaled $137.1 million and were comprised of $74.6 million of brokered certificates of deposit and $62.5 million FHLB advances. Wholesale funding is generally used in managing the daily liquidity needs and when it is the most cost effective funding source available to First Priority. Management continually evaluates all available funding sources for cost and availability.

An integral part of First Priority Bank’s balance sheet management strategy is to establish and maintain borrowing facilities with correspondent banks for access to funding. Off balance sheet borrowing capacity provides the immediate availability of funds to meet short-term financing needs without requiring the bank to maintain excess liquidity in its investment portfolio, which may have a negative impact on earnings. In today’s environment of historically low interest rates, it may also provide the most effective longer term funding, in terms of the cost and structure. Long term borrowings from the FHLB cannot be called prior to maturity, which provides much greater protection against a rise in interest rates when compared to retail deposits, which can be redeemed early by the depositor at lower than market rate penalties.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority Bank had a borrowing facility with a correspondent bank totaling $10 million, available for short-term limited purpose usage, of which $2 million is available unsecured. The remaining $8 million is a secured line of credit.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority Bank had a total borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $169 million and $144 million, respectively, with advances outstanding against this capacity of $74.7 million and $62.5 million, respectively.

Short term liquid assets at December 31, 2015 totaled $52.4 million and were comprised of $2.4 million of interest bearing deposits held at correspondent banks and $50 million of investment securities available for sale due within 30 days.  Short term liquid assets at December 31, 2014 totaled $32.8 million and were comprised of $2.8 million of interest bearing deposits held at correspondent banks and $30 million of investment securities due within 30 days.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

It is the responsibility of the board of directors and senior management to understand and control the interest rate risk exposures assumed by First Priority. The board has delegated authority to the asset liability management committee (“ALCO”) for the development of ALCO policies and for the management of the asset liability management function. The ALCO committee is comprised of senior management representing all primary functions of First Priority and meets monthly. ALCO has the responsibility for maintaining a level of interest rate risk exposures within board of director approved limits.

The primary objective of asset liability management is to optimize net interest income over time while maintaining a balance sheet mix that is prudent with respect to liquidity, capital adequacy and interest rate risk. The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant impact on the profitability of First Priority. Interest rate risk management is the process of identifying and controlling the potential adverse impact of interest rates movements on First Priority’s net interest income and on the fair value of its assets and liabilities.

One tool used to monitor interest rate risk is the measurement of its interest sensitivity “gap,” which is the positive or negative dollar difference between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by changing the mix, pricing and repricing characteristics of First Priority’s assets and liabilities, through management of its investment portfolio, loan and deposit product offerings, and through wholesale funding. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge interest rate risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates. First Priority generally would benefit from increasing market rates of interest when it has an asset-sensitive gap position and generally would benefit from decreasing market rates of interest when First Priority is liability-sensitive.

At December 31, 2015, First Priority was liability sensitive at the one-year gap position, as it has more liabilities subject to repricing in the subsequent twelve month period than assets. It must be noted, however, that the gap analysis is not a precise indicator of First Priority’s exposure to changing interest rates. The analysis presents only a static view of the timing of maturities and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally. Furthermore, the results are influenced by management assumptions concerning the repricing characteristics of deposit products with no contractual maturities, the timing of the repricing of variable rate loans with interest rates currently fixed at interest rate floors, and prepayment speeds of loans and investments subject to prepayment prior to maturity. Additionally, net interest income performance may be impacted by other significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in the volume and mix of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

30

---

 

The Company’s interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2015, as measured by the repricing characteristics of interest sensitive assets and interest sensitive liabilities, is presented in the following table. As noted above, the table presents data at a single point in time and includes significant management assumptions.

 

Contractual Obligations

First Priority Bank utilizes a variety of deposit products and short-term borrowings to supplement its supply of lendable funds, to assist in meeting deposit withdrawal requirements, and to fund growth of interest-earning assets in excess of traditional deposit growth. Brokered certificates of deposit, borrowings from the FHLB, borrowings under correspondent bank lines of credit and repurchase agreements serve as the primary sources of such funds.

Obligations under non-cancelable operating lease agreements are payable over several years with the longest obligation expiring in 2027. Management does not believe that any existing non-cancelable operating lease agreements are likely to materially impact First Priority’s financial condition or results of operations in an adverse way.

 

31

---

 

The following table provides payments due by period for contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015.

 

 

 

32

---

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

33

---

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

First Priority Financial Corp.

Malvern, Pennsylvania

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Priority Financial Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the audit 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.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 First Priority Financial Corp. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

BDO USA, LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 25, 2016

 

 

 

 

34

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

35

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

36

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

37

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollars in thousands)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

38

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

39

---

 

First Priority Financial Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Nature of Operations

First Priority Financial Corp.

First Priority Financial Corp. (“First Priority”, the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on February 13, 2007. On May 11, 2007, as a result of a reorganization and merger, First Priority Bank (the “Bank”) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Priority. First Priority, primarily through the Bank, serves residents and businesses in the Delaware Valley with branches in Berks, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. The Bank, which has 8 retail branch office locations, is a locally managed community bank providing commercial banking products, primarily loans and deposits, is headquartered in Malvern, PA.

First Priority provides banking services through First Priority Bank and does not engage in any activities other than banking and related activities. As of December 31, 2015, First Priority had total assets of $546.5 million and total shareholders’ equity of $52.1 million.

First Priority Bank

First Priority Bank is a state-chartered commercial banking institution which was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 25, 2005. First Priority Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount permitted for all banks.

First Priority Bank engages in a full service commercial and consumer banking business with strong private banking and individual wealth management services. First Priority Bank offers a variety of consumer, private banking and commercial loans, mortgage products and commercial real estate financing. The Company’s operations are significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, and the monetary, fiscal, and regulatory policies of governmental agencies. Lending activities are influenced by a number of factors, including the general credit needs of individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in the Company’s market area, competition, the current regulatory environment, the level of interest rates, and the availability of funds. Deposit flows and costs of funds are influenced by prevailing market rates of interest, competition, account maturities, and the level of personal income and savings in the market area.

First Priority Bank also offers certain financial planning and investment management services. These investment services are provided by First Priority Financial Services, a Division of First Priority Bank, through an agreement with a third party provider. In addition, various life insurance products are offered through First Priority Bank, and the Bank has also entered into solicitation agreements with several investment advisors to provide portfolio management services to customers of the Bank.

