FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit32_2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit32_1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit31_2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit31_1.htm
EX-10.34 - EXHIBIT 10.34 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_34.htm
EX-10.33 - EXHIBIT 10.33 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_33.htm
EX-10.32 - EXHIBIT 10.32 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_32.htm
EX-10.31 - EXHIBIT 10.31 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_31.htm
EX-10.30 - EXHIBIT 10.30 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_30.htm
EX-10.29 - EXHIBIT 10.29 - FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP	exhibit10_29.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)



QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2018



TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission File Number 000-30707

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California		68-0450397
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

195 N. First Street, Dixon, California		95620
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

707-678-3041

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 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 

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 

No 

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

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

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes 

No 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 1, 2018 was 11,661,857.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

INDEX

	Page
PART I – Financial Information

ITEM I. – Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)	4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)	5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)	6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	7

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8

ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	30

ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	45

ITEM 4. – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	45

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	45

ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	45

ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS	45

ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	47

ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	47

ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	47

ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION	47

ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS	47

SIGNATURES	48

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

ITEM I. – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except shares amounts)	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents	$	148,511		$	152,892
Certificates of deposit		1,984			1,984
Investment securities – available-for-sale		291,166			280,741
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $11,715 at March 31, 2018 and $11,133 at December 31, 2017		720,559			739,112
Loans held-for-sale		430			1,040
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost		5,567			5,567
Premises and equipment, net		6,077			6,248
Interest receivable and other assets		29,975			30,074

Total Assets	$	1,204,269		$	1,217,658

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities:

Demand deposits	$	382,166		$	382,157
Interest-bearing transaction deposits		307,155			312,569
Savings and MMDA's		333,669			336,592
Time, $250,000 or less		51,287			54,531
Time, over $250,000		18,517			18,891
Total deposits		1,092,794			1,104,740

Interest payable and other liabilities		10,411			12,874

Total Liabilities		1,103,205			1,117,614

Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, no par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized; 11,661,857 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and 11,630,129 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017		85,931			85,583
Additional paid-in capital		977			977
Retained earnings		20,364			17,881
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net		(6,208	)		(4,397	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		101,064			100,044

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	1,204,269		$	1,217,658

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)	Three months ended March 31, 2018		Three months ended March 31, 2017
Interest and dividend income:
Loans	$	8,806	$	7,961
Due from banks interest bearing accounts		517		332
Investment securities
Taxable		1,308		1,102
Non-taxable		39		75
Other earning assets		105		108
Total interest and dividend income		10,775		9,578
Interest expense:
Deposits		263		265
Total interest expense		263		265
Net interest income		10,512		9,313
Provision for loan losses		525		600
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		9,987		8,713
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts		488		418
Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale		69		147
Investment and brokerage services income		161		143
Mortgage brokerage income		6		13
Loan servicing income		106		150
Fiduciary activities income		156		125
Debit card income		502		467
Losses on sales/calls of available-for-sale securities		—		(16	)
Gain on sale-leaseback of real estate		—		1,187
Other income		316		211
Total non-interest income		1,804		2,845
Non-interest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits		5,317		4,751
Occupancy and equipment		715		696
Data processing		530		402
Stationery and supplies		99		70
Advertising		88		66
Directors' fees		65		59
Other real estate owned recovery		—		(1	)
Other expense		1,180		1,460
Total non-interest expenses		7,994		7,503
Income before provision for income taxes		3,797		4,055
Provision for income taxes		1,064		1,542

Net income	$	2,733	$	2,513

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.24	$	0.22
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.23	$	0.22

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)	Three months ended March 31, 2018			Three months ended March 31, 2017
Net income	$	2,733		$	2,513
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period, net of tax effect of $(731) and $6 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively		(1,811	)		10
Less: reclassification adjustment due to losses realized on sales of securities, net of tax effect of $0 and $6 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively		—			10
Directors' and officer's retirement plan equity adjustments, net of tax effect of $0 and $(31) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively		—			(46	)
Other comprehensive loss	$	(1,811	)	$	(26	)
Comprehensive income	$	922		$	2,487

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share data)

	Common Stock
	Shares			Amounts		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total

Balance at December 31, 2016		11,148,446		$	79,114	$	977	$	14,557		$	(2,350	)	$	92,298
Net income									8,748						8,748
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax												(1,448	)		(1,448	)
Stock dividend adjustment		289			207				(207	)					—
Tax rate change reclassification									599			(599	)		—
4% stock dividend declared in 2018		447,312			5,806				(5,806	)					—
Cash in lieu of fractional shares		(129	)						(10	)					(10	)
Stock-based compensation					378										378
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants, net of restricted stock reversals		34,211			78										78
Balance at December 31, 2017		11,630,129		$	85,583	$	977	$	17,881		$	(4,397	)	$	100,044
Net income									2,733						2,733
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax												(1,811	)		(1,811	)
Stock dividend adjustment		628			240				(240	)					—
Cash in lieu of fractional shares		(159	)						(10	)					(10	)
Stock-based compensation					108										108
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants		25,281			—										—
Stock options exercised, net		5,978			—										—
Balance at March 31, 2018		11,661,857		$	85,931	$	977	$	20,364		$	(6,208	)	$	101,064

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

	(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2018			Three months ended March 31, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	2,733		$	2,513
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		144			152
Accretion and amortization of investment securities premiums and discounts, net		722			918
Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights		—			(21	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net		10			77
Provision for loan losses		525			600
Stock-based compensation		108			77
Loss (gain) on calls of available-for-sale securities		—			16
Gain on sale-leaseback of real estate		—			(1,187	)
Gain on sales of loans held-for-sale		(69	)		(147	)
Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale		5,148			10,045
Originations of loans held-for-sale		(4,469	)		(7,815	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in interest receivable and other assets		830			(122	)
Net (decrease) increase in interest payable and other liabilities		(2,463	)		281
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,219			5,387

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from calls or maturities of available-for-sale securities		11,115			2,275
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		—			462
Principal repayments on available-for-sale securities		12,193			11,153
Purchase of available-for-sale securities		(36,997	)		(31,156	)
Net decrease in certificates of deposit		—			496
Net decrease in loans		18,018			15,640
Sales/disposals of premises and equipment, net		27			2,319
Net cash used in investing activities		4,356			1,189

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net decrease in deposits		(11,946	)		(2,962	)
Cash dividends paid in lieu of fractional shares		(10	)		(10	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		(11,956	)		(2,972	)

Net (decrease) increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(4,381	)		3,604
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period		152,892			159,643
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	148,511		$	163,247

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	261		$	263
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Stock dividend distributed	$	6,046		$	5,295
Decrease in directors' & officer's retirement plan equity adjustment, net of tax	$	—		$	(46	)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale securities, net of taxes	$	(1,811	)	$	20

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2018 and 2017 and December 31, 2017

1.	BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Northern Community Bancorp (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

2.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, Management has identified the allowance for loan losses accounting to be the accounting area requiring the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. A discussion of the factors affecting accounting for the allowance for loan losses is included in the "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Loss" discussions below. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Application of these principles requires the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective transition approach, in which the guidance would only be applied to existing contracts in effect at January 1, 2018 and new contracts entered into after this date. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenues when they transfer promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of Topic 606, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a 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. Most of the Company's revenue is comprised of net interest income on loans and investment securities, which are explicitly out of scope of the new revenue recognition guidance. Management conducted an assessment of the revenue streams that were potentially affected by the new guidance and reviewed contracts in scope to ensure compliance with the new guidance. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in ASU 2016-02, among other things, require lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date:

●	A lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and

●	A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.

The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently leases ten properties. The effect to the Company's financial statements will result in the recording of a lease liability and a related right-of-use asset. Management has not yet quantified the lease liability and right-of-use asset and is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-13, among other things, require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendments are effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently gathering data required to measure expected credit losses in accordance with this ASU and will then evaluate the impact of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements. While the Company has not quantified the impact of this ASU, it does expect changing from the current loss model to an expected loss model to result in an earlier recognition of losses.

In February 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income for certain income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, (1) for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) for all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company elected the early adoption of ASU 2018-02 as of and for the period ended December 31, 2017. As a result, the Company reclassified $599 from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of certain income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The reclassification amount of $599 is comprised of a $473 unrealized loss on investment securities and $126 unrealized loss on retirement plans.

