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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-11204
AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
PENNSYLVANIA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  25-1424278
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
MAIN & FRANKLIN STREETS,
P.O. BOX 430, JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
(Address of principal executive offices)
  15907-0430
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (814) 533-5300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
         
 
  Title Of Each Class   Name Of Each Exchange On Which Registered
 
       
 
  None    
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
     
Common Stock, $2.50 Par Value
(Title of class)
  Share Purchase Rights
(Title of class)
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes þ No
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.o Yes þ No
     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. þ Yes o No
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer þ    Non-accelerated filer   o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes þ No
     State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value was $65,115,304 as of June 30, 2008.
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. There were 21,135,466 shares outstanding as of January 31, 2009.
     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.
     List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (e) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).
     Portions of the annual shareholders’ report for the year ended December 31, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II.
     Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders’ meeting are incorporated by reference in Part III.
     Exhibit Index is located on page 74.
 
 

 


 

FORM 10-K INDEX
             
        Page No.
PART I
           
Item 1.
  Business     3  
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors     12  
Item 1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments     15  
Item 2.
  Properties     15  
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings     15  
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     15  
PART II
           
Item 5.
  Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     16  
Item 6.
  Selected Consolidated Financial Data     18  
Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations     20  
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     35  
Item 8.
  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     36  
Item 9.
  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure     71  
Item 9A.
  Controls and Procedures     71  
Item 9B.
  Other Information     71  
PART III
           
Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     71  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     71  
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     71  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence     71  
Item 14.
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services     72  
PART IV
           
Item 15.
  Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K     72  
 
  Signatures     74  

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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
     AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company organized under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law. The Company became a holding company upon acquiring all of the outstanding shares of AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank) on January 5, 1983. The Company’s other wholly owned subsidiaries include AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (the Trust Company) formed in October 1992, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life) formed in October 1987.
     The Company’s principal activities consist of owning and operating its three wholly owned subsidiary entities. At December 31, 2008, the Company had, on a consolidated basis, total assets, deposits, and shareholders’ equity of $967 million, $695 million and $113 million, respectively. The Company and its subsidiaries derive substantially all of their income from banking and bank-related services. The Company functions primarily as a coordinating and servicing unit for its subsidiary entities in general management, accounting and taxes, loan review, auditing, investment accounting, marketing and insurance risk management.
     As previously stated, the Company is a bank holding company and is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. The Company is also under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for matters relating to offering and sale of its securities. The Company is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as administered by the SEC. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the trading symbol “ASRV,” and is subject to the rules of NASDAQ for listed companies.
AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANKING SUBSIDIARY
     AmeriServ Financial Bank
     The Bank is a state bank chartered under the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended. Through 18 locations in Allegheny, Cambria, Centre, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties, Pennsylvania, AmeriServ Financial Bank conducts a general banking business. It is a full-service bank offering (i) retail banking services, such as demand, savings and time deposits, money market accounts, secured and unsecured loans, mortgage loans, safe deposit boxes, holiday club accounts, collection services, money orders, and traveler’s checks; (ii) lending, depository and related financial services to commercial, industrial, financial, and governmental customers, such as real estate-mortgage loans, short- and medium-term loans, revolving credit arrangements, lines of credit, inventory and accounts receivable financing, real estate-construction loans, business savings accounts, certificates of deposit, wire transfers, night depository, and lock box services. The Bank also operates 21 automated bank teller machines (ATMs) through its 24-Hour Banking Network that is linked with NYCE, a regional ATM network and CIRRUS, a national ATM network. On March 7, 2007, the Bank completed the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA). WCCA is a registered investment advisor and as of December 31, 2008 had $82 million in assets under management.
     The Bank’s deposit base is such that loss of one depositor or a related group of depositors would not have a materially adverse effect on its business. In addition, the loan portfolio is also diversified so that one industry or group of related industries does not comprise a material portion of the loan portfolio. The Bank’s business is not seasonal nor does it have any risks attendant to foreign sources.
     The Bank is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. Various federal and state laws and regulations govern many aspects of its banking operations. The following is a summary of key data (dollars in thousands) and ratios at December 31, 2008:
         
Headquarters   Johnstown, PA  
Chartered
    1933  
Total Assets
  $ 937,050  
Total Investment Securities
    131,893  
Total Loans (net of unearned income)
    707,108  
Total Deposits
    695,156  
Total Net Income
    5,322  
Asset Leverage Ratio
    9.30 %
Return on Average Assets
    0.60  
Return on Average Equity
    5.69  
Total Full-time Equivalent Employees
    286  

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RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW:
     Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, which includes interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of managerial and Board oversight.
     Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets and liabilities. The Company uses its asset liability management policy to control and manage interest rate risk.
     Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as, the obligations to depositors and debtholders. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk.
     Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy strictly limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities. The following summarizes and describes the Company’s various loan categories and the underwriting standards applied to each:
     Commercial
     This category includes credit extensions to commercial and industrial borrowers. Business assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and/or equipment, typically secure these credits. In appropriate instances, extensions of credit in this category are subject to collateral advance formulas. Balance sheet strength and profitability are considered when analyzing these credits, with special attention given to historical, current and prospective sources of cash flow, and the ability of the customer to sustain cash flow at acceptable levels. Our policy permits flexibility in determining acceptable debt service coverage ratios, with a minimum level of 1.1 to 1 desired. Personal guarantees are frequently required; however, as the financial strength of the borrower increases, the Company’s ability to obtain personal guarantees decreases. In addition to economic risk, this category is impacted by the management ability of the borrower and industry risk, which are also considered during the underwriting process.
     Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate
     This category includes various types of loans, including acquisition and construction of investment property, owner-occupied property and operating property. Maximum term, minimum cash flow coverage, leasing requirements, maximum amortization and maximum loan to value ratios are controlled by the Company’s credit policy and follow industry guidelines and norms, and regulatory limitations. Personal guarantees are normally required during the construction phase on construction credits, and are frequently obtained on mid to smaller commercial real estate loans. In addition to economic risk, this category is subject to geographic and portfolio concentration risk, which are monitored and considered in underwriting.
     Real Estate — Mortgage
     This category includes mortgages that are secured by residential property. Underwriting of loans within this category is pursuant to Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines, with the exception of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) loans, which exhibit more liberal standards. The major risk in this category is that a significant downward economic trend would increase unemployment and cause payment default. The Company does not and has never engaged in sub-prime residential mortgage lending.
     Consumer
     This category includes consumer installment loans and revolving credit plans. Underwriting is pursuant to industry norms and guidelines and is achieved through a process, which includes of the Appro Credit Scoring program. The major risk in this category is a significant economic downturn.
MAJOR TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AND THE ASSOCIATED INVESTMENT POLICIES
     The investment securities portfolio of the Company and its subsidiaries is managed to provide ample liquidity in a manner that is consistent with proper bank asset/liability management and current banking practices. The objectives of portfolio management include consideration of proper liquidity levels, interest rate and market valuation sensitivity, and profitability. The investment portfolios of

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the Company and subsidiaries are proactively managed in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
     The investment portfolio is primarily made up of AAA rated agency mortgage-backed securities and short maturity agency securities. The purpose of this type of portfolio is to generate adequate cash flow to fund potential loan growth, as the market allows. Management strives to maintain a relatively short duration in the portfolio. All holdings must meet standards documented in the AmeriServ Financial Investment Policy.
DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS, INCLUDING REPAYMENTS AND MATURITIES OF LOANS, SALES AND MATURITIES OF INVESTMENTS AND FHLB ADVANCES
Deposits
     The Bank has a loyal core deposit base made up of traditional commercial bank products that exhibits little fluctuation, other than Jumbo CDs, which demonstrate some seasonality. The bank also utilizes certain Trust Company specialty deposits related to the Erect Fund as a funding source which serve as an alternative to wholesale borrowings and could exhibit some degree of volatility.
Borrowings
     The Bank, when needed, uses both overnight borrowings and term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for liquidity management purposes. During the past several years the Company has significantly deleveraged its balance sheet and reduced its level of borrowings through investment portfolio cash flow and security sales.
Loans
     During the periods presented herein, the Company has moderately grown its loan portfolio with no adverse effect on liquidity. The Company believes it will be able to fund anticipated loan growth generally from investment securities portfolio cash flow and deposit growth.
Secondary Market Activities
     The Residential Lending department of the Bank continues to originate one-to-four family mortgage loans for both outside investors in the secondary market and for the AmeriServ portfolio. Mortgages sold on the secondary market are sold to investors on a “flow” basis: Mortgages are priced and delivered on a “best efforts” pricing, with servicing released to the investor. Freddie Mac guidelines are used in underwriting all mortgages with the exception of CRA loans. The mortgages with longer terms such as 20-year, 30-year, FHA, and VA loans are usually sold. The remaining production of the department includes construction, adjustable rate mortgages, 10-year, 15-year, and bi-weekly mortgages. These loans are usually kept in the AmeriServ portfolio although during periods of low interest rates 15-year loans are typically sold into the secondary market.
AMERISERV FINANCIAL NON-BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
     AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company
     AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company is a trust company organized under Pennsylvania law in October 1992. As one of the larger providers of trust and investment management products and services between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company is committed to delivering personalized, professional service to its clients. Its staff of approximately 41 professionals administer assets valued at approximately $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008. The Trust Company has two primary business divisions, traditional trust and union collective investment funds. Traditional trust includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this division. The union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD Funds (includes Build Fund of America and Build Fund of Indiana), are designed to invest union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. At December 31, 2008, AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services had total assets of $3.3 million and total shareholder’s equity of $3.0 million. The Trust Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking.
     The diversification of the revenue-generating divisions within the trust company is one of the primary reasons for its successful profitable growth. The specialized union collective funds have attracted several national labor unions as investors as well as many local unions from a number of states. At the end of 2008, assets in these union funds totaled approximately $325 million. In late 2008, both BUILD Funds were in liquidation status. The Company expects this fund to be liquidated over a 3 to 5 year period given current real estate market conditions.

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     The Trust Investment Division focuses on producing better-than-average investment returns by offering an array of individually managed accounts and several asset allocation disciplines utilizing non-proprietary mutual funds. In addition, the Tactical High Yield Bond Fund, the Pathroad Funds and the Premier Equity Discipline are examples of the Investment Division’s ability to respond to the needs and expectations of our clients. The diversified array of investment options, experienced staff and good investment returns facilitate client retention and the development of new clients.
     In 2008, the Trust Company continued to be a solid contributor of earnings to the corporation as its gross revenue amounted to $7.6 million and the net income contribution was $1.3 million.
     AmeriServ Life
     AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Arizona. AmeriServ Life engages in underwriting as reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance within the Company’s market area. Operations of AmeriServ Life are conducted in each office of the Company’s banking subsidiary. AmeriServ Life is subject to supervision and regulation by the Arizona Department of Insurance, the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Reserve. At December 31, 2008, AmeriServ Life had total assets of $927,000 and total stockholders’ equity of $833,000.
MONETARY POLICIES
     Commercial banks are affected by policies of various regulatory authorities including the Federal Reserve System. An important function of the Federal Reserve System is to regulate the national supply of bank credit. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Board of Governors are: open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate and discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements on bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and may also affect interest rate charges on loans or interest paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the Board of Governors have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.
COMPETITION
     The subsidiaries face strong competition from other commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, and several other financial or investment service institutions for business in the communities they serve. Several of these institutions are affiliated with major banking and financial institutions which are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than the subsidiary entities. As the financial services industry continues to consolidate, the scope of potential competition affecting the subsidiary entities will also increase. For most of the services that the subsidiary entities perform, there is also competition from credit unions and issuers of commercial paper and money market funds. Such institutions, as well as brokerage houses, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and pension trusts, are important competitors for various types of financial services. In addition, personal and corporate trust investment counseling services are offered by insurance companies, other firms, and individuals.
MARKET AREA & ECONOMY
     Nationally, the economy demonstrated recessionary conditions as the Commerce Department stated that early indications show Gross Domestic Product fell at a 3.8% annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2008, following a 0.5% drop in the third quarter. Economic statistics reveal that the nation has been in a recession for more than a year. Overall, the economy grew at a weak 1.3% in 2008, which was the slowest expansion since the 2001 recession. The investment in financial institutions by the United States government together with other programs instituted by the United States Treasury and the Federal Reserve in 2008 has kept the economy from collapsing further, while the economic stimulus has not yet had a chance to work. This means additional layoffs are likely to occur. However, most recessions generally last no longer than two years. Accordingly, most economists are predicting that the current recession will end by the end of 2009. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two thirds of the economy, decreased 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2008 following a 3.8% drop in the third quarter, marking the worse back to back declines since quarterly records began in 1947. The Federal Reserve cut its overnight funds interest rate basically to zero, set up a host of special lending programs and is prepared to begin buying longer-term Treasury bonds, a move that could push down some borrowing rates, in a further effort to shore up the economy. The Fed is increasingly worried about the possibility of deflation, which could make it harder for the economy to recover. Tight credit markets have made it more difficult for households and businesses to borrow money. The troubled housing market along with sharp increases to energy and food prices, particularly in the middle of 2008, negatively impacted other sectors of the economy. Labor markets were also hit hard with the unemployment rate climbing to 7.6% in January of 2009, which is its highest level since 1992. The government has enacted an economic stimulus plan that includes tax breaks, public works spending and expanded health care and unemployment benefits. Also, the Obama administration is moving forward with a plan to bolster the financial systems which was helped during 2008 with the TARP program. Overall, national economic growth is expected to average -0.5% in 2009.

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     The economy in Cambria and Somerset Counties in December 2008 produced seasonally adjusted unemployment rates of 7.9% and 7.8%, respectively, as compared to national and state rates of 7.2% and 6.7%, respectively. Local markets have been negatively impacted by the recessionary conditions that exist in the national economy causing the unemployment rate to increase from last year’s average of 5.4%. Johnstown, PA, where AmeriServ Financial, Inc is headquartered, is a national leader in technology and was designated as the most affordable city in the nation by Forbes Magazine. Johnstown’s cost of living is approximately 30% lower than the national average. As of December 31, 2008, total nonfarm jobs in the Johnstown MSA were 1,700 below the December 2007 level, which represents the largest year over year decline since January 2002, with losses coming from both goods-producing and service-providing industries. However, the opening of a technology park, and greater work on defense projects is expected to contribute to economic growth in the future. Local loan demand remains good, in the commercial sector, but has slowed in the consumer sector.
     Economic conditions are stronger in the State College, PA market, but have also been negatively impacted by the struggling national economy. The unemployment rate for the State College MSA reached 5.1% in December 2008, which is the highest level since June 1992, but remains the lowest of all regions in the Commonwealth. Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs for the MSA dropped by 1,100 since December 2007, representing the largest year over year loss since May 2005. The Company plans to open a third branch office in the State College market during 2009 as this area presents the Company with a more vibrant economic market and a much different demographic. A large percentage of the population in State College falls into the 18 to 34 year old age group, while potential customers in the Cambria/Somerset markets tend to be over 50 years of age. Overall, opportunities in the State College market are quite different and challenging, providing a promising source of business to profitably grow the Company.
EMPLOYEES
     The Company employed 379 people as of December 31, 2008, in full- and part-time positions. Approximately 217 non-supervisory employees of the Bank are represented by the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local Union 2635-06/2635-07. The Bank’s current labor contract with the Steelworkers Local will expire on October 15, 2009. The Bank has not experienced a work stoppage since 1979. The Bank is one of 13 union-represented banks nationwide.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION IMPROVEMENT ACT
     The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the “FDICIA”), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. It requires U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements based on these categories. The FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Unless a bank is well capitalized, it is subject to restrictions on its ability to offer brokered deposits and on other aspects of its operations. The FDICIA generally prohibits a bank from paying any dividend or making any capital distribution or paying any management fee to its holding company if the bank would thereafter be undercapitalized. An undercapitalized bank must develop a capital restoration plan, and its parent holding company must guarantee the bank’s compliance with the plan up to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s assets at the time it became undercapitalized and the amount needed to comply with the plan.
     As of December 31, 2008, the Company believes that its bank subsidiary was well capitalized, based on the prompt corrective action guidelines described above. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying the prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.
TEMPORARY LIQUIDITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM
     On November 21, 2008, the Board of Directors of the FDIC adopted a final rule relating to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). The TLGP was announced by the FDIC on October 14, 2008, preceded by the determination of systemic risk by the Secretary of the Department of Treasury, as an initiative to counter the system-wide crisis in the nation’s financial sector. Under the TLGP the FDIC will (1)guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012, certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions on or after October 14, 2008, and before June 30, 2009 and (2)provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdraw (NOW) accounts paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts held at participating FDIC-insured institutions through December 31, 2009. Coverage under the TLGP was available for the first 30 days without charge. The fee assessment for coverage of senior unsecured debt ranges from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum, depending on the initial maturity of the debt. The fee assessment for deposit insurance coverage is 10 basis points per quarter on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000. As of December 31, 2008, the Company elected to participate in both guarantee programs.