First Priority Bank currently seeks deposits and commercial and private banking relationships through its eight banking offices. The Bank provides deposit products that include checking, money market and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit as well as other deposit services, including cash management electronic banking and mobile products as well as online account opening capabilities. The Bank obtains funding in the local community by providing excellent service and competitive rates to its customers and utilizes various advertising to attract current and potential deposit customers. The Bank also uses brokered certificates of deposit as a cost effective funding alternative.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements consist of the Company and the Company’s wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, the Bank. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the

 

40

---

 

financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation, impairment of goodwill, impairment of investments, the valuation of deferred tax assets and the valuation of other real estate owned.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the western and northwestern suburbs surrounding Philadelphia. Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements discusses the types of securities in which the Company currently invests. Note 5 discusses the types of lending in which the Company engages. Although the Company intends to have a diversified loan portfolio, its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts will be influenced by the region’s economy. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one customer; Note 5 discusses lending concentrations to any one particular industry.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States and its agencies and obligations of states and political subdivisions. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. The Company places deposits in correspondent accounts and, on occasion, sells Federal funds to qualified financial institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts and with Federal funds sold is not significant. Therefore, management believes that these particular practices do not subject the Company to unusual credit risk.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal funds sold and short-term money market securities. Generally, Federal funds are purchased or sold for one day periods. Short-term investments are generally purchased with a maturity date of less than three months.

The Company is required to maintain cash reserves that are considered restrictions on cash and cash equivalents which consist of required reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank, related to our deposit liabilities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, these reserve balances were $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value.

Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities are reported as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of the specific securities sold, are included in earnings. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the term of each security. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movements, or anticipated movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations and other similar factors.

Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by a method which approximates the interest method over the terms of the securities. Transfer of securities into held to maturity from available for sale are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized gain/loss at date of transfer is retained in other comprehensive income, and in the current value of the held to maturity securities. Such amounts are amortized over the remaining life of the security.

In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. When a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists but the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

41

---

 

Restricted Investments in Bank Stocks

Restricted investments in bank stocks, which represents the required investment in the common stock of correspondent banks, are carried at cost and consist of stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank. Federal law requires a member institution of the FHLB to hold FHLB stock according to a predetermined formula. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on their assessment of the ultimate recoverability of their cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of an allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) by the interest method based on the contractual terms of the related loans, or if the commitment expires unexercised, recognized in income upon expiration.

The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into commercial, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Commercial loans consist of the following classes: commercial and industrial, commercial construction and commercial mortgage loans. Consumer loans consist of home equity lines of credit and all other consumer loans.

The accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Interest received on nonaccrual loans is generally either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments.

Acquired Loans

Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate.

Acquired loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are accounted for as impaired loans under ASC 310-30. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable discount. The non-accretable discount represents estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require the Company to evaluate the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans. Subsequent improvements in expected cash flows result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the non-accretable discount which the Company then reclassifies as an accretable discount that is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans using the interest method.  As of December 31, 2015, there were three remaining acquired purchased credit impaired loans with a net recorded balance of $264 thousand, after a non-accretable credit discount of $362 thousand.

Acquired loans that met the criteria for non-accrual of interest prior to acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, or in the future, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if the Company can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if the Company expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, the Company may no longer consider the loan to be non-accrual or non-performing and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount. For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value and amortized over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining pooled discounts for loans evaluated

 

42

---

 

collectively for impairment. As of December 31, 2015, the net recorded balance of acquired loans resulting from the Affinity merger totaled $20.7 million, including a remaining interest rate fair value adjustment of $222 thousand offset by a remaining accretable credit discount of $174 thousand, both of which are being recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans.  Additionally, the Company purchased two portfolios of performing residential real estate loans during 2014 and 2015, both of which included loans within Pennsylvania and were underwritten using similar underwriting standards as it uses for its organic portfolio.  These combined portfolios totaled $21.9 million as of December 31, 2015 with remaining acquisition premiums of $428 thousand which will be recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments, totaling $35 thousand as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014, represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity and other consumer loans. These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates for each of these categories of loans, adjusted for qualitative factors. These qualitative risk factors include:

Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

A majority of the Company’s loans are to business owners of many types. The Company makes commercial loans for real estate development and other business purposes required by our customers.

 

43

---

 

The Company’s credit policies determine advance rates against the different forms of collateral that can be pledged against commercial loans. Typically, the majority of loans will be limited to a percentage of their underlying collateral values such as real estate values, equipment, eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Individual loan advance rates may be higher or lower depending upon the financial strength of the borrower and/or term of the loan. The business assets financed through commercial and industrial loans are used within the business for its ongoing operation. Repayment of these kinds of loans generally comes from the cash flow of the business or the ongoing conversions of assets. Commercial real estate loans include long-term loans financing commercial properties. Repayment of this kind of loan is dependent upon either the ongoing cash flow of the borrowing entity or the resale of or lease of the subject property. Commercial real estate loans typically require a loan to value ratio of not greater than 80% and vary in terms.

Residential mortgages and home equity loans are secured by the borrower’s residential real estate in either a first or second lien position. Residential mortgages and home equity loans have varying loan rates depending on the financial condition of the borrower and the loan to value ratio. Residential mortgages have amortizations up to 30 years and home equity loans have maturities of no more than 15 years.  Residential mortgages and home equity loans typically require a loan to value ratio of not greater than 80%.

Other consumer loans include installment loans, car loans, and overdraft lines of credit. The majority of these loans are secured.

An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case by case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral.  

For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values may be discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans criticized special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.

 

44

---

 

In addition, Federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring may be modified by means of extending the maturity date of the loan, reducing the interest rate on the loan to a rate which is below market, a combination of rate adjustments and maturity extensions, or by other means including covenant modifications, forbearances or other concessions. Generally, interest is not accrued on loans that were non-accrual prior to the troubled debt restructuring until they have performed in accordance with the modified terms for a period of at least six months; however, non-accrual troubled debt restructurings may be restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired. Management evaluates the allowance for loan losses with respect to troubled debt restructurings under the same policy and guidelines as all other performing loans are evaluated with respect to the allowance for loan losses.

 

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets, including loan and loan participation sales, 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 (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Other Real Estate Owned

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and generally are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-down, at or prior to the dates the real estate is considered foreclosed, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are generally carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance (write-downs) are included in other non-interest expenses. Any gain or loss upon the sale of real estate owned is reflected in operations as incurred.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Premises and equipment in an acquisition or merger are recorded on acquisition date at fair value. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from 3 to 20 years beginning when the assets are placed in service. Buildings are depreciated from 15 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter, ranging from 3 to 15 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated from 5 to 10 years, automobiles are depreciated from 3 to 10 years and computer equipment and data processing software are depreciated from 2 to 7 years. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.  