In March 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. These amendments add SEC guidance, among other things, to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amendments are effective upon addition to the FASB Codification. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at March 31, 2018 are summarized as follows:

(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Estimated fair value

Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	25,444	$	—	$	(219	)	$	25,225
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		35,326		—		(342	)		34,984
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		21,942		137		(181	)		21,898
Collateralized mortgage obligations		67,219		—		(2,338	)		64,881
Mortgage-backed securities		147,983		50		(3,855	)		144,178
Total debt securities	$	297,914	$	187	$	(6,935	)	$	291,166

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:

(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Estimated fair value

Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities	$	18,589	$	—	$	(125	)	$	18,464
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		21,353		—		(244	)		21,109
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		23,138		216		(146	)		23,208
Collateralized mortgage obligations		67,724		—		(1,641	)		66,083
Mortgage-backed securities		154,143		95		(2,361	)		151,877
Total debt securities	$	284,947	$	311	$	(4,517	)	$	280,741

The Company had $11,115,000 and $2,737,000 proceeds from sales, calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. There were no gross realized gains from sales/calls of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. There were $0 and $(16,000) gross realized losses from sales/calls of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt and other securities at March 31, 2018, by contractual and expected maturity, are shown in the following table:

(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Estimated fair value

Maturity in years:
Due in one year or less	$	27,624	$	27,548
Due after one year through five years		51,047		50,402
Due after five years through ten years		4,041		4,157
Due after ten years		—		—
Subtotal		82,712		82,107
MBS & CMO		215,202		209,059
Total	$	297,914	$	291,166

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. In addition, factors such as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yield on the carrying value of mortgage-related securities.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018, follows:

	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized losses			Fair Value		Unrealized losses			Fair Value		Unrealized losses

U.S. Treasury securities	$	16,811	$	(59	)	$	8,414	$	(160	)	$	25,225	$	(219	)
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		19,960		(119	)		15,024		(223	)		34,984		(342	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		5,610		(50	)		7,273		(131	)		12,883		(181	)
Collateralized Mortgage obligations		28,440		(776	)		36,441		(1,562	)		64,881		(2,338	)
Mortgage-backed securities		48,802		(915	)		89,836		(2,940	)		138,638		(3,855	)
Total	$	119,623	$	(1,919	)	$	156,988	$	(5,016	)	$	276,611	$	(6,935	)

No decline in value was considered "other-than-temporary" during the first three months of 2018. Ninety seven securities, all considered investment grade, which had a fair value of $119,623,000 and a total unrealized loss of $1,919,000 have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of March 31, 2018. One hundred thirty nine securities, all considered investment grade, which had a fair value of $156,988,000 and a total unrealized loss of $5,016,000 have been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of March 31, 2018. The unrealized losses on the Company's investment securities were caused by market conditions for these types of investments, particularly changes in risk-free interest rates. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and has concluded it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of their anticipated cost basis. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2018.

The fair value of investment securities could decline in the future if the general economy deteriorates, inflation increases, credit ratings decline, the issuer's financial condition deteriorates, or the liquidity for securities declines. As a result, other than temporary impairments may occur in the future.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017, follows:

	Less than 12 months					12 months or more					Total
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized losses			Fair Value		Unrealized losses			Fair Value		Unrealized losses

U.S. Treasury Securities	$	10,004	$	(2	)	$	8,460	$	(123	)	$	18,464	$	(125	)
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		6,049		(50	)		15,060		(194	)		21,109		(244	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		7,677		(34	)		7,116		(112	)		14,793		(146	)
Collateralized Mortgage obligations		31,679		(576	)		34,404		(1,065	)		66,083		(1,641	)
Mortgage-backed securities		62,320		(650	)		76,478		(1,711	)		138,798		(2,361	)
Total	$	117,729	$	(1,312	)	$	141,518	$	(3,205	)	$	259,247	$	(4,517	)

Investment securities carried at $32,957,000 and $32,399,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

4. LOANS

The composition of the Company's loan portfolio, by loan class, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows:

($ in thousands)	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017

Commercial	$	130,749		$	135,015
Commercial Real Estate		393,910			398,346
Agriculture		104,104			113,555
Residential Mortgage		44,788			42,081
Residential Construction		20,754			21,299
Consumer		36,930			38,900
		731,235			749,196
Allowance for loan losses		(11,715	)		(11,133	)
Net deferred origination fees and costs		1,039			1,049
Loans, net	$	720,559		$	739,112

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times. Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies.

Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses. These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above. Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.

Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories, owner-occupied and non-owner occupied. Loans secured by owner-occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the market conditions of the related business. This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to Commercial loans whether secured by equipment, receivables or other personal property or unsecured. Problem commercial real estate loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, payment history of the borrower, and site inspections. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary. Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral. When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default. Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often, these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resulting over-supply of space. Losses are dependent on the value of underlying collateral at the time of default. Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, sales invoices, or other appropriate means.

Agricultural loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to producers and processors of crops and livestock. Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service. Agricultural loans are generally secured by inventory, receivables, equipment, and other real property. Agricultural loans primarily are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities. This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions such as drought or floods. Problem agricultural loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, crop budgets, payment history, and crop inspections. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower's income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.

Residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real estate, are primarily susceptible to four risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower's cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfalls in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and follows general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movement in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Construction loans, whether owner-occupied or non-owner occupied residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the related risks described above but the added risks of construction, including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand and market changes experienced at time of completion. Losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above. Problem construction loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors, or repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.

Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured, are primarily susceptible to four risks: non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower's cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfall in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and will follow general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movements in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation. Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter (generally annually but may be more frequent depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

As of March 31, 2018, approximately 54% in principal amount of the Company's loans were secured by commercial real estate, consisting primarily of loans secured by commercial properties and construction and land development loans. Approximately 6% in principal amount of the Company's loans were residential mortgage loans. Approximately 3% in principal amount of the Company's loans were residential construction loans. Approximately 14% in principal amount of the Company's loans were for agriculture and 18% in principal amount of the Company's loans were for general commercial uses including professional, retail and small businesses. Approximately 5% in principal amount of the Company's loans were consumer loans.

Once a loan becomes delinquent or repayment becomes questionable, a Company collection officer will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral or a principal payment. If this is not forthcoming and payment of principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement becomes unlikely, the Company will consider the loan to be impaired and will estimate its probable loss, using the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For collateral dependent loans, the Company will utilize a recent valuation of the underlying collateral less estimated costs of sale, and charge-off the loan down to the estimated net realizable amount. Depending on the length of time until final collection, the Company may periodically revalue the estimated loss and take additional charge-offs or specific reserves as warranted. Revaluations may occur as often as every 3-12 months depending on the underlying collateral and volatility of values. Final charge-offs or recoveries are taken when the collateral is liquidated and the actual loss is confirmed. Unpaid balances on loans after or during collection and liquidation may also be pursued through legal action and attachment of wages or judgment liens on the borrower's other assets.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all loans were pledged under a blanket collateral lien to secure actual and potential borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Non-accrual and Past Due Loans

The Company's loans by delinquency and non-accrual status, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were as follows:

($ in thousands)	Current & Accruing		30-59 Days Past Due & Accruing		60-89 Days Past Due & Accruing		90 Days or more Past Due & Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Loans
March 31, 2018
Commercial	$	129,831	$	39	$	—	$	—	$	879	$	130,749
Commercial Real Estate		392,137		97		—		—		1,676		393,910
Agriculture		104,104		—		—		—		—		104,104
Residential Mortgage		44,080		—		—		—		708		44,788
Residential Construction		20,754		—		—		—		—		20,754
Consumer		36,406		212		—		—		312		36,930
Total	$	727,312	$	348	$	—	$	—	$	3,575	$	731,235

December 31, 2017
Commercial	$	133,913	$	—	$	—	$	45	$	1,057	$	135,015
Commercial Real Estate		396,521		101		—		—		1,724		398,346
Agriculture		113,555		—		—		—		—		113,555
Residential Mortgage		40,354		349		597		—		781		42,081
Residential Construction		21,299		—		—		—		—		21,299
Consumer		38,656		1		38		—		205		38,900
Total	$	744,298	$	451	$	635	$	45	$	3,767	$	749,196