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SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 contains important requirements for public companies in the area of financial disclosure and corporate governance. In accordance with section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley act, written certifications by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required. These certifications attest that the Company’s quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. In response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company adopted a series of procedures to further strengthen its corporate governance practices. The Company also requires signed certifications from managers who are responsible for internal controls throughout the Company as to the integrity of the information they prepare. These procedures supplement the Company’s Code of Conduct Policy and other procedures that were previously in place. In 2005, the Company implemented a program designed to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This program included the identification of key processes and accounts, documentation of the design of control effectiveness over process and entity level controls, and testing of the effectiveness of key controls.
PRIVACY PROVISIONS OF GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT
     Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act), federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about customers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to non-affiliated third parties. The privacy provision of the GLB Act affects how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors. The Company believes it is in compliance with the various provisions of the GLB Act.
USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001
     A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA Patriot Act substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The United States Treasury Department has issued and, in some cases, proposed a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the Company.
STATISTICAL DISCLOSURES FOR BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
   The following Guide 3 information is included in this Form 10-K as listed below:
I.   Distribution of Assets, Liabilities, and Stockholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential Information. Information required by this section is presented on pages 21-24, and 30-32.
II.   Investment Portfolio Information required by this section is presented on pages 10 and 46-49.
III.   Loan Portfolio Information required by this section appears on pages 10-11 and 25-27.
IV.   Summary of Loan Loss Experience Information required by this section is presented on pages 26-27.
V.   Deposits Information required by this section follows on pages 11-12.
VI.   Return on Equity and Assets Information required by this section is presented on page 20.
VII.   Short-Term Borrowings Information required by this section is presented on page 12.

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INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
     Investment securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost while investment securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair market value. The following table sets forth the cost basis and fair market value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of the periods indicated:
     Investment securities available for sale at:
                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
COST BASIS:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $     $ 6,006     $ 6,011  
U.S. Agency
    10,387       37,255       57,636  
Mortgage-backed securities
    114,380       98,484       113,460  
Other securities
    24       25       42  
 
                 
Total cost basis of investment securities available for sale
  $ 124,791     $ 141,770     $ 177,149  
 
                 
Total fair value of investment securities available for sale
  $ 126,781     $ 140,582     $ 172,223  
 
                 
     Investment securities held to maturity at:
                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
COST BASIS:
                       
U.S. Treasury
  $ 3,082     $ 3,153     $ 3,220  
U.S. Agency
          3,473       3,471  
Mortgage-backed securities
    9,562       6,157       7,216  
Other securities
    3,250       5,750       6,750  
 
                 
Total cost basis of investment securities held to maturity
  $ 15,894     $ 18,533     $ 20,657  
 
                 
Total fair value of investment securities held to maturity
  $ 16,323     $ 18,378     $ 20,460  
 
                 
LOAN PORTFOLIO
     The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:
                                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Commercial
  $ 110,197     $ 118,936     $ 91,746     $ 80,629     $ 72,011  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    353,870       285,115       269,781       249,204       225,661  
Real estate-mortgage(1)
    218,928       214,839       209,728       201,111       201,406  
Consumer
    23,804       16,676       18,336       20,391       23,285  
 
                             
Loans
    706,799       635,566       589,591       551,335       522,363  
Less: Unearned income
    691       471       514       831       1,634  
 
                             
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 706,108     $ 635,095     $ 589,077     $ 550,504     $ 520,729  
 
                             
 
(1)   For each of the periods presented beginning with December 31, 2008, real estate-construction loans constituted 6.2%, 5.5%, 4.4%, 5.5% and 6.3% of the Company’s total loans, net of unearned income, respectively.

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NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
     The following table presents information concerning non-performing assets:
                                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  
Non-accrual loans
                                       
Commercial
  $ 1,128     $ 3,553     $ 494     $ 2,315     $ 802  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    484       225       195       318       606  
Real estate-mortgage
    1,313       875       1,050       1,070       2,049  
Consumer
    452       585       547       446       412  
 
                             
Total
    3,377       5,238       2,286       4,149       3,869  
 
                             
 
                                       
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing
                                       
Consumer
                3       31        
 
                             
Total
                3       31        
 
                             
 
                                       
Other real estate owned
                                       
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    701                          
Real estate-mortgage
    494       42       3       130       15  
Consumer
                      5       10  
 
                             
Total
    1,195       42       3       135       25  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total non-performing assets
  $ 4,572     $ 5,280     $ 2,292     $ 4,315     $ 3,894  
 
                             
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned
    0.65 %     0.83 %     0.39 %     0.78 %     0.75 %
Total restructured loans
  $ 1,360     $ 1,217     $ 1,302     $ 258     $ 5,685  
     The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of 1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or 2) carrying cost.
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (ii) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (iii) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.
                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Interest income due in accordance with original terms
  $ 198     $ 215     $ 214     $ 213     $ 469  
Interest income recorded
          (24 )     (55 )     (12 )     (19 )
 
                             
Net reduction in interest income
  $ 198     $ 191     $ 159     $ 201     $ 450  
 
                             
DEPOSITS
     The following table sets forth the average balance of the Company’s deposits and average rates paid thereon for the past three calendar years:
                                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)          
Demand:
                                               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 110,601       %   $ 105,306       %   $ 104,266       %
Interest bearing
    64,683       1.01       67,132       1.76       57,817       1.05  
Savings
    70,255       0.76       71,922       0.76       81,964       0.78  
Money market
    107,843       2.24       158,947       3.80       172,029       3.34  
Other time
    341,185       3.54       346,134       4.34       319,220       3.83  
 
                                         
Total deposits
  $ 694,567       2.69     $ 749,441       3.54     $ 735,296       3.05  
 
                                         

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     Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Interest bearing demand
  $ 653     $ 1,184     $ 606  
Savings
    535       549       644  
Money market
    2,417       6,040       5,743  
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more
    1,744       1,774       1,894  
Other time
    10,331       13,264       10,345  
 
                 
Total interest expense
  $ 15,680     $ 22,811     $ 19,232  
 
                 
     Additionally, the following table provides more detailed maturity information regarding certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2008:
     MATURING IN:
         
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Three months or less
  $ 11,813  
Over three through six months
    13,382  
Over six through twelve months
    3,565  
Over twelve months
    7,406  
 
     
Total
  $ 36,166  
 
     
FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED AND OTHER SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
     The outstanding balances and related information for federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
    FEDERAL   OTHER
    FUNDS   SHORT-TERM
    PURCHASED   BORROWINGS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance
  $     $ 119,920  
Maximum indebtedness at any month end
    5,685       138,855  
Average balance during year
    20       71,617  
Average rate paid for the year
    3.16 %     1.96 %
Interest rate on year end balance
          0.60  
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
    FEDERAL   OTHER
    FUNDS   SHORT-TERM
    PURCHASED   BORROWINGS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance
  $     $ 72,210  
Maximum indebtedness at any month end
    3,430       74,095  
Average balance during year
    99       19,745  
Average rate paid for the year
    5.18 %     4.89 %
Interest rate on year end balance
          3.88  
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2006
    FEDERAL   OTHER
    FUNDS   SHORT-TERM
    PURCHASED   BORROWINGS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance
  $     $ 49,091  
Maximum indebtedness at any month end
          61,728  
Average balance during year
    43       32,778  
Average rate paid for the year
    5.69 %     5.10 %
Interest rate on year end balance
          5.48  
     Average amounts outstanding during the year represent daily averages. Average interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balances.
     These borrowing transactions can range from overnight to one year in maturity. The average maturity was two days at the end of 2008 and 2007 and three days at the end of 2006.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     Investors should carefully consider the risks described below before investing in our common stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impair our business. Our business could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. Other corporate information is available at www.AmeriServFinancial.com
Failure to successfully execute our turnaround strategy would adversely affect future earnings.
     At the end of 2003, we adopted a turnaround strategy that consisted of three distinct elements. These were:
    In 2003, stabilizing AmeriServ and taking immediate steps to eliminate or minimize those risk elements that posed a threat to our survival;
 
    In 2004 and 2005, executing steps to eliminate the key structural impediments to sustainable, improved earnings; and
 
    Articulating and executing, over the long-term, a strategy centered on community banking and continued expansion of our successful trust business that is intended to produce consistent future earnings.
     We believe we accomplished the first two elements of the turnaround strategy. With our earnings growth in 2007 and 2008, we achieved meaningful progress towards the third element of the turnaround. However, this final element of the turnaround requires sustained execution of our business plan to drive our financial performance closer to peer bank levels. If we are unable to achieve the last element of the turnaround strategy, our financial condition and results of operations will not dramatically improve and may deteriorate.
We are subject to lending risks.
     There are risks inherent in making all loans. These risks include interest rate changes over the time period in which loans may be repaid and changes in the national economy or the economy of our regional market that affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans.
     At December 31, 2008, 65.6% of our net loan portfolio consisted of commercial and commercial mortgage loans, including construction loans. Commercial loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans or consumer loans. These types of loans also are typically larger than residential real estate loans and consumer loans. Because our loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial and commercial mortgage loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans would cause a significant increase in non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a net loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in our provision for loan losses and an increase in loan charge-offs.
Our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected if our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to absorb actual losses or if we are required to increase our allowance.
     Despite our underwriting criteria, we may experience loan delinquencies and losses for reasons beyond our control, such as general economic conditions. At December 31, 2008, we had non-performing assets equal to 0.65% of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income and other real estate owned. In order to absorb losses associated with non-performing assets, we maintain an allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions, and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. Determination of the allowance inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. We may be required to increase our allowance for loan losses for any of several reasons. State and federal regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio as part of a regulatory examination, may request that we increase our allowance for loan losses. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in our allowance. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed our allowance for loan losses, we will need additional increases in our allowance for loan losses. Any increases in our allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in our net income and, possibly, our capital, and may materially affect our results of operations in the period in which the allowance is increased.
We have unionized employees, which increases our costs and may deter any acquisition proposal.
     The Bank is party to a collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers of America, which represents approximately 57% of our employees. In 2007, our current contract was extended until October 15, 2009. Terms of the contract extension remain the same as the prior contract with the exception of a 2.0% wage increase in the first year, and a 2.5% increase in the second year. As

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a result of provisions in the contract, generally known as work rules, we sometimes cannot take steps that would reduce our operating costs. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we are one of only 13 unionized banking institutions in the United States. The banking industry is a consolidating industry in which acquisitions are frequent. However, some banking institutions may be reluctant to buy a unionized bank because of a perception that operating costs may be higher or that it could result in unionization of its work force. Additionally, there is the risk of a work stoppage if a new collective bargaining agreement cannot be negotiated before the end of the current agreement. Therefore, our stock price may be adversely affected because investors may conclude that there is a reduced likelihood that we will be acquired or could be an acquiror.
Changes in interest rates could reduce our income, cash flows and asset values.
     Our income, cash flows and the value of our assets depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest rates we earn on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, as well as the interest rates we pay on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors which are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence not only the interest we receive on our loans and investment securities and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but it also will affect our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits and the value of our investment portfolio. If the rate of interest we pay on our deposits and other borrowings increases more than the rate of interest we earn on our loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore our earnings, could be adversely affected. Our earnings also could be adversely affected if the rates on our loans and other investments fall more quickly than those on our deposits and other borrowings.
Because our operations are concentrated in Cambria and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, we are subject to economic conditions in this area, which typically lag behind economic activity in other areas.
     Some of our loans and the majority of our deposit activities are based in Cambria and Somerset Counties, located in southwestern Pennsylvania. As a result, our financial performance will depend largely upon economic conditions in this area. Economic activity in this geographic market generally lags behind the economic activity in Pennsylvania and the nation. Similarly, unemployment in this market area is typically higher than the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania and the nation, although this difference has declined in recent years as our local economy has become more diversified. Adverse local economic conditions could cause us to experience a reduction in deposits, an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, all of which could adversely affect our profitability.
A portion of our trust business is dependent on a union client base.
     In an effort to capitalize on the Bank’s union affiliation, our Trust Company operates the ERECT Funds and the BUILD Funds that seek to attract investment from union pension funds. These funds then use the investments to make loans and/or equity investments on construction projects that use union labor. At December 31, 2008, approximately $325 million was invested by unions in the ERECT and BUILD Funds. This represents approximately 21.2% of the total assets administered by the Trust Company. Therefore, the Trust Company is dependent on a discrete union client base for a portion of its assets under management and its resulting revenue and net income. In late 2008 both BUILD Funds were in liquidation status. The Company expects this fund to be liquidated over a 3 to 5 year period given the current real estate market conditions.
The Company may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
     Financial service institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. The Company has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, the Company’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to the Company. Reduced wholesale funding capacity or higher borrowing costs due to capital constraints at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, would reduce the Company’s liquidity and negatively impact earnings and net interest margin. Any such losses could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Our future success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive market and geographic area.
     We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors, including commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, factoring companies, insurance companies and money market mutual funds. There is very strong competition among financial services providers in our

13


 

principal service area. Due to their size, many competitors can achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.
     We believe that our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including:
    Our ability to build upon existing customer relationships and market position;
 
    Competitors’ interest rates and service fees;
 
    Our ability to attract and retain a qualified workforce;
 
    The scope of our products and services;
 
    The relevance of our products and services to customer needs and demands and the rate at which we and our competitors introduce them;
 
    Satisfaction of our customers with our customer service; and
 
    Industry and general economic trends.
     If we experience difficulty in any of these areas, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected, which will affect our growth and profitability.
     Some of the financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on federally insured financial institutions. As a result, those non-bank competitors may be able to access funding and provide various services more easily or at less cost than we can, adversely affecting our ability to compete effectively.
We may be adversely affected by government regulation.
     We are subject to extensive federal and state banking regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are intended primarily to protect our depositors’ funds and the federal deposit insurance funds, not shareholders. Regulatory requirements affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could result in the imposition of limitations on our operations that would adversely impact our operations and could, if capital levels drop significantly, result in our being required to cease operations. Changes in governing law, regulations or regulatory practices could impose additional costs on us or adversely affect our ability to obtain deposits or make loans and, as a consequence, our revenues and profitability.
Environmental liability associated with lending activities could result in losses.
     In the course of our business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing our loans. If hazardous substances were discovered on any of these properties, we may be liable to governmental entities or third parties for the costs of remediation of the hazard, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Many environmental laws can impose liability regardless of whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the contamination. In addition, if we arrange for the disposal of hazardous or toxic substances at another site, we may be liable for the costs of cleaning up and removing those substances from the site, even if we neither own nor operate the disposal site. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially limit use of properties we acquire through foreclosure, reduce their value or limit our ability to sell them in the event of a default on the loans they secure. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
The Company’s stock price can be volatile.
     Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. The Company’s stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things:
    Actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations;
 
    Operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to the Company;
 
    News reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry;
 
    Perceptions in the marketplace regarding the Company and/or its competitors;
 
    New technology used, or services offered, by competitors;
 
    Changes in government regulations; and
 
    Geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts.