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The Bank invests in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies that provide earnings to help cover the cost of employee benefit plans.  The Bank is the owner of the life insurance policies it purchased directly on the lives of certain officers of the Bank.  These policies were issued as split dollar life insurance policies which provide for a portion of the death benefit to be paid to the beneficiaries of the officer while employed by the Bank or through change in control provisions.  The policies are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their cash surrender value and are subject to regulatory capital requirements. The determination of the cash surrender value includes a full evaluation of the contractual terms of each policy.  Additionally, the Company periodically reviews the creditworthiness of the insurance company that has underwritten the policies. Earnings accruing to the Company are derived from the general account investments of the insurance companies. Increases in the net cash surrender value of BOLI policies and insurance proceeds received are not taxable and are recorded in non-interest income in the consolidated statement of income.

 

45

---

 

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s 401(k) plan allows eligible participants to set aside a certain percentage of their salaries before taxes. The Company may elect to match employee contributions up to a specified percentage of their respective salaries in an amount determined by the Board of Directors. The Company’s total matching contributions related to these plans resulted in expenses of $138 thousand and $130 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment.   The company elects to perform a Step One Test impairment test on July 1st of each year, consisting of comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its book value of equity. Pursuant to ASC Topic 350-20, if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. However, if the book value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, there is potential for goodwill impairment and a Step Two Test analysis must be performed to determine the amount of the impairment loss. Based on the analysis completed, the fair value of the reporting unit, First Priority Bank, exceeded its book value as of July 1, 2015 and, therefore, a Step Two analysis was not required.  Any impairment loss related to goodwill and other intangible assets is reflected as other non-interest expense in the statement of operations in the period in which the impairment is determined. No assurance can be given that future impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Core deposit and other intangible assets acquired in acquisitions are identified, recognized and amortized based upon the estimated economic benefits received.

Segment Information

First Priority has one reportable segment, Community Banking. All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Company supports the others. Lending activities are dependent upon the ability of the Company to fund itself with deposits and borrowings while managing the interest rate and credit risk. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment or unit.

Advertising Costs

The Company follows the policy of charging the costs of advertising to expense as incurred.

Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with the Bank.

The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 (ASC 740), in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence. If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded. These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence. Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified.

When determining the potential for a valuation allowance, the Company assessed the possible sources of taxable income available under tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards as defined in paragraph 740-10-30-18. A cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome.

 

46

---

 

The Company also considers tax planning strategies which could accelerate taxable income and allow the Company to take advantage of future deductible differences. The strategy must be prudent and feasible; however, the Company does not need to have specific plans to implement the strategy, but could be an opportunity that the Company could implement in order to take advantage of net operating loss carryforwards.

The Company adopted guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes as presented in FASB ASC 740-10. A tax position is recognized as a benefit at the largest amount that is more-likely-than not to be sustained in a tax examination based solely on its merits. An uncertain tax position will not be recognized if it has a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained. Under the threshold guidelines, the Company believes no significant uncertain tax positions exist, either individually or in the aggregate, that would result in recognition of a liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share exclude dilution and are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares and participating securities (restricted stock) outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share take into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock. Proceeds assumed to have been received on such exercise or conversion, are assumed to be used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period, as required by the “treasury stock method” of accounting. The effects of securities or other contracts to issue common stock are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive.

Stock Options and Restricted Stock Grants

Compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions are recognized in the financial statements over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, compensation expense related to outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants totaled $327 thousand and $273 thousand, respectively, which is included in salaries and employee benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. There was no tax benefit recognized related to this stock-based compensation.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of total comprehensive income.

Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented are as follows:

 

 

47

---

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

 

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet when they are funded.

 

Note 2—Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Deferred by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update establish a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. The revenue standard’s core principle is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. To accomplish this objective, the standard requires five basic steps: i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The amendments are effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements but will continue to evaluate.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables (Topic 310): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The ASU clarifies that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs upon either the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property or 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. The amendments are effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. With the adoption of ASU 2014-04 we did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. For public companies, this update will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied retrospectively. With the adoption the Company did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 changes current U.S. GAAP for public entities by requiring the following, among others: (1) equity securities, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) the use of the exit price when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (3) an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value; and (4) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on future financial statements and disclosures.

 

48

---

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases. From the lessee's perspective, the new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for a lessess. From the lessor's perspective, the new standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales-type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessors for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Note 3—Earnings Per Common Share

Diluted earnings per common share take into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock are exercised and converted into common stock. Proceeds assumed to have been received on such exercise or conversion, are assumed to be used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period, as required by the “treasury stock method” of accounting for common stock equivalents. For purposes of calculating the basic and diluted earnings per share, the Company’s reported net income is adjusted for dividends on preferred stock and net accretion/amortization related to the issuance of preferred stock to determine the net income to common shareholders. Securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per common share in future periods that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive amounted to 195,193 shares as of December 31, 2015, and 320,113 shares as of December 31, 2014.

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per common share are presented below for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

49

---

 

The amount of preferred stock dividends and the net accretion or amortization related to each series of preferred stock is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

Note 4—Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value.

Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Company has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by a method which approximates the interest method over the terms of the securities.

The Company previously transferred investment securities from available for sale to held to maturity securities.  Due to these transfers, securities classified as held to maturity have net unrealized holding gains, totaling $28 thousand and $51 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, which are being amortized over the remaining life of the related securities as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the accretion of discount on the same transferred debt securities. This will have no impact on the Company’s net income because the amortization of the unrealized holding loss reported in equity will offset the effect on the interest income of the accretion of the discount on these securities.

 

50

---

 

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and the fair value of the Company’s investment securities available for sale and held to maturity are as follows for the periods presented:

 

51

---

 

Included in unrealized losses are market losses on securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more and those securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. The table below details the aggregate unrealized losses and aggregate fair value of the underlying securities whose fair values are below their amortized cost at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

As of December 31, 2015, management believes that the estimated fair value of the securities disclosed above is primarily dependent upon the movement in market interest rates particularly given the minimal inherent credit risk associated with the issuers of these securities and that the unrealized losses in these portfolios are not the result of deteriorating credit within any investment category.

Securities issued by states and political subdivisions are all rated investment grade. Each holding is reviewed quarterly for impairment by management and our third party investment advisor. All mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are issued by U.S. government sponsored agencies; there are no holdings of private label mortgage backed securities or securities backed by loans classified as “Alt-A” or “Subprime”.