Non-accrual loans amounted to $3,575,000 at March 31, 2018 and were comprised of three commercial loans totaling $879,000, three commercial real estate loans totaling $1,676,000, three residential mortgage loans totaling $708,000 and two consumer loans totaling $312,000. Non-accrual loans amounted to $3,767,000 at December 31, 2017 and were comprised of three commercial loans totaling $1,057,000, three commercial real estate loans totaling $1,724,000, three residential mortgage loans totaling $781,000, and one consumer loan totaling $205,000. All non-accrual loans are measured for impairment based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measurement of the non-accrual loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an impairment is recognized through the establishment of a specific reserve sufficient to cover expected losses and/or a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. If the loan is considered to be collateral dependent, it is generally the Company's policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan that the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on non-accrual status at March 31, 2018.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Loans to be considered for impairment include non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and loans with a risk rating of 5 (special mention) or worse and an aggregate exposure of five hundred thousand or greater. Once identified, impaired loans are measured individually for impairment using one of three methods: present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate; the loan's observable market price; or fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In general, any portion of the recorded investment in a collateral dependent loan in excess of the fair value of the collateral that can be identified as uncollectible, and is, therefore, deemed a confirmed loss, is promptly charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.

Impaired loans, segregated by loan class, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:

($ in thousands)	Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance		Recorded Investment with no Allowance		Recorded Investment with Allowance		Total Recorded Investment		Related Allowance
March 31, 2018
Commercial	$	3,420	$	879	$	2,312	$	3,191	$	47
Commercial Real Estate		2,088		1,676		270		1,946		36
Agriculture		—		—		—		—		—
Residential Mortgage		2,424		708		1,484		2,192		309
Residential Construction		644		—		644		644		71
Consumer		523		312		211		523		4
Total	$	9,099	$	3,575	$	4,921	$	8,496	$	467

December 31, 2017
Commercial	$	3,882	$	1,057	$	2,603	$	3,660	$	53
Commercial Real Estate		2,114		1,724		272		1,996		36
Agriculture		—		—		—		—		—
Residential Mortgage		2,628		781		1,496		2,277		302
Residential Construction		651		—		650		650		76
Consumer		418		205		213		418		3
Total	$	9,693	$	3,767	$	5,234	$	9,001	$	470

The average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest income recognized on impaired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was as follows:

($ in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018				Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Commercial	$	3,425	$	46	$	5,561	$	9
Commercial Real Estate		1,971		4		809		15
Agriculture		—		—		—		—
Residential Mortgage		2,234		15		3,028		31
Residential Construction		647		9		816		9
Consumer		470		3		649		9
Total	$	8,747	$	77	$	10,863	$	73

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The Company's loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR"), which are loans on which concessions in terms have been granted because of the borrowers' financial difficulties and, as a result, the Company receives less than the current market-based compensation for the loan. These concessions may include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are placed on non-accrual status at the time of restructure and may be returned to accruing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.

When a loan is modified, it is measured based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or the fair value of collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent. If the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through a specific allowance or a charge-off of the loan.

The Company had $4,921,000 and $5,896,000 in TDR loans as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Specific reserves for TDR loans totaled $467,000 and $470,000 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. TDR loans performing in compliance with modified terms totaled $4,921,000 and $5,234,000 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. There were no commitments to advance additional funds on existing TDR loans as of March 31, 2018.

There were no loans modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Loan modifications generally involve reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, or forbearance. There were no loans modified as a TDR within the previous twelve months and for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Credit Quality Indicators

All loans are rated using the credit risk ratings and criteria adopted by the Company. Risk ratings are adjusted as future circumstances warrant. All credits risk rated 1, 2, 3 or 4 equate to a Pass as indicated by Federal and State bank regulatory agencies; a 5 equates to a Special Mention; a 6 equates to Substandard; a 7 equates to Doubtful; and an 8 equates to a Loss. For the definitions of each risk rating, see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The following table presents the risk ratings by loan class as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

($ in thousands)	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
March 31, 2018
Commercial	$	126,596	$	3,022	$	1,131	$	—	$	—	$	130,749
Commercial Real Estate		363,867		16,733		13,310		—		—		393,910
Agriculture		101,887		2,217		—		—		—		104,104
Residential Mortgage		42,534		1,533		721		—		—		44,788
Residential Construction		20,754		—		—		—		—		20,754
Consumer		35,635		945		350		—		—		36,930
Total	$	691,273	$	24,450	$	15,512	$	—	$	—	$	731,235

December 31, 2017
Commercial	$	132,846	$	1,050	$	1,119	$	—	$	—	$	135,015
Commercial Real Estate		378,632		16,101		3,613		—		—		398,346
Agriculture		110,370		3,140		45		—		—		113,555
Residential Mortgage		39,142		2,147		792		—		—		42,081
Residential Construction		21,299		—		—		—		—		21,299
Consumer		38,157		500		243		—		—		38,900
Total	$	720,446	$	22,938	$	5,812	$	—	$	—	$	749,196

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

Three months ended March 31, 2018
($ in thousands)	Commercial			Commercial Real Estate			Agriculture			Residential Mortgage			Residential Construction			Consumer			Unallocated		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	2,625		$	5,460		$	1,547		$	628		$	360		$	342		$	171	$	11,133
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		(85	)		(46	)		(124	)		(1	)		(13	)		(68	)		862		525

Charge-offs		—			—			—			—			—			(6	)		—		(6	)
Recoveries		9			—			—			16			1			37			—		63
Net charge-offs		9			—			—			16			1			31			—		57
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	2,549		$	5,414		$	1,423		$	643		$	348		$	305		$	1,033	$	11,715
Period-end amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment		47			36			—			309			71			4			—		467
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		2,502			5,378			1,423			334			277			301			1,033		11,248
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	2,549		$	5,414		$	1,423		$	643		$	348		$	305		$	1,033	$	11,715

Three months ended March 31, 2017
($ in thousands)	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Agriculture		Residential Mortgage		Residential Construction		Consumer			Unallocated			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	3,571	$	3,910	$	1,262	$	660	$	440	$	498		$	558		$	10,899
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		235		813		25		41		13		(114	)		(413	)		600

Charge-offs		—		—		—		—		—		(11	)		—			(11	)
Recoveries		2		—		—		—		1		8			—			11
Net charge-offs		2		—		—		—		1		(3	)		—			—
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	3,808	$	4,723	$	1,287	$	701	$	454	$	381		$	145		$	11,499
Period-end amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment		1,341		38		—		578		98		24			—			2,079
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		2,467		4,685		1,287		123		356		357			145			9,420
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	3,808	$	4,723	$	1,287	$	701	$	454	$	381		$	145		$	11,499

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses and the amount allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of and for the period ended December 31, 2017.

Year ended December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)	Commercial			Commercial Real Estate		Agriculture		Residential Mortgage			Residential Construction			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	3,571		$	3,910	$	1,262	$	660		$	440		$	498		$	558		$	10,899
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		(567	)		1,550		285		(7	)		(85	)		(189	)		(387	)		600

Charge-offs		(681	)		—		—		(121	)		—			(33	)		—			(835	)
Recoveries		302			—		—		96			5			66			—			469
Net charge-offs		(379	)		—		—		(25	)		5			33			—			(366	)
Ending Balance		2,625			5,460		1,547		628			360			342			171			11,133
Period-end amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment		53			36		—		302			76			3			—			470
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		2,572			5,424		1,547		326			284			339			171			10,663
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	2,625		$	5,460	$	1,547	$	628		$	360		$	342		$	171		$	11,133

The Company's investment in loans as of March 31, 2018, March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2017 related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by loan class and disaggregated on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology was as follows:

($ in thousands)	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Agriculture		Residential Mortgage		Residential Construction		Consumer		Total
March 31, 2018
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,191	$	1,946	$	—	$	2,192	$	644	$	523	$	8,496
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		127,558		391,964		104,104		42,596		20,110		36,407		722,739
Ending Balance	$	130,749	$	393,910	$	104,104	$	44,788	$	20,754	$	36,930	$	731,235

March 31, 2017
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	5,544	$	795	$	—	$	3,022	$	812	$	593	$	10,766
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		115,509		341,385		94,652		40,154		21,926		39,531		653,157
Ending Balance	$	121,053	$	342,180	$	94,652	$	43,176	$	22,738	$	40,124	$	663,923

December 31, 2017
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,660	$	1,996	$	—	$	2,277	$	650	$	418	$	9,001
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		131,355		396,350		113,555		39,804		20,649		38,482		740,195
Ending Balance	$	135,015	$	398,346	$	113,555	$	42,081	$	21,299	$	38,900	$	749,196

5. MORTGAGE OPERATIONS

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities are accounted for and reported based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Transfers of financial assets that are sales are distinguished from transfers that are secured borrowings. Retained interests (mortgage servicing rights) in loans sold are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount of the transferred assets between the loans sold and retained interests, if any, based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current market interest rate.