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     General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes or credit loss trends, could also cause the Company’s stock price to decrease regardless of operating results.
The trading volume in the Company’s common stock is less than that of other larger financial services companies.
     Although the Company’s common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Market System (NASDAQ), the trading volume in its common stock is less than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of the Company’s common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which the Company has no control. Given the lower trading volume of the Company’s common stock, significant sales of the Company’s common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause the Company’s stock price to fall.
An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit.
     Our common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, commonly referred to as the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in our common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire our common stock, you may lose some or all of your investment.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
     The Company has no unresolved staff comments from the SEC for the reporting period presented.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
     The principal offices of the Company and the Bank occupy the five-story AmeriServ Financial building at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets in Johnstown plus twelve floors of the building adjacent thereto. The Company occupies the main office and its subsidiary entities have 13 other locations which are owned. Eight additional locations are leased with terms expiring from September 30, 2009 to March 31, 2018.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     The Company is subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential legal claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of both management and legal counsel, there is no present basis to conclude that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
     No matter was submitted by the Company to its shareholders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
     As of January 31, 2009, the Company had 4,201 shareholders of its common stock. AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol ASRV. The following table sets forth the actual high and low closing prices and the cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated:
                         
                    CASH
    PRICES   DIVIDENDS
    HIGH   LOW   DECLARED
Year ended December 31, 2008:
                       
First Quarter
  $ 3.30     $ 2.21     $ 0.00  
Second Quarter
    3.08       2.60       0.00  
Third Quarter
    2.98       2.37       0.00  
Fourth Quarter
    2.85       1.59       0.025  
Year ended December 31, 2007
                       
First Quarter
  $ 4.85     $ 4.52     $ 0.00  
Second Quarter
    4.77       4.25       0.00  
Third Quarter
    4.26       3.33       0.00  
Fourth Quarter
    3.36       2.77       0.00  
     As a result of the decision by the Company to accept a preferred stock investment under the U.S. Treasury’s CPP for a period of three years the Company is no longer permitted to repurchase stock or declare and pay common dividends without the consent of the U.S. Treasury.
     The following table summarizes share repurchase activity for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.
                         
                    Number Of
                    Shares That May
    Total Number   Average Price   Yet Be
    Of Shares   Paid Per Share   Purchased
October
    86,400     $ 2.53       656,800  
November
    411,600     $ 2.30       245,200  
December
    245,200     $ 2.32        
     All shares are repurchased under Board of Directors authorization. In December 2007, the Board authorized a new program to repurchase 1.1 million shares.

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
     The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “Soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Returns
Among AmeriServ Financial, Inc., NASDAQ Stock Market,
and NASDAQ Bank Stocks
      (PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
     The following table compares total shareholder returns for the Company over the past five years to the NASDAQ Stock Market and the NASDAQ Bank Stocks assuming a $100 investment made on December 31, 2003. Each of the three measures of cumulative return assumes reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance shown on the graph above is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
                                                                 
 
        12/31/03     12/31/04     12/31/05     12/31/06     12/31/07     12/31/08  
 
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
    $ 100.00       $ 103.40       $ 87.60       $ 98.60       $ 55.40       $ 40.20    
 
NASDAQ Stock Market (US Companies)
      100.00         109.20         111.50         123.00         136.20         81.70    
 
NASDAQ Bank Stocks
      100.00         113.60         111.50         126.80         101.60         79.70    
 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                                         
    AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  
SUMMARY OF INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
                                       
Total interest income
  $ 47,819     $ 49,379     $ 46,565     $ 45,865     $ 50,104  
Total interest expense
    18,702       25,156       22,087       21,753       26,638  
 
                             
Net interest income
    29,117       24,223       24,478       24,112       23,466  
Provision for loan losses
    2,925       300       (125 )     (175 )     1,758  
 
                             
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    26,192       23,923       24,603       24,287       21,708  
Total non-interest income
    16,424       14,707       12,841       10,209       14,012  
Total non-interest expense
    35,637       34,672       34,692       49,420       50,091  
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    6,979       3,958       2,752       (14,924 )     (14,371 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    1,470       924       420       (5,902 )     (5,845 )
 
                             
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    5,509       3,034       2,332       (9,022 )     (8,526 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes *
                      (119 )     (1,193 )
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,509     $ 3,034     $ 2,332     $ (9,141 )   $ (9,719 )
 
                             
PER COMMON SHARE DATA FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
                                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.25     $ 0.14     $ 0.11     $ (0.44 )   $ (0.58 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
    0.25       0.14       0.11       (0.44 )     (0.58 )
PER COMMON SHARE DATA FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS*:
                                       
Basic loss per share
  $     $     $     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.08 )
Diluted loss per share
                      (0.01 )     (0.08 )
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
                                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.25     $ 0.14     $ 0.11     $ (0.45 )   $ (0.66 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
    0.25       0.14       0.11       (0.45 )     (0.66 )
Cash dividends declared
    0.025       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
Book value at period end
    4.39       4.07       3.82       3.82       4.32  
BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER DATA:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 966,929     $ 904,878     $ 895,992     $ 880,176     $ 1,009,232  
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
    707,108       636,155       589,435       550,602       521,416  
Allowance for loan losses
    8,910       7,252       8,092       9,143       9,893  
Investment securities available for sale
    126,781       140,582       172,223       201,569       373,584  
Investment securities held to maturity
    15,894       18,533       20,657       30,355       27,435  
Deposits
    694,956       710,439       741,755       712,665       644,391  
Total borrowings
    133,778       82,115       63,122       77,256       269,169  
Stockholders’ equity
    113,252       90,294       84,684       84,474       85,219  
Full-time equivalent employees
    353       351       369       378       406  
 
*   The Company sold its remaining mortgage servicing rights of Standard Mortgage Corporation, its former mortgage servicing subsidiary, in December 2004 and incurred discontinued operations activity of this non-core business in 2005.

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    AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006   2005   2004
    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
                                       
Return on average total equity
    5.93 %     3.51 %     2.74 %     (10.77 )%     (11.44 )%
Return on average assets
    0.62       0.34       0.27       (0.95 )     (0.76 )
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, as a percent of deposits, at period end
    101.75       89.54       79.46       77.26       80.92  
Ratio of average total equity to average assets
    10.40       9.79       9.73       8.80       6.67  
Common stock cash dividends as a percent of net income applicable to common stock
    9.92                          
Interest rate spread
    3.21       2.54       2.67       2.39       2.01  
Net interest margin
    3.64       3.06       3.12       2.76       2.28  
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, at period end
    1.26       1.14       1.37       1.66       1.90  
Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans, loans held for sale and other real estate owned, at period end
    0.65       0.83       0.39       0.78       0.75  
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and loans held for sale
    0.20       0.19       0.16       0.11       0.68  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends:(1)
                                       
Excluding interest on deposits
    3.17 X     2.60 X     1.93 X     (1.35 )X     0.12 X
Including interest on deposits
    1.37       1.16       1.12       0.05       0.46  
Cumulative one year interest rate sensitivity gap ratio, at period end
    1.10       0.90       0.85       0.89       0.78  
 
(1)   The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends is computed by dividing the sum of income before taxes, fixed charges, and preferred dividends by the sum of fixed charges and preferred dividends. Fixed charges represent interest expense and are shown as both excluding and including interest on deposits.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)
     The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. including the related notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006
2008 SUMMARY OVERVIEW:
     The net income of AmeriServ in the fourth quarter of 2008 exceeded net income for the same period of 2007 by 75%. This resulted from a $71 million increase in loans outstanding and a 76 basis point increase in the net interest margin. The conservative balance sheet that AmeriServ has maintained since 2005 was well positioned for the Federal Reserve program to lower interest rates. At the same time, AmeriServ had ample liquidity to respond to a number of attractive lending opportunities which increased net loans. The result was that the fourth quarter proved to be the strongest quarter recorded in 2008, with no unusual events.
     The impact of the fourth quarter on the full year was significant. Net income in 2008 totaled $5.5 million and surpassed that of 2007 by 82% as earnings per share increased from $0.14 per share in 2007 to $0.25 per share in 2008. Return on assets for the full year was 0.62% or 28 basis points above the full year 2007. These performance improvements were in spite of the decline in the equity markets which reduced the late year revenue streams of both the Trust Company and West Chester Capital Advisors
     However, all this is not to say that 2008 was a year without challenges. The stumbles in the economy caused AmeriServ to increase its loan loss provision by $2.6 million over 2007 to improve its coverage of non-performing assets to 195% (as compared with 137% at December 31, 2007). After two years of reducing expenses, in 2008 expenses increased by 2.8%. This increase was not in salaries and benefits, but chiefly in external professional expenses to gain the best guidance as we manage through these turbulent times. Overall, we believe the fourth quarter and full year results were encouraging, especially considering the well documented troubles that persist in banking and which now have spread into the national and global economy.
     During 2007 and 2008, and now extending into 2009, we have become sadly familiar with a new set of phrases. We speak daily of sub-prime mortgages, of a credit crunch, of financial bailouts and the like. We hear leading economists and governmental experts tell us that their next recommended program will finally be the answer to the nation’s dilemma. But we have also noticed — in spite of these frequently encouraging pronouncements — the economy has continued its decline. Employment reductions have become commonplace, bankruptcy filings are disturbingly frequent and none of the hastily designed economic solutions have arrested the decline.
     Here at AmeriServ we observe these developments with an attitude of careful concern. As a company operating in the heart of the Rust Belt, we learned it is foolhardy to swim against the tide. During the period 2002 through 2005, we learned just how difficult it is to overcome mounting real world difficulties. Our positive performance during the troubles of 2008 tells us that AmeriServ is once again a healthy company.
     Now the challenge is to keep it healthy while the banking industry and the global economy continue to experience what can only be termed as stunning losses. It was this commitment to protect the reinvented AmeriServ that caused the Board of Directors to elect to participate in the Treasury Department Capital Purchase Program (CPP). The infusion of $21 million of new capital on December 19, 2008, serves as a sort of “rainy day fund” to protect our shareholders should this recession deepen into a depression. However, it also provides a solid foundation so AmeriServ can continue to make new job-creating business loans in the community, thus enabling local consumers to pay their bills and feed their families.
     In better times this additional capital can also position AmeriServ to be immediately proactive once the long promised economic recovery begins. The Board’s decision reflects our view that this additional capital further strengthens AmeriServ today — and for the future. Unfortunately, participation in the CPP forced us to suspend our recently announced common stock dividend. We requested an exception from this restriction in a detailed submission to the authorities, but our request was denied. We will continue to monitor the CPP program and file a new exception request as soon as conditions suggest an approval is possible. But for the present, as stated, we will strive to manage this 23% increase in capital to build an even stronger AmeriServ that is a sound, rewarding, long term investment.
     PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW. . .The following table summarizes some of the Company’s key profitability performance indicators for each of the past three years.

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    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
    PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
Net income
  $ 5,509     $ 3,034     $ 2,332  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.25       0.14       0.11  
Return on average assets
    0.62 %     0.34 %     0.27 %
Return on average equity
    5.93       3.51       2.74  
     The Company reported net income of $5.5 million or $0.25 per diluted share for 2008. This represents an increase of $2.5 million or 82% over 2007 net income of $3.0 million or $0.14 per diluted share. The Company’s return on assets improved to 0.62% in 2008 compared to 0.34% in 2007. Our conservative balance sheet positioning allowed AmeriServ Financial to report improved financial performance during a historic period of turmoil and crisis within the financial markets. The Company has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgages, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac preferred stock, pooled trust preferred securities, or credit exposure to any of the large financial firms that have recently failed or been taken over. The growth in earnings in 2008 was driven by increased net interest income and higher non-interest revenue, which more than offset an increased provision for loan losses and higher non-interest expenses.
     The Company reported net income of $3.0 million or $0.14 per diluted share for 2007. This represented an increase of $702,000 or 30.1% when compared to net income of $2.3 million or $0.11 per diluted share for 2006. The increase in net income in 2007 was due to increased non-interest revenue and lower non-interest expense, which more than offset the negative impact of reduced net interest income, a higher provision for loan losses and increased income tax expense. The increase in non-interest revenue was attributable to the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition, which was completed in March 2007. Also, the Company benefited from higher trust revenue and increased gains on asset sales in 2007.
     NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN. . . .The Company’s net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a primary source of the Company’s earnings; it is affected by interest rate fluctuations as well as changes in the amount and mix of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income performance for each of the past three years:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Interest income
  $ 47,819     $ 49,379     $ 46,565  
Interest expense
    18,702       25,156       22,087  
 
                 
Net interest income
    29,117       24,223       24,478  
Net interest margin
    3.64 %     3.06 %     3.12 %
     2008 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The Company’s net interest income in 2008 increased by $4.9 million or 20.2% from the prior year and the net interest margin was up by 58 basis points over the same comparative period. The Company’s balance sheet positioning allowed it to benefit from the significant Federal Reserve reductions in short-term interest rates and the return to a more traditional positively sloped yield curve. As a result of these changes, the Company’s interest expense on deposits and borrowings declined at a faster rate than the interest income on loans and investments. Additionally, an improved earning asset mix with fewer investment securities and more loans outstanding also contributed to the increased net interest income and margin in 2008. Total loans increased by $71 million or 11.1% with $43 million of the growth occurring during the fourth quarter of 2008 as we were able to extend credit to quality borrowers within the communities in which we operate. Overall, net interest income has now increased for eight consecutive quarters.
     COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2008 VERSUS 2007... Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income for 2008 decreased by $1.6 million when compared to 2007. This decrease was due to a 27 basis point decrease in the earning asset yield to 5.96%. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio decreased by 45 basis points to 6.37% and reflects the lower interest rate environment in 2008 as the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate by 400 basis points during 2008. The total investment securities yield, however, has increased by five basis points to 4.13%. The Company took advantage of the positively sloped yield curve in the second quarter of 2008 to position the investment portfolio for better future earnings by selling some of the lower yielding securities in the portfolio at a loss and replacing them with higher yielding securities with a modestly longer duration.
     The $8.8 million increase in the volume of average earning assets was due to a $34.3 million or 5.6% increase in average loans partially offset by a $21.6 million or 12.3% decrease in average investment securities. The loan growth was driven by increased