Although the fair value will fluctuate as market interest rates move, management believes that these fair values will recover as the underlying portfolios mature. The Company evaluates a variety of factors in concluding whether securities are other-than-temporarily impaired. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type and purpose of the bond, the underlying rating of the bond issuer, and the presence of credit enhancements (i.e. state guarantees, municipal bond insurance, collateral requirements, etc.). The Company does not intend to sell any of these securities and it is unlikely that it will be required to sell any of these securities before recovery. Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss on individual securities, as of December 31, 2015 represents other than temporary impairment.

 

52

---

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 gross gains of $259 thousand and $51 thousand, respectively, were realized from the sale of available for sale securities.

Securities with an estimated fair value of $55.2 million and $32.6 million were pledged at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to secure public fund deposits. In addition, securities pledged to secure borrowings by the Bank totaled $60 thousand and $89 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity are shown below. Certain of these investment securities have call features which allow the issuer to call the security prior to its maturity date at the issuer’s discretion.

 

 

 

Note 5—Loans Receivable and Related Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans receivable consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

During the third quarter of 2015 the Company purchased $9.8 million of performing residential real estate loans located in western Pennsylvania which were underwritten using similar underwriting standards as the Bank uses for its organic portfolio.

 

53

---

 

The following tables summarize the activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

54

---

 

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment method by class of loans receivable along with the balance of loans receivable by class disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology:

 

 

 

55

---

 

The following tables summarize information in regard to impaired loans by loan portfolio class as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 as well as for the years then ended, respectively:

 

 

 

 

56

---

 

 

The following table presents nonaccrual loans by classes of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

57

---

 

The Company’s policy for interest income recognition on nonaccrual loans is to recognize income under the cash basis when the loans are both current and the collateral on the loan is sufficient to cover the outstanding obligation to the Company. The Company will not recognize income if these factors do not exist. Interest that would have been accrued on non-accruing loans under the original terms but was not recognized as interest income totaled $228 thousand and $379 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within the Company’s internal risk rating system as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

58

---

 

The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2015, there were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest.  As of December 31, 2014, there was one residential mortgage loan totaling $70 thousand which was greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest which has subsequently been paid current.

The Company may grant a concession or modification for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s declining financial condition that it would not otherwise consider resulting in a modified loan which is then identified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). The Company may modify loans through rate reductions, extensions of maturity, interest only payments, or payment modifications to better match the timing of cash flows due under the modified terms with the cash flows from the borrowers’ operations. Loan modifications are intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. TDRs are considered impaired loans for purposes of calculating the Company’s allowance for loan losses.

The Company identifies loans for potential restructure primarily through direct communication with the borrower and evaluation of the borrower’s financial statements, revenue projections, tax returns, and credit reports. Even if the borrower is not presently in default, management will consider the likelihood that cash flow shortages, adverse economic conditions, and negative trends may result in a payment default in the near future.

 

59

---

 

The following tables reflect information regarding TDR’s entered into by the Company for each of the periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

 

 

 

The following is an analysis of loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring by type of concession for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

 

Two commercial loans, classified as TDR’s, with a combined balance totaling $64 thousand and $78 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were in default and remain classified as non-accrual status.  Additionally, a mortgage loan restructured during the fourth quarter of 2015 with an outstanding balance of $638 thousand was past due 30 days as of December 31, 2015.  As of December 31, 2014, a residential mortgage loan with an outstanding balance of $76 thousand was in default; this loan was subsequently moved to other real estate owned during the fourth quarter of 2015 through foreclosure.

No other TDRs were subsequently in default as of the periods stated.

The carrying amount of foreclosed residential real estate properties held was $715 thousand as of December 31, 2015.  Consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure totaled $230 thousand as of December 31, 2015.

 

Note 6—Transactions with Executive Officers, Directors and Principal Shareholders

The Company has had, and may be expected to have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, their immediate families and affiliated companies (commonly referred to as related parties), on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for

 

60

---

 

comparable transactions with others and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability. Activity of these loans is as follows:

Deposits of related parties totaled $6.8 million and $9.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 7—Premises and Equipment

The components of premises and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $406 thousand and $484 thousand, respectively.

 

Note 8—Deposits

The components of deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

Included in time, other at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are brokered deposits of $113.3 million, and $74.6 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 aggregate time deposits which exceed the $250 thousand FDIC insurance limit were $10.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

 

61

---

 

At December 31, 2015, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

 

 

Note 9—Borrowings

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had a borrowing facility with a correspondent bank totaling $10 million, of which $2 million is available unsecured. The remaining $8 million is a secured line of credit with security provided, when utilized, by a pledge of the Company’s investment assets.

First Priority Bank became a member of FHLB in March 2008. Advances are collateralized by restricted investments in FHLB bank stock totaling $3.3 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, by a specific pledge of First Priority Bank’s investment assets and by a blanket lien on First Priority Bank’s loan portfolio. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, First Priority Bank had borrowing capacity with the FHLB, estimated at $169 million and $144 million, respectively, with advances outstanding as of those dates of $74.7 million and $62.5 million, respectively. Investment securities with a carrying value of $60 thousand and $89 thousand were specifically pledged as collateral to secure FHLB borrowings as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Short-Term Borrowings

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, First Priority had short-term borrowings totaling $59.7 million and $51.5 million, respectively, consisting of advances from the FHLB with an original maturity of less than a year. Advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2015 are collateralized by our investment in the common stock of the FHLB and by a blanket lien on selected mortgage loans within First Priority Bank’s portfolio.

The following table outlines First Priority’s various sources of short-term borrowed funds at or for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The maximum balance represents the highest indebtedness for each category of short-term borrowed funds at any month-end during each of the years shown.

 

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt, consisting of FHLB advances with an original maturity of one year or greater, totaled $15.0 million and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Average balances outstanding totaled $12.9 million and $11.0 million, respectively, with an average cost of 1.00% and 0.89%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs offered from time to time by the FHLB.

 

62

---

 

At December 31, 2015, scheduled maturities of long-term borrowings with the FHLB are as follows:

 

 

Note 10—Subordinated Debt

 

On November 13, 2015, First Priority Bank entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with five accredited investors under which the Bank issued subordinated notes (the “Notes”) totaling $9.5 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $9.2 million after issuance costs of $302 thousand. The Notes have a maturity date of November 30, 2025, and will bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.00% per annum.  The Notes are non-callable for an initial period of five years and include provisions for redemption pricing between 101.5% and 100.5% of the total of $9.5 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon up to but excluding the redemption date, if called after five years but prior to the maturity date.  Upon receipt of regulatory approvals, in December 2015, First Priority Bank utilized $6.0 million of the proceeds from the subordinated note issuance to repurchase shares of its common stock from First Priority, and subsequently in January 2016, First Priority utilized the distribution from the Bank to redeem 6,000 of the 9,404 outstanding shares of its 9.00% Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, which was originally issued to the United States Department of the Treasury during 2009 as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program, at their liquidation value of $1,000 per share, or $6.0 million, plus accrued dividends.  First Priority Bank will utilize the remainder of the issuance for general corporate purposes.  The distribution from First Priority Bank to First Priority received all required approvals, including from the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.

