Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. Reports Record Full Year 2021 Results and Increases Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAL) reported a record net income of $16.2 million or $5.77 per share for the full year 2021, up from $11.8 million or $4.21 per share in 2020. The quarterly cash dividend increased by 3.2% to $0.32 per share, payable February 25, 2022. Non-performing assets improved to 0.27% of total assets. The company achieved a net interest income of $41.3 million, with total risk-based capital ratios at 12.87% and 14.08%. The bank remains well-capitalized, supporting continued growth and customer service improvements.

Positive

• Record full-year net income of $16.2 million, or $5.77 per share, compared to $11.8 million, or $4.21 per share in 2020.
• 4th quarter net income increased to $4.1 million from $3.4 million in Q3 2021.
• Quarterly cash dividend increased by 3.2% to $0.32 per share.
• Non-performing assets improved to 0.27% of total assets from 0.44% in the prior year.
• Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 12.87% and 14.08%, indicating strong capital health.

Negative

• The tax equivalent net interest margin decreased to 3.01% in 2021 from 3.28% in 2020.
• Non-interest expenses rose to $32.1 million in 2021, up $3.1 million from 2020, driven by increased operational costs.

• Fourth Quarter and Record Full Year 2021 Net Income of $1.45 and $5.77 per Basic Common Share, Respectively
• Quarterly Cash Dividend Increases 3.2% to $0.32 Per Common Share in First Quarter 2022
• Non-performing Assets Improved to 0.27% of Total Assets from 0.44% at December 31, 2020
• Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios of 12.87% and 14.08%, Respectively
• Book Value and Tangible Book Value Per Common Share Increased 9% and 10%, Respectively in 2021
  

LAKEVILLE, Conn., Jan. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (“Salisbury”), (NASDAQ Capital Market: “SAL”), the holding company for Salisbury Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”), announced results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021. The record results for 2021 reflected an increase in income available to common shareholders to $16.2 million, or $5.77 per basic common share, compared with $11.8 million, or $4.21 per basic common share in 2020.

Net income available to common shareholders was $4.1 million, or $1.45 per basic common share, for Salisbury’s fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021 (fourth quarter 2021), compared with $3.4 million, or $1.21 per basic common share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 (third quarter 2021), and $2.8 million, or $0.99 per basic common share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020 (fourth quarter 2020). Net income for full year 2021 included a pre-tax release of credit reserves of $0.7 million compared with a provision expense of $5.0 million in full year 2020.

Salisbury’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard J. Cantele, Jr., stated, “although COVID-19 challenged us again in 2021, we reported record earnings for the third year in a row and our credit metrics continue to improve due to the dedication and hard work of our employees. In 2021, we also processed nearly $50 million of additional loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), bringing the total loan volume since the inception of this program to almost $150 million. As we enter the new year, we are cautiously optimistic that the business environment will remain favorable and we are focused on driving disciplined growth across our markets. In January 2022, we hired a third commercial lender as an integral part of this strategy and we also relocated our Poughkeepsie, New York branch to a more accessible location. Salisbury Bank is well-positioned to meet the needs of our customers, and our employees remain committed to providing outstanding customer service.”

Net Interest and Dividend Income

Tax equivalent net interest income of $10.7 million for the fourth quarter 2021 increased $0.4 million, or 3.8%, versus third quarter 2021, and increased $0.7 million, or 7.4% compared with fourth quarter 2020. Tax equivalent interest income of $11.5 million for fourth quarter 2021 increased $0.4 million, or 3.2%, versus third quarter 2021 and increased $0.6 million, or 5.5% from fourth quarter 2020.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities of $0.8 million for fourth quarter 2021 was essentially unchanged from third quarter 2021 and declined $0.1 million, or 15.1% from fourth quarter 2020. The decrease in interest expense compared with fourth quarter 2020 primarily reflected lower deposit costs.

Average earning assets of $1.4 billion for fourth quarter 2021 increased $15.7 million, or 1.1%, from third quarter 2021, and increased $170.2 million, or 13.6%, versus fourth quarter 2020. The growth in average earning assets from fourth quarter 2020 primarily reflected higher average short-term fund balances due to deposit growth, higher average balances in the available-for-sale portfolio and higher average loan balances. Average earning assets for fourth quarter 2021 included average PPP loan balances of $32.0 million, net of deferred fees, compared with $51.8 million in third quarter 2021 and $93.4 million in fourth quarter 2020. Average total interest bearing liabilities of $1.0 billion for fourth quarter 2021 increased $3.2 million, or 0.3%, from third quarter 2021. Average total interest bearing liabilities for fourth quarter 2021 increased $87.0 million, or 10.1%, versus fourth quarter 2020 primarily due to higher average deposit and subordinated debt balances, which were partially offset by lower average Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) borrowings.