21


 

commercial real estate loans as a result of successful new business development efforts particularly in the suburban Pittsburgh market. The Company has found increased commercial lending opportunities in the Pittsburgh market in 2008 due to the retrenchment of several larger competitors as a result of the turmoil in the financial markets. The decline in investment securities was caused by the call of certain agency securities and ongoing cash flow from mortgage-backed securities. The Company has elected to utilize this cash from lower yielding securities to fund higher yielding loans in an effort to improve the Company’s earning asset yield.
     The Company’s total interest expense for 2008 decreased by $6.5 million or 25.7% when compared to 2007. This decrease in interest expense was due to a lower cost of funds. The total cost of funds for 2008 declined by 94 basis points to 2.75% and was driven down by lower short-term interest rates and a more favorable funding mix in 2008. Specifically, the costs of interest bearing deposits decreased by 85 basis points to 2.69% while the cost of short-term borrowings dropped by 293 basis points to 1.96%. Total average interest bearing deposits decreased by $60.2 million or 9.3% due almost entirely to a decline in Trust Company specialty deposits as wholesale borrowings provided the Company with a lower cost funding source than these deposits for the majority of 2008. Wholesale borrowings averaged 9.3% of total assets in 2008. Additionally, the Company’s funding mix also benefited from a $5.3 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits and an increase in retail money market deposits as customers have opted for short-term liquidity during this period of volatility and decline in the equity markets. With the recent increase in the Company’s loan to deposit ratio to slightly over 100%, the Company expects to more actively utilize the trust specialty deposits as a funding source in 2009 along with a more aggressive strategy to try to grow retail deposits.
     2007 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW... The Company’s 2007 net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis decreased by $260,000 or 1.1% from 2006 due to a six basis point drop in the net interest margin to 3.06%. The decline in both net interest income and net interest margin resulted from the Company’s cost of funds increasing at a faster pace than the earning asset yield, particularly during the first six months of 2007. This resulted from deposit customer preference for higher yielding certificates of deposit and money market accounts due to the inverted/flat yield curve with short-term interest rates exceeding intermediate to longer term rates during that period. This net interest margin pressure overshadowed solid loan and deposit growth within our community bank. Average loans in 2007 grew by $43 million or 7.7% while average deposits increased by $14 million or 1.9% when compared to 2006. However, the Federal Reserve reductions in short-term interest rates that began late in the third quarter of 2007 favorably impacted the Company. On a quarterly basis, the Company’s net interest margin showed improvement throughout 2007 increasing from 2.97% in the first quarter to 3.08% in the fourth quarter. This helped to reverse a trend of four consecutive quarters of net interest income and margin contraction experienced in 2006 where the margin declined from 3.20% to a low of 2.93% in the fourth quarter.
     COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2007 VERSUS 2006...Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income for 2007 increased by $2.8 million or 6.0% when compared to 2006. This increase was due to a 30 basis point increase in the earning asset yield to 6.23%, and was aided by an $8 million increase in average earning assets. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio increased by 18 basis points to 6.82% and reflects the higher interest rate environment in place during most of 2007, which allowed the Company to book new loans at rates moderately higher than those currently in the portfolio. The yield on the total investment securities portfolio increased by 12 basis points to 4.08% as the Company has generally elected to not replace maturing lower yielding securities. Also reduced amortization expense on the Company’s lower balance of mortgage-backed securities favorably impacted the portfolio yield.
     The $8 million increase in average earning assets was due to a $43 million or 7.7% increase in average loans, partially mitigated by a $38 million or 17.0% reduction in average investment securities. This loan growth was driven by increased commercial and commercial real estate loans as a result of successful new business development efforts. In 2007 the Company focused on growing the higher yielding and more rate sensitive commercial loans at a faster rate than the commercial real-estate loans. The decline in investment securities was caused by regularly scheduled maturities and ongoing cash flow from mortgage-backed securities.
     The Company’s total interest expense for 2007 increased by $3.1 million or 13.9% when compared to 2006. This increase in interest expense was due to a higher cost of funds and an increase in total average interest bearing liabilities which were $4.0 million higher in 2007. The total cost of funds for 2007 increased by 43 basis points to 3.69% and was driven up by higher short-term interest rates and increased deposits when compared to 2006. Specifically, total average deposits increased by $14 million or 1.9% compared to 2006, while the cost of interest bearing deposits increased by 49 basis points to 3.54%. The increased cost of deposits reflects the higher short-term interest rate environment for the majority of 2007 as well as a customer movement of funds from lower cost savings accounts into higher yielding certificates of deposit. Average wholesale borrowings declined by $9 million in 2007 and averaged only 2.8% of total assets in 2007.
     The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis setting forth (i) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest earning assets and average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iv) interest rate spread (the difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing

22


 

liabilities), and (v) net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest earning assets). For purposes of these tables loan balances exclude non-accrual loans, but interest income recorded on non-accrual loans on a cash basis, which is deemed to be immaterial, is included in interest income. Regulatory stock is included within available for sale investment securities for this analysis. Additionally, a tax rate of approximately 34% is used to compute tax-equivalent yields.
                                                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
            INTEREST                     INTEREST                     INTEREST        
    AVERAGE     INCOME/     YIELD/     AVERAGE     INCOME/     YIELD/     AVERAGE     INCOME/     YIELD/  
    BALANCE     EXPENSE     RATE     BALANCE     EXPENSE     RATE     BALANCE     EXPENSE     RATE  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  
Interest earning assets:
                                                                       
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 641,766     $ 41,100       6.37 %   $ 607,507     $ 41,654       6.82 %   $ 564,173     $ 37,693       6.64 %
Deposits with banks
    583       13       2.23       500       20       4.00       706       23       3.26  
Federal funds sold
    114       4       3.54       2,278       121       5.26       62       3       5.21  
Short-term investment in money market funds
    7,136       140       1.96       8,857       203       2.29       5,573       188       3.37  
Investment securities:
                                                                       
Available for sale
    136,344       5,770       4.03       155,003       6,433       3.96       191,683       7,680       3.92  
Held to maturity
    17,292       875       5.06       20,257       1,039       5.04       24,448       1,074       4.39  
 
                                                           
Total investment securities
    153,636       6,645       4.13       175,260       7,472       4.08       216,131       8,754       3.96  
 
                                                           
TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS/ INTEREST INCOME
    803,235       47,902       5.96       794,402       49,470       6.23       786,645       46,661       5.93  
 
                                                           
Non-interest earning assets:
                                                                       
Cash and due from banks
    16,786                       17,750                       18,841                  
Premises and equipment
    9,333                       8,623                       8,324                  
Other assets
    72,249                       70,369                       68,920                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (7,837 )                     (7,755 )                     (8,750 )                
 
                                                                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 893,766                     $ 883,389                     $ 873,980                  
 
                                                                 
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Interest bearing deposits:
                                                                       
Interest bearing demand
  $ 64,683     $ 654       1.01 %   $ 67,132     $ 1,184       1.76 %   $ 57,817     $ 606       1.05 %
Savings
    70,255       535       0.76       71,922       549       0.76       81,964       643       0.78  
Money market
    107,843       2,417       2.24       158,947       6,040       3.80       172,029       5,741       3.34  
Other time
    341,185       12,074       3.54       346,134       15,038       4.34       319,220       12,242       3.83  
 
                                                           
Total interest bearing deposits
    583,966       15,680       2.69       644,135       22,811       3.54       631,030       19,232       3.05  
 
                                                           
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
    71,636       1,403       1.96       19,844       972       4.89       32,821       1,672       5.09  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    11,725       499       4.26       4,852       253       5.22       967       63       6.45  
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
    13,085       1,120       8.57       13,085       1,120       8.57       13,085       1,120       8.57  
 
                                                           
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES/INTEREST EXPENSE
    680,412       18,702       2.75       681,916       25,156       3.69       677,903       22,087       3.26  
 
                                                           
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand deposits
    110,601                       105,306                       104,266                  
Other liabilities
    9,816                       9,703                       6,765                  
Stockholders’ equity
    92,937                       86,464                       85,046                  
 
                                                                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 893,766                     $ 883,389                     $ 873,980                  
 
                                                                 
Interest rate spread
                    3.21                       2.54                       2.67  
Net interest income/net interest margin
            29,200       3.64 %             24,314       3.06 %             24,574       3.12 %
Tax-equivalent adjustment
            (83 )                     (91 )                     (96 )        
 
                                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 29,117                     $ 24,223                     $ 24,478          
 
                                                                 

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     Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The table below sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and interest expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective percentage changes in average balances and average rates. Changes in net interest income that could not be specifically identified as either a rate or volume change were allocated proportionately to changes in volume and changes in rate.
                                                 
    2008 vs. 2007     2007 vs. 2006  
    INCREASE (DECREASE)     INCREASE (DECREASE)  
    DUE TO CHANGE IN:     DUE TO CHANGE IN:  
    AVERAGE                     AVERAGE              
    VOLUME     RATE     TOTAL     VOLUME     RATE     TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
INTEREST EARNED ON:
                                               
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 3,258     $ (3,812 )   $ (554 )   $ 2,928     $ 1,033     $ 3,961  
Deposits with banks
    4       (11 )     (7 )     (14 )     11       (3 )
Federal funds sold
    (87 )     (30 )     (117 )     118             118  
Short-term investments in money market funds
    (36 )     (27 )     (63 )     33       (18 )     15  
Investment securities:
                                               
Available for sale
    (777 )     114       (663 )     (1,317 )     70       (1,247 )
Held to maturity
    (169 )     5       (164 )     (257 )     222       (35 )
 
                                   
Total investment securities
    (946 )     119       (827 )     (1,574 )     292       (1,282 )
 
                                   
Total interest income
    2,193       (3,761 )     (1,568 )     1,491       1,318       2,809  
 
                                   
INTEREST PAID ON:
                                               
Interest bearing demand deposits
    (42 )     (489 )     (531 )     111       467       578  
Savings deposits
    (14 )           (14 )     (78 )     (16 )     (94 )
Money market
    (1,591 )     (2,032 )     (3,623 )     (369 )     668       299  
Other time deposits
    (213 )     (2,751 )     (2,964 )     1,084       1,712       2,796  
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
    561       (129 )     432       (637 )     (63 )     (700 )
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    283       (37 )     246       199       (9 )     190  
 
                                   
Total interest expense
    (1,016 )     (5,438 )     (6,454 )     310       2,759       3,069  
 
                                   
Change in net interest income
  $ 3,209     $ 1,677     $ 4,886     $ 1,181     $ (1,441 )   $ (260 )
 
                                   
     LOAN QUALITY. . .AmeriServ Financial’s written lending policies require underwriting, loan documentation, and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding any loan. After the loan has been approved and funded, continued periodic credit review is required. The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, each of its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business loans $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and removed from the pool if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment. The following table sets forth information concerning AmeriServ Financial’s loan delinquency and other non-performing assets.
                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006
    (IN THOUSANDS,
    EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
Total loan past due 30 to 89 days
  $ 1,195     $ 3,559     $ 2,991  
Total non-accrual loans
    3,377       5,238       2,286  
Total non-performing assets(1)
    4,572       5,280       2,292  
Loan delinquency as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
    0.17 %     0.56 %     0.51 %
Non-accrual loans as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
    0.48       0.82       0.39  
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned
    0.65       0.83       0.39  
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    0.47       0.58       0.26  
 
(1)   Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans that are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest and principal payments and (iii) other real estate owned.
     Loan delinquency levels have now remained well below 1% for the past three years and reflect the continued good loan portfolio quality. Non-performing assets have remained in a range of $2.3 million to $5.3 million for the past three years and ended 2008 at

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$4.6 million or 0.65% of total loans. The $708,000 decline since year-end 2007 reflects the successful workout during the first quarter of 2008 of the Company’s largest non-performing commercial mortgage loan. While we are pleased with our asset quality, we continue to closely monitor the portfolio given the recessionary economy and the number of relatively large sized commercial and commercial real estate loans within the portfolio. As of December 31, 2008, the 25 largest credits represented 29.0% of total loans outstanding.
     The Company had two loans totaling $1.4 million at December 31, 2008, that had been restructured which involved granting loan rates less than that of the market rate. Both of these loans are currently in non-accrual status and are currently not performing with the amended terms.
     ALLOWANCE AND PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES. . . As described in more detail in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of this MD&A, the Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The allowance consists of three elements; 1) reserves established on specifically identified problem loans, 2) formula driven general reserves established for loan categories based upon historical loss experience and other qualitative factors which include delinquency and non-performing loan trends, economic trends, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies, and trends in policy, financial information, and documentation exceptions, and 3) a general risk reserve which provides support for variance from our assessment of the previously listed qualitative factors, provides protection against credit risks resulting from other inherent risk factors contained in the bank’s loan portfolio, and recognizes the model and estimation risk associated with the specific and formula driven allowances. The qualitative factors used in the formula driven general reserves are evaluated quarterly (and revised if necessary) by the Company’s management to establish allocations which accommodate each of the listed risk factors. The following table sets forth changes in the allowance for loan losses and certain ratios for the periods ended.
                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)  
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 7,252     $ 8,092     $ 9,143     $ 9,893     $ 11,682  
Transfer to reserve for unfunded loan commitments
                            (122 )
 
                             
Charge-offs:
                                       
Commercial
    (405 )     (934 )     (769 )     (214 )     (1,107 )
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    (811 )     (12 )     (2 )     (113 )     (1,928 )
Real estate-mortgage
    (132 )     (79 )     (76 )     (145 )     (139 )
Consumer
    (365 )     (307 )     (397 )     (403 )     (867 )
 
                             
Total charge-offs
    (1,713 )     (1,332 )     (1,244 )     (875 )     (4,041 )
 
                             
Recoveries:
                                       
Commercial
    299       40       115       77       410  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    39       38       41       15       7  
Real estate-mortgage
    26       12       19       52       65  
Consumer
    82       102       143       156       134  
 
                             
Total recoveries
    446       192       318       300       616  
 
                             
Net charge-offs
    (1,267 )     (1,140 )     (926 )     (575 )     (3,425 )
Provision for loan losses
    2,925       300       (125 )     (175 )     1,758  
 
                             
Balance at end of year
  $ 8,910     $ 7,252     $ 8,092     $ 9,143     $ 9,893  
 
                             
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income:
                                       
Average for the year
  $ 644,896     $ 610,685     $ 567,435     $ 528,545     $ 503,742  
At December 31
    707,108       636,155       589,435       550,602       521,416  
As a percent of average loans and loans held for sale:
                                       
Net charge-offs
    0.20 %     0.19 %     0.16 %     0.11 %     0.68 %
Provision for loan losses
    0.45       0.05       (0.02 )     (0.03 )     0.35  
Allowance as a percent of each of the following:
                                       