The Company recognizes a gain and a related asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold. The Company sold substantially its entire portfolio of conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2018 for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans. At March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others totaling $219,939,000 and $221,591,000, respectively.

The recorded value of mortgage servicing rights is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. The Company assesses capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based upon the fair value of those rights at each reporting date. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified based upon the product type, term and interest rates. Fair value is determined by discounting estimated net future cash flows from mortgage servicing activities using discount rates that approximate current market rates and estimated prepayment rates, among other assumptions. The amount of impairment recognized, if any, is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceeds their fair value. Impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum. Changes in the carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights are reported in earnings under other operating income on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of mortgage servicing rights as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:

	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017

Constant prepayment rate		9.50	%		10.80	%
Discount rate		10.02	%		10.02	%
Weighted average life (years)		6.56			6.02

The following table summarizes the Company's mortgage servicing rights assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Mortgage servicing rights are included in Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

	(in thousands)
	December 31, 2017			Additions			Reductions				March 31, 2018

Mortgage servicing rights		$	1,712		$	40		$	(73	)		$	1,679
Valuation allowance			—			—			—				—
Mortgage servicing rights, net of valuation allowance		$	1,712		$	40		$	(73	)		$	1,679

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the estimated fair market value of the Company's mortgage servicing rights asset was $2,040,000 and $1,876,000, respectively.

The Company received contractually specified servicing fees of $139,000 and $146,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. Contractually specified servicing fees are included in non-interest income on the condensed consolidated statements of income, net of the amortization of the mortgage servicing rights asset.

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale and trading securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a non-recurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, loans held-for-investment and certain other assets. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally corresponds with the Company's quarterly valuation process.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018:

	(in thousands)
March 31, 2018	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	25,225	$	25,225	$	—	$	—
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		34,984		—		34,984		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		21,898		—		21,898		—
Collateralized mortgage obligations		64,881		—		64,881		—
Mortgage-backed securities		144,178		—		144,178		—
Total investments at fair value	$	291,166	$	25,225	$	265,941	$	—

There were no transfers of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017:

	(in thousands)
December 31, 2017	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	18,464	$	18,464	$	—	$	—
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations		21,109		—		21,109		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		23,208		—		23,208		—
Collateralized mortgage obligations		66,083		—		66,083		—
Mortgage-backed securities		151,877		—		151,877		—
Total investments at fair value	$	280,741	$	18,464	$	262,277	$	—

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2018.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017:

	(in thousands)
December 31, 2017	Carrying Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Impaired loans		$	1,468		$	—		$	—		$	1,468
Total assets at fair value		$	1,468		$	—		$	—		$	1,468

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Key methods and assumptions used in measuring the fair value of impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:

	Method	Assumption Inputs

Impaired loans	Collateral, market, income, enterprise, liquidation and discounted Cash Flows	External appraised values, management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors; selling costs ranging from 6% to 7%.

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale

Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets where valuations include significant unobservable assumptions.

Impaired Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, the Company measures impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Inputs include external appraised values, management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors, selling and commission costs generally ranging from 6% to 7%, and amount and timing of cash flows based upon current discount rates. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.

At March 31, 2018, certain impaired loans were considered collateral dependent and were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When a loan is evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments for the periods ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were approximately as follows:

			March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Level		Carrying amount		Fair value		Carrying amount		Fair value

Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		1	$	148,511	$	148,511	$	152,892	$	152,892
Certificates of deposit		2		1,984		1,981		1,984		1,983
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities		3		5,567		5,567		5,567		5,567
Loans receivable:
Net loans		3		720,559		679,423		739,112		736,292
Loans held-for-sale		2		430		443		1,040		1,060
Interest receivable		2		3,917		3,917		4,117		4,117
Mortgage servicing rights		3		1,679		2,040		1,712		1,876
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		3		1,092,794		963,567		1,104,740		993,425
Interest payable		2		75		75		72		72

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.

7. 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 in the form of loans or through standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent credit risk at the indicated periods, were as follows:

(in thousands)	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017

Undisbursed loan commitments	$	213,079	$	220,882
Standby letters of credit		3,093		2,635
Commitments to sell loans		2,484		1,283
	$	218,656	$	224,800

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer's creditworthiness 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 accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank issues both financial and performance standby letters of credit. The financial standby letters of credit are primarily to guarantee payment to third parties. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no financial standby letters of credit outstanding. The performance standby letters of credit are typically issued to municipalities as specific performance bonds. Performance standby letters of credit totaled $3,093,000 and $2,635,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Bank has experienced no draws on these letters of credit, resulting in no related liability included on their balance sheet; however, should a triggering event occur, the Bank either has collateral in excess of the letter of credit or imbedded agreements of recourse from the customer. The Bank has set aside a reserve for unfunded commitments in the amount of $850,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, which is recorded in "interest payable and other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit bear similar credit risk characteristics as outstanding loans. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no off-balance sheet derivatives requiring additional disclosure.

Mortgage loans sold to investors may be sold with servicing rights retained, for which the Company makes only standard legal representations and warranties as to meeting certain underwriting and collateral documentation standards. In the past two years, the Company has not had to repurchase any loans due to deficiencies in underwriting or loan documentation. Management believes that any liabilities that may result from such recourse provisions are not significant.

8. STOCK PLANS

On January 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 4% stock dividend payable as of March 29, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2018. All stock options and restricted stock outstanding have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Options outstanding at Beginning of Period		260,592		$	7.42
Granted		69,868		$	13.03
Expired		(3,412	)	$	11.90
Cancelled / Forfeited		—			—
Exercised		(13,539	)	$	7.05
Options outstanding at End of Period		313,509		$	8.64	$	1,488,836		7.52
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period		154,508		$	6.32	$	1,091,848		6.02

The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $2.48 per share.

The intrinsic value of options exercised was $88,000 and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. The fair value of awards vested was $114,000 and $85,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

As of March 31, 2018, there was $368,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.94 years.

There was $33,000 of recognized compensation cost related to stock options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2018 is presented below:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Risk Free Interest Rate		2.57	%

Expected Dividend Yield		0.00	%

Expected Life in Years		5

Expected Price Volatility		14.44	%

The following table presents the activity related to non-vested restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2018:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Non-vested Restricted stock outstanding at Beginning of Period		111,848		$	7.85
Granted		25,769		$	13.03
Cancelled / Forfeited		—			—
Exercised/Released/Vested		(23,908	)	$	6.22
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at End of Period		113,709		$	9.37	$	1,522,564		3.07

The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $13.03 per share.

As of March 31, 2018, there was $695,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.07 years.

There was $61,000 of recognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). There are 281,216 shares authorized under the ESPP. The total number of shares authorized has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends and stock splits, including the 4% stock dividend declared on January 25, 2018, payable March 29, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2018. The ESPP will expire on March 16, 2026.

The ESPP is implemented by participation periods of not more than twenty-seven months each. The Board of Directors determines the commencement date and duration of each participation period. The Board of Directors approved the current participation period of November 24, 2017 to November 23, 2018. An eligible employee is one who has been continually employed for at least 90 days prior to commencement of a participation period. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 10 percent of their compensation withheld to purchase the Company's common stock each participation period. The purchase price of the stock is 85 percent of the lower of the fair value on the last trading day before the date of participation or the fair value on the last trading day during the participation period.