 

Note 11—Lease Commitments

Pursuant to the terms of non-cancellable lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2015, pertaining to premises, future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate, under these lease agreements, are as follows:

 

The minimum lease payments shown above include payments for the entire initial term. One lease agreement included above contains an option for the Company to cancel the lease midway through the initial lease period for an incremental fee. All other option periods for which the Company has an option to extend the lease beyond initial periods have not been included as part of the minimum lease payments.

Lease expense for all leases for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1.19 million and $1.28 million, respectively.

During 2015, the Bank closed two branch office locations upon reaching the end of the current lease terms; consisting of the Reading office in May 2015 and the Towamencin office in September 2015.  Additionally, the Wyomissing office of the Bank was closed and consolidated into the Wyomissing office acquired through the merger with Affinity. The lease on the closed Wyomissing office will expire on January 31, 2017. In January 2014, the Company signed a sublease agreement which provides for future rental payments through the end of the existing lease.

 

63

---

 

Note 12—Severance and Employment Agreements

On December 19, 2013, the board of directors of the Company approved restructured change in control arrangements to replace the previously executed change in control agreements between the Company and participating senior officers. These steps significantly reduced the Company’s liability in the event of a change in control.  Each senior officer will participate in the First Priority Bank Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), which is a broad-based severance plan applicable to certain employees of the Company and the Bank.  Each senior officer will receive a severance benefit equal to continued base salary, as defined, for a period ranging between six and eighteen months in the event that the officer’s employment is terminated within one year following a “change in control” as a result of a work force reduction or job elimination.

In addition, each senior officer also received a grant of stock options under the Company’s existing Stock Compensation Program. Such options, which vest only upon a change in control of the Company, will remain outstanding for a period of ten years, expiring as of December 19, 2023, at an exercise price of $5.25. These issued options, totaling 355,000 were generally granted to replace 315,000 previously granted options, which had exercise prices of either $10.00 or $10.25 per share and which the Company and each senior officer mutually agreed to terminate.

On December 19, 2013, as part of the Company’s long-term incentive compensation program, each senior officer also received a grant of restricted stock under the Company’s Stock Compensation Program, totaling 89,500 shares in aggregate, which vest three years from the grant date or earlier upon a change in control of the Company.

The Company has an employment agreement with its president, who does not participate in the previously mentioned Severance Plan. The employment agreement provides for a three year term that is automatically renewed on each anniversary date of the agreement for an additional year unless either party gives notice to the other of non-renewal at least 60 days prior to such anniversary date. The agreement provides for a base salary and benefits commensurate with other First Priority executive officers, including health insurance, vacation, use of a company vehicle, supplemental life insurance and disability coverage, among other things. The agreement can be terminated for “cause” as defined in the agreement. If First Priority were to terminate its president’s employment without cause, or if the president were to terminate his employment for “good reason”, as defined, including but not limited to, change in control of First Priority, he will be entitled to receive post termination benefits as follows: an amount equal to three (3) times the sum of (i) the highest salary paid to him in the year of termination or prior two calendar years and (ii) the highest bonus paid to him in one of the three calendar years prior to termination and (iii) an adjustment for benefits.

 

Note 13—Shareholders’ Equity

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had 9,404 shares of fixed rate, Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding totaling $9.4 million. The dividend rate for all shares was 9% at December 31, 2015 and was 9% for Series A and B shares at December 31, 2014 and 5% for Series C shares at this same date.  

On February 20, 2009, as part of the Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program, the Company issued 4,579 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $100 par value per share, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), and a warrant (the “Warrant) to purchase, on a net basis, 229 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $100 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), which was immediately exercised, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.58 million in cash, less $29 thousand in legal issuance costs. On December 18, 2009, the Company issued 4,596 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, $100 par value per share, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), for an aggregate purchase price of $4.60 million in cash, less $8 thousand in legal issuance costs.  On February 8, 2013, the Treasury sold its entire holdings of the Company’s preferred stock to certain qualified or accredited institutional investors.

The Preferred Stock has no maturity date and ranks senior to common stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

Subsequently, on January 22, 2016, First Priority redeemed $6 million of the $9.4 million of the outstanding Preferred Stock for a total redemption price of $1,016.75 per share which included accrued dividends. This redemption included all shares of outstanding Series A (4,579 shares; par value $1,000) and Series B (229 shares; par value $1,000); and approximately 25.9% of Series C (1,192 shares of 4,596 shares outstanding; par value $1,000).  The shares of Series C were selected for redemption on a pro rata basis.  Following the completion of these redemptions, 3,404 shares of Series C Preferred Stock will remain outstanding.

 

64

---

 

 

Note 14—Stock Compensation Program

In 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Stock Compensation Program, which was amended at the Company’s annual meeting on April 23, 2009 as the 2009 Stock Compensation Program (the “Program”) and further amended effective March 18, 2010. The Program allows equity benefits to be awarded in the form of Incentive Stock Options, Compensatory Stock Options or Restricted Stock. The Program authorizes the Board of Directors to grant options up to an aggregate maximum of 1,207,957 shares to officers, other employees and directors of the Company, including 382,957 shares which were authorized for grant under this plan as a result of the merger with Affinity. Only employees of the Company will be eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options and such grants are subject to the limitations under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

All stock options granted under the Program fully vest in four years from the date of grant (or potentially earlier upon a change of control), excluding options issued in regards to the Company’s Severance Plan which vest only upon change in control, and terminate ten years from the date of the grant. The exercise price of the options granted is the fair value of a share of common stock at the time of the grant.

A summary of the Stock Option Plan is presented below:

The weighted average remaining contractual lives of all outstanding stock options and exercisable options at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 6.67 years and 3.66 years, respectively and 6.15 years and 2.41 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding stock options was $618 thousand as of December 31, 2015, including $121 thousand related to currently exercisable options, and $229 thousand as of December 31, 2014, none of which were exercisable at that time.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions, excluding those issued as part of the merger with Affinity:

 

For option grants to individual employees, the Company assumes no forfeitures.  For option grants made to a group of employees, a 10% forfeiture rate is typically assumed at the date of the grant, and compared to actual forfeitures on an annual basis.