The tax equivalent net interest margin for fourth quarter 2021 was 2.99% compared with 2.92% for third quarter 2021 and 3.17% for fourth quarter 2020. Excluding PPP loans, the tax equivalent net interest margin for fourth quarter 2021 was 2.87% compared with 2.78% for third quarter 2021 and 3.13% for fourth quarter 2020. See SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION – Net Interest and Dividend Income on page 9 on this release for additional details.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income of $2.8 million for fourth quarter 2021 was essentially unchanged from third quarter 2021 and increased $371 thousand versus fourth quarter 2020.

Trust and Wealth Advisory fees of $1.3 million for fourth quarter 2021 were consistent with third quarter 2021 and increased $220 thousand versus fourth quarter 2020. The increase from fourth quarter 2020 primarily reflected higher asset-based fees. Assets under administration were $1.1 billion at December 31, 2021 compared with $973.2 million at September 30, 2021 and $944.3 million at December 31, 2020. Discretionary assets under administration of $657.8 million in fourth quarter 2021 increased from $608.2 million in third quarter 2021 and $555.0 million in fourth quarter 2020 primarily due to higher market valuations. Non-discretionary assets under administration of $425.4 million in fourth quarter 2021 increased from $365.0 million in third quarter 2021 and increased from $389.4 million in fourth quarter 2020 primarily due to the higher valuation of certain partnership assets for an existing non-discretionary client relationship for which the wealth management business records only a nominal annual fee.

Service charges and fees of $1.3 million for fourth quarter 2021 increased $75 thousand versus third quarter 2021 and increased $428 thousand versus fourth quarter 2020. The increase from third quarter 2021 primarily reflected higher loan prepayment fees whereas the increase from fourth quarter 2020 primarily reflected higher deposit fees. Salisbury waived approximately $200 thousand in deposit fees in fourth quarter 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Income from mortgage sales and servicing decreased slightly versus third quarter 2021 and decreased $351 thousand versus fourth quarter 2020. The decline from fourth quarter 2020 reflected the lower volume of residential mortgage loans sold to the FHLBB.

Non-interest income for the fourth quarter 2021 included BOLI income of $170 thousand compared with income of $135 thousand in third quarter 2021 and $110 thousand in fourth quarter 2020.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense of $8.5 million for fourth quarter 2021 increased $187 thousand versus third quarter 2021 and increased $417 thousand versus fourth quarter 2020. Compensation expense of $4.8 million for fourth quarter 2021 increased $103 thousand from third quarter 2021 and similarly increased slightly versus fourth quarter 2020. The increase from the comparative periods primarily reflected higher salary expense and higher production and incentive accruals, partly offset by lower benefits costs.

Excluding compensation, other non-interest expenses for fourth quarter 2021 increased $84 thousand from third quarter 2021 and increased $373 thousand from fourth quarter 2020. The increase from third quarter 2021 primarily reflected higher Director fees, higher marketing expense and higher FDIC insurance costs, partially offset by a pre-tax loss of $144 thousand recorded in third quarter 2021 on the sale of the building housing the Bank’s branch in Poughkeepsie, New York. In January 2022, Salisbury completed this sale and relocated the branch to leased space nearby. The increase in expenses from fourth quarter 2020 primarily reflected higher marketing costs associated with Salisbury’s web site redesign and branding initiatives as well as increased data processing costs, and higher Directors fees.

The effective income tax rates for fourth quarter 2021, third quarter 2021 and fourth quarter 2020 were 19.1%, 20.1% and 17.5%, respectively. The higher tax rate in 2021 primarily reflected a lower mix of tax-exempt income from municipal bonds, tax advantaged loans and bank-owned life insurance on a comparatively higher level of pre-tax income.

Full Year Results

2021 net income available to common shareholders was $16.2 million, or $5.77 per basic common share, compared with $11.8 million, or $4.21 per basic common share for 2020. Results for 2021 included a net release of credit reserves of $0.7 million compared with a provision of $5.0 million for 2020.