As of March 31, 2018, there was $42,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.75 years.

There was $14,000 of recognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The weighted average fair value at issuance date during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $2.69.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing ESPP issuances during the three months ended March 31, 2018 is presented below:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Risk Free Interest Rate		1.61%

Expected Dividend Yield		0.00%

Expected Life in Years		1.00

Expected Price Volatility		12.50%

9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2018:

($ in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (losses) on Securities			Officers' retirement plan			Directors' retirement plan		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	(2,997	)	$	(1,403	)	$	3	$	(4,397	)
Current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(1,811	)		—			—		(1,811	)
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(4,808	)	$	(1,403	)	$	3	$	(6,208	)

The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

($ in thousands)	Unrealized Gains (losses) on Securities			Officers' retirement plan			Directors' retirement plan		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(1,678	)	$	(686	)	$	14	$	(2,350	)
Current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		20			(46	)		—		(26	)
Balance as of March 31, 2017	$	(1,658	)	$	(732	)	$	14	$	(2,376	)

10. OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On January 25, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 4% stock dividend payable as of March 29, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2018. All income per share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus dilutive shares for the quarter. Diluted shares include all common stock equivalents ("in-the-money" stock options, unvested restricted stock, stock units, warrants and rights, convertible bonds and preferred stock), which reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company.

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands except per share amounts):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$	2,733	$	2,513

Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,532,769		11,496,082
Basic EPS	$	0.24	$	0.22

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	2,733	$	2,513

Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,532,769		11,496,082
Effect of dilutive shares		162,654		143,263
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding		11,695,423		11,639,345
Diluted EPS	$	0.23	$	0.22

Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 132,805 shares and 71,134 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

11. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) on January 1, 2018. The following are descriptions of the Company's sources of Non-interest income within the scope of ASC 606:

Service charges on deposit accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts include account maintenance and analysis fees and transaction-based fees. Account maintenance and analysis fees consist primarily of account fees and analyzed account fees charged on deposit accounts on a monthly basis. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are recognized on a monthly basis as the service period is completed. Transaction-based fees consist of non-sufficient funds fees, wire fees, overdraft fees and fees on other products and services and are charged to deposit customers for specific services provided to the customer. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction occurs and the fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to the customer.

Investment and brokerage services income

The Bank earns investment and brokerage services fees for providing a broad range of alternative investment products and services through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Brokerage fees are generally earned in two ways. Brokerage fees for managed accounts charge a set annual percentage fee based on the underlying portfolio value and are earned on a quarterly basis. Brokerage fees for a standard commission account are charged on a per transaction fee and are earned at the time of the transaction.

Mortgage brokerage income

The Bank earns a brokerage fee for underwriting mortgage loans for other institutions. The loans are not funded by the Bank but are funded by other institutions. The brokerage fee is a percentage of the total loan amount. The performance obligation is satisfied and fees are recognized once underwriting is completed.

Fiduciary activities income

The Bank partners with Trust Management Network to provide Asset Management & Trust services. Fiduciary activities income is primarily standard monthly trustee fees. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are recognized on a monthly basis as the service period is completed.

Debit card income

Debit card income represent fees earned on Bank-issued debit card transactions. The Bank earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through the related payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholders' account. Certain expenses directly associated with the debit card are recorded on a net basis with the interchange income.

Gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities

Gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are from the sale of investment securities. The gain or loss is recognized upon settlement of the sale transaction.

Other income

Other income within the scope of ASC 606 include check sales fees, bankcard fees, merchant fees and increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Check sales fees, based on check sales volume, are received from check printing companies and are recognized monthly. Bankcard fees are earned from the Bank's credit card program and are recognized monthly as the service period is completed. Merchant fees are earned for card payment services provided to its merchant customers. The Bank has a contract with a third party to provide card payment services to merchants that contract for those services. Merchant fees are recognized monthly as the service period is completed. The Bank owns life insurance policies on certain officers and directors of the Bank. The increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies is recognized on a monthly basis based upon the current expected cash surrender value of the underlying life insurance policies.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may include forward-looking statements, which may include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors," and the other risks described in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.

This report and other reports or statements which we may release may include forward-looking statements, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words "believe," "expect," "target," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "seek," "strive," "estimate," "potential," "project," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "might," or "may." These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date any forward-looking statements are made.

In this document and in other SEC filings or other public statements, for example, we make forward-looking statements relating to the following topics, among others:

 Our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, our organizational structure, the growth of our business and our competitive position and prospects, and the effect of competition on our business and strategies



Our assessment of significant factors and developments that have affected or may affect our results



Pending and recent legal and regulatory actions, and future legislative and regulatory developments, including the effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and other legislation and governmental measures introduced in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system, financial markets and the U.S. economy



Regulatory and compliance controls, processes and requirements and their impact on our business



The costs and effects of legal or regulatory actions



Expectations regarding draws on performance letters of credit



Our regulatory capital requirements, including the capital rules adopted in the past several years by the U.S. federal banking agencies



Expectations regarding our non-payment of a cash dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future



Credit quality and provision for credit losses and management of asset quality and credit risk, and expectations regarding collections



Our allowances for credit losses, including the conditions we consider in determining the unallocated allowance and our portfolio credit quality, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, underwriting standards, and risk grading



Our assessment of economic conditions and trends and credit cycles and their impact on our business



The seasonal nature of our business



The impact of changes in interest rates and our strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile and the possible effect of increases in residential mortgage interest rates on new originations and refinancing of existing residential mortgage loans



Loan portfolio composition and risk grade trends, expected charge-offs, portfolio credit quality, our strategy regarding troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"), delinquency rates and our underwriting standards



Our deposit base including renewal of time deposits



The impact on our net interest income and net interest margin from the current low-interest rate environment

●	Possible changes in the initiatives and policies of the federal bank regulatory agencies



Tax rates and the possible impact of changes in the U.S. tax laws



Our pension and retirement plan costs



Our liquidity position



Critical accounting policies and estimates, the impact or anticipated impact of recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting principles



Expected rates of return, maturities, loss exposure, growth rates, yields and projected results



The possible impact of weather related conditions, including drought, fire or flooding, and related governmental responses on economic conditions, especially in the agricultural sector



Maintenance of insurance coverages appropriate for our operations



Threats to the banking sector and our business due to cybersecurity issues and attacks and regulatory expectations related to cybersecurity



Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing

Readers of this document should not rely on any forward-looking statements, which reflect only our management's belief as of the date of this report. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those listed in Item 1A "Risk Factors" of Part II of this Form 10-Q, Item 2 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of Part I of this Form 10-Q and "Risk Factors" and "Supervision and Regulation" in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our other reports to the SEC.

INTRODUCTION

This overview of Management's Discussion and Analysis highlights selected information in this report and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources and critical accounting estimates, you should carefully read this entire report and any other reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the "Bank"), is a California state-chartered bank that derives most of its revenues from lending and deposit taking in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California. Interest rates, business conditions and customer confidence all affect our ability to generate revenues. In addition, the regulatory and compliance environment and competition can present challenges to our ability to generate those revenues.

Significant results and developments during the first quarter and year-to-date 2018 included:



Net income of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, up 8.7% from $2.5 million earned for the same period last year.



Diluted earnings per share of $0.23 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, up 4.6% from diluted income per share of $0.22 in the same period last year.



Net interest income of $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, up 12.9% from $9.3 million in the same period last year.

●	Net interest margin of 3.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, up 9.4% from 3.42% for the same period last year.



Provision for loan losses of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, down 12.5% from $0.6 million for the same period last year.



Total assets of $1.2 billion as of March 31, 2018, down 1.1% from $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2017.



Total net loans (including loans held-for-sale) of $721.0 million as of March 31, 2018, down 2.6% from $740.2 million as of December 31, 2017.



Total investment securities of $291.2 million as of March 31, 2018, up 3.7% from $280.7 million as of December 31, 2017.



Total deposits of $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2018, down 1.1% from $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2017.

SUMMARY

The Company recorded net income of $2,733,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, representing an increase of $220,000 from net income of $2,513,000 for the same period in 2017.