Under the terms of the merger agreement dated February 28, 2013, with Affinity, each Affinity option became fully vested and was exchanged for a grant of 0.9813 FPFC options, with an adjusted exercise price to reflect the exchange ratio and maintains the same expiration date as the original option. As of December 31, 2015, 51,593 of these options remain outstanding with an average exercise price of $9.36 and a remaining contractual term of 3.4 years.

 

65

---

 

The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. Due to the Company’s lack of sufficient historical exercise data and the limited period of time for which shares have been issued, the “simplified” method is used to determine the expected life of options, calculated as the average of the sum of the vesting term and original contractual term for all periods presented.  The expected volatility percentage is based on the average expected volatility of similar public financial institutions in the Company’s market area.  The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual life of the awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

As of December 31, 2015, there was $292 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted after January 1, 2007, excluding those stock options issued in conjunction with the severance plan (see Note 12). That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.37 years. There was no tax benefit recognized related to this stock-based compensation. There are 355,000 stock options issued in connection with the termination of the previously executed change in control agreements and the adoption of the severance plan with $576 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost which will only be recognized if a change in control occurs, based on the options which remain outstanding and are probable to vest at that time. During 2015, included in the current period options granted, there were 99,000 performance options issued to various employees.  Certain performance criteria must be achieved over the performance period in order for the option granted to vest.  Performance is analyzed on a quarterly basis to determine if the specific required performance is more likely than not to be achieved.  Based on this evaluation, 27,500 performance options were cancelled in 2015 leaving 71,500 outstanding as of December 31, 2015.  These non-vested options may be further adjusted in the future.

Restricted stock grants fully vest after a minimum of three years from the date of grant (or potentially earlier upon a change of control or retirement after the age of 66), subject to the recipient remaining an employee of the Company. Director Restricted Stock grants vest in one year to coincide with the required service period.  Upon issuance of the shares, resale of the shares is restricted during the vesting period, during which the shares may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise disposed of. Prior to the vesting date and in the event the recipient terminates association with Company for any reasons other than death, disability or change of control, the recipient forfeits all rights to the shares that would otherwise be issued under the grant. Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards granted under the Plan is determined at the date of the award based on the estimated fair value of the shares and is amortized over the vesting period. As of December 31, 2015, there was $372 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock, which will be amortized through June 30, 2019.  As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 18,532 shares and 17,982 shares, respectively, of restricted common stock were outstanding to non-management employees throughout the Company under the Stock Compensation Program.

A summary of restricted stock award activity is presented below for the years presented:

 

 

Note 15—Federal Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets (“DTA”) are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. When determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company assessed the possible sources of taxable income available under tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards, as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740-10-30-18. This guidance related to when a valuation allowance on the DTA should be maintained, generally provides that the valuation allowance should be reversed, when in the judgment of management, it is more likely than not that the DTA will be realized.

In 2014, First Priority made a determination that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset would be realized, and therefore, in its judgment, a valuation allowance related to net deferred tax assets was not required.

 

66

---

 

When evaluating the Company’s deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance, management considered the four sources of taxable income identified in ASC Topic 740-10-30-18 including:

Additionally, the Company also considers tax planning strategies which could accelerate taxable income and allow the Company to take advantage of future deductible differences. A qualified tax-planning strategy is an action that (a) is prudent and feasible; (b) a company ordinarily might not take, but would take to prevent an operating loss or tax credit carryforward from expiring unused; and (c) would result in the realization of deferred tax assets.

The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

The most significant component of the Company’s deferred tax asset balances relates to the Company’s net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, including acquired NOLs, totaling $7.9 million as of December 31, 2015. First Priority currently has NOL carryforwards of $5.5 million at December 31, 2015, which expire in 2028 through 2034; such NOL carryforwards, however, are available prior to expiration to reduce future federal income taxes until such time as the entire NOL is utilized.

First Priority acquired a NOL for tax purposes related to the acquisition of Prestige Community Bank which totaled $1.7 million as of December 31, 2015, that is subject to certain limitations and expires in 2027 through 2028 if not fully utilized. In addition, a NOL carryforward balance of $656 thousand resulting from the merger with Affinity remains available to reduce future federal income taxes as of December 31, 2015. These NOL carryforwards are also subject to certain limitations and expires in 2026 through 2032 if not fully utilized.

 

67

---

 

The following table presents the income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax (benefit) expense computed at 34% to the income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

 

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income before income taxes. Penalties are recorded in other expenses, net, and interest paid or received is recorded in interest expense or interest income, respectively, in the consolidated statement of income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no interest or penalties accrued for the Company. With limited exception, tax years prior to 2012 are closed to examination by Federal and State taxing authorities.

 

Note 16—Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, outstanding commitments to extend credit consisting of total unfunded commitments under lines of credit were $97.8 million and $83.2 million, respectively. In addition, as of each of these dates, there were $711 thousand and $349 thousand of performance standby letters of credit outstanding, respectively, and $1.1 million of financial standby letters of credit as of each respective period.

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. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

68

---

 

Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include residential or commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Bank pledged $214 thousand, of deposit balances at a correspondent bank to support a letter of credit with balances of $149 thousand, issued by the correspondent on behalf of a customer of the Bank. This transaction was fully secured by the customer through a pledge of the customer’s deposits at the Bank. During 2015, First Priority Bank issued a letter of credit directly to the customer in relation to this transaction.

Note 17—Regulatory Matters

The Dodd-Frank Act required the FRB to establish minimum consolidated capital requirements for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depositary subsidiaries. The federal banking agencies approved rules that implemented the Dodd-Frank requirements and certain other regulatory capital reforms which were designed to enhance such requirements and implement the revised standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, commonly referred to as Basel III.  These rules (i) introduced a new capital ratio pursuant to the prompt corrective action provisions, the common equity tier 1 capital to risk rated assets ratio, (ii) increased the adequately capitalized and well capitalized thresholds for the Tier 1 risk based capital ratios to 6% and 8% respectively, (iii) changed the treatment of certain capital components for determining Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, and (iv) changed the risk weighting of certain assets and off balance sheet items in determining risk weighted assets. The new risk based capital rules became effective January 1, 2015.

Under the revised capital guidelines, First Priority Bank’s minimum capital to risk-adjusted assets requirements consist of a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% (6.5% to be considered “well capitalized”) and a tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, increased from 4.0% (and increased from 6.0% to 8.0% to be considered “well capitalized”); the total capital ratio remains at 8.0% under the new rules (10.0% to be considered “well capitalized”).  In addition, First Priority Bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4.0% (5.0% to be considered “well capitalized”).  The new minimum capital requirements became effective on January 1, 2015.

