Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company provides for loan losses through the establishment of an allowance for loan losses which represents an estimated reserve for existing losses in the loan portfolio. A systematic methodology is used for determining the allowance that includes a quarterly review process, risk rating changes, and adjustments to the allowance. The loan portfolio is classified in eight classes and credit risk is evaluated separately in each class. The appropriate level of the allowance is evaluated continually based on a review of significant loans, with a particular emphasis on nonaccruing, past due, and other loans that may require special attention. Other factors include general conditions in local and national economies; loan portfolio composition and asset quality indicators; and internal factors such as changes in underwriting policies, credit administration practices, experience, ability and depth of lending management, among others. The allowance consists of four elements: (1) specific reserves for loans evaluated individually for impairment; (2) general reserves for each portfolio segment based on historical loan loss experience, (3) qualitative reserves judgmentally adjusted for local and national economic conditions, concentrations, portfolio composition, volume and severity of delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, trends of criticized and classified loans, changes in credit policies and underwriting standards, credit administration practices, and other factors as applicable for each portfolio segment; and (4) unallocated reserves. All outstanding loans are considered in evaluating the appropriateness of the allowance. A breakdown of the allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014, by class of financing receivable and allowance element, is presented in the following tables:



As of June 30, 2015	Specific Reserves on Loans Evaluated Individually for Impairment		General Reserves on Loans Based on Historical Loss Experience		Reserves for Qualitative Factors		Unallocated Reserves		Total Reserves
Commercial
Real estate	$	225,000	$	1,017,000	$	1,701,000	$	—	$	2,943,000
Construction	275,000		161,000		269,000		—		705,000
Other	275,000		522,000		874,000		—		1,671,000
Municipal	—		—		16,000		—		16,000
Residential
Term	501,000		303,000		380,000		—		1,184,000
Construction	—		12,000		15,000		—		27,000
Home equity line of credit	31,000		584,000		303,000		—		918,000
Consumer	—		373,000		207,000		—		580,000
Unallocated	—		—		—		1,864,000		1,864,000
	$	1,307,000	$	2,972,000	$	3,765,000	$	1,864,000	$	9,908,000



As of December 31, 2014	Specific Reserves on Loans Evaluated Individually for Impairment		General Reserves on Loans Based on Historical Loss Experience		Reserves for Qualitative Factors		Unallocated Reserves		Total Reserves
Commercial
Real estate	$	346,000	$	1,444,000	$	1,742,000	$	—	$	3,532,000
Construction	413,000		186,000		224,000		—		823,000
Other	129,000		624,000		752,000		—		1,505,000
Municipal	—		—		15,000		—		15,000
Residential
Term	519,000		297,000		369,000		—		1,185,000
Construction	—		9,000		11,000		—		20,000
Home equity line of credit	396,000		376,000		288,000		—		1,060,000
Consumer	—		346,000		196,000		—		542,000
Unallocated	—		—		—		1,662,000		1,662,000
	$	1,803,000	$	3,282,000	$	3,597,000	$	1,662,000	$	10,344,000



As of June 30, 2014	Specific Reserves on Loans Evaluated Individually for Impairment		General Reserves on Loans Based on Historical Loss Experience		Reserves for Qualitative Factors		Unallocated Reserves		Total Reserves
Commercial
Real estate	$	1,150,000	$	1,246,000	$	1,840,000	$	—	$	4,236,000
Construction	487,000		86,000		127,000		—		700,000
Other	830,000		530,000		783,000		—		2,143,000
Municipal	—		—		16,000		—		16,000
Residential
Term	606,000		288,000		370,000		—		1,264,000
Construction	—		10,000		13,000		—		23,000
Home equity line of credit	73,000		389,000		291,000		—		753,000
Consumer	—		383,000		199,000		—		582,000
Unallocated	—		—		—		1,927,000		1,927,000
	$	3,146,000	$	2,932,000	$	3,639,000	$	1,927,000	$	11,644,000

Qualitative adjustment factors are taken into consideration when determining reserve estimates. These adjustment factors are based upon our evaluation of various current conditions, including those listed below.