Tax equivalent net interest income of $41.3 million for 2021 increased $2.5 million, or 6.4%, from $38.8 million in 2020. Tax equivalent interest income of $44.8 million for 2021 increased $0.7 million, or 1.5%, from $44.1 million in 2020. In 2021 Salisbury recorded PPP interest income and net fee income of $0.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, compared with $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in 2020. This increase in net PPP fee income was mostly offset by lower interest income on loans due to declining interest rates.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities of $3.4 million for 2021 decreased $1.8 million, or 34.8%, from $5.3 million in 2020. The decrease primarily reflected lower deposit interest expense and lower interest expense on FHLBB advances, partially offset by higher interest expense on subordinated debt. Salisbury issued $25 million of subordinated debt in March 2021 and subsequently fully redeemed the outstanding $10 million of subordinated debt issued in 2015.

Average earning assets of $1.4 billion increased $186.5 million, or 15.8%, from $1.2 billion in 2020 and average total interest bearing liabilities of $932.5 million increased $111.4 million, or 13.6%, from $821.1 million in 2020. The tax equivalent net interest margin for 2021 was 3.01% compared with 3.28% for 2020. Excluding PPP, the tax equivalent net interest margin for 2021 was 2.87% compared with 3.28% for 2020.

Non-interest income of $11.5 million for 2021 increased $1.2 million from $10.3 million in 2020. The increase primarily reflected higher trust and wealth fees, higher deposit and interchange fees, partially offset by lower gains on the sale and servicing of mortgage loans and a non-recurring BOLI gain of $601 thousand recorded in 2020. Salisbury waived approximately $754 thousand of deposit and transaction fees in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Salisbury sold $34.6 million of mortgage loans in 2021 compared with sales of $59.8 million in 2020.

Non-interest expense of $32.1 million for 2021 increased $3.1 million versus $29.0 million in 2020. The increase primarily reflected higher compensation, data processing and marketing costs. Non-interest expenses for 2021 also included a pre-tax loss of $144 thousand on the pending sale of the Poughkeepsie, New York building.

The effective tax rate for 2021 was 20.6% compared with 17.0% for 2020. The higher tax rate in 2021 reflected a lower mix of tax-exempt income from municipal bonds, tax advantaged loans and bank-owned life insurance on a comparatively higher level of pre-tax income. In addition, the tax rate for 2020 reflected $601 thousand of non-taxable BOLI proceeds received in that period.

Loans

Gross loans receivable of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2021 increased $9.0 million, or 0.8%, from third quarter 2021 and $38.2 million, or 3.7%, from fourth quarter 2020. Excluding PPP loans, gross loans receivable increased $24.1 million, or 2.3%, from third quarter 2021 and $99.3 million, or 10.4%, from fourth quarter 2020 reflecting strong growth in both the residential and commercial portfolios.

The increase in residential real estate balances during fourth quarter 2021 reflected continued strong origination volume and low sales volume to FHLBB. Approximately $4.2 million of residential loans were sold to FHLB Boston in fourth quarter 2021 compared with $1.8 million during third quarter 2021 and $14.6 million in fourth quarter 2020. Commercial real estate loan balances at December 31, 2021 were reduced by approximately $10.2 million due to the pay-off of two hotel loans during fourth quarter 2021. The ratio of gross loans to deposits for fourth quarter 2021 was 80.8% compared with 83.0% for third quarter 2021 and 92.2% for fourth quarter 2020. Balances by loan type for the comparative periods were as follows:

Loan Type		Q4 2021				Q3 2021					Q4 2020
Residential Real Estate		$	468,464			$	454,468				$	425,677
Commercial Real Estate			369,761				361,965					342,563
Commercial & Industrial ex PPP Loans			169,543				167,528					140,516
PPP Loans			25,589				40,652					86,632
Commercial & Industrial – Total			195,132				208,180					227,148
Farm Land			2,807				3,409					3,198
Vacant Land			14,182				13,698					14,079
Municipal			16,534				18,061					21,512
Consumer			12,547				11,152					7,687
Deferred Costs/(Fees)			285				(314		)			(372	)
Gross Loans Receivable		$	1,079,712			$	1,070,619				$	1,041,492
Gross Loans Receivable ex PPP		$	1,054,123			$	1,029,967				$	954,860

Asset Quality

Non-performing assets decreased $0.8 million during fourth quarter 2021 to $4.2 million, or 0.27% of total assets at December 31, 2021, from $5.0 million, or 0.34% of total assets at September 30, 2021, and decreased $1.4 million from $5.6 million, or 0.44% of total assets, at December 31, 2020.

The amount of total impaired and potential problem loans was $32.8 million, or 3.04% of gross loans receivable, at December 31, 2021 compared with $30.1 million, or 2.89% of gross loans receivable, at December 31, 2020. The increase from year-end 2020 primarily reflected the reduction of internal risk ratings on loans to certain borrowers in the hospitality and entertainment and recreation industries due to COVID-19.