Total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income
    1.26       1.14       1.37       1.66       1.90  
Total delinquent loans (past due 30 to 89 days)
    745.61       203.77       270.54       209.65       298.79  
Total non-accrual loans
    263.84       138.45       353.98       220.37       255.70  
Total non-performing assets
    194.88       137.35       353.05       211.89       254.06  
Allowance as a multiple of net charge-offs
    7.03 x     6.36 x     8.74 x     15.90 x     2.89 x
Total classified loans (loans rated substandard or doubtful)
  $ 13,235     $ 10,839     $ 15,163     $ 20,208     $ 22,921  
     The Company recorded a $2.9 million loan loss provision for 2008 compared to a $300,000 loan loss provision for 2007. The higher loan provision in 2008 was caused by the Company’s decision to strengthen its allowance for loan losses due to the downgrade of the rating classification of several specific performing commercial loans, uncertainties in the local and national economies and strong growth in total loans in 2008. Overall net charge-offs have trended upward over the past 4 years. Specifically, for 2008, net

25


 

charge-offs have amounted to $1.3 million or 0.20% of total loans compared to net charge-offs of $1.1 million or 0.19% of total loans for 2007. Overall, the allowance for loan losses provided 195% coverage of non-performing assets and was 1.26% of total loans at December 31, 2008 compared to 137% of non-performing assets and 1.14% of total loans at December 31, 2007. The Company has no direct exposure to sub-prime mortgage loans in either the loan or investment portfolios.
     For 2007, the provision for loan losses amounted to $300,000 compared to a negative loan loss provision of $125,000 for 2006 and $175,000 for 2005. The Company did experience higher net charge-offs in 2007, as net charge-offs amounted to $1.1 million or 0.19% of total loans compared to net charge-offs of $926,000 or 0.16% of total loans for 2006. The Company’s 2007 net charge-offs were materially impacted by a third quarter $875,000 complete charge-off of a commercial loan that resulted from fraud committed by the borrower.
     The following schedule sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among various loan categories. This allocation is determined by using the consistent quarterly procedural discipline that was previously discussed. The entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb future loan losses in any loan category.
                                                                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
            PERCENT OF             PERCENT OF             PERCENT OF             PERCENT OF             PERCENT OF  
            LOANS IN             LOANS IN             LOANS IN             LOANS IN             LOANS IN  
            EACH             EACH             EACH             EACH             EACH  
            CATEGORY             CATEGORY             CATEGORY             CATEGORY             CATEGORY  
            TO             TO             TO             TO             TO  
    AMOUNT     LOANS     AMOUNT     LOANS     AMOUNT     LOANS     AMOUNT     LOANS     AMOUNT     LOANS  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  
Commercial
  $ 2,841       15.6 %   $ 2,074       18.7 %   $ 2,361       15.6 %   $ 3,312       14.6 %   $ 2,173       13.8 %
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    4,467       50.0       3,632       44.8       3,546       45.8       3,644       45.3       5,519       43.2  
Real estate-mortgage
    325       31.1       316       33.9       424       35.6       381       36.5       346       38.9  
Consumer
    925       3.3       835       2.6       1,000       3.0       1,022       3.6       1,074       4.1  
Allocation to general risk
    352             395             761             784             781        
 
                                                                     
Total
  $ 8,910       100.0 %   $ 7,252       100.0 %   $ 8,092       100.0 %   $ 9,143       100.0 %   $ 9,893       100.0 %
 
                                                           
     Even though residential real estate-mortgage loans comprise 31.1% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, only $325,000 or 3.6% of the total allowance for loan losses is allocated against this loan category. The residential real estate-mortgage loan allocation is based upon the Company’s five-year historical average of actual loan charge-offs experienced in that category and other qualitative factors. The disproportionately higher allocations for commercial loans and commercial loans secured by real estate reflect the increased credit risk associated with this type of lending, the Company’s historical loss experience in these categories, and other qualitative factors.
     Based on the Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology and the related assessment of the inherent risk factors contained within the Company’s loan portfolio, we believe that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at December 31, 2008 to cover losses within the Company’s loan portfolio.
     NON-INTEREST INCOME. . Non-interest income for 2008 totalled $16.4 million; an increase of $1.7 million or 11.7% from 2007. Factors contributing to this increased level of non-interest income in 2008 included:
  -   a $1.4 million increase in revenue from bank owned life insurance (BOLI) due to increased payments of death claims in 2008.
 
  -   a $170,000 increase in gains on loans held for sale due to increased residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market in 2008. There were $37.5 million of residential mortgage loans sold into the secondary market in 2008 compared to $26.7 million in 2007.
 
  -   a $490,000 or 19.0% increase in deposit service charges due to increased overdraft fees and greater service charge revenue that resulted from a realignment of the bank’s checking accounts to include more fee based products.
 
  -   a $195,000 decrease in investment advisory fees as a result of a drop in assets under management due to the declines experienced in the equity markets in 2008.

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     Non-interest income for 2007 totaled $14.7 million; a $1.9 million or 14.5% increase from the 2006 performance. Factors contributing to the net increase in non-interest income in 2007 included:
  -   a $974,000 increase in investment advisory fees resulting from the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors in March 2007.
 
  -   a $234,000 or 3.6% increase in trust fees due to continued successful new business development efforts. The fair market value of trust customer assets grew by 5.9% to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2007.
 
  -   a $202,000 increase in gains realized on residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market in 2007. There were $26.3 million of residential mortgage loans sold into the secondary market in 2007 compared to $11.5 million in 2006.
 
  -   other income increased by $377,000 in 2007 or 15.4% due in part to a $200,000 gain realized on the sale of a bank owned operations facility that was no longer being fully utilized. The Company also benefited from a $69,000 gain realized on the sale of a closed branch facility in the third quarter of 2007.
     NON-INTEREST EXPENSE. . . Non-interest expense for 2008 totalled $35.6 million; a $965,000 or 2.8% increase from 2007. Factors contributing to the higher non-interest expense in 2008 included:
  -   a $887,000 increase in other expense was largely caused by the non-recurrence of a favorable $400,000 recovery related to previous mortgage servicing operation that was realized in 2007 and greater marketing, other real estate owned, and telephone expenses in 2008. The higher other real estate expense was due to the Company taking possession of a commercial apartment building in the first half of 2008.
 
  -   a $385,000 increase in professional fees due to higher legal costs related to the Trust Company matters, and higher consulting and other professional fees related to productivity studies in 2008.
 
  -   a $122,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits due primarily to lower medical insurance premiums in 2008 as a result of a switch in carriers.
 
  -   a $368,000 decrease in equipment expense resulting from the benefits achieved on the migration to a new core data processing operating system and mainframe processor.
 
  -   a $91,000 penalty realized on the prepayment of $6 million of Federal Home Loan Bank debt. This charge resulted from the Company’s decision to retire some higher cost advances and replace them with lower cost current market rate borrowings in order to reduce ongoing interest expense.
     Non-interest expense for 2007 totaled $34.7 million, a $20,000 decrease from 2006. This overall decline in total non-interest expense occurred even after the inclusion of $820,000 of non-interest expenses from the acquired West Chester Capital Advisors. Factors contributing to the net decrease in non-interest expense in 2007 included:
  -   salaries and employee benefits increased by $670,000 or 3.6% due primarily to $588,000 of personnel costs related to the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition and an $85,000 curtailment charge for an early retirement program.
 
  -   equipment expense decreased by $304,000 or 12.9% due to lower depreciation expense and maintenance costs.
 
  -   FDIC deposit insurance expense declined by $104,000 or 54.2% due to the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding that the Company had been operating under in the first quarter of 2006.
 
  -   other expenses declined by $268,000 due to a recovery on a previous mortgage loan servicing operation and our continuing focus on cost reduction and rationalization that has resulted in numerous expense reductions in categories such as software amortization, collection costs, telephone costs, and other taxes and insurance.
     INCOME TAX EXPENSE. . . The Company recorded an income tax expense of $1.5 million in 2008 which reflects an effective tax rate of 21.1%. The income tax expense recorded in 2007 was $924,000 or an effective tax rate of 23.3%. The Company was able to record a lower effective tax rate in 2008 despite an increased level of pre-tax income due to greater tax-free revenue from BOLI. BOLI is the Company’s largest source of tax-free income. The Company’s deferred tax asset declined to $12.7 million at December 31, 2008 due to the ongoing utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and improved market value of the AFS investment portfolio.

27


 

     SEGMENT RESULTS. . . Retail banking’s net income contribution was $2.7 million in 2008 compared to $2.0 million in 2007 and $1.2 million in 2006. The 2008 net income is better than 2007 due to the positive impact of increased non-interest revenue in line items such as deposit service charges, bank owned life insurance, and gain on residential mortgage loan sales. Retail banking also benefited from reduced non-interest expenses due to lower salaries/benefits costs and reduced occupancy costs as a result of the consolidation and closing of two offices in our branch network. These items more than offset reduced net interest income and a higher provision for loan losses. Retail banking’s net income contribution in 2007 was $776,000 better than 2006 also due to higher non- interest income and lower non-interest expense. The reduced net interest income in 2007 reflected increased deposit costs due to the negative impact that the flat to inverted yield curve had on customers shifting into higher cost certificates of deposit.
     The commercial lending segment net income was $2.3 million in 2008 compared to $3.2 million in 2007 and $2.6 million in 2006. The reduced net income contribution in 2008 was caused by an increased provision for loan losses due to the previously discussed strengthening of the allowance for loan losses and higher non-interest expenses. These factors more than offset an increased level of net interest income that resulted from the strong growth in commercial real-estate loans achieved in 2008. Assets within the commercial lending segment increased by $68 million or 16.9% during 2008 after achieving growth of 21.2% in 2007.
     The trust segment’s net income contribution was $1.3 million in 2008 compared to $1.8 million in 2007. One factor responsible for the decrease between years was less investment advisory and trust revenue as a result of fewer assets under management due to the declines experienced in the equity markets during 2008. Another factor causing the drop between years was increased non-interest expenses due in part to higher legal and professional costs incurred in conjunction with the movement of the union collective investment Build Fund into liquidation status. The Company expects this fund to be liquidated over a 3 to 5 year period given the current real estate market conditions. The trust segment’s net income contribution in 2007 amounted to $1.8 million, which was up $99,000 from 2006. Successful new business development and the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors caused revenues to increase at a faster pace than expenses in 2007. Overall, the fair market value of trust assets totaled $1.55 billion at December 31, 2008, a decrease of $329 million or 17.5% from the December 31, 2007 total of $1.88 billion.
     The investment/parent segment reported a net loss of $783,000 in 2008 compared to losses of $3.9 million in 2007 and $3.2 million in 2006. The Company’s balance sheet positioning allowed it to benefit from the significant Federal Reserve reductions in short-term interest rates and the return to a more traditional positively sloped yield curve, which has caused net interest income in this segment to increase. This was the primary factor responsible for the reduced net loss in 2008. In addition, the previously discussed investment portfolio repositioning to improve the portfolio yield also benefitted this segment.
     For greater discussion on the future strategic direction of the Company’s key business segments, see Forward Looking Statements which begins on page 35.
     BALANCE SHEET. . . The Company’s total consolidated assets were $967 million at December 31, 2008 compared with $905 million at December 31, 2007, which represents an increase of $62 million or 6.9%. This higher level of assets resulted primarily from an increased level of loans. The Company’s loans totaled $707 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $71 million or 11.2% from year-end 2007 due to commercial real estate loan growth. The Company’s commercial loan pipelines remain strong as we enter 2009 we expect to see continued growth in new loan fundings during the first half of 2009. Investment securities declined by $16 million in 2008 due to increased calls of agency securities and normal portfolio cash flow. The Company has elected to utilize this excess cash to fund loan growth. Short-term investments in money market funds increased to $16 million as a portion of the recently received proceeds from the $21 million Capital Purchase Program have been temporarily invested in this product.
     The Company’s deposits totalled $695 million at December 31, 2008, which was $15 million or 2.2% lower than December 31, 2007 due to a decline in certificates of deposit. The Company elected to use more wholesale borrowings as a funding source because they cost less than certificates of deposit during the majority of 2008. As a result, total FHLB short-term borrowings and advances increased by $52 million during 2008. The Company’s total stockholders’ equity increased by $23 million since year-end 2007 to $113 million due primarily to the issuance of $21 million of preferred stock through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program(CPP). The CPP is a voluntary program designed to provide capital to healthy, well managed financial institutions in order to increase the availability of credit to businesses and individuals. The remainder of the increase in capital was due to the net retention of earnings after repurchasing stock and paying one common dividend in 2008. Overall, the Company has a strong capital position and is considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes with an asset leverage ratio of 12.15% at December 31, 2008 compared to 9.74% at December 31, 2007. The Company’s book value per share at December 31, 2008 was $4.39 and its tangible book value per share was $3.75.
     LIQUIDITY. . . The Bank’s liquidity position has been strong during the last several years when the Bank was undergoing a turnaround and a return to traditional community banking. Our core retail deposit base has remained stable throughout this period and has been adequate to fund the Bank’s operations. Cash flow from maturities, prepayments and amortization of securities was used to fund the strong net loan growth that the Company has achieved over the past several years. At the end of 2008, the Company’s loan to

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deposit ratio for the first time exceeded 100%, and as a result we plan to focus more aggressively on raising deposits in 2008 to fund future loan growth. We do not expect to increase borrowings above their current level.
     Liquidity can also be analyzed by utilizing the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $6 million from December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2008, due to $52 million of cash provided by financing activities and $6 million of cash provided by operating activities. This was partially offset by $52 million of cash used in investing activities. Within investing activities, cash provided by investment security maturities and sales exceeded purchases of new investment securities by $22 million. However, the net use of cash in investing activities was due to loan growth. Cash advanced for new loan fundings and purchases totaled $209 million and was $72 million higher than the $137 million of cash received from loan principal payments and sales. Within financing activities, the Company experienced a net $17 million decline in deposits due to reduced certificates of deposit. The Company more than replaced these deposits with short-term FHLB borrowings and advances, which we chose to increase by $52 million due to more attractive funding costs. The CPP preferred stock issuance also provided the Company with $21 million of cash from financing activities.
     The parent company had $23 million of cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2008 compared to $4 million at December 31, 2007. Dividend payments from subsidiaries and the settlement of the inter-company tax position also provide ongoing cash to the parent. As of December 31, 2008, the subsidiary bank had $3.9 million of cash available for dividend upstream per the applicable regulatory formulas.
     Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, take advantage of market opportunities, and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. Sources of asset liquidity are provided by short-term investment securities, time deposits with banks, federal funds sold, short-term investments in money market funds, banker’s acceptances, and commercial paper. These assets totaled $42 million at December 31, 2008 and $8 million at December 31, 2007. Maturing and repaying loans, as well as the monthly cash flow associated with mortgage-backed securities and security maturities are other significant sources of asset liquidity for the Company.
     Liability liquidity can be met by attracting deposits with competitive rates, using repurchase agreements, buying federal funds, or utilizing the facilities of the Federal Reserve or the Federal Home Loan Bank systems. The Company utilizes a variety of these methods of liability liquidity. Additionally, the Company’s subsidiary bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides the opportunity to obtain short- to longer-term advances based upon the Bank’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. At December 31, 2008, the bank had immediately available $183 million of overnight borrowing availability at the FHLB and $10 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks. The Company believes it has ample liquidity available to fund outstanding loan commitments if they were fully drawn upon.
     CAPITAL RESOURCES. . . The Company exceeds all regulatory capital ratios for each of the periods presented and is considered well capitalized. The asset leverage ratio was 12.15% and the Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.66% at December 31, 2008 compared to 9.74% and 12.79% at December 31, 2007. The impact of other comprehensive loss is excluded from the regulatory capital ratios. At December 31, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive loss amounted to $4.2 million. The Company’s tangible equity to assets ratio was 8.90% and its tangible common equity to assets ratio was 8.30% at December 31, 2008. We anticipate that our strong capital ratios may further increase in 2009 due to the retention of all earnings that will be partially offset by preferred dividend requirements and growth of the balance sheet.
     In January 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a repurchase program to buyback up to 5% or approximately 1.1 million of its outstanding common shares. The Company completed this program in 2008 by repurchasing 1,098,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $2.58. The Company also used $544,000 of cash to pay a 2.5 cent common dividend to its shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result of our decision to accept the $21 million CPP preferred stock investment, for a period of three years we are no longer permitted to repurchase stock or declare and pay common dividends without the consent of the U.S. Treasury.
     INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY. . . Asset/liability management involves managing the risks associated with changing interest rates and the resulting impact on the Company’s net interest income, net income and capital. The management and measurement of interest rate risk at AmeriServ Financial is performed by using the following tools: 1) simulation modeling, which analyzes the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income, net income and capital levels over specific future time periods. The simulation modeling forecasts earnings under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in the absolute level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, prepayments and changes in the volumes and rates of various loan and deposit categories. The simulation modeling incorporates assumptions about reinvestment and the repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities without stated contractual maturities; 2) market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis, and 3) static GAP analysis, which analyzes the extent to which interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities are matched at specific points in time. The overall interest rate risk position and strategies are reviewed by senior management and the Company’s Board of Directors on an ongoing basis.