•	General economic conditions.


•	Credit quality trends with emphasis on loan delinquencies, nonaccrual levels and classified loans.


•	Recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio.


•	Loan volumes and concentrations, including changes in mix.


•	Other factors, including changes in quality of the loan origination; loan policy changes; changes in credit risk management processes; Bank regulatory and external loan review examination results.

The qualitative portion of the allowance for loan losses was 0.39% of related loans as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The qualitative portion increased $168,000 between December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2015 due to an increase in loans outstanding.

The unallocated component of the allowance totaled $1,864,000 at June 30, 2015, or 18.8% of the total reserve. This compares to $1,662,000 or 16.1% as of December 31, 2014. The increase in the unallocated portion is due to increased loan demand in comparison to previous years. Management feels the increase in the unallocated portion is directionally consistent with this change in demand.

The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans stood at 1.03% as of June 30, 2015. This compares to 1.13% of total loans as of December 31, 2014 and 1.31% of total loans as of June 30, 2014.

Commercial loans are comprised of three major classes, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans and other commercial loans. Commercial real estate is primarily comprised of loans to small businesses collateralized by owner-occupied real estate, while other commercial is primarily comprised of loans to small businesses collateralized by plant and equipment, commercial fishing vessels and gear, and limited inventory-based lending. Commercial real estate loans typically have a maximum loan-to-value of 80% based upon current appraisal information at the time the loan is made. Municipal loans are comprised of loans to municipalities in Maine for capitalized expenditures, construction projects or tax-anticipation notes. All municipal loans are considered general obligations of the municipality and as such are collateralized by the taxing ability of the municipality for repayment of debt.

Construction loans, both commercial and residential, comprise a small portion of the portfolio, and at 38.1% of capital are well under the regulatory guidance of 100.0% of capital at June 30, 2015. Construction loans and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are at 104.3% of total capital, well under regulatory guidance of 300.0% of capital at June 30, 2015.

The process of establishing the allowance with respect to the commercial loan portfolio begins when a loan officer initially assigns each loan a risk rating, using established credit criteria. Approximately 50% of the outstanding loans and commitments are subject to review and validation annually by an independent consulting firm, as well as periodically by the Company's internal credit review function. The methodology employs Management's judgment as to the level of losses on existing loans based on internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of a borrower's current financial position, and the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and their potential effects on specific borrowers and or lines of business. In determining the Company's ability to collect certain loans, Management also considers the fair value of underlying collateral. The risk rating system has eight levels, defined as follows:

1 Strong

Credits rated "1" are characterized by borrowers fully responsible for the credit with excellent capacity to pay principal and interest. Loans rated "1" may be secured with acceptable forms of liquid collateral.

2 Above Average

Credits rated "2" are characterized by borrowers that have better than average liquidity, capitalization, earnings and/or cash flow with a consistent record of solid financial performance.

3 Satisfactory

Credits rated "3" are characterized by borrowers with favorable liquidity, profitability and financial condition with adequate cash flow to pay debt service.

4 Average

Credits rated "4" are characterized by borrowers that present risk more than 1, 2 and 3 rated loans and merit an ordinary level of ongoing monitoring. Financial condition is on par or somewhat below industry averages while cash flow is generally adequate to meet debt service requirements.

5 Watch

Credits rated "5" are characterized by borrowers that warrant greater monitoring due to financial condition or unresolved and identified risk factors.

6 Other Assets Especially Mentioned (OAEM)

Loans in this category are currently protected but are potentially weak and constitute an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. OAEM have potential weaknesses which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company's credit position at some future date.

7 Substandard

Loans in this category are inadequately protected by the paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Substandard loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

8 Doubtful

Loans classified "Doubtful" have the same weaknesses as those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined.