Accruing loans receivable 30-to-89 days past due increased $0.4 million during fourth quarter 2021 to $1.3 million, or 0.12% of gross loans receivable, from $909 thousand, or 0.08% of gross loans receivable at September 30, 2021, and decreased $5.5 million from $6.9 million, or 0.66% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2020.

The allowance for loan losses for fourth quarter 2021 was $13.0 million compared with $13.2 million for third quarter 2021 and $13.8 million for fourth quarter 2020. The fourth quarter 2021 included a net reserve release of $0.2 million compared with a provision expense of $0.4 million in third quarter 2021 and a provision expense of $0.8 million in the fourth quarter 2020. The net release of credit reserves in fourth quarter 2021 primarily reflected the transfer of the remaining loans in the discrete COVID-19 pool, which carries a higher level of reserves, back to their pre-pandemic loan pool because the borrowers were paying as agreed and the underlying businesses were substantially operating at pre-pandemic levels. The pay-off of certain commercial loans and internal risk rating upgrades in fourth quarter 2021 also contributed to the release of credit reserves, which was substantially offset by loan growth and changes to qualitative factors due to continued uncertainty over COVID-19 and other macro-economic trends. Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) were $3 thousand for the fourth quarter 2021, ($60) thousand for third quarter 2021 and $87 thousand for the fourth quarter 2020.

Reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans, excluding PPP loans, was 1.23% for the fourth quarter 2021, versus 1.28% for third quarter 2021 and 1.44% for fourth quarter 2020. Similarly, reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 309% for the fourth quarter 2021, versus 263% for third quarter 2021 and 244% for fourth quarter 2020.

Salisbury endeavors to work constructively to resolve non-performing loan issues with customers. Substantially all non-performing loans are collateralized with real estate and the repayment of such loans is largely dependent on the return of such loans to performing status or the liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral.

Deposits and Borrowings

Deposits of $1.3 billion at December 30, 2021 increased $46.6 million, or 3.6%, from September 30, 2021 and increased $207.1 million, or 18.3%, from December 31, 2020. Deposits at December 31, 2021 included brokered deposits of $7.9 million compared with $7.9 million at September 30, 2021 and $18.0 million at December 31, 2020. Average total deposits for the fourth quarter 2021 were $1.3 billion compared with $1.3 billion for the third quarter 2021 and $1.1 billion for the fourth quarter 2020.

Advances from FHLBB were $7.7 million at December 31, 2021 compared with $8.9 million and $12.6 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Salisbury’s excess borrowing capacity at FHLBB was approximately $251 million at December 31, 2021.

Capital

Shareholders’ equity increased $3.0 million in the fourth quarter to $136.6 million at December 31, 2021 as net income of $4.1 million and restricted stock activity of $0.2 million were partly offset by common stock dividends paid of $0.9 million and unrealized losses in the available-for-sale securities portfolio of $0.4 million. Book value per common share increased $1.07 during the fourth quarter 2021 to $47.73 per share and increased $3.85 from the fourth quarter 2020. Tangible book value per common share increased $1.09 during fourth quarter 2021 to $42.76 and increased $3.98 from fourth quarter 2020.

The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios remain in compliance with regulatory “well capitalized” requirements. At December 31, 2021, the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage, total risk-based capital, and common equity tier 1 capital ratios were 9.42%, 14.08%, and 12.87%, respectively, compared with regulatory “well capitalized” minimums of 5.00%, 10.00%, and 6.5%, respectively.

During fourth quarter 2021, Salisbury did not repurchase any of its outstanding common stock pursuant to its stock repurchase plan adopted in March 2021, which authorizes Salisbury to repurchase Salisbury’s common stock in amounts up to an aggregate of five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Salisbury’s common stock from time to time over a period of twelve (12) months.

Dividend on Common Shares

The Board of Directors of Salisbury approved a $0.01 increase in the quarterly dividend at its January 26, 2022 meeting. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per common share will be paid on February 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of February 11, 2022.