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     The following table presents a summary of the Company’s static GAP positions at December 31, 2008:
                                         
            OVER     OVER              
            3 MONTHS     6 MONTHS              
    3 MONTHS     THROUGH     THROUGH     OVER        
    OR LESS     6 MONTHS     1 YEAR     1 YEAR     TOTAL  
INTEREST SENSITIVITY PERIOD   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)  
RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS:
                                       
Loans and loans held for sale
  $ 225,644     $ 55,561     $ 93,070     $ 323,923     $ 698,198  
Investment securities
    12,207       23,238       34,638       72,592       142,675  
Short-term assets
    17,179                         17,179  
Regulatory stock
    7,614                   2,125       9,739  
Bank owned life insurance
                32,929             32,929  
 
                             
Total rate sensitive assets
  $ 262,644     $ 78,799     $ 160,637     $ 398,640     $ 900,720  
 
                             
RATE SENSITIVE LIABILITIES:
                                       
Deposits:
                                       
Non-interest bearing deposits
  $     $     $     $ 116,372     $ 116,372  
NOW
    4,379                   56,521       60,900  
Money market
    116,667                   13,025       129,692  
Other savings
    17,670                   53,012       70,682  
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more
    11,813       13,382       3,565       7,406       36,166  
Other time deposits
    104,374       25,239       35,546       115,985       281,144  
 
                             
Total deposits
    254,903       38,621       39,111       362,321       694,956  
Borrowings
    119,932       12       3,029       23,890       146,863  
 
                             
Total rate sensitive liabilities
  $ 374,835     $ 38,633     $ 42,140     $ 386,211     $ 841,819  
 
                             
INTEREST SENSITIVITY GAP:
                                       
Interval
    (112,191 )     40,166       118,497       12,429        
Cumulative
  $ (112,191 )   $ (72,025 )   $ 46,472     $ 58,901     $ 58,901  
 
                             
Period GAP ratio
    0.70 X     2.04 X     3.81 X     1.03 X        
Cumulative GAP ratio
    0.70       0.83       1.10       1.07          
Ratio of cumulative GAP to total assets
    (11.60 )%     (7.45 )%     4.81 %     6.09 %        
     When December 31, 2008, is compared to December 31, 2007, the ratio of the cumulative GAP to total assets through one year became more positive due to an anticipated increase in asset prepayment speeds. While the Company does have a negative gap position through six months, the absolute low level of rates makes this table more difficult to analyze since there is little room for certain liabilities to reprice downward further.
     Management places primary emphasis on simulation modeling to manage and measure interest rate risk. The Company’s asset/liability management policy seeks to limit net interest income variability over the first twelve months of the forecast period to +/-7.5%, which include, interest rate movements of 200 basis points. Additionally, the Company also uses market value sensitivity measures to further evaluate the balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company monitors the trends in market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis on a quarterly basis.
     The following table presents an analysis of the sensitivity inherent in the Company’s net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. The interest rate scenarios in the table compare the Company’s base forecast, which was prepared using a flat interest rate scenario, to scenarios that reflect immediate interest rate changes of 100 and 200 basis points. Note that we suspended the 200 basis point downward rate shock since it has little value due to the absolute low level of interest rates. Each rate scenario contains unique prepayment and repricing assumptions that are applied to the Company’s existing balance sheet that was developed under the flat interest rate scenario.
                 
    VARIABILITY OF   CHANGE IN
    NET INTEREST   MARKET VALUE OF
INTEREST RATE SCENARIO   INCOME   PORTFOLIO EQUITY
200 bp increase
    (0.7 )%     6.6 %
100 bp increase
    1.7       6.2  
100 bp decrease
    (9.6 )     (14.9 )
     The variability of net interest income is negative in the 100 basis point downward rate scenario as the Company has more exposure to assets repricing downward to a greater extent than liabilities due to the absolute low level of interest rates with the fed funds rate currently at 0.25%. There is only limited net interest income variability in the increasing interest rate scenarios. The market value of portfolio equity increases in the upward rate shocks due to improved value of the Company’s core deposit base. Negative variability of market value of portfolio equity occurred in the downward rate shock due to a reduced value for core deposits.

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     Within the investment portfolio at December 31, 2008, 89% of the portfolio is classified as available for sale and 11% as held to maturity. The available for sale classification provides management with greater flexibility to manage the securities portfolio to better achieve overall balance sheet rate sensitivity goals and provide liquidity to fund loan growth if needed. The mark to market of the available for sale securities does inject more volatility in the book value of equity, but has no impact on regulatory capital. There are 21 securities that are temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008. The Company reviews its securities quarterly and has asserted that at December 31, 2008, the impaired value of securities represents temporary declines due to movements in interest rates and the Company does have the ability and intent to hold those securities to maturity or to allow a market recovery. Furthermore, it is the Company’s intent to manage its long-term interest rate risk by continuing to sell newly originated fixed-rate 30-year mortgage loans into the secondary market. The Company also periodically sells 15-year fixed rate mortgage loans into the secondary market as well. For the year 2008, 65% of all residential mortgage loan production was sold into the secondary market.
     The amount of loans outstanding by category as of December 31, 2008, which are due in (i) one year or less, (ii) more than one year through five years, and (iii) over five years, are shown in the following table. Loan balances are also categorized according to their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
                                 
            MORE              
            THAN ONE              
    ONE     YEAR              
    YEAR OR     THROUGH     OVER FIVE     TOTAL  
    LESS     FIVE YEARS     YEARS     LOANS  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)  
Commercial
  $ 30,654     $ 66,319     $ 13,224     $ 110,197  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    39,622       132,074       182,174       353,870  
Real estate-mortgage
    54,201       77,716       88,011       219,928  
Consumer
    8,133       2,143       13,528       23,804  
 
                       
Total
  $ 132,610     $ 278,252     $ 296,937     $ 707,799  
 
                       
 
                               
Loans with fixed-rate
  $ 71,304     $ 148,603     $ 140,388     $ 360,295  
Loans with floating-rate
    61,306       129,649       156,549       347,504  
 
                       
Total
  $ 132,610     $ 278,252     $ 296,937     $ 707,799  
 
                       
 
   
Percent composition of maturity
    18.7 %     39.3 %     42.0 %     100.0 %
Fixed-rate loans as a percentage of total loans
                            50.9 %
Floating-rate loans as a percentage of total loans
                            49.1 %
     The loan maturity information is based upon original loan terms and is not adjusted for principal paydowns and rollovers. In the ordinary course of business, loans maturing within one year may be renewed, in whole or in part, as to principal amount at interest rates prevailing at the date of renewal.
     CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS. . .The following table presents, as of December 31, 2008, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.
                                                 
    PAYMENTS DUE IN
    NOTE   ONE YEAR   ONE TO THREE   THREE TO FIVE   OVER FIVE    
    REFERENCE   OR LESS   YEARS   YEARS   YEARS   TOTAL
    (IN THOUSANDS)
Deposits without a stated maturity
    8     $ 377,646     $     $     $     $ 377,646  
Certificates of deposit*
    8       200,784       86,957       30,823       24,255       342,819  
Borrowed funds*
    10       125,420       11,190       147       692       137,449  
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures*
    10                         32,158       32,158  
Pension obligation
    13       1,500                         1,500  
Lease commitments
    14       613       945       428       391       2,377  
 
*   Includes interest based upon interest rates in effect at December 31, 2008. Future changes in market interest rates could materially affect contractual amounts to be paid.
     OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS. . . The Bank incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Bank uses the same

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credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $112,192,000 and standby letters of credit of $13,064,000 as of December 31, 2008. The Company can also use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $18 million in interest rate swaps outstanding.
     CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES. . . The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the allowance for loan losses, goodwill and core deposit intangibles and income taxes are deemed critical because they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in material changes in the Company’s financial position or results of operation.
     ACCOUNT — Allowance for Loan Losses
     BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Allowance for Loan Losses
     INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for Loan Losses
     DESCRIPTION
     The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining reserve levels believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the credit portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, likelihood of customer default, loss given default, exposure at default, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on consumer loans and residential mortgages, and general amounts for historical loss experience. This process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the various credit portfolios. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. Also, the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan pools is based on historical loss trends and management’s judgment concerning those trends.
     Commercial and commercial mortgage loans are the largest category of credits and the most sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgments underlying the determination of the allowance for loan loss. Approximately $7.3 million, or 82%, of the total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2008 has been allotted to these two loan categories. This allocation also considers other relevant factors such as actual versus estimated losses, economic trends, delinquencies, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.
     ACCOUNT — Goodwill and core deposit intangibles
     BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Goodwill and core deposit intangibles
     INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Goodwill impairment and amortization of core deposit intangibles
     DESCRIPTION
     The Company considers our accounting policies related to goodwill and core deposit intangibles to be critical because the assumptions or judgment used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in past acquisitions are subjective and complex. As a result, changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
     The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including the resulting goodwill, was based either on quoted market prices or provided by other third party sources, when available. When third party information was not available, estimates were made in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective and are susceptible to significant changes. The Company routinely utilizes the services of an independent third party that is regarded within the banking industry as an expert in valuing core deposits to monitor the ongoing value and changes in the Company’s core deposit base. These core deposit valuation updates are based upon specific data provided from statistical analysis of the bank’s own deposit behavior to estimate the duration of these non-maturity deposits combined with market interest rates and other economic factors.

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     Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. The Company’s goodwill relates to value inherent in the banking business and the value is dependent upon the Company’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective services in the face of free competition from other market participants on a regional basis. This ability relies upon continuing investments in processing systems, the development of value-added service features and the ease of use the Company’s services. As such, goodwill value is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted and the loyalty of the Company’s deposit base over a longer time frame. The quality and value of a Company’s assets is also an important factor to consider when performing goodwill impairment testing. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost-effective value added services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill.
     Goodwill which has an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually and written down and charged to results of operations only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the estimated fair value. The Company’s testing in 2008 indicated that its goodwill was not impaired. Core deposit intangibles that have a finite life will continue to be amortized over their useful life and are also regularly evaluated for impairment.
     As of December 31, 2008, goodwill and core deposit intangibles were not considered impaired; however, deteriorating economic conditions could result in impairment, which could adversely affect earnings in future periods.
     ACCOUNT — Income Taxes
     BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Deferred Tax Asset and Current Taxes Payable
     INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for Income Taxes
     DESCRIPTION
     In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes specified in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) #109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” the provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and deferred. The changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the changes in differences between the basis of asset and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that management estimates will be in effect when the differences reverse.
     In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of tax differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether tax differences are permanent or temporary and the related timing of the expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. As of December 31, 2008, we believe that all of the deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet will ultimately be recovered and that no valuation allowances were needed.
     In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to be.
     ACCOUNT — Investment Securities
     BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Investment Securities
     INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities
     DESCRIPTION
     Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2008, 97% of the

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unrealized losses in the available-for-sale security portfolio were comprised of securities issued by Government agencies, U.S. Treasury or Government sponsored agencies. The Company believes the price movements in these securities are dependent upon the movement in market interest rates. The Company’s management also maintains the intent and ability to hold securities in an unrealized loss position to the earlier of the recovery of losses or maturity.
     FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. . .
THE STRATEGIC FOCUS:
     The challenge for the future is to improve earnings performance to peer levels through a disciplined focus on community banking and our growing Trust Company. In accordance with our strategic plan, AmeriServ will maintain its focus as a community bank delivering banking and trust services to the best of our ability. This company will not succumb to the lure of quick fixes and fancy financial gimmicks. We have seen where that path leads, and have marveled at how many knowledgeable people fall victim. It is our plan to continue to build AmeriServ into a potent banking force in this region and in this industry. Our focus encompasses the following:
Customer Service — it is the existing and prospective customer that AmeriServ must satisfy. This means good products and fair prices. But it also means quick response time and professional competence. It means speedy problem resolution and a minimizing of bureaucratic frustrations. AmeriServ is training and motivating its staff to meet these standards.
Revenue Growth — It is necessary for AmeriServ to focus on growing revenues. This means loan growth, deposit growth and fee growth. It also means close coordination between all customer service areas so as many revenue producing products as possible can be presented to existing and prospective customers. The Company’s Strategic Plan contains action plans in each of these areas. This challenge will be met by seeking to exceed customer expectations in every area. An examination of the peer bank database provides ample proof that a well executed community banking business model can generate a reliable and rewarding revenue stream.
Expense Rationalization — a quick review of recent AmeriServ financial statements tells the story of a continuing process of trying to rationalize expenses. This has not been a program of broad based cuts but has been targeted so AmeriServ stays strong but spends less. However, this initiative takes on new importance because it is critical to be certain that future expenditures are directed to areas that are playing a positive role in the drive to improve revenues.
     Each of the preceding charges has become the focus at AmeriServ, particularly in the three major customer service, revenue generating areas.
  1.   THE RETAIL BANK — this business unit had a successful 2008 and is eager to continue to grow. It has a solid array of banking services that includes deposit gathering, consumer lending and residential mortgages. With its broad distribution of community offices in its primary market, this business unit provides a solid foundation for the company to grow from.
 
  2.   COMMERCIAL LENDING — this business unit is already in a growth mode. It has totally revised procedures and has recruited an experienced professional staff. But it also has the skills and energy to provide financial advice and counsel. The challenge is to shorten response time, to eliminate bureaucracy and to always understand the needs of the customer. This business unit has already proven its value with record loan production in each of the past two years. The challenge is to maintain this momentum and to continue working to maximize its potential.
 