The following tables present a summary of the results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and a summary of our financial condition at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Three months ended March 31, 2018				Three months ended March 31, 2017

(in thousands except for per share amounts)
For the Period:
Net Income		$	2,733			$	2,513
Basic Earnings Per Common Share		$	0.24			$	0.22
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share		$	0.23			$	0.22
Net Income to Average Assets (annualized)			0.91	%			0.87	%
Net Income to Average Equity (annualized)			10.85	%			10.64	%
Average Equity to Average Assets			8.39	%			8.13	%

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017

(in thousands except for ratios)
At Period End:
Total Assets		$	1,204,269			$	1,217,658
Total Investment Securities		$	291,166			$	280,741
Total Loans, Net (including loans held-for-sale)		$	720,989			$	740,152
Total Deposits		$	1,092,794			$	1,104,740
Loan-To-Deposit Ratio			66.0	%			67.0	%

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income

(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

	Three months ended March 31, 2018							Three months ended March 31, 2017
	Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)			Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	717,675	$	8,806		4.98	%	$	660,028	$	7,961		4.89	%
Certificates of deposit		1,984		6		1.23	%		16,161		36		0.90	%
Interest bearing due from banks		123,235		511		1.68	%		139,768		296		0.86	%
Investment securities, taxable		280,552		1,308		1.89	%		263,729		1,102		1.69	%
Investment securities, non-taxable (2)		12,259		39		1.29	%		19,108		75		1.59	%
Other interest earning assets		5,567		105		7.65	%		4,409		108		9.93	%
Total average interest-earning assets		1,141,272		10,775		3.83	%		1,103,203		9,578		3.52	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		24,267							24,451
Premises and equipment, net		6,154							6,095
Interest receivable and other assets		29,683							27,773
Total average assets		1,201,376							1,161,522

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction deposits		303,755		67		0.09	%		288,923		60		0.08	%
Savings and MMDA's		337,901		129		0.15	%		334,643		127		0.15	%
Time, $250,000 and under		52,184		47		0.37	%		58,717		59		0.41	%
Time, over $250,000		18,841		20		0.43	%		19,866		19		0.39	%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities		712,681		263		0.15	%		702,149		265		0.15	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits		376,428							354,759
Interest payable and other liabilities		11,486							10,128
Total liabilities		1,100,595							1,067,036
Total average stockholders' equity		100,781							94,486
Total average liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,201,376						$	1,161,522
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)			$	10,512		3.74	%			$	9,313		3.42	%

(1) Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest is excluded. Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $28 and $16 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2) Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.

(3) Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

(4) For disclosure purposes, yield/rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income

(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

	Three months ended March 31, 2018							Three months ended December 31, 2017
	Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)			Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	717,675	$	8,806		4.98	%	$	699,547	$	8,549		4.85	%
Certificates of deposit		1,984		6		1.23	%		2,890		9		1.24	%
Interest bearing due from banks		123,235		511		1.68	%		149,960		449		1.19	%
Investment securities, taxable		280,552		1,308		1.89	%		281,377		1,217		1.72	%
Investment securities, non-taxable (2)		12,259		39		1.29	%		13,811		48		1.38	%
Other interest earning assets		5,567		105		7.65	%		5,567		99		7.06	%
Total average interest-earning assets		1,141,272		10,775		3.83	%		1,153,152		10,371		3.57	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		24,267							26,163
Premises and equipment, net		6,154							6,344
Interest receivable and other assets		29,683							29,321
Total average assets		1,201,376							1,214,980

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction deposits		303,755		67		0.09	%		299,706		63		0.08	%
Savings and MMDA's		337,901		129		0.15	%		350,341		152		0.17	%
Time, $250,000 and under		52,184		47		0.37	%		55,740		57		0.41	%
Time, over $250,000		18,841		20		0.43	%		19,310		15		0.31	%
Total average interest-bearing liabilities		712,681		263		0.15	%		725,097		287		0.16	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits		376,428							375,570
Interest payable and other liabilities		11,486							12,141
Total liabilities		1,100,595							1,112,808
Total average stockholders' equity		100,781							102,172
Total average liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,201,376						$	1,214,980
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)			$	10,512		3.74	%			$	10,084		3.47	%

(1) Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest is excluded. Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $28 and $40 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

(2) Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.

(3) Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

(4) For disclosure purposes, yield/rates are annualized by dividing the number of days in the reported period by 365.

Analysis of Changes

in Interest Income and Interest Expense

(Dollars in thousands)

Following is an analysis of changes in interest income and expense (dollars in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 over the three months ended March 31, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2018 over the three months ended December 31, 2017. Changes not solely due to interest rate or volume have been allocated proportionately to interest rate and volume.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Over Three Months Ended March 31, 2017									Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Over Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
	Volume			Interest Rate			Change			Volume			Interest Rate			Change

Increase in Interest Income:

Loans	$	711		$	134		$	845		$	126		$	131		$	257
Certificates of Deposit		(40	)		10			(30	)		(3	)		—			(3	)
Due From Banks		(40	)		255			215			(93	)		155			62
Investment Securities - Taxable		74			132			206			(4	)		95			91
Investment Securities - Non-taxable		(24	)		(12	)		(36	)		(5	)		(4	)		(9	)
Other Assets		25			(28	)		(3	)		—			6			6

	$	706		$	491		$	1,197		$	21		$	383		$	404

Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense:

Deposits:
Interest-Bearing Transaction Deposits	$	2		$	5		$	7		$	—		$	4		$	4
Savings & MMDAs		2			—			2			(5	)		(18	)		(23	)
Time Certificates		(11	)		—			(11	)		(11	)		6			(5	)

	$	(7	)	$	5		$	(2	)	$	(16	)	$	(8	)	$	(24	)

Increase in Net Interest Income:	$	713		$	486		$	1,199		$	37		$	391		$	428

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a $4,381,000 decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $10,425,000 increase in investment securities available-for-sale, a $18,553,000 decrease in net loans held-for-investment, a $610,000 decrease in loans held-for-sale, and a $171,000 decrease in premises & equipment from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to a decrease in non-interest bearing accounts, which was partially offset by an increase in interest bearing due from Federal Reserve Bank accounts. The increase in investment securities available-for-sale was primarily the result of the purchases of U.S. Treasury, agency and mortgage-backed securities. The decrease in net loans held-for-investment was primarily due to decreased demand for commercial, commercial real estate, agriculture, residential construction, and consumer loans. The decrease in net loans held-for-investment was partially offset by an increase in residential mortgage loans. The decrease in loans held-for-sale was due to timing of sales of loans held-for-sale. The decrease in premises & equipment was primarily due to depreciation expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a decrease in total deposits of $11,946,000 from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The decrease in deposits was due to decreases in interest-bearing deposit accounts, money market accounts, and time deposits, which were partially offset by increases in demand deposits and savings accounts.

CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Interest Income

The Federal Open Market Committee increased the Federal Funds rate 25 basis points from 1.50% to 1.75% during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Interest income on loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was up 10.6% from the same period in 2017, increasing from $7,961,000 to $8,806,000. The increase in interest income on loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average loans and a nine basis point increase in loan yields. The increase in loan yields was primarily due to the origination of new loans and the repricing of existing loans at higher rates.

Interest income on investment securities available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was up 14.4% from the same period in 2017, increasing from $1,177,000 to $1,347,000. The increase in interest income on investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities and an 18 basis point increase in yields on investment securities. The increase in yields on investment securities is primarily due to the reinvestment of cash flows into higher yielding investment securities.

Interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was up 72.6% from the same period in 2017, increasing from $296,000 to $511,000. The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago was due to an 82 basis point increase in interest-bearing due from yields, which was partially offset by a decrease in average interest-bearing due from banks balance.

Interest income on certificates of deposit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was down 83.3% from the same period in 2017, decreasing from $36,000 to $6,000. The decrease in interest income on certificates of deposit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average balance of certificates of deposit, which was partially offset by a 33 basis point increase in certificates of deposit yields.

The Company had no Federal Funds sold balances during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Interest Expense

Interest expense on deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was down 0.8% from the same period in 2017, decreasing from $265,000 to $263,000.