Background

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company, a Connecticut chartered commercial bank serving the communities of northwestern Connecticut and proximate communities in New York and Massachusetts, since 1848, through full service branches in Canaan, Lakeville, Salisbury and Sharon, Connecticut; Great Barrington, South Egremont and Sheffield, Massachusetts; and Dover Plains, Fishkill, Millerton, Newburgh, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, and Red Oaks Mill, New York. The Bank offers a broad spectrum of consumer and business banking products and services, as well as trust and wealth advisory services.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain statements relating to Salisbury’s and the Bank’s future results that are considered “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of management as well as the assumptions and estimates made by management using information currently available to management. Since these statements reflect the views of management concerning future events, these statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including among others: changes in market interest rates and general and regional economic conditions; changes in laws and regulations; changes in accounting principles; and the quality or composition of the loan and investment portfolios, technological changes and cybersecurity matters, and other factors that may be described in Salisbury’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K, which are available at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov) and to which reference is hereby made. Forward-looking statements made by Salisbury in this news release speak only as of the date they are made. Events or other facts that could cause Salisbury’s actual results to differ may arise from time to time and Salisbury cannot predict all such events and factors. Salisbury undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement unless as may be required by law.

Investor presentation slides, which include a review of financial results and trends through the period ended December 31, 2021, are available in the Shareholder Relations section of Salisbury’s website at salisburybank.com under Shareholder Relations/News & Market Information/Presentations.

Salisbury Contact: Richard J. Cantele, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
860-435-9801 or rcantele@salisburybank.com

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)	December 31, 2021 (unaudited)			December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	6,404		$	10,599
Interest bearing demand deposits with other banks		168,931			82,563
Total cash and cash equivalents		175,335			93,162
Interest bearing Time Deposits with Financial Institutions		750			750
Securities
Available-for-sale at fair value		202,396			98,411
CRA mutual fund at fair value		901			917
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock at cost		1,397			1,713
Loans held-for-sale		2,684			2,735
Loans receivable, net (allowance for loan losses: $12,962 and $13,754)		1,066,750			1,027,738
Bank premises and equipment, net		22,625			20,355
Goodwill		13,815			13,815
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization: $5,462 and $5,207)		418			674
Accrued interest receivable		6,260			6,373
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		27,738			21,182
Deferred taxes		2,713			2,412
Other assets		5,402			3,423
Total Assets	$	1,529,184		$	1,293,660
LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
Demand (non-interest bearing)	$	416,073		$	310,769
Demand (interest bearing)		233,600			218,869
Money market		330,436			278,146
Savings and other		237,075			189,776
Certificates of deposit		119,009			131,514
Total deposits		1,336,193			1,129,074
Repurchase agreements		11,430			7,116
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances		7,656			12,639
Subordinated debt		24,474			9,883
Note payable		170			208
Finance lease obligations		4,107			1,673
Accrued interest and other liabilities		8,554			8,315
Total Liabilities		1,392,584			1,168,908
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock - $0.10 per share par value
Authorized: 5,000,000;
Issued: 2,861,697 and 2,843,292
Outstanding: 2,861,697 and 2,843,292		286			284
Unearned compensation – restricted stock awards		(925	)		(774	)
Paid-in capital		46,374			45,264
Retained earnings		89,995			76,974
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net		870			3,004
Total Shareholders' Equity		136,600			124,752
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	1,529,184		$	1,293,660

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

	Three months ended								Twelve months ended
Periods ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share amounts)		2021				2020				2021				2020
Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	10,438			$	10,135			$	41,080			$	40,796
Interest on debt securities
Taxable		651				411				2,048				1,671
Tax exempt		191				159				697				672
Other interest and dividends		73				65				247				295
Total interest and dividend income		11,353				10,770				44,072				43,434
Interest expense
Deposits		509				629				2,160				3,890
Repurchase agreements		3				3				16				20
Finance lease		34				35				136				141
Note payable		3				3				11				14
Subordinated debt		233				150				1,000				618
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances		28				133				125				605
Total interest expense		810				953				3,448				5,288
Net interest and dividend income		10,543				9,817				40,624				38,146
(Release) provision for loan losses		(202	)			840				(720	)			5,038
Net interest and dividend income after provision (release) for loan losses		10,745				8,977				41,344				33,108
Non-interest income
Trust and wealth advisory		1,286				1,066				4,970				4,194
Service charges and fees		1,286				858				4,822				3,072
Mortgage banking activities, net		88				439				1,000				1,622
(Losses) gains on CRA mutual fund		(9	)			(3	)			(26	)			19
(Losses) gains on securities, net		-				(21	)			(2	)			196
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income		170				110				556				495
Gain on bank-owned life insurance		-				-				-				601
Gain on sale of assets		-				-				73				-
Other		26				27				107				125
Total non-interest income		2,847				2,476				11,500				10,323
Non-interest expense
Salaries		3,753				3,453				13,417				11,828
Employee benefits		1,033				1,289				5,023				4,533
Premises and equipment		1,080				1,122				4,114				4,019
Write-down of assets		-				-				144				-
Data processing		617				544				2,441				2,211
Professional fees		688				721				2,779				2,741
Collections, OREO, and loan related		138				111				455				323
FDIC insurance		171				135				541				466
Marketing and community support		328				154				881				573
Amortization of intangibles		57				74				255				321
Other		606				451				2,054				2,023
Total non-interest expense		8,471				8,054				32,104				29,038
Income before income taxes		5,121				3,399				20,740				14,393
Income tax provision		980				596				4,267				2,453
Net income	$	4,141			$	2,803			$	16,473			$	11,940
Net income available to common shareholders	$	4,076			$	2,764			$	16,225			$	11,775
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.45			$	0.99			$	5.77			$	4.21
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.43			$	0.98			$	5.72			$	4.20
Common dividends per share	$	0.31			$	0.29			$	1.21			$	1.16