Under the new rules, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers), a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer comprised of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets. The capital contribution buffer requirements phase in over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2016.

The Bank’s capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below:

First Priority’s ability to pay cash dividends is dependent on receiving cash in the form of dividends from First Priority Bank. However, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of First Priority Bank to transfer funds to First Priority in the form of cash dividends. All dividends are currently subject to prior approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC and are payable only from the undivided profits of First Priority Bank, with the exception of an exemption enacted by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities which allows the Bank to pay dividends

 

69

---

 

related to preferred stock originally issued under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program—Capital Purchase Program. Additionally, First Priority has met the requirement of obtaining prior approval from the Federal Reserve Bank on any payment of dividends including dividends on the aforementioned preferred stock, when net income for the past four quarters is not sufficient to fund the dividend payments over that same period or when such payment would negatively impact capital adequacy of the Company.

 

Note 18—Fair Value Measurements and Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Bank’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these 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 Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurements, 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 some 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.

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC Topic 820 are as follows:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).

An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

70

---

 

For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

For financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

71

---

 

Management generally uses a discounted appraisal technique in valuing impaired assets, resulting in the discounting of the collateral values underlying each impaired asset. A discounted tax assessment rate has been applied for smaller assets to determine the discounted collateral value. All impaired loans are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate and / or business assets. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment.

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2015 is included in the table below:

 

 

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 is included in the table below:

 

 

 

72

---

 

Valuation of real estate collateral may be discounted based on the age of the existing appraisal. No discounts are taken for recent appraisals. Valuations related to business assets used as collateral are typically discounted more heavily due to the inherent level of uncertainty in determining the fair value of these types of assets. Liquidation costs relating to these assets are charged to expense.

Repossessed assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of personal property, specifically manufactured housing, that has been acquired for debts previously contracted and are included in other assets on the balance sheet. Costs relating to these assets are charged to expense. As of December 31, 2015 there were no repossessed assets.  The Company had $42 thousand of repossessed assets as of December 31, 2014.

Other real estate owned measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consists of properties acquired as a result of accepting a deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure or through other means related to collateral on Bank loans. Costs relating to the development or improvement of assets are capitalized and costs relating to holding the property are charged to expense. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value consists of other real estate owned balances of $1.4 million and $433 thousand, respectively, net of valuation allowances of $404 thousand, and $328 thousand, respectively. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the property.

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are to be sold and are carried at fair value less estimated cost to sell. Fair value is based upon independent market prices or appraised value of the property. These assets are included in Level 3 fair value based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and short-term instruments approximate those assets’ fair values.

Securities

The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.

Loans Receivable

The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal.

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans, which are included in loans receivable, are those that are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables”, in which the Company has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The fair value of the impaired loans consists of the loan balances, net of any valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2015 the fair value of impaired loans consisted of loan balances with an allowance recorded of $2.5 million, net of valuation allowances of $452 thousand and partial charge-offs of $2 thousand; and loan balances with no related allowance recorded of $2.5 million, net of partial charge-offs of $867 thousand. As of December 31, 2014 the fair value of impaired loans consisted of loan balances with an allowance recorded of $542 thousand, net of valuation allowances of $166 thousand and partial

 

73

---

 

charge-offs of $28 thousand; and loan balances with no related allowance recorded of $2.9 million, net of partial charge-offs of $1.1 million.

Restricted Investment in Bank Stock

The carrying amount of restricted investment in bank stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates fair value.

Deposit Liabilities

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (interest and noninterest checking), money market and savings accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market to the maturities of the time deposits.

Short-Term Borrowings

The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.

Long-Term Debt

Fair values of FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity. These prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party.

Subordinated Debt

The fair values of subordinated debt has been estimated using discounted cash flow calculation taking into account contractual maturities, call features, and market interest rates for instruments with similar financial and credit characteristics.  These instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.

 

74

---

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

75

---

 

Note 19—Parent Company Only Financial Information

Condensed financial statements of First Priority Financial Corp. follow:

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS

 

 

76

---

 

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

77

---

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, rather than absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

An evaluation was performed by our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and made known to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.

There have been no changes in First Priority’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described in the paragraph below that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, First Priority’s internal control over financial reporting.

(c) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Based on this evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, we have concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over the financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.

This Annual Report does not include an audit report of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

 

 

78

---

 

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The following table sets forth as to each of the directors, his or her age, principal occupation and business experience, the period during which he or she has served as a director of First Priority, or an affiliate or predecessor, and other business relationships.  There are no family relationships between any of the listed persons.

 

79

---

 

 

 

80

---

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our named executive officers for the last three fiscal years. The compensation committee establishes the salaries for these executive officers.

 

81

---

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End – 2015

________________

Option Exercises and Stock Vested - 2015

The named executive officers did not exercise any stock options during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

82

---

 

Pension Benefits

The named executive officers participate in First Priority Bank’s 401(k) Plan that provides for a 50% match on the first 6% of the employees’ contribution to the plan.  In 2015, the Bank’s match for Messrs. Sparks, Ehrlich, Donato and M. Myers and Ms. Messmer was $7,413 $7,400, $6,044, $5,527 and $6,076, respectively.

Restructured Change in Control Arrangements

During 2013, management and the board of directors took a series of steps to reduce the potential liability underlying the change-in-control agreements which had been in place since the Company’s inception in 2005.  These steps included a voluntary exchange of those contracts of all officers holding change-in-control contracts and stock options issued at previous dates for a new change-of-control severance plan and new stock options.  The result of these steps significantly reduces the total amounts payable under such arrangements in the event of a change in control.

Accordingly, on December 19, 2013, the board of directors of the Company approved restructured change in control arrangements to replace the previously executed change in control agreements between the Company and its named executive officers: David E. Sparks, Lawrence E. Donato, Mary Ann Messmer and Mark J. Myers along with other participating senior management personnel.

In each case, the previously executed change in control agreement between the named executive officer and the Company, which generally provided for 24 months of severance payments in the event of involuntary termination of employment or resignation for specified events of “good reason” following a change in control, was terminated with the consent of the executive officer.  In lieu of the change in control agreements, each of the named executive officers will instead participate in the Bank’s Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”).  Under the Severance Plan, which is a broad-based severance plan applicable to certain employees of the Company and the Bank, each executive will receive a severance benefit equal to continued base salary, as defined, for a period of twelve months (18 months in the case of Mr. M. Myers) in the event that the executive’s employment is terminated within one year following a “change in control” as a result of a work force reduction or job elimination.

