UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2006 Commission file number: 001-15985 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. VERMONT 03-0283552 P.O. BOX 667 MAIN STREET MORRISVILLE, VT 05661 Registrant's telephone number: 802-888-6600 Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not applicable Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ----- ----- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. (See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer", in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check One): Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [X] Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No X ----- ----- Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of August 3, 2006: Common Stock, $2 par value 4,540,740 shares 1 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements Union Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiary Consolidated Balance Sheets 3 Consolidated Statements of Income 4 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 6 Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 10 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 36 Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 36 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. 36 Item 1A. Risk Factors. 36 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and use of Proceeds. 36 Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders. Item 6. Exhibits. 37 Signatures 38 2 Part I Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements UNION BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) June 30, December 31, 2006 2005 ---- ---- ASSETS (Dollars in thousands) Cash and due from banks $ 12,072 $ 14,019 Federal funds sold and overnight deposits 20 189 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents 12,092 14,208 Interest bearing deposits in banks 6,708 8,598 Investment securities available-for-sale 23,861 32,408 Loans held for sale 1,734 6,546 Loans 305,868 300,677 Allowance for loan losses (3,235) (3,071) Unearned net loan fees (130) (152) -------- -------- Net loans 302,503 297,454 Accrued interest receivable 1,572 1,972 Premises and equipment, net 6,117 5,898 Other assets 8,189 7,662 -------- -------- Total assets $362,776 $374,746 ======== ======== Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities Deposits Non-interest bearing $ 46,627 $ 52,617 Interest bearing 250,107 260,682 -------- -------- Total deposits 296,734 313,299 Borrowed funds 20,340 16,256 Accrued interest and other liabilities 3,764 3,588 -------- -------- Total liabilities 320,838 333,143 -------- -------- Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $2.00 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 4,918,611 shares issued at 6/30/06 and 12/31/05 9,837 9,837 Paid-in capital 145 140 Retained earnings 34,406 33,761 Treasury stock at cost; 377,871 shares at 6/30/06 and 375,948 at 12/31/05 (2,079) (2,037) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (371) (98) -------- -------- Total stockholders' equity 41,938 41,603 -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $362,776 $374,746 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. 3 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands except Per Share Data) Interest income Interest and fees on loans $ 5,854 $ 4,913 $ 11,305 $ 9,552 Interest on debt securities Taxable 235 296 533 645 Tax exempt 49 47 98 100 Dividends 22 21 45 40 Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits 17 24 43 37 Interest on interest bearing deposits in banks 68 55 147 114 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest income 6,245 5,356 12,171 10,488 --------- --------- --------- --------- Interest expense Interest on deposits 1,404 921 2,644 1,686 Interest on borrowed funds 206 101 413 195 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest expense 1,610 1,022 3,057 1,881 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income 4,635 4,334 9,114 8,607 Provision for loan losses 105 - 150 - --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 4,530 4,334 8,964 8,607 --------- --------- --------- --------- Noninterest Income Trust income 74 64 145 129 Service fees 787 729 1,493 1,403 Net gains on sales of investment securities 14 1 17 1 Net gains on sales of loans held for sale 27 23 119 119 Other income 101 91 175 141 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total noninterest income 1,003 908 1,949 1,793 --------- --------- --------- --------- Noninterest expenses Salaries and wages 1,511 1,408 3,005 2,785 Pension and employee benefits 552 520 1,129 1,035 Occupancy expense, net 198 198 401 402 Equipment expense 261 244 517 512 Other expenses 929 907 1,796 1,724 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total noninterest expense 3,451 3,277 6,848 6,458 --------- --------- --------- --------- Income before provision for income taxes 2,082 1,965 4,065 3,942 Provision for income taxes 548 532 1,058 1,114 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income $ 1,534 $ 1,433 $ 3,007 $ 2,828 ========= ========= ========= ========= Earnings per common share $ 0.34 $ 0.31 $ 0.66 $ 0.62 ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 4,540,828 4,554,663 4,541,166 4,554,663 ========= ========= ========= ========= Dividends per common share $ 0.26 $ 0.24 $ 0.52 $ 0.88 ========= ========= ========= ========= See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. 4 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) Common Stock ------------------ Accumulated Shares, other Total net of Paid-in Retained Treasury comprehensive stockholders' Treasury Amount capital earnings stock loss equity -------- ------ ------- -------- -------- ------------- ------------- (Dollars in thousands) Balances, December 31, 2005 4,542,663 $9,837 $140 $33,761 $(2,037) $ (98) $41,603 Comprehensive income: Net income - - - 3,007 - - 3,007 Change in net unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale, net of reclassification adjustment and tax effects - - - - - (273) (273) ------ Total comprehensive income - - - - - - 2,734 ------ Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share) - - - (2,362) - - (2,362) Issuance of stock options - - 5 - - - 5 Purchase of treasury stock (1,923) - - - (42) - (42) --------- ------ ---- ------- -------- ----- ------ Balances, June 30, 2006 4,540,740 $9,837 $145 $34,406 $(2,079) $(371) $41,938 ========= ====== ==== ======= ======= ===== ======= See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. 5 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Six Months Ended --------------------- June 30, June 30, 2006 2005 ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net Income $ 3,007 $ 2,828 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation 384 379 Provision for loan losses 150 - (Credit) provision for deferred income taxes (25) 14 Net amortization on investment securities 34 72 Equity in losses of limited partnerships 165 95 Issuance of stock options 5 - Decrease in unamortized loan fees (22) (10) Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale 10,949 9,856 Origination of loans held for sale (6,018) (7,380) Net gain on sales of investment securities (17) (1) Net gain on sales of loans held for sale (119) (119) Net gain on disposals of premises and equipment (6) (1) Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable 400 (118) (Increase) decrease in other assets (178) 140 Increase (decrease) in income taxes 28 (174) Decrease in accrued interest payable (37) (1) Increase in other liabilities 185 613 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 8,885 6,193 -------- -------- Cash Flows From Investing Activities Interest bearing deposits in banks Maturities and redemptions 1,890 1,392 Purchases - (98) Investment securities available-for-sale Sales 6,028 1,994 Maturities, calls and paydowns 2,089 7,932 Purchases - (999) Net purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock (248) - Increase in loans, net (5,328) (14,793) Recoveries of loans charged off 48 31 Purchases of premises and equipment (605) (637) Investments in limited partnerships - (142) 6 Six Months Ended --------------------- June 30, June 30, 2006 2005 ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment 9 1 Proceeds from sales of repossessed property 1 8 - - Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 3,884 (5,311) -------- -------- Cash Flows From Financing Activities Increase in borrowings outstanding, net 4,084 5,869 Net decrease in non-interest bearing deposits (5,990) (11,278) Net (decrease) increase in interest bearing deposits (10,575) 7,362 Purchase of treasury stock (42) - Dividends paid (2,362) (4,009) -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities (14,885) (2,056) -------- -------- Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (2,116) (1,174) Cash and cash equivalents Beginning 14,208 21,117 -------- -------- Ending $ 12,092 $ 19,943 ======== ======== Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Interest paid $ 3,094 $ 1,882 ======== ======== Income taxes paid $ 1,055 $ 55 ======== ======== Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Investment in limited partnerships acquired by capital contributions payable - $ (748) ======== ======== Change in unrealized losses on investment securities available-for-sale $ (413) $ (255) ======== ======== Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans $ 101 $ 244 ======== ======== Repossessed property acquired in settlement of loans $ 1 $ 12 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. 7 UNION BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of Union Bankshares, Inc. (the Company) for the interim periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and for the quarters then ended have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), general practices within the banking industry, and the accounting policies described in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. In the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of the information contained herein have been made. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders, 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and current reports on Form 8-K. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2006, or any other interim period. Certain amounts in the 2005 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation. Note 2. Commitments and Contingencies In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Note 3. Per Share Information Earnings per common share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and reduced for shares held in treasury. The assumed conversion of available stock options does not result in material dilution. Note 4. New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48") "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 provides guidance on the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard to determine its effects, if any, on the Company's consolidated financial statements. On March 17, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. The Statement requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract in certain situations. It requires all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. It permits an entity to choose either the amortization method or the fair value measurement method for each class of separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities and requires additional disclosures in the financial statements under the fair value measurement method. SFAS No. 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 156 will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations but is still in the process of analyzing that impact. Note 5. Stock Option Plan In December 2005 the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R Share Based Payment using the modified prospective application. Under SFAS 123R, the Company must recognize as compensation expense the grant date fair value of stock-based awards over the vesting period of the awards. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R the Company accounted for its stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees as allowed under SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Under APB Opinion No. 25, the Company provided pro 8 forma net income disclosures for employee stock-based awards granted on or after January 1, 1995 as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. Had compensation cost been determined on the basis of fair value pursuant to SFAS No.123R, the effects on net income and earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 would have been: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ------------------ ---------------- 2005 2005 ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Net income as reported $1,433 $2,828 Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects 0 0 ------ ------ Pro forma net income $1,433 $2,828 ====== ====== Earnings per common share As reported $ 0.31 $ 0.62 Pro forma $ 0.31 $ 0.62 Note 6. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Union Bank (Union), the Company's bank subsidiary, sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering all eligible employees. The plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. Net periodic pension benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 consisted of the following components: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ------------------ ---------------- 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $132 $116 $242 $232 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 144 121 275 242 Expected return on plan assets (118) (107) (242) (214) Amortization of prior service cost 2 2 3 4 Amortization of net loss 21 15 42 30 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net periodic benefit cost $181 $147 $320 $294 ==== ==== ==== ==== Note 7. Other Comprehensive Loss The components of other comprehensive loss and related tax effects for the three and six months periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended ------------------ ---------------- 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in thousands) Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale $(293) $152 $(396) $(254) Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income (14) (1) (17) (1) ----- ---- ----- ----- Net unrealized gains (losses) (307) 151 (413) (255) Tax effect (104) 51 (140) (87) ----- ---- ----- ----- Net of tax amount $(203) $100 $(273) $(168) ===== ==== ===== ===== 9 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL The following discussion and analysis by management focuses on those factors that had a material effect on Union Bankshares, Inc.'s (the Company's) financial position as of June 30, 2006, and as of December 31, 2005, and its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. This discussion is being presented to provide a narrative explanation of the financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and with other financial data appearing elsewhere in this filing and with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. In the opinion of Company's management, the interim unaudited data reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, and disclosures necessary to fairly present the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim period. Management is not aware of the occurrence of any events after June 30, 2006, which would materially affect the information presented. CAUTIONARY ADVICE ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The Company may from time to time make written or oral statements that are considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include financial projections, statements of plans and objectives for future operations, estimates of future economic performance and assumptions relating thereto. The Company may include forward-looking statements in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in its reports to stockholders, including this Quarterly Report, in other written materials, and in statements made by senior management to analysts, rating agencies, institutional investors, representatives of the media and others. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainties, both general and specific, and risk exists that those predictions, forecasts, projections and other estimates contained in forward-looking statements will not be achieved. When management uses any of the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates", or similar expressions, they are making forward-looking statements. Many possible events or factors, including those beyond the control of management, could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company. This could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. The possible events or factors that might affect forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: * uses of monetary, fiscal, and tax policy by various governments; * political, legislative, or regulatory developments in Vermont, New Hampshire, or the United States including changes in laws concerning accounting, taxes, banking, and other aspects of the financial services industry; * developments in general economic or business conditions nationally, in Vermont, or in northern New Hampshire, including interest rate fluctuations, market fluctuations and perceptions, job creation and unemployment rates, ability to attract new business, and inflation and their effects on the Company or its customers; * changes in the competitive environment for financial services organizations, including increased competition from tax-advantaged credit unions; * the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel; * changes in technology, including demands for greater automation which could present operational issues or significant capital outlays; * acts or threats of terrorism or war, and actions taken by the United States or other governments that might adversely affect business or economic conditions for the Company or its customers; * adverse changes in the securities market which could adversely affect the value of the Company's stock; * illegal acts of theft or fraud perpetuated against the bank or its customers; * unanticipated lower revenues or increased cost of funds, loss of customers or business, or higher 10 operating expenses; * the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of the allowance for loan losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities; * the amount invested in new business opportunities and the timing of these investments * the failure of actuarial, investment, work force, salary, and other assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for future pension costs or changes in legislative or regulatory requirements; * future cash requirements might be higher than anticipated due to loan commitments or unused lines of credit being drawn upon or depositors withdrawing their funds; * assumptions made regarding interest rate movement and sensitivity could vary substantially if actual experience differs from historical experience which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations; and * the creditworthiness of current loan customers is different from management's understanding or changes dramatically and therefore the allowance for loan losses becomes inadequate. When evaluating forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and others are cautioned to consider these and other risks and uncertainties and are reminded not to place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them to reflect new or changed information or events, except as may be required by federal securities laws. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company has established various accounting policies which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in the preparation of the Company's financial statements. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management which have a material impact on the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying related notes. The SEC has defined a company's critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the company's financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, the Company has identified the accounting policies and judgments most critical to the Company. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results could differ from estimates and have a material impact on the carrying value of assets, liabilities, or the results of operations of the Company. The Company believes the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management utilizes historical experience as well as other factors including the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values, the effect on the loan portfolio of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers and changes in delinquent, nonperforming or impaired loans. Changes in these factors may cause management's estimate of the allowance for loan losses to increase or decrease and result in adjustments to the Company's provision for loan losses in future periods. For additional information see, FINANCIAL CONDITION - Allowance for Loan Losses below. The Company also has other key accounting policies, which involve the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that are significant to understanding the results including the liability for the defined benefit pension plan, valuation of deferred tax assets and analysis of potential impairment of investment securities. Although management believes that its estimates, assumptions and judgments are reasonable, they are based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions. 11 OVERVIEW The Company's net income was $1.53 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, compared with net income of $1.43 million for the same period of 2005, or a 7.0% increase between years. The Company's net income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $3.01 million, compared with net income of $2.83 million for the same period of 2005, or a 6.3% increase between years. The year to date increase in net interest income of $507 thousand was achieved despite a one-time negative adjustment of $115 thousand ($76 thousand, after-tax) to reflect the cumulative effect of inadvertent errors made in prior years on the accrual of interest for accounting purposes on certain loans. Interest rates have continued to rise throughout 2006 with two twenty-five basis point increases during both the first and second quarter. The Company had an increase in its net interest margin from 5.36% for the second quarter of 2005 to 5.46% for the second quarter of 2006. The net interest margin on a year to date basis grew from 5.36% for 2005 to 5.37% for 2006. The 2006 results also reflect the $150 thousand provision for loan losses ($105 thousand in the second quarter) compared to none in 2005. The increase in the provision for loan losses was mainly necessitated by the growth in commercial and residential real estate loans between years, a change in the composition of the loans within the portfolio and the down grading of three loan relationships to substandard. Also contributing to net income for the quarter was an increase in non-interest income of $95 thousand compared to the second quarter of 2005. Income earned for the quarter was partially offset by the increase of $174 thousand in non-interest expenses. For additional information see quarterly results analysis beginning on page 13. Regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.26 per share were declared and paid in January and April 2006. The Company's total assets decreased from $374.7 million at December 31, 2005, to $362.8 million at June 30, 2006, a decrease of 3.2%. Deposits decreased from $313.3 million at December 31, 2005 to $296.7 million at June 30, 2006, or a decrease of 5.1%. This is a normal seasonal decrease for the Company as Vermont municipalities are required by State law to be out of debt, for tax anticipation borrowings, at least one day per year and the majority redeem their certificates of deposit and pay down their loans on June 30th each year. Deposit generation to fund loan demand has become an area of focus as deposits, which provide a lower cost funding source than borrowings or other purchased funds, have declined during the first half of 2006. Loans and loans held for sale increased $379 thousand, net of the sale of $10.8 million in residential real estate loans during the first half of 2006. Average loans for the first six months of 2006 were $308.4 million compared to the 2005 average of $288.9 million reflecting the continuing high demand for loans despite rising interest rates. Investment securities available-for-sale decreased $8.5 million, as maturities and sales in the investment portfolio were utilized to fund loan demand. The increase in loans was also funded by a decrease in interest bearing deposits in banks of $1.9 million, a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million, and an increase in Borrowed Funds of $4.1 million. 