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

At or for the quarters ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts and ratios)	Q4 2021			Q3 2021				Q2 2021			Q1 2021			Q4 2020
Total assets	$	1,529,184		$	1,476,849			$	1,436,666		$	1,403,129		$	1,293,660
Loans receivable, net		1,066,750			1,057,451				1,032,345			1,041,185			1,027,738
Total securities		204,694			177,979				152,943			129,960			101,041
Deposits		1,336,193			1,289,628				1,243,369			1,211,171			1,129,074
FHLBB advances		7,656			8,905				10,152			11,396			12,639
Shareholders’ equity		136,600			133,533				131,709			127,242			124,752
Wealth assets under administration		1,083,152			973,198				970,306			902,141			944,349
Discretionary wealth assets under administration		657,789			608,228				614,312			578,199			554,997
Non-discretionary wealth assets under administration		425,363			364,970				355,994			323,942			389,352
Non-performing loans		4,199			5,001				5,539			5,706			5,648
Non-performing assets		4,199			5,001				5,539			5,706			5,648
Accruing loans past due 30-89 days		1,342			909				1,400			2,374			6,850
Net interest and dividend income		10,543			10,165				9,565			10,350			9,817
Net interest and dividend income, tax equivalent(1)		10,735			10,345				9,739			10,520			9,993
(Release) provision expense for loan losses		(202	)		400				(1,075	)		158			840
Non-interest income		2,847			2,840				2,971			2,841			2,476
Non-interest expense		8,471			8,284				8,086			7,259			8,054
Income before income taxes		5,121			4,321				5,525			5,774			3,399
Income tax provision		980			868				1,172			1,248			596
Net income		4,141			3,453				4,353			4,526			2,803
Net income allocated to common shareholders		4,076			3,400				4,287			4,462			2,764
Per share data
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.45		$	1.21			$	1.53		$	1.59		$	0.99
Diluted earnings per common share		1.43			1.20				1.52			1.59			0.98
Dividends per common share		0.31			0.31				0.30			0.29			0.29
Book value per common share		47.73			46.66				46.02			44.72			43.88
Tangible book value per common share - Non-GAAP ⁽2⁾		42.76			41.67				41.01			39.65			38.78
Common shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands)		2,862			2,862				2,862			2,845			2,843
Weighted average common shares outstanding, to calculate basic earnings per share (in thousands)		2,817			2,817				2,810			2,804			2,803
Weighted average common shares outstanding, to calculate diluted earnings per share (in thousands)		2,835			2,843				2,829			2,815			2,811
Profitability ratios
Net interest margin (tax equivalent) (1)		2.99	%		2.92		%		2.82	%		3.34	%		3.17	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		61.91			61.63				63.07			53.75			63.88
Effective income tax rate		19.13			20.09				21.21			21.61			17.52
Return on average assets		1.10			0.93				1.21			1.38			0.85
Return on average common shareholders’ equity		12.14			10.27				13.51			14.53			8.97
Credit quality ratios
Non-performing loans to loans receivable, gross		0.39	%		0.47		%		0.53	%		0.54	%		0.54	%
Accruing loans past due 30-89 days to loans receivable, gross		0.12			0.08				0.13			0.23			0.66
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable, gross		1.20			1.23				1.22			1.32			1.32
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans		308.7			263.3				229.4			243.4			243.5
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.27			0.34				0.39			0.41			0.44
Capital ratios
Common shareholders' equity to assets		8.93	%		9.04		%		9.17	%		9.07	%		9.64	%
Tangible common shareholders' equity to tangible assets - Non-GAAP(2)		8.08			8.15				8.25			8.12			8.62
Tier 1 leverage capital (4)		9.42			9.31				9.33			9.83			8.90
Total risk-based capital (4)		14.08			14.20				14.67			14.58			13.57
Common equity tier 1 capital (4)		12.87			12.95				13.42			13.33			12.31