  3.   TRUST COMPANY — the Trust Company has already proven its ability to grow its assets under management along with its fees. It has restructured itself into a true 21st Century business model which has improved its marketplace focus. It has a positive investment performance record which enables it to excel in traditional trust functions such as wealth management. But also, it has shown creativity in building a position of substance in the vast world of union managed pension funds. Resources will continue to be channeled to the Trust Company so that this kind of creativity can continue to lead to new opportunities. Also, synergies need to be developed between the Trust Company and West Chester Capital Advisors so that revenue growth can be further enhanced.
     This Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations estimates, intentions, operations, future results, and prospects, including statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause

34


 

the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.
     Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) the effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) inflation, stock and bond market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) credit risks of commercial, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (vi) changes in federal and state banking and financial services laws and regulations; (vii) the presence in the Company’s market area of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company; (viii) the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of those products and services by customers and regulators (when required); (ix) the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for those of the Company and vice versa; (x) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (xi) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; and (xii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance.
     The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive, and neither such list nor any forward-looking statement takes into account the impact that any future acquisition may have on the Company and on any such forward-looking statement.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, including interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of managerial and Board oversight. The Company’s objective is to optimize profitability while managing and controlling risk within Board approved policy limits.
     Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets, liabilities, and hedges. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and hedging policy to control and manage interest rate risk.
     Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as, the obligations to depositors and debtholders. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk.
     Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy strictly limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities.
For information regarding the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments, see Interest Rate Sensitivity in the MD&A presented on pages 30-32. The Company’s principal market risk exposure is to interest rates.

35


 

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from depository institutions
  $ 17,945     $ 24,715  
Interest bearing deposits
    1,601       197  
Short-term investments in money market funds
    15,578       4,359  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents
    35,124       29,271  
 
           
Investment securities:
               
Available for sale
    126,781       140,582  
Held to maturity (market value $16,323 at December 31, 2008 and $18,378 at December 31, 2007)
    15,894       18,533  
Loans held for sale
    1,000       1,060  
Loans
    706,799       635,566  
Less: Unearned income
    691       471  
     Allowance for loan losses
    8,910       7,252  
 
           
Net loans
    697,198       627,843  
 
           
 
               
Premises and equipment, net
    9,521       8,450  
Accrued income receivable
    3,735       4,032  
Goodwill
    13,497       13,497  
Core deposit intangibles
    108       973  
Bank owned life insurance
    32,929       32,864  
Net deferred tax asset
    12,651       13,750  
Regulatory stock
    9,739       7,204  
Other assets
    8,752       6,819  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 966,929     $ 904,878  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Non-interest bearing deposits
  $ 116,372     $ 113,380  
Interest bearing deposits
    578,584       597,059  
 
           
Total deposits
    694,956       710,439  
 
           
 
               
Short-term borrowings
    119,920       72,210  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    13,858       9,905  
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
    13,085       13,085  
 
           
Total borrowed funds
    146,863       95,200  
 
           
 
               
Other liabilities
    11,858       8,945  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    853,677       814,584  
 
           
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; there were 21,000 shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2008, and no shares issued or outstanding on December 31, 2007
    20,447        
Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 26,317,450 shares issued and 21,128,831 shares outstanding on December 31, 2008; 26,279,916 shares issued and 22,188,997 shares outstanding on December 31, 2007
    65,794       65,700  
Treasury stock at cost, 5,188,619 shares on December 31, 2008 and 4,090,919 shares on December 31, 2007
    (68,659 )     (65,824 )
Capital surplus
    79,353       78,788  
Retained earnings
    20,533       15,602  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
    (4,216 )     (3,972 )
 
           
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    113,252       90,294  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 966,929     $ 904,878  
 
           
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

36


 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS,  
    EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  
INTEREST INCOME
                       
Interest and fees on loans:
                       
Taxable
  $ 40,817     $ 41,345     $ 37,366  
Tax exempt
    200       218       231  
Deposits with banks
    13       20       23  
Short-term investments in money market funds
    140       203       188  
Federal funds sold
    4       121       3  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
    5,770       6,433       7,680  
Held to maturity
    875       1,039       1,074  
 
                 
Total Interest Income
    47,819       49,379       46,565  
 
                 
 
                       
INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Deposits
    15,680       22,811       19,232  
Short-term borrowings
    1,403       972       1,672  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
     499        253       63  
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
    1,120       1,120       1,120  
 
                 
Total Interest Expense
    18,702       25,156       22,087  
 
                 
 
                       
Net Interest Income
    29,117       24,223       24,478  
Provision for loan losses
    2,925        300       (125 )
 
                 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
    26,192       23,923       24,603  
 
                 
 
                       
NON-INTEREST INCOME
                       
Trust fees
    6,731       6,753       6,519  
Net gains on loans held for sale
    477       307       105  
Net realized losses on investment securities
    (95 )            
Service charges on deposit accounts
    3,069       2,579       2,561  
Investment advisory fees
    779       974        
Bank owned life insurance
    2,695       1,268       1,207  
Other income
    2,768       2,826       2,449  
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Income
    16,424       14,707       12,841  
 
                 
 
                       
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    19,217       19,339       18,669  
Net occupancy expense
    2,561       2,494       2,410  
Equipment expense
    1,677       2,045       2,349  
Professional fees
    3,582       3,197       3,208  
Supplies, postage, and freight
    1,252       1,211       1,167  
Miscellaneous taxes and insurance
    1,395       1,436       1,567  
FDIC deposit insurance expense
    113       88       192  
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
    865       865       865  
Federal Home Loan Bank prepayment penalties
    91              
Other expense
    4,884       3,997       4,265  
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Expense
    35,637       34,672       34,692  
 
                 
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    6,979       3,958       2,752  
Provision for income taxes
    1,470       924       420  
 
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 5,509     $ 3,034     $ 2,332  
 
                 
 
                       
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
                       
Basic:
                       
Net income
  $ 0.25     $ 0.14     $ 0.11  
Average number of shares outstanding
    21,833       22,171       22,141  
Diluted:
                       
Net income
  $ 0.25     $ 0.14     $ 0.11  
Average number of shares outstanding
    21,975       22,173       22,149  
Cash dividends declared
  $ 0.025     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

37


 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       
Net income
  $ 5,509     $ 3,034     $ 2,332  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
                       
Pension obligation change for defined benefit plan
    (3,745 )     21        
Income tax effect
    1,273       (7 )      
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities arising during period
    3,471       3,683       1,309  
Income tax effect
    (1,180 )     (1,252 )     (444 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on available for sale securities included in net income
    (95 )            
Income tax effect
    32              
 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (244 )     2,445       865  
 
                 
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 5,265     $ 5,479     $ 3,197  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

38


 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
PREFERRED STOCK
                       
Balance at beginning of period
  $     $     $  
New shares issued (21,000 shares)
    20,447              
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    20,447              
 
                 
 
                       
COMMON STOCK
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    65,700       65,618       65,508  
New shares issued (37,534 shares)
    94       82       110  
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    65,794       65,700       65,618  
 
                 
 
                       
TREASURY STOCK
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    (65,824 )     (65,824 )     (65,824 )
Treasury stock, purchased at cost (1,097,700 shares)
    (2,835 )            
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    (68,659 )     (65,824 )     (65,824 )
 
                 
 
                       
CAPITAL SURPLUS
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    78,788       78,739       78,620  
New common shares issued (37,534 shares)
    5       37       64  
Stock option expense
    7       12       55  
Common stock warrant issued (1,312,500 shares)
    553              
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    79,353       78,788       78,739  
 
                 
 
                       
RETAINED EARNINGS
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    15,602       12,568       10,236  
Net income
    5,509       3,034       2,332  
Cash dividend declared on preferred stock
    (35 )            
Cash dividend declared on common stock of $0.025 on 21,771,237 shares
    (543 )            
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    20,533       15,602       12,568  
 
                 
 
                       
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    (3,972 )     (6,417 )     (4,066 )
Cumulative effect of adoption of change in accounting for pension obligation, net of tax effect
                (3,216 )
Other comprehensive income
    (244 )     2,445       865  
 
                 
Balance at end of period
    (4,216 )     (3,972 )     (6,417 )
 
                 
 
   
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 113,252     $ 90,294     $ 84,684  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

39


 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                       
Net income
  $ 5,509     $ 3,034     $ 2,332  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    2,925       300       (125 )
Depreciation and amortization expense
    1,533       1,505       1,700  
Amortization expense of core deposit intangibles
    865       865       865  
Net amortization of investment securities
    193       387       597  
Net realized losses on investment securities — available for sale
    95              
Net gain on sale of fixed assets
          (248 )      
Net realized gains on loans held for sale
    (477 )     (307 )     (105 )
Amortization of deferred loan fees
    (466 )     (518 )     (393 )
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
    (36,923 )     (26,720 )     (11,714 )
Sales of mortgage loans held for sale
    37,460       26,325       11,454  
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    297       133       (40 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
    (899 )     530       1,029  
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance
    (2,695 )     (1,268 )     (1,207 )
Net decrease in other assets
    459       779       59  
Net increase in other liabilities
    1,048       3,000       627  
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,924       10,333       5,079  
 
                 
 
                       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Purchase of investment securities — available for sale
    (68,610 )     (6,768 )     (8,823 )
Purchase of investment securities — held to maturity
    (4,464 )           (1,500 )
Purchase of regulatory stock
    (8,268 )     (5,824 )     (3,363 )
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities — available for sale
    59,299       41,988       33,098  
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities — held to maturity
    7,052       2,054       11,104  
Proceeds from sales of investment securities — available for sale
    25,941              
Proceeds from redemption of regulatory stock
    5,733       3,975       4,996  
Long-term loans originated
    (152,535 )     (180,558 )     (142,247 )
Principal collected on long-term loans
    133,043       163,819       112,027  
Loans purchased or participated
    (56,182 )     (33,762 )     (10,004 )
Loans sold or participated
    3,950       4,500       1,600  
Net decrease (increase) in other short-term loans
    90       (332 )     (377 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,604 )     (1,667 )     (1,597 )
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
          522       50  
Proceeds from insurance policies
    2,635              
Acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors
          2,200        
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (54,920 )     (9,853 )     (5,036 )
 
                 
 
                       
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Net (decrease) increase in deposit accounts
    (16,526 )     (31,316 )     22,608  
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
    47,710       23,119       (14,093 )
Principal borrowings on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    11,000       9,004        
Principal repayments on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    (7,047 )     (45 )     (41 )
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture dividends paid
    (1,016 )     (1,016 )     (1,016 )
Common stock dividend paid
    (543 )            
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan and stock options exercised
    106       131       173  
Purchases of treasury stock
    (2,835 )            
Preferred stock issuance
    21,000              
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    51,849       (123 )     7,631  
 
                 
 
                       
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    5,853       357       7,674  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1
    29,271       28,914       21,240  
 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31
  $ 35,124     $ 29,271     $ 28,914  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

40


 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
     AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company, headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Through its banking subsidiary the Company operates 18 banking locations in five southwestern Pennsylvania counties. These branches provide a full range of consumer, mortgage, and commercial financial products. The AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (Trust Company) offers a complete range of trust and financial services and administers assets valued at approximately $1.5 billion at December 31, 2008. On March 7, 2007, the Bank completed the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA). WCCA (a subsidiary of the bank) is a registered investment advisor and at December 31, 2008 had $82 million in assets under management.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank), Trust Company, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life). The Bank is a state-chartered full service bank with 18 locations in Pennsylvania. AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company that engages in underwriting as a reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance.
     Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates and the differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s most significant estimate is the allowance for loan losses.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
     Securities are classified at the time of purchase as investment securities held to maturity if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These held to maturity securities are carried on the Company’s books at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount which is computed using the level yield method which approximates the effective interest method. Alternatively, securities are classified as available for sale if it is management’s intent at the time of purchase to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. Securities classified as available for sale include securities which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, and other factors (such as liquidity requirements). These available for sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation excluded from income and credited/charged to accumulated other comprehensive income/loss within stockholders’ equity on a net of tax basis. Any securities classified as trading assets are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation included in income on a net of tax basis. The Company does not engage in trading activity. Realized gains or losses on securities sold are computed upon the adjusted cost of the specific securities sold. Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery.
LOANS:
     Interest income is recognized using methods which approximate a level yield related to principal amounts outstanding. The Bank discontinues the accrual of interest income when loans become 90 days past due in either principal or interest. In addition, if circumstances warrant, the accrual of interest may be discontinued prior to 90 days. Payments received on non-accrual loans are credited to principal until full recovery of principal has been recognized; or the loan has been returned to accrual status. The only exception to this policy is for residential mortgage loans wherein interest income is recognized on a cash basis as payments are received. A non-accrual commercial loan is placed on accrual status after becoming current and remaining current for twelve consecutive payments. Residential mortgage loans are placed on accrual status upon becoming current.
LOAN FEES:
     Loan origination and commitment fees, net of associated direct costs, are deferred and amortized into interest and fees on loans over the loan or commitment period. Fee amortization is determined by the effective interest method.

41


 

LOANS HELD FOR SALE:
     Certain newly originated fixed-rate residential mortgage loans are classified as held for sale, because it is management’s intent to sell these residential mortgage loans. The residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
     Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the premises and equipment using the straight-line method with a half-year convention. Useful lives of up to 30 years for buildings and up to 10 years for equipment are utilized. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases or useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs, and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures are incurred.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND CHARGE-OFF PROCEDURES:
     As a financial institution, which assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, the Company anticipates that credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the Company consistently applies a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to perform an analysis which is updated on a quarterly basis at the Bank level to determine both the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the necessary provision for loan losses to be charged against earnings. This methodology includes:
  -   review of all criticized and impaired loans with balances over $250,000 ($100,000 for loans classified as doubtful or worse) to determine if any specific reserve allocations are required on an individual loan basis. The specific reserve established for these criticized and impaired loans is based on careful analysis of the loan’s performance, the related collateral value, cash flow considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. For impaired loans the measurement of impairment may be based upon: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the observable market price of the impaired loan; or 3) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral dependent loan.
 
  -   The application of formula driven reserve allocations for all commercial and commercial real-estate loans by using a three-year migration analysis of net losses incurred within each risk grade for the entire commercial loan portfolio. The difference between estimated and actual losses is reconciled through the nature of the migration analysis.
 
  -   The application of formula driven reserve allocations to consumer and mortgage loans which are based upon historical net charge-off experience for those loan types. The residential mortgage loan allocation is based upon the Company’s five-year historical average of actual loan net charge-offs experienced in that category. The same methodology is used to determine the allocation for consumer loans except the allocation is based upon an average of the most recent actual three-year historical net charge-off experience for consumer loans.
 
  -   The application of formula driven reserve allocations to all outstanding loans is based upon review of historical losses and qualitative factors, which include but are not limited to, economic trends, delinquencies, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions.
 