The following table summarizes the risk ratings for the Company's commercial real estate, commercial construction, commercial other, and municipal loans as of June 30, 2015:



	Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction		Commercial Other		Municipal Loans		All Risk- Rated Loans
1 Strong	$	10,000	$	—	$	1,177,000	$	—	$	1,187,000
2 Above Average	14,233,000		59,000		8,854,000		21,284,000		44,430,000
3 Satisfactory	53,204,000		1,760,000		25,281,000		1,537,000		81,782,000
4 Average	117,345,000		33,579,000		68,015,000		—		218,939,000
5 Watch	35,279,000		3,359,000		19,723,000		—		58,361,000
6 OAEM	8,799,000		—		1,458,000		—		10,257,000
7 Substandard	20,544,000		747,000		3,664,000		—		24,955,000
8 Doubtful	—		—		77,000		—		77,000
Total	$	249,414,000	$	39,504,000	$	128,249,000	$	22,821,000	$	439,988,000

The following table summarizes the risk ratings for the Company's commercial real estate, commercial construction, commercial other, and municipal loans as of December 31, 2014:



	Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction		Commercial Other		Municipal Loans		All Risk- Rated Loans
1 Strong	$	12,000	$	—	$	330,000	$	—	$	342,000
2 Above Average	12,668,000		771,000		7,210,000		18,789,000		39,438,000
3 Satisfactory	50,275,000		1,983,000		24,232,000		1,635,000		78,125,000
4 Average	108,719,000		23,345,000		44,895,000		—		176,959,000
5 Watch	36,974,000		1,567,000		18,171,000		—		56,712,000
6 OAEM	9,846,000		2,519,000		1,970,000		—		14,335,000
7 Substandard	23,817,000		747,000		7,723,000		—		32,287,000
8 Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	242,311,000	$	30,932,000	$	104,531,000	$	20,424,000	$	398,198,000

The following table summarizes the risk ratings for the Company's commercial real estate, commercial construction, commercial other, and municipal loans as of June 30, 2014:



	Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction		Commercial Other		Municipal Loans		All Risk- Rated Loans
1 Strong	$	14,000	$	—	$	269,000	$	—	$	283,000
2 Above Average	10,936,000		741,000		7,820,000		16,003,000		35,500,000
3 Satisfactory	46,379,000		1,003,000		20,856,000		1,890,000		70,128,000
4 Average	106,209,000		11,106,000		48,042,000		—		165,357,000
5 Watch	37,995,000		789,000		14,145,000		—		52,929,000
6 OAEM	18,527,000		2,668,000		2,724,000		—		23,919,000
7 Substandard	25,600,000		777,000		10,378,000		—		36,755,000
8 Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	245,660,000	$	17,084,000	$	104,234,000	$	17,893,000	$	384,871,000

Commercial loans are generally charged off when all or a portion of the principal amount is determined to be uncollectible. This determination is based on circumstances specific to a borrower including repayment ability, analysis of collateral and other factors as applicable.

Residential loans are comprised of two classes: term loans, which include traditional amortizing home mortgages, and construction loans, which include loans for owner-occupied residential construction. Residential loans typically have a 75% to 80% loan to value based upon current appraisal information at the time the loan is made. Home equity loans and lines of credit are typically written to the same underwriting standards. Consumer loans are primarily amortizing loans to individuals collateralized by automobiles, pleasure craft and recreation vehicles, typically with a maximum loan to value of 80% to 90% of the purchase price of the collateral. Consumer loans also include a small amount of unsecured short-term time notes to individuals.

Residential loans, consumer loans and home equity lines of credit are segregated into homogeneous pools with similar risk characteristics. Trends and current conditions are analyzed and historical loss experience is adjusted accordingly. Quantitative and qualitative adjustment factors for these segments are consistent with those for the commercial and municipal classes. Certain loans in the residential, home equity lines of credit and consumer classes identified as having the potential for further deterioration are analyzed individually to confirm impairment status, and to determine the need for a specific reserve; however there is no formal rating system used for these classes. Consumer loans greater than 120 days past due are generally charged off. Residential loans 90 days or more past due are placed on non-accrual status unless the loans are both well secured and in the process of collection. One- to four-family residential real estate loans and home equity loans are written down or charged-off no later than 180 days past due, or for residential real estate secured loans having a borrower in bankruptcy, within 60 days of receipt of notification of filing from the bankruptcy court, whichever is sooner. This is subject to completion of a current assessment of the value of the collateral with any outstanding loan balance in excess of the fair value of the property, less costs to sell, written down or charged-off.