12 The following unaudited per share information and key ratios depict several measurements of performance or financial condition for or at the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively: Quarter Ended, June 30, Year to Date, June 30, ----------------------- ---------------------- 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- Return on average assets (ROA) (1) 1.65% 1.61% 1.62% 1.60% Return on average equity (ROE) (1) 14.79% 14.13% 14.49% 13.89% Net interest margin (1)(2) 5.46% 5.36% 5.37% 5.36% Efficiency ratio (3) 60.43% 62.53% 61.07% 62.10% Net interest spread (4) 5.00% 5.05% 4.93% 5.06% Loan to deposit ratio 103.66% 96.58% 103.66% 96.58% Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans not held for sale 0.02% 0.06% (0.01)% 0.03% Allowance for loan losses to loans not held for sale 1.06% 1.10% 1.06% 1.10% Non-performing assets to total assets 1.02% 1.52% 1.02% 1.52% Equity to assets 11.56% 11.36% 11.56% 11.36% Total capital to risk weighted assets 17.67% 17.71% 17.67% 17.71% Book value per share $9.24 $9.01 $9.24 $9.01 Earnings per share $0.34 $0.31 $0.66 $0.62 Dividends paid per share (5) $0.26 $0.24 $0.52 $0.88 Dividend payout ratio (6) 76.47% 77.42% 78.79% 141.94%-------------------- The prime interest rate rose four times during the first half of 2006, and eight times during 2005, by 25 basis points each time, to stand at 8.25% as of June 30, 2006 from its 5.25% level as of December 31, 2004. This is the highest the prime rate had been since March 20, 2001. The Company's net interest margin increased 1 basis point and net interest spread declined 13 basis points during the first half of 2006 compared to the first half of 2005. This decline in the net interest spread was primarily the result of the average interest rates paid on shorter-term deposits and borrowings rising more than the average interest rate earned on longer term loans in response to the increases in the prime rate. In addition traditional and nontraditional financial institutions in the Company's market are competing aggressively for core deposit dollars, resulting in pricing pressures. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Interest Income. The largest component of the Company's operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and dividend income received from interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The Company's net interest income increased $301 thousand, or 6.9%, to $4.64 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $4.33 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The Company's net interest income increased $507 thousand or 5.9% to $9.11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $8.61 million for the same period in 2005 despite the one-time $115 thousand negative accounting adjustment to loan interest accruals from prior years. The net interest spread decreased 5 basis points to 5.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from 5.05% for the three months ended June 30, 2005, and 13 basis points to 4.93% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 5.06% for the same period in 2005 as interest rates paid on liabilities and earned on assets both moved upward in response to the increases in the prime rate, but as the yield curve continued to flatten, the interest rates on short term and nonmaturity deposits moved up more quickly. The net interest margin for the second quarter of 2006 increased 10 13 basis points to 5.46% from the 2005 period at 5.36% reflecting a rising rate environment and helping to alleviate some of the downward pressure on the declining net interest spread. The net interest margin increased 1 basis point to 5.37% for the first six months of 2006 compared to 5.36% for the same period in 2005. A decrease in prime rate would not necessarily be beneficial to the Company in the near term, see "OTHER FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS - Market Risk and Asset and Liability Management." Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the total amount of income recorded from interest-earning assets and the related average yields, the interest expense associated with interest-bearing liabilities, the related average rates paid, and the relative net interest spread and net interest margin. Yield and rate information is calculated on an annualized tax equivalent basis. Yield and rate information for a period is average information for the period, and is calculated by dividing the annualized income or expense item for the period by the average balance of the appropriate balance sheet item during the period. Net interest margin is annualized tax equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Nonaccrual loans are included in asset balances for the appropriate periods, but recognition of interest on such loans is discontinued and any remaining accrued interest receivable is reversed in conformity with federal regulations. 14 Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 2005 Interest Average Interest Average Average Earned/ Yield/ Average Earned/ Yield/ Balance Paid Rate Balance Paid Rate ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ------- (Dollars in thousands) Average Assets Federal funds sold and overnight deposits $ 1,445 $ 17 4.78% $ 3,329 $ 24 2.79% Interest bearing deposits in banks 7,060 68 3.84% 6,545 55 3.33% Investment securities (1), (2) 26,380 288 4.70% 34,525 352 4.35% Loans, net (1), (3) 310,807 5,854 7.64% 284,639 4,913 7.00% FHLB of Boston stock 1,487 18 4.81% 1,241 12 3.90% -------- ------ ---- -------- ------ ---- Total interest-earning assets (1) 347,179 6,245 7.31% 330,279 5,356 6.60% Cash and due from banks 9,778 12,760 Premises and equipment 6,173 5,378 Other assets 7,729 7,605 -------- -------- Total assets $370,859 $356,022 ======== ======== Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: NOW accounts $ 51,653 $ 91 0.71% $ 50,604 $ 63 0.50% Savings/money market accounts 104,035 431 1.66% 109,342 294 1.08% Time deposits 104,912 882 3.37% 96,431 564 2.35% Borrowed funds 17,645 206 4.63% 8,842 101 4.52% -------- ------ ---- -------- ------ ---- Total interest-bearing liabilities 278,245 1,610 2.31% 265,219 1,022 1.55% Non-interest bearing deposits 46,851 46,296 Other liabilities 4,278 3,955 -------- -------- Total liabilities 329,374 315,470 Stockholders' equity 41,485 40,552 -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $370,859 $356,022 ======== ======== Net interest income $4,635 $4,334 ====== ====== Net interest spread (1) 5.00% 5.05% ==== ==== Net interest margin (1) 5.46% 5.36% ==== ====Annualized The ratio of tax equivalent net interest income to average earning assets. The ratio of noninterest expense to net interest income plus noninterest income excluding securities gains and losses. The difference between the average rate earned on assets minus the average rate paid on liabilities. Includes a $0.40 special cash dividend in January 2005. Cash dividends declared and paid per share divided by consolidated net income per share. -------------------- 15 Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 2005 Interest Average Interest Average Average Earned/ Yield/ Average Earned/ Yield/ Balance Paid Rate Balance Paid Rate ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ------- (Dollars in thousands) Average Assets Federal funds sold and overnight deposits $ 1,879 $ 43 4.57% $ 2,746 $ 37 2.67% Interest bearing deposits in banks 7,612 147 3.88% 6,969 114 3.29% Investment securities (1), (2) 28,945 643 4.75% 37,020 762 4.37% Loans, net (1), (3) 308,358 11,305 7.47% 280,549 9,552 6.93% FHLB of Boston stock 1,442 33 4.58% 1,241 23 3.71% -------- ------- ---- -------- ------- ---- Total interest-earning assets (1) 348,236 12,171 7.14% 328,525 10,488 6.51% Cash and due from banks 10,064 13,186 Premises and equipment 6,116 5,297 Other assets 7,912 7,461 -------- -------- Total assets $372,328 $354,469 ======== ======== Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: NOW accounts $ 51,957 $ 173 0.67% $ 47,906 $ 114 0.48% Savings/money market accounts 105,697 822 1.57% 109,856 535 0.98% Time deposits 103,166 1,649 3.22% 93,395 1,037 2.24% Borrowed funds 17,934 413 4.58% 8,991 195 4.32% -------- ------- ---- -------- ------- ---- Total interest-bearing liabilities 278,754 3,057 2.21% 260,148 1,881 1.45% Non-interest bearing deposits 47,928 50,050 Other liabilities 4,131 3,558 -------- -------- Total liabilities 330,813 313,756 Stockholders' equity 41,515 40,713 -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $372,328 $354,469 ======== ======== Net interest income $ 9,114 $ 8,607 ======= ======= Net interest spread (1) 4.93% 5.06% ==== ==== Net interest margin (1) 5.37% 5.36% ==== ====Average yields reported on a tax-equivalent basis. Average balances of investment securities are calculated on the amortized cost basis. Includes loans held for sale and is net of unearned income and allowance for loan losses. -------------------- Rate/Volume Analysis. The following tables describe the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected the Company's interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities information is provided on changes attributable to: * changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate); * changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by current volume); and * total change in rate and volume. Changes attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate. 16 Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 Increase/(decrease) Due to Change in ------------------------------------ Volume Rate Net ------ ---- --- (Dollars in thousands) Interest-earning assets: Federal funds sold and overnight deposits $ 15 $ (22) $ (7) Interest bearing deposits in banks 4 9 13 Investment securities (98) 34 (64) Loans, net 472 469 941 FHLB of Boston stock 2 4 6 - - - Total interest-earning assets 395 494 889 Interest-bearing liabilities: NOW accounts 1 27 28 Savings/money market accounts (13) 150 137 Time deposits 54 264 318 Borrowed funds 102 3 105 ---- ----- ----- Total interest-bearing liabilities 144 444 588 ---- ----- ----- Net change in net interest income $251 $ 50 $ 301 ==== ===== ===== Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 Increase/(decrease) Due to Change in ------------------------------------ Volume Rate Net ------ ---- --- (Dollars in thousands) Interest-earning assets: Federal funds sold and overnight deposits $ (5) $ 11 $ 6 Interest bearing deposits in banks 11 22 33 Investment securities (198) 79 (119) Loans, net 981 772 1,753 FHLB of Boston stock 4 6 10 - - -- Total interest-earning assets 793 890 1,683 Interest-bearing liabilities: NOW accounts 11 48 59 Savings/money market accounts (19) 306 287 Time deposits 118 494 612 Borrowed funds 204 14 218 ---- ----- ------ Total interest-bearing liabilities 314 862 1,176 ---- ----- ------ Net change in net interest income $479 $ 28 $ 507 ==== ===== ====== Quarter Ended June 30, 2006, compared to Quarter Ended June 30, 2005. Interest and Dividend Income. The Company's interest and dividend income increased $889 thousand, or 16.6%, to $6.25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $5.36 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, with average earning assets increasing $16.9 million, or 5.1%, to $347.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $330.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The increase in interest income resulting from the rise in average earning assets was augmented by the higher rates earned on all categories of earning assets in 2006 versus 2005. Average loans approximated $310.8 million at an average yield of 7.64% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, up $26.2 million from $284.6 million at an average yield of 7.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2005, or a 9.2% increase in volume and a 64 basis point increase in yield. Quarterly average loans 17 secured by real estate increased $26.1 million, or 11.0%, to $263.0 million for the second quarter of 2006, from $236.9 million for the second quarter of 2005. This increase was the result of strong demand for residential and commercial real estate in the Company's market including the Company's increased presence in Franklin County in Vermont resulting from the opening of a loan production office in St. Albans, Vermont, during the first quarter of 2005. This demand was influenced in part by low long-term interest rates, and high demand and prices in the Chittenden County, Vermont market, which is contiguous to the Company's markets, and is fueling growth in the Company's market. Municipal loans decreased $2.1 million, or 10.0%, to an average of $18.8 million in 2006 from an average of $20.9 million in 2005. Average commercial loans increased $2.9 million, or 13.4%, to $24.4 million for 2006 compared to $21.5 million for 2005. The average balance of investments (including mortgage-backed securities) decreased $8.1 million or 23.6%, to $26.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $34.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The decrease in the investment portfolio in 2006 reflects the continuing growth in the loan portfolio, as investment maturities and sales were used to fund loan growth, which continued to outpace the growth in deposits. The average level of federal funds sold and overnight deposits decreased $1.9 million, or 56.6%, to $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The average level of interest bearing deposits in banks for the quarter was $7.1 million up $515 thousand or 7.9% from the 2005 average level of $6.5 million. Interest income from non-loan instruments was $391 thousand for the second quarter of 2006 and $443 thousand for the same period of 2005, reflecting the overall increase in yields offset by the overall decrease in volume. Interest Expense. The Company's interest expense increased $588 thousand, or 57.5%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, of which $144 thousand was a result of the increase in volume while the remaining $444 thousand increase was due to rate increases fueled by the twelve increases in the Federal Reserve's target Federal Funds rate between February 2, 2005 through June 30, 2006. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $13.0 million, or 4.9%, to $278.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $265.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, and the average rate paid increased 76 basis points to 2.31% from 1.55% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Average time deposits were $104.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, and $96.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, or an increase of 8.8%. The average rate paid on time deposits increased 102 basis points, to 3.37% from 2.35% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The average balances for money market and savings accounts decreased $5.3 million, or 4.9%, to $104.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, from $109.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 as the spread widened for interest rates on time deposits which appeared to motivate customers to move funds into those higher paying instruments. A $1.0 million, or 2.1% increase in NOW accounts brought the average balance up to $51.6 million from $50.6 million. The period over period increase in NOW accounts reflects changes made in 2005 to the Company's deposit product offerings. In May of 2005, as part of the new deposit product launch, some legacy account products that did not pay interest were converted to new deposit products that pay interest. The account conversions during the second quarter of 2005 resulted in the transfer of over $6 million from demand deposits to interest bearing checking account (NOW's) products. The average balance of funds borrowed increased from $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, to $17.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, while the average rate paid on those funds rose from 4.52% to 4.63% between years. These borrowings were used to fund strong continued loan growth, and to manage cash flow and liquidity. Provision for Loan Losses. The loan loss provision for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $105 thousand compared to $0 for the same period in 2005. An increase in the growth of loans, a change in the composition of the loans within the portfolio and the internal down grading of three loan relationships to substandard account for the increase. For further details see, FINANCIAL CONDITION -"Allowance for Loan Losses" below. 18 Noninterest income. The following table sets forth changes from the second quarter of 2005 to the second quarter of 2006 for components of noninterest income: For The Quarter Ended June 30, (Dollars in Thousands) 2006 2005 $ Variance % Variance ---- ---- ---------- ---------- Trust income $ 74 $ 64 $10 15.6 Service fees 787 729 58 8.0 Net gains on sales of investment securities 14 1 13 1300.0 Net gains on sales of loans held for sale 27 23 4 17.4 Other 101 91 10 11.0 ------ ---- --- Total noninterest income $1,003 $908 $95 10.5 ====== ==== === Trust income. The increase resulted primarily from increases in regular fee income which is based on the market value of assets managed and the addition of new customers. Service fees. The increase resulted primarily from increases in overdraft fees of $52 thousand, or 20.1%, increase in loan servicing fee income of $14 thousand or 16.0% and ATM usage fees of $14 thousand, or 9.4%, partially offset by a decline in deposit service charges of $19 thousand, or 26.6%, which resulted from the introduction, during the first and second quarters of 2005, of a group of retail deposit products that generally are not charged monthly service fees. Other. The increase is primarily due to the increase in net mortgage servicing rights income. Noninterest expense. The following table sets forth changes from the second quarter of 2005 to the second quarter of 2006 for components of noninterest expense: For the Quarter Ended June 30, (Dollars in Thousands) 2006 2005 $ Variance % Variance ---- ---- ---------- ---------- Salaries and wages $1,511 $1,408 $103 7.3 Pension and employee benefits 552 520 32 6.2 Occupancy expense, net 198 198 - - Equipment expense 261 244 17 7.0 Equity in losses of affordable housing investments 56 55 1 1.8 Other 873 852 21 2.5 ------ ------ ---- Total noninterest expense $3,451 $3,277 $174 5.3 ====== ====== ==== Salaries and wages and related expenses. The increase in 2006 over 2005 was due primarily to regular salary activity and the expansion of the Littleton, New Hampshire loan production office to a full service branch during the first quarter of 2006. Increases in related payroll taxes, an increase in the accrual for pension plan expense and a 5% increase in the Company's medical insurance costs account for the majority of the increase in pension and employee benefits. Equipment expense. The majority of the increase is due to increased depreciation expense due as a result of the expansion of the Littleton, NH office to a full service branch and the upgrade of ATM's, computer equipment, and software. Other. The majority of the increase was due to the loss, on the last day of June 2006, from the robbery at our Jeffersonville, Vermont branch, which was under our insurance deductible. Year to Date June 30, 2006, compared to Year to Date June 30, 2005. Interest and Dividend Income. The Company's interest and dividend income increased $1.7 million, or 16.01%, to $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, with average earning assets increasing $19.7 million, or 6.0%, to $348.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $328.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The 19 increase in interest income resulting from the rise in average earning assets was augmented by the higher rates earned on all categories of earning assets in 2006 versus 2005. The 16.0% increase in interest income for year to date 2006 compared to year to date 2005 was also achieved despite the one-time negative accounting adjustment of $115 thousand to loan interest accruals from prior years. Average loans approximated $308.4 million at an average yield of 7.47% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, up $27.8 million from $280.5 million at an average yield of 6.93% for the six months ended June 30, 2005, or a 9.9% increase in volume and a 54 basis point increase in yield. The majority of the increase was in loans secured by real estate. The average balance of investments (including mortgage-backed securities) decreased $8.1 million or 27.9%, to $28.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $37.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, as investment maturities and sales were used to fund loan growth, which continued to outpace the growth in deposits. The decrease in the investment portfolio in 2006 reflects the continuing growth in the loan portfolio. The average level of federal funds sold and overnight deposits decreased $867 thousand, or 31.6%, to $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The average level of interest bearing deposits in banks for the first half of 2006 was $7.6 million up $643 thousand or 9.2% from the 2005 average level of $7.0 million. Interest income from non-loan instruments was $866 thousand year to date for 2006 and $936 thousand for the same period of 2005, reflecting the overall increase in yields offset by the overall decrease in volume. Interest Expense. The Company's interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 62.5%, to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, of which $314 thousand was a result of the increase in volume and $862 thousand was due to increases in rates fueled by the twelve increases in the Federal Reserve's target Federal Funds rate between February 2, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $18.6 million, or 7.2%, to $278.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $260.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and the average rate paid increased 76 basis points to 2.21% from 1.45% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Average time deposits were $103.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and $93.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, or an increase of 10.5%. The average rate paid on time deposits increased 98 basis points, to 3.22% from 2.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The average balances for money market and savings accounts decreased $4.2 million, or 3.8%, to $105.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $109.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. A $4.1 million, or 8.5% increase in NOW accounts brought the average balance up to $52.0 million from $47.9 million. The period over period increase in NOW accounts reflects changes made in 2005 to the Company's deposit product offerings. In May of 2005, as part of the new deposit product launch, some legacy account products that did not pay interest were converted to new deposit products that pay interest. The account conversions during the second quarter of 2005 resulted in the transfer of over $6 million from demand deposits to interest bearing checking account (NOW's) products. The average balance of funds borrowed increased from $9.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, to $17.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, while the average rate paid on those funds rose from 4.32% to 4.58% between years. These borrowings were used to fund strong continued loan growth, and to manage cash flow and liquidity. Provision for Loan Losses. The loan loss provision year to date as of June 30, 2006 was $150 thousand compared to $0 for the same period in 2005. A change in the composition of the loans within the portfolio and the internal down grading of three loan relationships to substandard account for the increase. For further details see, FINANCIAL CONDITION - "Allowance for Loan Losses" below. 20 Noninterest income. The following table sets forth changes from year to date 2005 to year to date 2006 for components of noninterest income: For Year to Date June 30, (Dollars in Thousands) 2006 2005 $ Variance % Variance ---- ---- ---------- ---------- Trust income $ 145 $ 129 $ 16 12.4 Service fees 1,493 1,403 90 6.4 Net gains on sales of investment securities 17 1 16 1600.0 Net gains on sales of loans held for sale 119 119 - - Other 175 141 34 24.1 ------ ------ ---- Total noninterest income $1,949 $1,793 $156 8.7 ====== ====== ==== Trust income. The increase resulted from increases in regular fee income which is based on the market value of assets managed and the addition of new customers. Service fees. The increase resulted primarily from increases in overdraft fees of $90 thousand, or 19.6%, increase in loan servicing fee income of $21 thousand or 13.4% and ATM usage fees of $27 thousand, or 9.3%, partially offset by a decline in deposit service charges of $55 thousand, or 32.5%, which resulted from the introduction, during the first and second quarters of 2005, of a group of retail deposit products that generally are not charged monthly service fees. Other. The increase mainly resulted from a $20 thousand increase in mortgage servicing rights between years and an increase of $7 thousand in income from the Cash Surrender Value of life insurance policies held on certain directors, former directors and executive officers. Noninterest expense. The following table sets forth changes from year to date 2005 to year to date 2006 for components of noninterest expense: For Year to Date June 30, (Dollars in Thousands) 2006 2005 $ Variance % Variance ---- ---- ---------- ---------- Salaries and wages $3,005 $2,785 $220 7.9 Pension and employee benefits 1,129 1,035 94 9.1 Occupancy expense, net 401 402 (1) (0.2) Equipment expense 517 512 5 1.0 Equity in losses of affordable housing investments 165 95 70 73.7 Other 1,631 1,629 2 0.1 ----- ----- ---- Total noninterest expense $6,848 $6,458 $390 6.0 ====== ====== ==== Salaries and wages and related expenses. The increase in 2006 over 2005 was due primarily to regular salary activity, the expansion of the Littleton, New Hampshire loan production office to a full service branch during the first quarter of 2006, increases in related payroll taxes, 401(k) contributions, and pension expense and an increase in the Company's medical insurance costs. Amortization of investments in affordable housing projects. These expenses increased due primarily to amortization of new investments in affordable housing projects. The Company invested in two affordable housing projects during 2005 which resulted in the increase in amortization expense for 2006 versus 2005. The Company receives income tax credits from these investments, which also assists the Company in meeting its obligations under the Federal Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended. Income Tax Expense. The Company has provided for current and deferred federal income taxes for the current and all prior periods presented. The Company's provision for income taxes decreased $56 thousand, or 5.0%, to $1.06 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from $1.11 million for the same period in 2005, despite an increase in net income compared to the 2005 comparison period. The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 26.