The Company had no FHLB advances or other borrowing balances during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Provision for Loan Losses

There was a provision for loan losses of $525,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to a provision for loan losses of $600,000 for the same period in 2017. The allowance for loan losses was approximately $11,715,000, or 1.60% of total loans, at March 31, 2018, compared to $11,133,000, or 1.49% of total loans, at December 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Provisions for unfunded lending commitment losses are included in non-interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income was down 36.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the same period in 2017, decreasing from $2,845,000 to $1,804,000.

The decrease was primarily due to the $1,187,000 gain on sale leaseback of real estate recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017. This sale was related to the sale of land and building which is partially occupied by a Bank branch. Other changes included decreases on gains on sales of loans held-for-sale and loan servicing income, which were partially offset by increases in service charges on deposit accounts, investment and brokerage services income, fiduciary activities income, debit card income and other income. The decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale was primarily due to a decrease in loans being serviced. The decrease in loan servicing income was primarily due to a decrease in mortgage servicing assets recorded. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was primarily due to an increase in non-sufficient funds fees and account analysis fees. The increase in investment and brokerage services income and fiduciary activities income was primarily due to an increase in demand for those services. The increase in debit card income was primarily due to an increase in the volume of transactions.

Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expenses were up 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the same period in 2017, increasing from $7,503,000 to $7,994,000.

The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, data processing, stationery and supplies and advertising, which was partially offset by a decrease in other expenses. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to an increase in regular salaries and bonus expense. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense was primarily due to an increase in service contracts. The increase in data processing was primarily due to increases in general data processing costs. The decrease in other expenses was primarily due to a decrease in consulting fees.

The following table sets forth other non-interest expenses by category for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

	(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2018		Three months ended March 31, 2017
Other non-interest expenses
FDIC assessments	$	110	$	135
Contributions		49		45
Legal fees		54		46
Accounting and audit fees		105		93
Consulting fees		96		250
Postage expense		26		69
Telephone expense		30		32
Public relations		61		51
Training expense		27		48
Loan origination expense		51		35
Computer software depreciation		36		38
Operational losses		40		98
Loan collection expense		12		26
Other non-interest expense		483		494
Total other non-interest expenses	$	1,180	$	1,460

Income Taxes

The Company's tax rate, the Company's income before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by non-taxable earnings affect the Company's provision for income taxes. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. Among other changes, the new law provides a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Provision for income taxes was down 31.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the same period in 2017, decreasing from $1,542,000 to $1,064,000 primarily as a result of the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate coupled with a decrease in pre-tax income.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

The following table shows the distribution of the Company's undisbursed loan commitments at the dates indicated.

	(in thousands)
	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017

Undisbursed loan commitments		$	213,079		$	220,882
Standby letters of credit			3,093			2,635
Commitments to sell loans			2,484			1,283
		$	218,656		$	224,800

The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $850,000 at each of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, "Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk," for additional information.

Asset Quality

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times. Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk-rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies. The federal bank regulatory agencies utilize the following definitions for assets adversely classified for supervisory purposes:



Substandard Assets – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.



Doubtful Assets – An asset classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Other Real Estate Owned and loans rated Substandard and Doubtful are deemed "classified assets". This category, which includes both performing and non-performing assets, receives an elevated level of attention regarding collection.

The following tables summarize the Company's non-accrual loans net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government by loan category at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	At March 31, 2018									At December 31, 2017
	Gross			Guaranteed			Net			Gross			Guaranteed			Net
(dollars in thousands)

Commercial		$	879		$	316		$	563		$	1,057		$	32		$	1,025
Commercial real estate			1,676			129			1,547			1,724			70			1,654
Agriculture			—			—			—			—			—			—
Residential mortgage			708			—			708			781			—			781
Residential construction			—			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			312			—			312			205			—			205
Total non-accrual loans		$	3,575		$	445		$	3,130		$	3,767		$	102		$	3,665

It is generally the Company's policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due for a period of 90 days as to interest or principal payments. When a loan is placed on non-accrual, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against principal. A loan may only be restored to an accruing basis when it again becomes well secured and in the process of collection or all past due amounts have been collected.

Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Non-performing impaired loans are non-accrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing. Total non-performing impaired loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisting of loans on non-accrual status totaled $3,575,000 and $3,767,000, respectively. A restructuring of a loan can constitute a TDR if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A loan that is restructured in a TDR is considered an impaired loan. Performing impaired loans, which consisted of loans modified as TDRs, totaled $4,921,000 and $5,234,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company expects to collect all principal and interest due from performing impaired loans. These loans are not on non-accrual status. The majority of the non-performing impaired loans, in management's opinion, were adequately collateralized based on recently obtained appraised property values or were guaranteed by a governmental entity. See "Allowance for Loan Losses" below for additional information. No assurance can be given that the existing or any additional collateral will be sufficient to secure full recovery of the obligations owed under these loans.

As the following table illustrates, total non-performing assets, net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, decreased $580,000 or 15.6% to $3,130,000 during the first three months of 2018. Non-performing assets, net of guarantees, represented 0.3% of total assets at March 31, 2018.

	At March 31, 2018							At December 31, 2017
	Gross		Guaranteed		Net			Gross		Guaranteed		Net
(dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans	$	3,575	$	445	$	3,130		$	3,767	$	102	$	3,665
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing		—		—		—			45		—		45

Total non-performing loans		3,575		445		3,130			3,812		102		3,710
Other real estate owned		—		—		—			—		—		—
Total non-performing assets		3,575		445		3,130			3,812		102		3,710

Non-performing loans (net of guarantees) to total loans						0.4	%						0.5	%
Non-performing assets (net of guarantees) to total assets						0.3	%						0.3	%
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans (net of guarantees)						374.3	%						300.1	%

The Company had loans totaling $0 and $45,000 that were 90 days or more past due and still accruing at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Excluding the non-performing loans cited previously, loans totaling $11,937,000 and $2,045,000 were classified as substandard or doubtful loans, representing potential problem loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. In Management's opinion, the potential loss related to these problem loans was sufficiently covered by the Bank's existing loan loss reserve (Allowance for Loan Losses) at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The ratio of the Allowance for Loan Losses to total loans at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was 1.60% and 1.49%, respectively.

Other real estate owned ("OREO") consists of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure. The estimated fair value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to OREO. The balance transferred to OREO is the estimated fair value of the property less estimated cost to sell. Impairment may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value. Appraisals or loan officer evaluations are then conducted periodically thereafter charging any additional impairment to the appropriate expense account. The Company had no OREO as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company's Allowance for Loan Losses is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to provide for loan and other credit losses that can be reasonably anticipated. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs. The Company contracts with vendors for credit reviews of the loan portfolio as well as considers current economic conditions, loan loss experience, and other factors in determining the adequacy of the reserve balance. The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses may vary from current estimates.

The following table summarizes the Allowance for Loan Losses of the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and for the year ended December 31, 2017:

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses

(Amounts in thousands, except percentage amounts)

	Three months ended March 31,						Year ended December 31,
	2018			2017			2017

Balance at beginning of period	$	11,133		$	10,899		$	10,899
Provision for loan losses		525			600			600
Loans charged-off:
Commercial		—			—			(681	)
Commercial Real Estate		—			—			—
Agriculture		—			—			—
Residential Mortgage		—			—			(121	)
Residential Construction		—			—			—
Consumer		(6	)		(11	)		(33	)
Total charged-off		(6	)		(11	)		(835	)

Recoveries:
Commercial		9			2			302
Commercial Real Estate		—			—			—
Agriculture		—			—			—
Residential Mortgage		16			—			96
Residential Construction		1			1			5
Consumer		37			8			66
Total recoveries		63			11			469

Net charge-offs		57			—			(366	)

Balance at end of period	$	11,715		$	11,499		$	11,133

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (annualized)		0.03	%		0.00	%		(0.05	%)
Allowance for loan losses
To total loans at the end of the period		1.60	%		1.73	%		1.49	%
To non-performing loans, net of guarantees at the end of the period		374.3	%		280.2	%		300.1	%

The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, net of guarantees was 374.3% and 280.2% as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. The increase in allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, net of guarantees was primarily due to an decrease in non-performing loans, net of guarantees. The increase in allowance for loan losses during the first three months in 2018 was due to an increase in unallocated reserves. The increase in unallocated reserves was driven by a decrease in loans outstanding due to seasonal fluctuations associated with Agricultural production loans and reductions in Commercial Real Estate loans outstanding.