There were no changes to the Company's accounting policies or methodology used to estimate the allowance for loan losses during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

The following table presents allowance for loan losses activity by class for the six months and quarter ended June 30, 2015, and allowance for loan loss balances by class and related loan balances by class as of June 30, 2015:



	Commercial								Municipal		Residential				Home Equity Line of Credit			Consumer		Unallocated		Total
	Real Estate			Construction			Other				Term		Construction
For the six months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$	3,532,000		$	823,000		$	1,505,000	$	15,000	$	1,185,000	$	20,000	$	1,060,000		$	542,000	$	1,662,000	$	10,344,000
Charge offs	122,000			9,000			486,000		—		149,000		—		508,000			205,000		—		1,479,000
Recoveries	—			—			15,000		—		33,000		—		30,000			65,000		—		143,000
Provision (credit)	(467,000		)	(109,000		)	637,000		1,000		115,000		7,000		336,000			178,000		202,000		900,000
Ending balance	$	2,943,000		$	705,000		$	1,671,000	$	16,000	$	1,184,000	$	27,000	$	918,000		$	580,000	$	1,864,000	$	9,908,000
For the three months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$	3,117,000		$	807,000		$	1,714,000	$	16,000	$	1,108,000	$	23,000	$	1,044,000		$	526,000	$	1,841,000	$	10,196,000
Charge offs	—			9,000			484,000		—		66,000		—		61,000			143,000		—		763,000
Recoveries	—			—			11,000		—		27,000		—		8,000			29,000		—		75,000
Provision (credit)	(174,000		)	(93,000		)	430,000		—		115,000		4,000		(73,000		)	168,000		23,000		400,000
Ending balance	$	2,943,000		$	705,000		$	1,671,000	$	16,000	$	1,184,000	$	27,000	$	918,000		$	580,000	$	1,864,000	$	9,908,000
Allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2015
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	225,000		$	275,000		$	275,000	$	—	$	501,000	$	—	$	31,000		$	—	$	—	$	1,307,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	2,718,000		$	430,000		$	1,396,000	$	16,000	$	683,000	$	27,000	$	887,000		$	580,000	$	1,864,000	$	8,601,000
Related loan balances as of June 30, 2015
Ending balance	$	249,414,000		$	39,504,000		$	128,249,000	$	22,821,000	$	378,090,000	$	14,215,000	$	108,788,000		$	22,028,000	$	—	$	963,109,000
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	12,566,000		$	989,000		$	2,106,000	$	—	$	15,420,000	$	—	$	1,572,000		$	95,000	$	—	$	32,748,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	236,848,000		$	38,515,000		$	126,143,000	$	22,821,000	$	362,670,000	$	14,215,000	$	107,216,000		$	21,933,000	$	—	$	930,361,000

The following table presents allowance for loan losses activity by class for the year-ended December 31, 2014 and allowance for loan loss balances by class and related loan balances by class as of December 31, 2014:



	Commercial								Municipal		Residential					Home Equity Line of Credit		Consumer		Unallocated			Total
	Real Estate			Construction		Other					Term		Construction
For the year ended December 31, 2014
Beginning balance	$	4,602,000		$	575,000	$	2,276,000		$	15,000	$	1,099,000	$	21,000		$	675,000	$	573,000	$	1,678,000		$	11,514,000
Charge offs	1,205,000			—		989,000			—		699,000		—			153,000		449,000		—			3,495,000
Recoveries	144,000			—		758,000			—		36,000		25,000			16,000		196,000		—			1,175,000
Provision (credit)	(9,000		)	248,000		(540,000		)	—		749,000		(26,000		)	522,000		222,000		(16,000		)	1,150,000
Ending balance	$	3,532,000		$	823,000	$	1,505,000		$	15,000	$	1,185,000	$	20,000		$	1,060,000	$	542,000	$	1,662,000		$	10,344,000
Allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2014
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	346,000		$	413,000	$	129,000		$	—	$	519,000	$	—		$	396,000	$	—	$	—		$	1,803,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	3,186,000		$	410,000	$	1,376,000		$	15,000	$	666,000	$	20,000		$	664,000	$	542,000	$	1,662,000		$	8,541,000
Related loan balances as of December 31, 2014
Ending balance	$	242,311,000		$	30,932,000	$	104,531,000		$	20,424,000	$	384,032,000	$	12,160,000		$	103,521,000	$	19,653,000	$	—		$	917,564,000
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	13,304,000		$	1,380,000	$	2,942,000		$	—	$	16,123,000	$	—		$	2,087,000	$	26,000	$	—		$	35,862,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	229,007,000		$	29,552,000	$	101,589,000		$	20,424,000	$	367,909,000	$	12,160,000		$	101,434,000	$	19,627,000	$	—		$	881,702,000

The following table presents allowance for loan losses activity by class for the six months and quarter ended June 30, 2014, and allowance for loan loss balances by class and related loan balances by class as of June 30, 2014:



	Commercial								Municipal		Residential				Home Equity Line of Credit		Consumer		Unallocated		Total
	Real Estate			Construction		Other					Term		Construction
For the six months ended June 30, 2014
Beginning balance	$	4,602,000		$	575,000	$	2,276,000		$	15,000	$	1,099,000	$	21,000	$	675,000	$	573,000	$	1,678,000	$	11,514,000
Charge offs	315,000			—		175,000			—		338,000		—		153,000		219,000		—		1,200,000
Recoveries	2,000			—		705,000			—		8,000		—		2,000		113,000		—		830,000
Provision (credit)	(53,000		)	125,000		(663,000		)	1,000		495,000		2,000		229,000		115,000		249,000		500,000
Ending balance	$	4,236,000		$	700,000	$	2,143,000		$	16,000	$	1,264,000	$	23,000	$	753,000	$	582,000	$	1,927,000	$	11,644,000
For the three months ended June 30, 2014
Beginning balance	$	4,500,000		$	590,000	$	2,241,000		$	15,000	$	1,232,000	$	22,000	$	708,000	$	517,000	$	1,830,000	$	11,655,000
Charge offs	295,000			—		1,000			—		219,000		—		141,000		149,000		—		805,000
Recoveries	1,000			—		641,000			—		4,000		—		1,000		47,000		—		694,000
Provision (credit)	30,000			110,000		(738,000		)	1,000		247,000		1,000		185,000		167,000		97,000		100,000
Ending balance	$	4,236,000		$	700,000	$	2,143,000		$	16,000	$	1,264,000	$	23,000	$	753,000	$	582,000	$	1,927,000	$	11,644,000
Allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2014
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	1,150,000		$	487,000	$	830,000		$	—	$	606,000	$	—	$	73,000	$	—	$	—	$	3,146,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	3,086,000		$	213,000	$	1,313,000		$	16,000	$	658,000	$	23,000	$	680,000	$	582,000	$	1,927,000	$	8,498,000
Related loan balances as of June 30, 2014
Ending balance	$	245,660,000		$	17,084,000	$	104,234,000		$	17,893,000	$	379,027,000	$	13,253,000	$	97,821,000	$	16,892,000	$	—	$	891,864,000
Ending balance specifically evaluated for impairment	$	14,803,000		$	1,492,000	$	4,325,000		$	—	$	16,102,000	$	—	$	1,533,000	$	—	$	—	$	38,255,000
Ending balance collectively evaluated for impairment	$	230,857,000		$	15,592,000	$	99,909,000		$	17,893,000	$	362,925,000	$	13,253,000	$	96,288,000	$	16,892,000	$	—	$	853,609,000