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, from 28.3% for the same period in 2005. This is the result of the increase in low income housing tax credits related to the Company's limited partnership investments in two new affordable housing projects in its market area 21 during 2005 and an increase in non-taxable municipal income which were partially offset by the increase in federal income taxes resulting from increased taxable income. FINANCIAL CONDITION At June 30, 2006, the Company had total consolidated assets of $362.8 million, including gross loans and loans held for sale ("total loans") of $307.6 million, deposits of $296.7 million and stockholders' equity of $41.9 million. The Company's total assets experienced a seasonal decrease of $12.0 million or 3.2% to $362.8 million at June 30, 2006, from $374.7 million at December 31, 2005. This decrease is primarily due to the payoff of $10.8 million in tax anticipation municipal loans on June 30, 2006 in order for municipalities to comply with Vermont law. Municipal loans increased $9.3 million on July 3rd, the first business day of the next quarter as anticipated reflecting seasonal fluctuations in these loans. Net loans and loans held for sale were $304.2 million, or 83.9% of total assets at June 30, 2006, as compared to $304.0 million, or 81.1% of total assets at December 31, 2005. Cash and cash equivalents, including federal funds sold and overnight deposits, decreased $2.1 million, or 14.9%, to $12.1 million at June 30, 2006, from $14.2 million at December 31, 2005. Interest bearing deposits in banks decreased $1.9 million or 22.0% from $8.6 million at December 31, 2005 to $6.7 million at June 30, 2006 as maturing funds have been utilized to fund loan demand. Investment securities available-for-sale decreased from $32.4 million at December 31, 2005, to $23.9 million at June 30, 2006, an $8.5 million, or 26.4%, decrease. Securities maturing were not replaced and $6.0 million was sold during the first half of the year at a gain of $17 thousand in order to fund loan demand. Deposits decreased $16.6 million, or 5.3%, to $296.7 million at June 30, 2006, from $313.3 million at December 31, 2005. The decrease in deposits is a normal seasonal occurrence for the Company, as municipalities redeem their certificates of deposits on June 30th to payoff their tax anticipation loans. Noninterest bearing accounts decreased $6.0 million, or 11.4%, from $52.6 million at December 31, 2005, to $46.6 million at June 30, 2006 and interest bearing deposits decreased $10.6 million, or 4.1%, from $260.7 million at December 31, 2005 to $250.1 million at June 30, 2006. (See average balances and rates in the Yields Earned and Rates Paid table on Page 16). Total borrowings increased $4.1 million or 25.1% to $20.3 million at June 30, 2006, from $16.3 million at December 31, 2005 in order to match fund some specific loans and to manage liquidity needs, as lower cost deposits did not increase sufficiently to cover all of the Company's funding requirements. Total capital increased from $41.6 million at December 31, 2005 to $41.9 million at June 30, 2006, reflecting net income of $3.0 million for the first half of 2006, less the regular cash dividend paid of $2.4 million, the purchase of Treasury stock totaling $42 thousand and an increase of $273 thousand in accumulated other comprehensive loss. (See Capital Resources section on Page 34) Loans Held for Sale and Loan Portfolios. The Company's total loans primarily consist of adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family, multi-family residential or commercial real estate. As of June 30, 2006, the Company's total loan portfolio was $307.6 million, or 84.8% of assets, up from $307.2 million, or 82.0% of assets as of December 31, 2005, and from $292.3 million or 80.9 % of assets as of June 30, 2005. Total loans have only increased $0.4 million since December 31, 2005 because of the one day aberration with municipal loans while average loans (including loans held for sale) were $288.9 million for 2005 and have grown to $308.4 million or 6.7% for the first half of 2006. The Company sold $10.9 million of loans held for sale during the first half of 2006 resulting in a gain on sale of loans of $119 thousand, compared with loan sales of $9.9 million and related gain on sale of loans of $119 thousand for the first half of 2005. 22 The following table shows information on the composition of the Company's total loan portfolio as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005: Loan Type June 30, 2006 December 31, 2005 --------- ------------- ----------------- (Dollars in thousands) Amount Percent Amount Percent Residential real estate $113,594 36.9 $106,470 34.7 Construction real estate 18,246 5.9 18,066 5.9 Commercial real estate 136,079 44.3 130,483 42.5 Commercial 21,199 6.9 20,650 6.7 Consumer 7,745 2.5 7,999 2.6 Municipal loans 9,005 2.9 17,009 5.5 Loans Held for Sale 1,734 0.6 6,546 2.1 -------- ----- -------- ----- Total loans 307,602 100.0 307,223 100.0 Deduct: Allowance for loan losses (3,235) (3,071) Unearned net loan fees (130) (152) -------- -------- Net loans & Loans Held for Sale $304,237 $304,000 ======== ======== The Company originates and sells some residential mortgages into the secondary market, with most such sales made to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC/"Freddie Mac") and the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). The Company services a $202.8 million residential real estate mortgage portfolio, approximately $85.1 million of which was serviced for unaffiliated third parties at June 30, 2006. Additionally, the Company originates commercial real estate and commercial loans under various SBA programs that provide an agency guarantee for a portion of the loan amount. The Company occasionally sells the guaranteed portion of the loan to other financial concerns and will retain servicing rights, which generates fee income. The Company serviced $5.1 million of commercial and commercial real estate loans for unaffiliated third parties as of June 30, 2006. The Company capitalizes servicing rights on these fees and recognizes gains and losses on the sale of the principal portion of these loans as they occur. The unamortized balance of servicing rights on loans sold with servicing retained was $326 thousand at June 30, 2006, with an estimated market value in excess of their carrying value. In the ordinary course of business, the Company occasionally participates out, on a non-recourse basis, a portion of commercial/commercial real estate loans to other financial institutions for liquidity or credit concentration management purposes. The total of loans participated out as of June 30, 2006 was $7.6 million. Asset Quality. The Company, like all financial institutions, is exposed to certain credit risks including those related to the value of the collateral that secures its loans and the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Management closely monitors the Company's loan and investment portfolios and other real estate owned for potential problems and reports to the Company's and the subsidiary's Boards of Directors at regularly scheduled meetings. The Company's loan review procedures include a credit quality assurance process that begins with approval of lending policies and underwriting guidelines by the Board of Directors and includes a loan review department supervised by an experienced, former regulatory examiner, conservative individual lending limits for officers, Board approval for large credit relationships and a quality control process for loan documentation that includes post-closing reviews. The Company also maintains a monitoring process for credit extensions. The Company performs periodic concentration analyses based on various factors such as industries, collateral types, large credit sizes, and officer portfolio loads. The Company has established underwriting guidelines to be followed by its officers, exceptions are required to be approved by a senior loan officer or the Board of Directors. The Company monitors its delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrower credit due to general or local economic conditions. 23 Restructured loans include the Company's troubled debt restructurings that involved forgiving a portion of interest or principal on any loans, refinancing loans at a rate materially less than the market rate, rescheduling loan payments, or granting other concessions to a borrower due to financial or economic reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties. Restructured loans do not include qualifying restructured loans that have complied with the terms of their restructure agreement for a satisfactory period of time. Restructured loans in compliance with modified terms totaled $1.3 million at June 30, 2006 and $21 thousand at December 31, 2005. The total amount that is restructured and in compliance at June 30, 2006 is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD). There are two loans totaling $167 thousand at June 30, 2006 that are not in compliance with their modified terms, both of these loans are in non-accrual status as of that date. At June 30, 2006, the Company was not committed to lend any additional funds to borrowers whose terms have been restructured. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Loans are designated as nonaccrual when reasonable doubt exists as to the full collection of interest and principal. Normally, when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of interest and principal is probable. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. The Company had loans on nonaccrual status totaling $1.2 million, or 0.38% of gross loans at June 30, 2006, $1.3 million, or 0.42%, at December 31, 2005, and $1.2 million, or 0.41%, at June 30, 2005. The aggregate interest income not recognized on such nonaccrual loans amounted to approximately $274 thousand and $232 thousand as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively and $268 thousand as of December 31, 2005. The Company had $1.1 million in loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing at June 30, 2006 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2005. Certain loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest are covered by guarantees of U.S. Government or state agencies. Approximately $536 thousand of the balances in this category were covered by such guarantees at June 30, 2006. At June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively, the Company had internally classified certain loans totaling $3.0 million and $2.8 million. In management's view, such loans represent a higher degree of risk and could become nonperforming loans in the future. While still on a performing status, in accordance with the Company's credit policy, loans are internally classified when a review indicates any of the following conditions makes the likelihood of collection uncertain: * the financial condition of the borrower is unsatisfactory; * repayment terms have not been met; * the borrower has sustained losses that are sizable, either in absolute terms or relative to net worth; * confidence is diminished; * loan covenants have been violated; * collateral is inadequate; or * other unfavorable factors are present. On occasion real estate properties are acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure. These properties are to be sold and are initially recorded at the lesser of the recorded loan or fair value via an appraisal for more significant properties and management's estimate for minor properties at the date of acquisition establishing a new carrying basis. The Company had $101 thousand of residential real estate property classified as OREO at June 30, 2006 and none at December 31, 2005. Allowance for Loan Losses. Some of the Company's loan customers ultimately do not make all of their contractually scheduled payments, requiring the Company to charge off a portion or all of the remaining principal balance due. The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb such losses. The 24 allowance is maintained at a level which, in management's judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio; however, actual loan losses may vary from current estimates. Adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined using a consistent, systematic methodology, which analyzes the risk inherent in the loan portfolio. In addition to evaluating the collectibility of specific loans when determining the adequacy of the allowance, management also takes into consideration other factors such as changes in the mix and size of the loan portfolio, historic loss experience, the amount of delinquencies and loans adversely classified, industry trends, and the impact of the local and regional economy on the Company's borrowers. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is assessed by an allocation process whereby specific loss allocations are made against certain adversely classified loans and general loss allocations are made against segments of the loan portfolio which have similar attributes. While for internal analytical purposes the Company allocates the allowance for loan losses based on the percentage category to total loans, the portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to each category does not represent the total available for future losses which may occur within the loan category since the total allowance for possible loan losses is a valuation reserve available to cover losses in the entire portfolio. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to earnings, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. The provision for loan losses represents the current period credit cost associated with maintaining an appropriate allowance for loan losses. Based on an evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a quarterly analysis of the allowance to the Board of Directors, indicating any changes in the allowance since the last review and any recommendations as to adjustments in the allowance. Additionally, various regulatory agencies periodically review the Company's allowance as an integral part of their examination process. For the quarter ended June 30, 2006, the methodology used to determine the provision for loan losses was unchanged from the prior quarter and year. The Company's loan portfolio balance remained relatively unchanged from December 31, 2005, however the composition changed significantly. Municipal loans, which carry a low required reserve factor, dropped by $8 million while commercial and residential real estate loans which are assigned a higher reserve factor, grew by $12.7 million. Therefore, the allowance for loan losses was increased despite the relatively stable portfolio loan balance. Additionally, from December 31, 2005 to June 30, 2006 three loan relationships were downgraded to an internal substandard rating which accounted for an increase of about $500 thousand in loans internally rated as substandard. As a result of these factors, the Company designated a loan loss provision for the six months ended June 30, 2006 of $150 thousand which brings the reserve to $3.235 million at June 30, 2006. There was no material change in the lending programs or terms during the quarter. 25 The following table reflects activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005: Three Months Ended, June 30, Six Months Ended, June 30, ---------------------------- -------------------------- 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Dollars in Thousands) Balance at beginning of period $3,147 $3,068 $3,071 $3,067 Charge-offs Real Estate - 25 - 28 Commercial - 13 - 13 Consumer and other 26 17 35 35 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total charge-offs 26 55 35 76 ------ ------ ------ ------ Recoveries Real Estate 3 - 25 12 Commercial - 1 12 1 Consumer and other 6 8 12 18 ------ ------ ------ ------ Total recoveries 9 9 49 31 ------ ------ ------ ------ Net recoveries (charge-offs) (17) (46) 14 (45) ------ ------ ------ Provision for loan losses 105 - 150 - ------ ------ ------ ------ Balance at end of period $3,235 $3,022 $3,235 $3,022 ====== ====== ====== ====== The following table shows the internal breakdown of the Company's allowance for loan losses by category of loan (net of loans held for sale) and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans in the respective portfolios at the dates indicated: June 30, 2006 December 31, 2005 ----------------- ----------------- (Dollars in Thousands) Amount Percent Amount Percent ------ ------- ------ ------- Real Estate Residential $ 697 38.5 $ 571 35.4 Commercial 1,853 43.2 1,826 43.4 Construction 183 6.0 181 6.0 Other Loans Commercial 364 6.9 343 6.9 Consumer installment 123 2.5 123 2.6 Municipal, Other and Unallocated 15 2.9 27 5.7 ------ ----- ------ ----- Total $3,235 100.0 $3,071 100.0 ====== ===== ====== ===== Ratio of Net Charge Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans not held for sale (1) (0.01) 0.02 ===== ==== Ratio of Allowance for Loan Losses to Loans not held for sale 1.06 1.02 ===== ==== Ratio of Allowance for Loan Losses to non-performing loans (2) 89.76 66.66 ===== =====Average yields reported on a tax-equivalent basis. Average balances of investment securities are calculated on the amortized cost basis. Includes loans held for sale and is net of unearned income and allowance for loan losses. -------------------- Not withstanding the categories shown in the table above all funds in the allowance for loan losses are available to absorb loan losses in the portfolio, regardless of loan category. 26 Management of the Company believes that the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2006, is adequate to cover losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio as of such date. However there can be no assurance that the Company will not sustain losses in future periods, which could be greater than the size of the allowance at June 30, 2006. See CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES. While the Company recognizes that an economic slowdown may adversely impact its borrowers' financial performance and ultimately their ability to repay their loans, management continues to be cautiously optimistic about the key credit indicators from the Company's loan portfolio. Investment Activities. At June 30, 2006, the reported value of investment securities available-for-sale was $23.9 million or 6.6% of its assets. The amount in Investment securities available-for-sale decreased from $32.4 million at December 31, 2005, to $ 23.9 million at June 30, 2006, as loan demand remained strong and securities maturing, sold or paying down have not been replaced dollar for dollar. The Company had no securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading. The reported value of investment securities available-for-sale at June 30, 2006 reflects a negative valuation adjustment of $562 thousand. The offset of this adjustment, net of income tax effect, was an $371 thousand loss reflected in the Company's other comprehensive loss component of stockholders' equity at June 30, 2006. At December 31, 2005, the Company had twenty-eight debt securities with a fair value of $10.7 million with an unrealized loss of $324 thousand, or 1% of the value of the amortized cost of the entire investment portfolio, that had existed for more than 12 months. The Company sold one security year to date which had been deemed to be other than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2005. At June 30, 2006, thirty-one securities with a fair value of $11.5 million or 48.3% of the portfolio have been in a loss position for more than twelve months with unrealized losses totaling $589 thousand. The primary factor causing these unrealized losses is the change in the interest rate environment over the past 24 months especially in the near-term market. Management deems the unrealized losses on all these securities to be temporary as the only credit quality issue is with Ford Motor Credit Corporation which has shown an improvement in pricing since the end of the previous quarter and its management's actions to improve the position of the parent company are positive. The Company has the ability to hold these securities, classified as available-for-sale, for the foreseeable future. Deposits. The following table shows information concerning the Company's average deposits by account type and weighted average nominal rates at which interest was paid on such deposits for the periods ended June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005: Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 Year Ended December 31, 2005 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) Percent Percent Average Of Total Average Average of Total Average Amount Deposits Rate Amount Deposits Rate ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ------- Non-time deposits: Demand deposits $ 47,928 15.5 - $ 50,007 16.2 - NOW accounts 51,957 16.8 0.67% 51,813 16.8 0.51% Money Market accounts 58,869 19.1 2.36% 59,300 19.2 1.60% Savings accounts 46,828 15.2 0.57% 50,369 16.4 0.69% -------- ----- -------- ----- Total non-time deposits: 205,582 66.6 0.98% 211,489 68.6 0.74% -------- ----- -------- ----- Time deposits: Less than $100,000 64,529 20.9 2.96% 61,834 20.1 2.23% $100,000 and over 38,637 12.5 3.66% 35,018 11.3 2.98% -------- ----- -------- ----- Total time deposits 103,166 33.4 3.22% 96,852 31.4 2.50% -------- ----- -------- ---- Total deposits $308,748 100.0 1.73% $308,341 100.0 1.29% ======== ===== ======== ===== 27 The Company's customers have been opening certificates of deposit to take advantage of increasing time deposit rates as evidenced by the $3.6 million or 10.3% increase in average time deposits of $100,000 and over and the $2.7 million or 4.4% increase in time deposits less than $100,000 in 2006 year to date. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more at June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, that mature during the periods indicated: June 30, 2006 December 31, 2005 ------------- ----------------- (Dollars in thousands) Within 3 months $ 7,896 $11,545 3 to 6 months 7,778 15,660 6 to 12 months 7,469 6,941 Over 12 months 3,259 1,436 ------- ------- $26,402 $35,582 ======= ======= The largest decrease in total time deposits over $100,000 between December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006 was in the municipal deposit category as municipalities in Vermont normally redeem their certificates of deposit on June 30th in order to pay down tax anticipation debt to remain in compliance with Vermont law. Certificates of Deposit $100,000 or greater were back up to $35.1 million by July 5th. Borrowings. Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) were $20.3 million at June 30, 2006, at a weighted average rate of 4.87%, and $16.3 million at December 31, 2005, at a weighted average rate of 4.51%. The change between year end 2005 and the end of the second quarter 2006 is a net increase of $4.0 million or 24.5% due partially to the match funding of one large commercial real estate loan and the remainder due to support for general loan growth. OTHER FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Market Risk and Asset and Liability Management. Market risk is the potential of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. The Company's market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, investing, deposit taking and borrowing activities as yields on assets change in a different time period or in a different amount from that of interest costs on liabilities. Many other factors also affect the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates, such as general and local economic and financial conditions, competitive pressures, customer preferences, and historical pricing relationships. The earnings of the Company and its subsidiary are affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve System. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve System influence to a significant extent the overall growth of loans, investments, deposits and borrowings; the level of interest rates earned on assets and paid for liabilities; and interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The nature and impact of future changes in monetary policies are often not predictable. A key element in the process of managing market risk involves direct involvement by senior management and oversight by the Board of Directors as to the level of risk assumed by the Company in its balance sheet. The Board of Directors reviews and approves risk management policies, including risk limits and guidelines and reviews quarterly the current position in relationship to those limits and guidelines. Daily oversight functions are delegated to the Asset Liability Management Committee ("ALCO"). The ALCO, consisting of senior business and finance officers, actively measures, monitors, controls and manages the interest rate risk exposure that can significantly impact the Company's financial position and operating results. The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes. The Company attempts to structure its balance sheet to maximize net interest income and shareholder value while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk. The ALCO formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, 28 liquidity, and various business strategies. The ALCO's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the Company's interest-rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the Company's entire balance sheet, and a simulation analysis, which calculates projected net interest income based on alternative balance sheet and interest rate scenarios, including "rate shock" scenarios involving immediate substantial increases or decreases in market rates of interest. Members of ALCO meet informally at least weekly to set loan and deposit rates, make investment decisions, monitor liquidity and evaluate the loan demand pipeline. Deposit runoff is monitored daily and loan prepayments evaluated monthly. The Company historically has maintained a substantial portion of its loan portfolio on a variable rate basis and plans to continue this Asset/Liability Management (ALM) strategy in the future. Portions of the variable rate loan portfolio have interest rate floors and caps which are taken into account by the Company's ALM modeling software to predict interest rate sensitivity, including prepayment risk. As of June 30, 2006, the investment portfolio was all classified as available-for-sale and the modified duration was relatively short. The Company does not utilize any derivative products or invest in any "high risk" instruments. The Company's interest rate sensitivity analysis (simulation) as of December 2005 for a 75 basis point increase in the rate environment in 25 basis point increments (Prime at December 31, 2005, was 7.25% and was 8.25% on June 30, 2006, but moved up the last 25 basis points to 8.25% on June 29th, therefore it was not taken into account in the simulation), projected the following for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the actual results: June 30, 2006 ---------------------------------- Percentage Projected Actual Difference --------- ------ ---------- (Dollars in thousands) Net Interest Income $9,694 $9,114 -6.0% Net Income $3,279 $3,007 -8.3% Return on Assets 1.77% 1.62% -8.5% Return on Equity 16.10% 14.49% -10.0% Actual net interest income is lower than projected mainly due to three reasons. The first is that interest-earning assets in total did not grow as much as anticipated during the first half of 2006 as non-time deposit generation was slower than anticipated resulting in reduction in the investment portfolio from what had been projected. The second reason was the $115 thousand adjustment to loan income in January of 2006 to correct prior years' errors. Lastly was the rapid rise during 2006 of rates paid on deposits in order to remain competitive. Commitments, Contingent Liabilities, and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. 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 and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans, commitments to participate in or sell loans, and commitments to buy or sell securities. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans, the contract or notional amounts do not represent management's estimate of the actual exposure to credit loss. The Company controls the risk of interest rate cap agreements through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. 29 As of June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, the contract or notional amount of financial instruments whose contract or notional amount represents credit risk was as follows: June 30, 2006 December 31, 2005 ------------- ----------------- (Dollars in thousands) Commitments to originate loans $23,366 $ 9,722 Unused lines of credit 30,968 35,349 Standby letters of credit 1,758 918 Credit Card arrangements 2,326 2,236 ------- ------- Total $58,418 $48,225 ------- ------- The increase in commitments to originate loans reflects a broadening of the Company's customer base in its market area, which was influenced in part by strong local loan demand and increased lending activity in the Franklin and Chittenden county areas resulting in large part from its St. Albans, Vermont loan production office, which opened in January 2005. Commitments to originate loans 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 loan commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon and not all credit lines will be utilized, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company's significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties at June 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005, were as follows: June 30, 2006 December 31, 2005 ------------- ----------------- (Dollars in thousands) Operating lease commitments $ 200 $ 232 Maturities on borrowed funds 20,340 16,256 Deposits without stated maturity (1) 204,158 216,273 Certificates of deposit (1) 92,576 97,026 Pension plan contributions (2) 170 498 Deferred compensation payouts (4) 550 730 Equity investment commitments in housing limited partnerships 356 704 Construction contract (3) - 318 -------- -------- Total $318,350 $332,037 ======== ========Annualized Non-performing loans include loans in non-accrual status, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing, and restructured loans. -------------------- The Company's subsidiary bank is required (as are all banks) to maintain vault cash or a noninterest bearing reserve balance as established by Federal Reserve regulations. The bank's average total reserve for the 14-day maintenance period including June 30, 2006 was $377 thousand and for December 31 2005 was $330 thousand, both of which were satisfied by vault cash. The Company has also committed to maintain a noninterest bearing contracted clearing balance of $1 million at June 30, 2006 with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. 30 Interest Rate Sensitivity "Gap" Analysis. An interest rate sensitivity "gap" is defined as the difference between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within a given time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely. Because different types of assets and liabilities with the same or similar maturities may react differently to changes in overall market interest rates or conditions, changes in interest rates may affect net interest income positively or negatively even if an institution were perfectly matched in each maturity category. The Company prepares its interest rate sensitivity "gap" analysis by scheduling interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities into periods based upon the next date on which such assets and liabilities could mature or reprice. The amounts of assets and liabilities shown within a particular period were determined in accordance with the contractual terms of the assets and liabilities, except that: * adjustable-rate loans, investment securities, variable rate time deposits, and FHLB advances are included in the period when they are first scheduled to adjust and not in the period in which they mature; * fixed-rate mortgage-related securities and loans reflect estimated prepayments, which were estimated based on analyses of broker estimates, the results of a prepayment model utilized by the Company, and empirical data; * other non-mortgage related fixed-rate loans reflect scheduled contractual amortization, with no estimated prepayments; and * NOW, money markets, and savings deposits, which do not have contractual maturities, reflect estimated levels of attrition, which are based on detailed studies by the Company of the sensitivity of each such category of deposit to changes in interest rates. Management believes that these assumptions approximate actual experience and considers them reasonable. However, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities in the tables could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from the historical experience on which the assumptions are based. 31 The following table shows the Company's rate sensitivity analysis as of June 30, 2006: June 30, 2006 Cumulative Repriced Within -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Months 4 to 12 1 to 3 3 to 5 Over 5 or Less Months Years Years Years Total -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ----- (Dollars in thousands, by repricing date) Interest sensitive assets: Federal funds sold and overnight deposits $ 20 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 20 Interest bearing deposits in banks 897 1,480 3,545 786 - 6,708 Investment securities available-for-sale (1)(3) 1,173 3,466 9,419 3,906 5,228 23,192 FHLB Stock - - - - 1,488 1,488 Loans and loans held for sale (2)(3) 115,350 63,433 73,590 44,325 10,744 307,472 -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- Total interest sensitive assets $117,440 $68,379 $ 86,554 $ 49,017 $ 17,490 $338,880 Interest sensitive liabilities: Time deposits $ 23,776 $47,011 $ 19,834 $ 1,955 $ - $ 92,576 Money markets 6,089 - - - 50,932 57,021 Regular savings 8,755 - - - 37,532 46,287 NOW accounts 19,310 - - - 34,913 54,223 Borrowed funds 4,262 2,966 1,255 1,202 10,655 20,340 -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- Total interest sensitive liabilities $ 62,192 $49,977 $ 21,089 $ 3,157 $ 134,032 $270,447 Net interest rate sensitivity gap $ 55,248 $18,402 $ 65,465 $ 45,860 $(116,542) $ 68,433 Cumulative net interest rate sensitivity gap $ 55,248 $73,650 $139,115 $184,975 $ 68,433 Cumulative net interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets 15.3% 20.3% 38.3% 51.0% 18.9% Cumulative net interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest-sensitive assets 16.3% 21.7% 41.1% 54.6% 20.2% Cumulative net interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest-sensitive liabilities 20.4% 27.2% 51.4% 68.4% 25.3%While Union has a contractual obligation to depositors should they wish to withdraw all or some of the funds on deposit, management believes, based on historical analysis, that the majority of these deposits will remain on deposit for the foreseeable future. The amounts exclude interest accrued. Funding requirements for pension benefits after 2006 are excluded due to the significant variability in the assumptions required to project the amount and timing of future cash contributions. Contract to construct a new branch in Littleton, New Hampshire, which was completed March 2006. The Company owns life insurance on the lives of the payees, in an amount estimated by management to be sufficient to reimburse the Company for the deferred compensation payments should the Company desire to utilize the death benefit proceeds for that purpose. The policies have a current cash surrender value of $1.9 million. 32 Simulation Analysis. In its simulation analysis, the Company uses computer software to simulate the estimated impact on net interest income and capital (Net Fair Value) under various interest rate scenarios, balance sheet trends, and strategies over a relatively short time horizon. These simulations incorporate assumptions about balance sheet dynamics such as loan and deposit growth, product pricing, prepayment speeds on mortgage related assets, principal maturities on other financial instruments, and changes in funding mix. While such assumptions are inherently uncertain as actual rate changes rarely follow any given forecast and asset-liability pricing and other model inputs usually do not remain constant in their historical relationships, management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Based on the results of these simulations, the Company is able to quantify its estimate of interest rate risk and develop and implement appropriate strategies. The following chart reflects the cumulative results of the latest simulation analysis for the next twelve months on Net Interest Income, Net Income, Return on Assets, Return on Equity and Net Fair Value Ratio. The projection utilizes a rate shock, applied proportionately, of up and down 300 basis points from the June 30, 2006 prime rate of 8.25%, this is the highest and lowest internal slopes monitored. This slope range was determined to be the most relevant during this economic cycle. INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS MATRIX (Dollars in thousands) Return Return on on Net Fair 12 Months Prime Net Interest Change Net Assets Equity Value Ending Rate Income % Income % % Ratio --------- ----- ------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- June-07 11.25% $20,989 15.1 $8,116 2.18 18.40 10.02% 8.25% $18,233 - $6,186 1.60 13.93 11.57% 5.25% $15,275 (16.2) $4,116 0.98 8.77 13.02% The resulting projected cumulative effect of these estimates on Net Interest Income and the Net Fair Value Ratio for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2007, are within approved ALCO guidelines. The simulations of earnings do not incorporate any management actions, which might moderate the negative consequences of interest rate deviations. Therefore, they do not reflect likely actual results, but serve as conservative estimates of interest rate risk under different rate scenarios. Liquidity. Managing liquidity risk is essential to maintaining both depositor confidence and stability in earnings. Liquidity is a measurement of the Company's ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to fund deposit withdrawals, repay borrowings, fund investment and lending activities, and for other general