Deposits

Deposits are one of the Company's primary sources of funds. At March 31, 2018, the Company had the following deposit mix: 30.5% in savings and MMDA deposits, 6.4% in time deposits, 28.1% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 35.0% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits. At December 31, 2017, the Company had the following deposit mix: 30.5% in savings and MMDA deposits, 6.6% in time deposits, 28.3% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 34.6% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits. Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits increase the Company's net interest income by lowering its cost of funds.

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves. The Company believes that no material portion of its deposits has been obtained from or is dependent on any one person or industry. The Company accepts deposits in excess of $250,000 from customers. These deposits are priced to remain competitive.

Maturities of time certificates of deposits of over $250,000 or more outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:

	(in thousands)
	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Three months or less	$	4,791	$	2,093
Over three to twelve months		8,451		9,454
Over twelve months		5,275		7,344
Total	$	18,517	$	18,891

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to serve our market area, the Company must maintain adequate liquidity and adequate capital. Liquidity is measured by various ratios, in management's opinion, the most common being the ratio of net loans to deposits (including loans held-for-sale). This ratio was 66.0% on March 31, 2018. In addition, on March 31, 2018, the Company had the following short-term investments (based on remaining maturity and/or next repricing date): $20,488,000 in securities due within one year or less; and $62,938,000 in securities due in one to five years.

To meet unanticipated funding requirements, the Company maintains short-term unsecured lines of credit with other banks which totaled $80,000,000 at March 31, 2018. Additionally, the Company has a line of credit with the FHLB, with a borrowing capacity at March 31, 2018 of $312,421,000; credit availability is subject to certain collateral requirements. The Company had no borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018.

The Company's primary source of liquidity on a stand-alone basis is dividends from the Bank. Dividends from the Bank are subject to regulatory restrictions.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the other U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules making significant changes to the U.S. regulatory capital framework for U.S. banking organizations and to conform this framework to the guidelines published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel Committee) known as the Basel III Global Regulatory Framework for Capital and Liquidity. These rules adopted by the FRB and the other federal banking agencies (the U.S. Basel III Capital Rules) replaced the federal banking agencies' general risk-based capital rules, advanced approaches rule, market-risk rule, and leverage rules, in accordance with certain transition provisions. The Bank became subject to the new rules on January 1, 2015. The new rules implement higher minimum capital requirements, include a new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement, and establish criteria that instruments must meet in order to be considered common equity Tier 1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital, or Tier 2 capital. When fully phased in by January 1, 2019, the final rules will provide for increased minimum capital ratios as follows: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (b) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (which is an increase from 4.0%); (c) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (d) a Tier 1 leverage ratio to average consolidated assets of 4%. Under the new rules, in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity Tier 1 capital above its minimum risk based capital requirements (equal to 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets when fully phased in). The phase-in of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016, and must be completed by January 1, 2019. The U.S. Basel III Capital Rules also provide for various adjustments and deductions to the definitions of regulatory capital that phased in from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017.

As of March 31, 2018, the Bank's capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. The following table presents the capital ratios for the Bank, compared to the regulatory standards for well-capitalized depository institutions, as of March 31, 2018.

	(amounts in thousands except percentage amounts)
	Actual						Well Capitalized Ratio Requirement
	Capital			Ratio			Well Capitalized Ratio Requirement
Leverage		$	104,401		8.69	%		5.0	%
Common Equity Tier 1		$	104,401		12.43	%		6.5	%
Tier 1 Risk-Based		$	104,401		12.43	%		8.0	%
Total Risk-Based		$	114,922		13.69	%		10.0	%

ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company believes that there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of March 31, 2018, from those presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, which are incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 4. – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) We maintain "disclosure controls and procedures," as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet reasonable assurance standards. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2018. This conclusion is based on an evaluation conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management.

(b) During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is any of their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, except ordinary routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of the Bank's business and incidental to its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company's or the Bank's business, financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of risk factors relating to our business, please refer to Part I, Item 1A of our 2017 Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, and to the following:

The Bank's Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses

At March 31, 2018, approximately 78% of the Bank's loans in principal amount (excluding loans held-for-sale) were secured by real estate. The value of the Bank's real estate collateral has been, and could in the future continue to be, adversely affected by the economic recession and resulting adverse impact on the real estate market in Northern California.

The Bank's primary lending focus has historically been commercial (including agricultural), construction, and real estate mortgage. At March 31, 2018, real estate mortgage (excluding loans held-for-sale) and construction loans (residential and other) comprised approximately 73% and 5%, respectively, of the total loans in the Bank's portfolio. At March 31, 2018, all of the Bank's real estate mortgage and construction loans and approximately 2% of its commercial loans were secured fully or in part by deeds of trust on underlying real estate. The Company's dependence on real estate increases the risk of loss in both the Bank's loan portfolio and its holdings of other real estate owned if economic conditions in Northern California deteriorate in the future. Deterioration of the real estate market in Northern California would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The CFPB has adopted various regulations which have impacted, and will continue to impact, our residential mortgage lending business. For additional information, see "Business – Certain CFPB Rules" in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Adverse California Economic Conditions Could Adversely Affect the Bank's Business

The Bank's operations and a substantial majority of the Bank's assets and deposits are generated and concentrated primarily in Northern California, particularly the counties of Placer, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo, and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. At March 31, 2018, approximately 78% of the Bank's loan portfolio in principal amount (excluding loans held-for-sale) consisted of real estate-related loans, all of which were secured by collateral located in Northern California. As a result, a downturn in the economic conditions in Northern California may cause the Bank to incur losses associated with high default rates and decreased collateral values in its loan portfolio. Economic conditions in California are subject to various uncertainties including deterioration in the California real estate market and housing industry.

At times, economic conditions in California, and especially the regional markets we serve, have been subject to various challenges, including significant deterioration in the residential real estate sector and the California state government's budgetary and fiscal difficulties. While California home prices and the California economy in general have experienced a recovery in recent years, there can be no assurance that the recovery will continue. Recent growth in home prices in some California markets may be unsustainable relative to market fundamentals, and home price declines may occur.

In addition, until 2013, the State government of California experienced budget shortfalls or deficits that led to protracted negotiations between the Governor and the State Legislature over how to address the budget gap. The California electorate approved, in the 2012 general elections, certain increases in the rate of income taxation in California. However, there can be no assurance that the state's fiscal and budgetary challenges will not recur. In addition, the impact of increased rates of income taxation on the level of economic activity in California cannot be predicted at this time.

Also, municipalities and other governmental units within California have been experiencing budgetary difficulties, and several California municipalities have filed for protection under the Bankruptcy Code. As a result, concerns also have arisen regarding the outlook for the State of California's governmental obligations, as well as those of California municipalities and other governmental units.

Poor economic conditions in California, and especially the regional markets we serve, will cause us to incur losses associated with higher default rates and decreased collateral values in our loan portfolio. If the budgetary and fiscal difficulties of the California State government and California municipalities and other governmental units were to recur or economic conditions in California decline, we expect that our level of problem assets will increase and our prospects for growth will be impaired.

ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number		Description of Document

10.29		Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement between First Northern Bank of Dixon and Jeremiah Z. Smith, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

10.30		Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement between First Northern Bank of Dixon and Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

10.31		Change of Control Agreement between First Northern Bank of Dixon and Joe Danelson, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

10.32		Change of Control Agreement between First Northern Bank of Dixon and Jeffrey Adamski, Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer.

10.33		Executive Retirement/Retention Participation Agreement for Jeffrey Adamski, Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer.

10.34		Amended Form of Salary Continuation Agreement between First Northern Bank of Dixon and Bruce Orris, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

31.1		Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2		Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1*		Statement of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

32.2*		Statement of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

101		Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018, is formatted in XBRL interactive data files: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

* In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

			FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

Date:	May 9, 2018	By:	/s/ Kevin Spink

			Kevin Spink, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

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