In connection with the termination of the previously executed change in control agreements and the adoption of the new Severance Plan, the named executive officers received a grant of stock options under the Company’s existing Stock Compensation Program.  Such options, which vest only upon a change in control of the Company, are exercisable for a period of ten years at an exercise price of $5.25 in the following amounts: Mr. Sparks – 60,000 shares; Mr. Donato – 45,000 shares; Ms. Messmer – 45,000 shares; and Mr. M. Myers – 40,000 shares.  Such options were granted to replace previously granted options, in equal amounts for Messrs. Sparks, Donato and Ms. Messmer and 15,000 for Mr. M. Myers, which the Company and each executive mutually agreed to terminate and which had exercise prices of either $10.00 or $10.25 per share.

On December 19, 2013, as part of the Company’s long-term incentive compensation program, each named executive officer also received a grant of restricted stock under the Company’s Stock Compensation Program, which vests three years from the grant date or earlier upon a change in control of the Company, in the following amounts: Mr. Sparks – 15,000 shares; Mr. Donato – 12,500 shares; Ms. Messmer 12,500 shares; and Mr. M. Myers – 12,000 shares.

Mr. Ehrlich’s Employment Agreement

As a condition to consummation of the merger of Company and ABI, Mr. Ehrlich entered into an employment agreement with First Priority.  The employment agreement provides that Mr. Ehrlich serves as the President of First Priority as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Priority Bank.  The agreement has a term of three years that is automatically renewed on each anniversary date of the agreement for an additional year unless either party gives notice to the other of non-renewal at least 60 days prior to such anniversary date.  The agreement provides Mr. Ehrlich with a base salary of $225,000, as adjusted effective January 1, 2013 by the ABI board of directors, and benefits commensurate with other First Priority executive officers, including health insurance, five weeks of vacation, use of a company vehicle, supplemental life insurance and disability coverage, among other things.  Under the agreement, Mr. Ehrlich’s employment can be terminated for “cause” as defined in the agreement.  

If First Priority were to terminate Mr. Ehrlich’s employment without cause, or if Mr. Ehrlich were to terminate his employment for “good reason”, as defined, including but not limited to, a change in control of First Priority,  he will be entitled to receive post termination benefits as follows: an amount equal to three (3) times the sum of (i) the highest salary paid to him in the year of termination or prior two calendar years; (ii) the highest bonus paid to him in one of the three calendar years prior to termination; and (iii) an adjustment for benefits.  

 

83

---

 

Compensation of Directors

The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation that the Company paid to its non-employee directors in 2015.

 

_______________________

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned, as of March 15, 2016, by each present director, nominee for director, and each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table appearing above (the “named executive officers”).  The mailing address of each person is c/o First Priority, 2 West Liberty Boulevard, Suite 104, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

______________________________

* Less than 1%

 

84

---

 

 

85

---

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Transactions with Related Parties

Certain directors and executive officers of First Priority, and their associates, were customers of and had transactions with First Priority Bank in the ordinary course of business during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  Similar transactions may be expected to take place in the future.  Such transactions included the purchase of certificates of deposit and extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risks of collectability or present other unfavorable features.  It is expected that any other transactions with directors and officers and their associates in the future will be conducted on the same basis.  The aggregate extensions of credit to all such persons, as a group, totaled $8,093,000 with loan outstanding, of $5,722,000 at December 31, 2015.  

Board and Board Committees

The board of directors held eleven (11) meetings in 2015.  The board of directors maintains an audit and governance committee, a compensation committee, a nominating committee and a strategic finance committee.  

The membership of the compensation committee consists of Messrs. Novak (Chairman), Marcus, B. Myers, Shaftel, and Small and met four times in 2015.  Each member of the Compensation Committee is “independent” as determined under the NASDAQ listing standards and SEC rules.  In determining the independence of members of the Compensation Committee, the Board considers all factors specifically relevant to determining whether the director has a relationship to the Company that is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a compensation committee member, including (i) the source of the directors’ compensation, including any consulting, advisory or other compensation fees; and (ii) any affiliate relationship between the director and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  The compensation committee operates under a written charter.  The committee’s criteria for determining executive compensation are discussed below in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.

The nominating committee consists of Messrs. Wetty (Chairman), Marcus, Novak, Shaftel, Small, Spinieo and Wade and met once during 2015.  Each member of the nominating committee is “independent” as determined under NASDAQ listing standards.  The nominating committee operates under a written charter.  The nominating committee develops and recommends criteria for the selection of director nominees to the board, including, but not limited to diversity, age, skills, experience, and time availability (including consideration of the number of other boards on which the proposed director sits) in the context of the needs of the board and First Priority and such other criteria as the committee determines to be relevant at the time.  The committee has adopted and the board of directors approved a policy that no one can stand for election to the board of directors once they have reached the age of 76.  The committee has the power to apply these criteria in connection with the identification of individuals to be board members, as well as to apply the standards for independence imposed by NASDAQ and all applicable federal laws in connection with this identification process.  The nominating committee considers potential candidates recommended by its members, management and others, including shareholders.  The nominating committee applies the same criteria for evaluating the qualifications of directors proposed or nominated by shareholders as it applies to director nominees proposed or nominated by board members or other parties.  Messrs. Sparks and Ehrlich serve as ex-officio members of the nominating committee.  

The audit and governance committee consists of Messrs. Small (Chairman), Cohen, Sabatucci, Shaftel and Smith.  Each member of the audit and governance committee is “independent” under the NASDAQ listing standards and SEC rules.  The audit and governance committee operates under a written charter.  Messrs. Small and Smith have been designated the “audit and governance committee financial experts,” and meet the qualifications to serve as such under the NASDAQ listing standards.

The strategic finance committee consists of Messrs. Shaftel (Chairman), Cohen, Sabatucci, Small and Sparks.  The committee does not operate under a written charter.  The committee’s responsibility is to evaluate capital structure and financing opportunities, capital market activities and strategic opportunities which may be identified by the Company.  Messrs. Donato and Ehrlich serve as ex-officio members of the strategic finance committee.

During 2015, all current directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of board and committee meetings.

 

86

---

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the compensation committee is or has been an officer or employee of the Company or the Bank.  Also, during 2015, none of First Priority’s executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on First Priority’s compensation committee.  

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to the Company by BDO USA, LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

Audit fees include audit fees related to the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, quarterly reviews, and related expenses.  Tax fees include the preparation of the Company’s tax return.  All fees paid to BDO USA, LLP were pre-approved by the audit and governance committee.

 

87

---

 

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Exhibits. The following is a list of Exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

88

---

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the date indicated:  

 

 

 

89