⁽¹⁾ Adjusted to reflect the U.S. federal statutory benefit on income derived from tax-exempt securities and loans.
⁽²⁾ Refer to schedule labeled “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
⁽³⁾ Calculated as follows: Noninterest expense before OREO expense, amortization of intangibles, and goodwill impairments as a percent of net interest income (fully taxable equivalent) and noninterest revenues, excluding gains from securities transactions and litigation expenses.
⁽⁴⁾ Represents the capital ratios of the Bank.

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION – Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)

At or for the quarters ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts and ratios)	Q4 2021			Q3 2021				Q2 2021				Q1 2021					Q4 2020
Common Shareholders' Equity	$	136,600		$	133,533			$	131,709			$	127,242				$	124,752
Less: Goodwill		(13,815	)		(13,815		)		(13,815		)		(13,815			)		(13,815		)
Less: Intangible assets		(418	)		(476		)		(538		)		(603			)		(674		)
Tangible Common Shareholders' Equity	$	122,367		$	119,242			$	117,356			$	112,824				$	110,263
Total Assets	$	1,529,184		$	1,476,849			$	1,436,666			$	1,403,129				$	1,293,660
Less: Goodwill		(13,815	)		(13,815		)		(13,815		)		(13,815			)		(13,815		)
Less: Intangible assets		(418	)		(476		)		(538		)		(603			)		(674		)
Tangible Total Assets	$	1,514,951		$	1,462,558			$	1,422,313			$	1,388,711				$	1,279,171
Common Shares outstanding		2,862			2,862				2,862				2,845					2,843
Book value per Common Share – GAAP	$	47.73		$	46.66			$	46.02			$	44.72				$	43.88
Tangible book value per Common Share - Non-GAAP		42.76			41.67				41.01				39.65					38.78
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible total assets - Non-GAAP		8.08	%		8.15		%		8.25		%		8.12			%		8.62		%
Consolidated:
Non-interest expense	$	8,471		$	8,284			$	8,086			$	7,259				$	8,054
Less: Amortization of core deposit intangibles		(57	)		(61		)		(65		)		(71			)		(74		)
Less: Write-down of fixed assets		-			(144		)		-				-					-
Less: Foreclosed property expense including OREO gains, losses and Write downs		-			-				-				-					-
Adjusted non-interest expense	$	8,414		$	8,079			$	8,021			$	7,188				$	7,980
Net interest and dividend income, tax equivalent	$	10,735		$	10,345			$	9,739			$	10,520				$	9,993
Non-interest income		2,847			2,840				2,971				2,841					2,476
Losses (gains) on securities		9			(3		)		6				16					24
Gains on sale of fixed assets		-			(73		)		-				-					-
BOLI proceeds		-			-				-				-					-
Adjusted revenue	$	13,591		$	13,109			$	12,716			$	13,377				$	12,493
Efficiency Ratio – Non-GAAP 1		61.91	%		61.63		%		63.07		%		53.75			%		63.88		%

¹ Excluding revenue and expenses associated with trust & wealth advisory, the efficiency ratios would be: Q4 2021: 60.62%; Q3 2021: 60.70%; Q2 2021: 61.59%; Q1 2020: 51.97%; Q4 2020: 62.62%.

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION – Net Interest and Dividend Income (unaudited)