business purposes. The Company's principal sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and securities, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, sales of securities and loans available-for-sale, earnings and funds provided from operations. Maintaining a relatively stable funding base, which is achieved by diversifying funding sources, competitively pricing deposit products, and extending the contractual maturity of liabilities, reduces the Company's exposure to rollover risk on deposits and limits reliance on volatile short-term purchased funds. Short-term funding needs arise from declines in deposits or other funding sources, funding of loan commitments, draws on unused lines of credit and requests for new loans. The Company's strategy is to fund assets, to the maximum extent possible, with core deposits that provide a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds. For the quarter ended, June 30, 2006, the Company's ratio of average loans to average deposits was 101.1% compared to the prior year of 94.0%. The increase in the loan to deposit ratio between years was mainly funded by the decrease in investment securities available-for-sale and cash and due from banks as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Boston advances. In addition, as Union Bank is a member of the FHLB of Boston, it has access to unused line of credit up to $33.7 million at June 30, 2006 over and above the term advances already drawn on the line based on FHLB estimate as of that date with the purchase of required capital stock. This line of credit could be used for either short or long term liquidity or other needs. In addition to its borrowing arrangements with the FHLB of Boston, Union Bank maintains a $7.5 million pre-approved Federal Funds line of credit with 33 an upstream correspondent bank and a repurchase agreement line with a selected brokerage house. There were no balances outstanding on either line at June 30, 2006. Union is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") of Promontory Interfinancial Network which allows Union to provide higher FDIC deposit insurance to customers by exchanging deposits with other members and allows Union to purchase deposits from other members as another source of funding. There were no purchased deposits at either June 30, 2006 or December 31, 2005 although Union had exchanged $42 thousand and $1.7 million, respectively, with other CDARS members as of those dates. While scheduled loan and securities payments and FHLB advances are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The Company's liquidity is actively managed on a daily basis, monitored by the ALCO, and reviewed periodically with the subsidiary's Board of Directors. The Company's ALCO sets liquidity targets based on the Company's financial condition and existing and projected economic and market conditions. The ALCO measures the Company's marketable assets and credit available to fund liquidity requirements and compares the adequacy of that aggregate amount against the aggregate amount of the Company's interest sensitive or volatile liabilities, such as core deposits and time deposits in excess of $100,000, borrowings and term deposits with short maturities, and credit commitments outstanding. The primary objective is to manage the Company's liquidity position and funding sources in order to ensure that it has the ability to meet its ongoing commitment to its depositors, to fund loan commitments and unused lines of credit, and to maintain a portfolio of investment securities. The Company's management monitors current and projected cash flows and adjusts positions as necessary to maintain adequate levels of liquidity. Although approximately 76% of the Company's time deposits will mature within twelve months, management believes, based upon past experience, (percentage of time deposits to mature within twelve months has ranged from 72% to 84% over the preceding six years) the relationships developed with local municipalities, and the introduction of new deposit products in 2005, that Union Bank will retain a substantial portion of these deposits. Management will continue to offer a competitive but prudent pricing strategy to facilitate retention of such deposits. A reduction in total deposits could be offset by purchases of federal funds, purchases of deposits, short-or-long-term FHLB borrowings, utilization of the repurchase agreement line, or liquidation of investment securities, purchased brokerage certificates of deposit or loans held for sale. Such steps could result in an increase in the Company's cost of funds and adversely impact the net interest spread and margin. Management believes the Company has sufficient liquidity to meet all reasonable borrower, depositor, and creditor needs in the present economic environment. However, any projections of future cash needs and flows are subject to substantial uncertainty. Management continually evaluates opportunities to buy/sell securities and loans available-for-sale, obtain credit facilities from lenders, or restructure debt for strategic reasons or to further strengthen the Company's financial position. Capital Resources. Capital management is designed to maintain an optimum level of capital in a cost-effective structure that meets target regulatory ratios; supports management's internal assessment of economic capital; funds the Company's business strategies; and builds long-term stockholder value. Dividends are generally increased in line with long-term trends in earnings per share growth and conservative earnings projections, while sufficient profits are retained to support anticipated business growth, fund strategic investments and provide continued support for deposits. The total dollar value of the Company's stockholders' equity was $41.9 million at June 30, 2006, reflecting net income of $3.0 million for the first six months of 2006, less cash dividends paid of $2.4 million, the purchase of 1,923 shares of Treasury stock totaling $42 thousand, and an increase of $273 thousand in accumulated other comprehensive loss, compared to stockholders' equity of $41.6 million at year end 2005. Union Bankshares, Inc. has 5 million shares of $2.00 par value common stock authorized. As of June 30, 2006, the Company had 4,918,611 shares issued, of which 4,540,740 were outstanding and 377,871 were held in Treasury. 34 The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 2.2% of the Company's outstanding shares, for an aggregate repurchase cost not to exceed $2.15 million. Shares can be repurchased in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The repurchase program is open for an unspecified period of time. As of June 30, 2006 the Company had repurchased 16,923 shares under this program, for a total cost of $357 thousand. As of June 30, 2006, there were outstanding employee incentive stock options with respect to 12,825 shares of the Company's common stock, granted pursuant to Union Bankshare's 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan. As of such date, 9,575 options were currently exercisable but only 3,325 of those options were "in the money". Of the 75,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 1998 Plan, 48,700 shares remain available for future option grants. During the second quarter of 2006, no incentive stock options granted pursuant to the 1998 plan were exercised and none were granted. Union Bankshares, Inc. and Union Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Management believes, as of June 30, 2006, that both companies meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. As of June 30, 2006, the most recent calculation categorizes Union Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The prompt corrective action capital category framework applies to FDIC insured depository institutions such as Union but does not apply directly to bank holding companies such as the Company. To be categorized as well capitalized, Union Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since June 30, 2006, that management believes have changed either company's category. Union Bank's and the Company's actual capital amounts and ratios as of June 30, 2006, are presented in the table: Minimums to be Well Minimums Capitalized Under for Capital Prompt Corrective Actual Requirements Action Provisions ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- (Dollars in thousands) Total capital to risk weighted assets Union Bank $45,307 17.6% $20,594 8.0% $25,743 10.0% Company $45,632 17.7% $20,625 8.0% N/A N/A Tier I capital to risk weighted assets Union Bank $41,973 16.3% $10,300 4.0% $15,450 6.0% Company $42,298 16.4% $10,317 4.0% N/A N/A Tier I capital to average assets Union Bank $41,973 11.3% $14,858 4.0% $18,572 5.0% Company $42,298 11.4% $14,841 4.0% N/A N/A Regulatory Matters. The Company and Union are subject to periodic examinations by the various regulatory agencies. These examinations include, but are not limited to, procedures designed to review lending practices, risk management, credit quality, liquidity, compliance and capital adequacy. During 2005 the Vermont State Department of Banking, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston performed various examinations of the Company and Union pursuant to their regular, periodic regulatory reviews. No comments were received from these various bodies that would have a material adverse effect on either Company's liquidity, capital resources, or operations. 35 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Information called for by this item is incorporated by reference in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption "OTHER FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS" on pages 28 through 35 in this Form 10-Q. Item 4. Controls and Procedures. The Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with the assistance of the Disclosure Control Committee, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the report date and concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. There are no known pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiary is a party, or to which any of their properties is subject, other than ordinary litigation arising in the normal course of business activities. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such proceedings cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, any such liability will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiary. Item 1A. Risk Factors. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors from those previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds. ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum Number of Total Number of Shares Purchased Shares that May Yet Total Number of Average Price as Part of Publicly Announced Be Purchased Under Period Shares Purchased Paid per Share Plans or Programs (1) the Plans or Programs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June, 2006 97 $21.22 97 83,077 Investment securities available-for-sale exclude marketable equity securities with a fair value of $669 thousand that may be sold by the Company at any time. Balances shown net of unearned income of $130 thousand. Estimated repayment assumptions considered in Asset/Liability model. -------------------- 36 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 17, 2006. Of 4,540,837 shares outstanding on the record date of the meeting (March 31, 2006), 3,612,602 shares were represented in person or by proxy. The only matter voted on by the shareholders at the meeting was to fix the number of directors at eight and to elect the following individuals as directors for the ensuing year. Votes Votes Votes Broker Nominees For Withheld Abstained Non-votes -------- ----- -------- --------- --------- Cynthia D. Borck 3,595,273 16,779 550 -- Steven J. Bourgeois 3,609,052 3,000 550 -- Kenneth D. Gibbons 3,595,276 16,776 550 -- Franklin G. Hovey, II 3,607,877 4,175 550 -- Richard C. Marron 3,607,926 4,126 550 -- Robert P. Rollins 3,595,402 16,650 550 -- Richard C. Sargent 3,595,876 16,176 550 -- John H. Steel 3,612,052 -- 550 -- 37 Item 6. Exhibits. 31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 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. August 10, 2006 Union Bankshares, Inc. /s/ Kenneth D. Gibbons --------------------------------------- Kenneth D. Gibbons Director, President and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Marsha A. Mongeon --------------------------------------- Marsha A. Mongeon Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) 38 EXHIBIT INDEX 31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 39On November 18, 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program. The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $2.15 million or 100,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 2.2% of the Company's outstanding shares. Shares can be repurchased in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The repurchase program is open for an unspecified period of time.