At or for the quarters ended	Average Balance						Income / Expense						Average Yield / Rate
(dollars in thousands)	Q4 2021		Q3 2021		Q4 2020		Q4 2021		Q3 2021		Q4 2020		Q4 2021		Q3 2021		Q4 2020
Loans (a)(d)	$	1,078,097	$	1,056,266	$	1,043,613	$	10,560	$	10,382	$	10,257	3.89	%	3.90	%	3.90	%
Securities (c)(d)		186,284		150,841		92,633		911		720		624	1.96		1.91		2.70
FHLBB stock		1,641		1,743		2,594		11		6		34	2.68		1.38		5.28
Short term funds (b)		155,502		196,997		112,463		62		73		31	0.16		0.15		0.11
Total interest-earning assets		1,421,524		1,405,847		1,251,303		11,544		11,181		10,946	3.22		3.15		3.48
Other assets		76,059		72,547		63,937
Total assets	$	1,497,583	$	1,478,394	$	1,315,240
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	225,607	$	227,291	$	212,375		104		111		110	0.18		0.19		0.21
Money market accounts		329,005		327,861		288,629		139		140		150	0.17		0.17		0.21
Savings and other		233,463		217,541		188,080		66		58		59	0.11		0.11		0.12
Certificates of deposit		121,192		125,768		130,809		200		223		310	0.65		0.70		0.94
Total interest-bearing deposits		909,267		898,461		819,893		509		532		629	0.21		0.23		0.31
Repurchase agreements		7,923		14,296		9,220		3		5		3	0.16		0.15		0.15
Finance lease		2,696		2,685		2,897		34		33		35	5.10		4.98		4.81
Note payable		173		183		212		3		3		3	6.49		6.11		6.10
Subordinated debt (f)		24,467		24,452		9,879		233		233		150	3.82		3.82		6.06
FHLBB advances		8,071		9,329		23,491		28		30		133	1.38		1.28		2.21
Total interest-bearing liabilities		952,597		949,406		865,592		810		836		953	0.34		0.35		0.44
Demand deposits		401,294		388,557		318,370
Other liabilities		8,410		6,965		7,267
Shareholders’ equity		135,282		133,466		124,011
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity	$	1,497,583	$	1,478,394	$	1,315,240
Net interest income							$	10,735	$	10,345	$	9,993
Spread on interest-bearing funds													2.88		2.80		3.04
Net interest margin (e)													2.99		2.92		3.17

(a) Includes non-accrual loans.
(b) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold.
(c) Average balances of securities are based on amortized cost.
(d) Includes tax exempt income benefit of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for Q4 2021, Q3 2021 and Q4 2020 on tax-exempt securities and loans whose income and yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. The income benefit reflected the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% for 2021 and 2020.
(e) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(f) Net of issuance costs.

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION – Net Interest and Dividend Income (unaudited)

Twelve months ended December 31,	Average Balance				Income / Expense				Average Yield / Rate
(dollars in thousands)	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Loans (a)(d)	$	1,059,663	$	1,019,999	$	41,549	$	41,267	3.89	%	4.02	%
Securities (c)(d)		144,833		89,616		2,991		2,563	2.06		2.86
FHLBB stock		1,790		3,163		37		141	2.09		4.45
Short term funds (b)		158,907		65,935		210		154	0.13		0.23
Total earning assets		1,365,193		1,178,713		44,787		44,125	3.26		3.73
Other assets		72,590		63,434
Total assets	$	1,437,783	$	1,242,147
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	224,763	$	183,870		435		441	0.19		0.24
Money market accounts		315,469		256,402		547		1,145	0.17		0.45
Savings and other		215,300		175,204		239		464	0.11		0.26
Certificates of deposit		130,879		144,489		939		1,840	0.72		1.27
Total interest-bearing deposits		886,411		759,965		2,160		3,890	0.24		0.51
Repurchase agreements		10,679		7,986		16		20	0.15		0.25
Finance lease		2,739		2,965		136		141	4.96		4.75
Note payable		187		226		11		14	6.13		6.08
Subordinated Debt (f)		22,511		9,870		1,000		618	4.44		6.26
FHLBB advances		9,938		40,093		125		605	1.24		1.49
Total interest-bearing liabilities		932,465		821,105		3,448		5,288	0.37		0.64
Demand deposits		366,926		294,588
Other liabilities		7,285		6,956
Shareholders’ equity		131,107		119,498
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity	$	1,437,783	$	1,242,147
Net interest income					$	41,339	$	38,837
Spread on interest-bearing funds									2.89		3.09
Net interest margin (e)									3.01		3.28

(a) Includes non-accrual loans.
(b) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold.
(c) Average balances of securities are based on historical cost.
(d) Includes tax exempt income benefit of $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively for 2021 and 2020 on tax-exempt securities and loans whose income and yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. The income benefit reflected the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21.0% for 2021 and 2020.
(e) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(f) Net of issuance costs.

FAQ

What was Salisbury Bancorp's net income for 2021?

Salisbury Bancorp reported a net income of $16.2 million for the full year 2021.

What is the quarterly dividend for Salisbury Bancorp?

The quarterly cash dividend is $0.32 per share, payable on February 25, 2022.

How did non-performing assets change for Salisbury Bancorp?

Non-performing assets improved to 0.27% of total assets as of December 31, 2021.

What are the capital ratios for Salisbury Bancorp?

The Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios are 12.87% and 14.08%, respectively.

How did Salisbury Bancorp's net interest income perform in 2021?

Salisbury Bancorp recorded a tax equivalent net interest income of $41.3 million in 2021.