  -   Management recognizes that there may be events or economic factors that have occurred affecting specific borrowers or segments of borrowers that may not yet be fully reflected in the information that the Company uses for arriving at reserves for a specific loan or portfolio segment. Therefore, the Company believes that there is estimation risk associated with the use of specific and formula driven allowances.
     After completion of this process, a formal meeting of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee is held to evaluate the adequacy of the reserve.
     When it is determined that the prospects for recovery of the principal of a loan have significantly diminished, the loan is charged against the allowance account; subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance account. In addition, non-accrual and large delinquent loans are reviewed monthly to determine potential losses.
     The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, each of its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company defines classified loans as those loans rated substandard or doubtful. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business loans $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans

42


 

and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and evaluated for specific impairment if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment.
ALLOWANCE FOR UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT:
     The allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. Net adjustments to the allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit are provided for in the unfunded commitment reserve expense line item within other expense in the consolidated statement of income and a separate reserve is recorded within the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.
TRUST FEES:
     Trust fees are recorded on the cash basis which approximates the accrual basis for such income.
BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE:
     The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees. These policies are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in bank owned life insurance within non-interest income.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Intangible Assets
     Intangible assets consist of core deposit acquisition premiums. Core deposit acquisition premiums, which were developed by specific core deposit life studies, are amortized using the straight-line method over periods not exceeding 10 years. The recoverability of the carrying value of intangible assets evaluated on an ongoing basis, and permanent declines in value, if any, are charged to expense.
Goodwill
     The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This statement, among other things, requires a two-step process for testing the impairment of goodwill on at least an annual basis. This approach could cause more volatility in the Company’s reported net income because impairment losses, if any, could occur irregularly and in varying amounts. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis of goodwill. Based on the fair value of the reporting unit, estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, no impairment of goodwill was recognized in 2008 or 2007.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
     Basic earnings per share include only the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the weighted average common shares outstanding and any potentially dilutive common stock equivalent shares in the calculation. Treasury shares are treated as retired for earnings per share purposes. Options and warrant to purchase 1,539,509, 220,892, and 213,974 shares of common stock were outstanding during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share to do so would be anti-dilutive. Exercise prices of options and warrant to purchase common stock outstanding were $2.40-$6.10, $4.02-$6.10, and $4.86-$6.21 during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Dividends on preferred shares are excluded from net income in the calculation of earnings per common share.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
     On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) #123(R) “Share-Based Payment” using the “modified prospective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or vested after December 15, 2005, are measured and accounted for in accordance with FAS #123(R). The Company recognized $7,000 and $12,000 of pretax compensation expense for the year 2008 and 2007. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for the grants: risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.76% to 4.70%; expected lives of 10 years; expected volatility ranging from 33.28% to 37.22% and expected dividend yields of 0%.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:
     On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments in money market funds. The Company made $200,000 in income tax payments in 2008; $138,000 in 2007; and $169,000 in 2006. The Company made total interest payments of $19,601,000 in 2008; $24,626,000 in 2007; and $21,058,000 in 2006.
INCOME TAXES:
     Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the corresponding asset or liability from period to period. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amounts of such benefits that are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence.
INTEREST RATE CONTRACTS:
     The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with FAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (as amended).” The company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated and accounted as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income,” net of deferred taxes and are subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item.
     The Company typically enters into derivative instruments to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. These instruments and their offsetting positions are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2008, the notional amount of the customer related derivative financial instrument was $9 million with an average maturity of 60 months, an average interest receive rate of 5.25% and an average interest pay rate of 4.40%.
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
     In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“FAS 141(R)), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. FAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which removed leasing transactions accounted for under FAS No. 13 and related guidance from the scope of FAS No. 157. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No.157-2, Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of Statement 157, which deferred the effective date of FAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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     In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51. FAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. FAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to require enhanced disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The new standard has revised financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring more transparency about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. FAS No. 161 requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It also requires entities to provide more information about their liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Further, it requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments. FAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encourage. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
     In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing assumptions about renewal or extension used in estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This standard is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under FAS No. 141R and other GAAP. FSP 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The measurement provisions of this standard will apply only to intangible assets of the Company acquired after the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the FSP will have on the Company’s results of operations.
     In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets. This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to improve an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The disclosures about plan assets required by the FSP are to be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The adoption of this FSP is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
2. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
     Cash and due from banks at December 31, 2008 and 2007, included $587,000 and $9,107,000, respectively, of reserves required to be maintained under Federal Reserve Bank regulations.
3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
     The cost basis and fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows:
     Investment securities available for sale:
                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
            GROSS     GROSS        
            UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED     FAIR  
    COST BASIS     GAINS     LOSSES     VALUE  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
U.S. Agency
  $ 10,387     $ 188     $     $ 10,575  
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
    114,380       2,057       (248 )     116,189  
Other securities
    24             (7 )     17  
 
                       
Total
  $ 124,791     $ 2,245     $ (255 )   $ 126,781  
 
                       

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     Investment securities held to maturity:
                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
            GROSS     GROSS        
            UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED     FAIR  
    COST BASIS     GAINS     LOSSES     VALUE  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
U.S. Treasury
  $ 3,082     $ 118     $     $ 3,200  
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
    9,562       321             9,883  
Other securities
    3,250             (10 )     3,240  
 
                       
Total
  $ 15,894     $ 439     $ (10 )   $ 16,323  
 
                       
     Investment securities available for sale:
                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2007  
            GROSS     GROSS        
            UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED     FAIR  
    COST BASIS     GAINS     LOSSES     VALUE  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
U.S. Treasury
  $ 6,006     $ 5     $     $ 6,011  
U.S. Agency
    37,255       44       (12 )     37,287  
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
    98,484       105       (1,328 )     97,261  
Other securities
    25             (2 )     23  
 
                       
Total
  $ 141,770     $ 154     $ (1,342 )   $ 140,582  
 
                       
     Investment securities held to maturity:
                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2007  
            GROSS     GROSS        
            UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED     FAIR  
    COST BASIS     GAINS     LOSSES     VALUE  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
U.S. Treasury
  $ 3,153     $ 55     $     $ 3,208  
U.S. Agency
    3,473       23             3,496  
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
    6,157       13             6,170  
Other securities
    5,750             (246 )     5,504  
 
                       
Total
  $ 18,533     $ 91     $ (246 )   $ 18,378  
 
                       
     Realized gains and losses are calculated by the specific identification method.
     Maintaining investment quality is a primary objective of the Company’s investment policy which, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits the purchase of any investment security below a Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s rating of A. At December 31, 2008, 97.7% of the portfolio was rated AAA as compared to 96.4% at December 31, 2007. Less than 1.0% of the portfolio was rated below A or unrated on December 31, 2008. The Company and its subsidiaries, collectively, did not hold securities of any single issuer, excluding U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agencies, that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2008.
     The book value of securities, both available for sale and held to maturity, pledged to secure public and trust deposits, and certain Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings was $119,267,000 at December 31, 2008 and $146,365,000 at December 31, 2007. The Company realized $42,000 of gross investment security gains and $137,000 of gross security losses for 2008 and no security gains or losses on available for sale securities in 2007 or 2006. The Company realized no gross investment security gains and losses on held to maturity securities in 2008, 2007 or 2006. On a net basis, the realized losses amounted to $63,000 in 2008, after factoring in tax benefit of $32,000. Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale were $25 million during 2008. There were no sales of investment securities for 2007 or 2006.
     The following table sets forth the contractual maturity distribution of the investment securities, cost basis and fair market values, and the weighted average yield for each type and range of maturity as of December 31, 2008. Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis, but are based upon the cost basis and are weighted for the scheduled maturity. The Company’s consolidated investment securities portfolio had a modified duration of approximately 1.80 years. The weighted average expected maturity for available for sale securities at December 31, 2008 for U.S. Agency, U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed, and other securities was 2.80, 16.84, and 1.0 years, respectively. The weighted average expected maturity for held to maturity securities at December 31, 2008 for U.S. Treasury, U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed and other securities was 1.17, 24.39 and 1.48 years.

46


 

     Investment securities available for sale:
                                                                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
                    AFTER 1 YEAR     AFTER 5 YEARS              
                    BUT WITHIN     BUT WITHIN              
    WITHIN 1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS     AFTER 10 YEARS     TOTAL  
    AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)  
COST BASIS
                                                                               
U.S. Agency
  $ 996       5.30 %   $ 9,391       3.94 %   $       %   $       %   $ 10,387       4.08 %
U.S. Agency mortgage- backed securities
                13,899       4.75       16,261       4.93       84,220       4.58       114,380       4.65  
Other securities
    24       4.70                                           24       4.70  
 
                                                                     
Total investment securities available for sale
  $ 1,020       5.29 %   $ 23,290       4.27 %   $ 16,261       4.93 %   $ 84,220       4.58 %   $ 124,791       4.60 %
 
                                                                     
FAIR VALUE
                                                                               
U.S. Agency
  $ 1,016             $ 9,559             $             $             $ 10,575          
U.S. Agency mortgage- backed securities
                  13,901               16,812               85,476               116,189          
Other securities
    17                                                         17          
 
                                                                     
Total investment securities available for sale
  $ 1,033             $ 23,460             $ 16,812             $ 85,476             $ 126,781          
 
                                                                     
     Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
                                    AFTER 5 YEARS              
                    AFTER 1 YEAR BUT     BUT WITHIN              
    WITHIN 1 YEAR     WITHIN 5 YEARS     10 YEARS     AFTER 10 YEARS     TOTAL  
    AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)  
COST BASIS
                                                                               
U.S. Treasury
  $       %   $ 3,082       3.98 %   $       %   $       %   $ 3,082       3.98 %
U.S. Agency mortgage -backed securities
                                        9,562       5.36       9,562       5.36  
Other securities
    2,250       3.60       1,000       3.39                                 3,250       3.54  
 
                                                                     
Total investment securities held to maturity
  $ 2,250       3.60 %   $ 4,082       3.84 %   $       %   $ 9,562       5.36 %   $ 15,894       4.72 %
 
                                                                     
FAIR VALUE
                                                                               
U.S. Treasury
  $             $ 3,200             $             $             $ 3,200          
U.S. Agency mortgage -backed securities
                                              9,883               9,883          
Other securities
    2,249               991                                           3,240          
 
                                                                     
Total investment securities held to maturity
  $ 2,249             $ 4,191             $             $ 9,883             $ 16,323          
 
                                                                     
     The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
     Investment securities available for sale:
                                                 
    LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
    FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED  
    VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES  
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
  $ 31,063     $ (226 )   $ 3,375     $ (22 )   $ 34,438     $ (248 )
Other
                17       (7 )     17       (7 )
 
                                   
Total investment securities available for sale
  $ 31,063     $ (226 )   $ 3,392     $ (29 )   $ 34,455     $ (255 )
 
                                   
     Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                 
    LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
    FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED  
    VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES  
Other
  $     $     $ 3,240     $ (10 )   $ 3,240     $ (10 )
 
                                   
Total investment securities held to maturity
  $     $     $ 3,240     $ (10 )   $ 3,240     $ (10 )
 
                                   

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     The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands):
     Investment securities available for sale:
                                                 
    LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
    FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED  
    VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES  
U.S. Agency
  $     $     $ 25,963     $ (12 )   $ 25,963     $ (12 )
U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities
    4,388       (31 )     81,085       (1,297 )     85,473       (1,328 )
Other
    23       (2 )                 23       (2 )
 
                                   
Total investment securities available for sale
  $ 4,411     $ (33 )   $ 107,048     $ (1,309 )   $ 111,459     $ (1,342 )
 
                                   
     Investment securities held to maturity:
                                                 
    LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
    FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED     FAIR     UNREALIZED  
    VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES     VALUE     LOSSES  
Other
  $     $     $ 5,504     $ (246 )   $ 5,504     $ (246 )
 
                                   
Total investment securities held to maturity
  $     $     $ 5,504     $ (246 )   $ 5,504     $ (246 )
 
                                   
     For fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses due to interest rates where the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow a market recovery, declines in value below cost are not assumed to be other than temporary. There are 21 positions that are temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008. The Company reviews its position quarterly and has asserted that at December 31, 2008, the declines outlined in the above table represent temporary declines and the Company does have the ability and intent to hold those securities to maturity or to allow a market recovery.
4. LOANS
     The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Commercial
  $ 110,197     $ 118,936  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    353,870       285,115  
Real estate-mortgage
    218,928       214,839  
Consumer
    23,804       16,676  
 
           
Loans
    706,799       635,566  
Less: Unearned income
    691       471  
 
           
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 706,108     $ 635,095  
 
           
     Real estate construction loans comprised 6.2% and 5.5% of total loans net of unearned income at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company has no exposure to sub prime mortgage loans in either the loan or investment portfolios. The Company has no direct credit exposure to foreign countries. Additionally, the Company has no significant industry lending concentrations. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, loans to customers engaged in similar activities and having similar economic characteristics, as defined by standard industrial classifications, did not exceed 10% of total loans.
     In the ordinary course of business, the subsidiaries have transactions, including loans, with their officers, directors, and their affiliated companies. These transactions were on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties and do not involve more than the normal credit risk. These loans totaled $6,121,000 and $4,729,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. An analysis of these related party loans follows:
                 
    YEAR ENDED  
    DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Balance January 1
  $ 4,729     $ 3,977  
New loans
    2,209       1,457  
Payments
    (817 )     (705 )
 
           
Balance December 31
  $ 6,121     $ 4,729  
 
           

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5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
     An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses follows:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Balance January 1
  $ 7,252     $ 8,092     $ 9,143  
Provision for loan losses
    2,925       300       (125 )
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
    446       192       318  
Loans charged-off
    (1,713 )     (1,332 )     (1,244 )
 
                 
Balance December 31
  $ 8,910     $ 7,252     $ 8,092  
 
                 
6. NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
     Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans which are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, and (iii) other real estate owned (real estate acquired through foreclosure, in-substance foreclosures and repossessed assets).
     The following tables present information concerning non-performing assets:
                         
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT  
    PERCENTAGES)  
Non-accrual loans
                       
 
                       
Commercial
  $ 1,128     $ 3,553     $ 494  
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    484       225       195  
Real estate-mortgage
    1,313       875       1,050  
Consumer
    452       585       547  
 
                 
Total
    3,377       5,238       2,286  
 
                 
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing
                       
Consumer
                3  
 
                 
Total
                3  
 
                 
Other real estate owned
                       
Commercial loans secured by real estate
    701              
Real estate-mortgage
    494       42       3  
 
                 
Total
    1,195       42       3  
 
                 
Total non-performing assets
  $ 4,572     $ 5,280     $ 2,292  
 
                 
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned
    0.65 %     0.83 %     0.39 %
Total restructured loans (included in non-accrual loans above)
  $ 1,360     $ 1,217     $ 1,302  
     The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of 1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or 2) carrying cost.
     The Company had non-accrual loans totaling $1,612,000 and $3,778,000 being specifically identified as impaired and a corresponding allocation reserve of $755,000 and $694,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The average outstanding balance for loans being specifically identified as impaired was $1,605,000 for 2008 and $3,907,000 for 2007. A majority of the impaired loans are secured by sellable collateral, the estimated timing of the liquidation of the collateral and the estimated fair value of the collateral are evaluated in measuring the impairment. The interest income recognized on impaired loans during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $123,000, $0 and $34,000, respectively.
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (ii) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (iii) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Interest income due in accordance with original terms
  $ 198     $ 215     $ 214  
Interest income recorded
    (148 )     (40 )     (87 )
 
                 
Net reduction in interest income
  $ 50     $ 175     $ 127  
 
                 

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7. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
     An analysis of premises and equipment follows:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Land
  $ 1,208     $ 1,208  
Premises
    20,845       20,041  
Furniture and equipment
    13,501       15,681  
Leasehold improvements
    599       612  
 
           
Total at cost
    36,153       37,542  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    26,632       29,092  
 
           
Net book value
  $ 9,521     $ 8,450  
 
           
     The Company recorded depreciation expense of $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.7 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
8. DEPOSITS
     The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s deposits:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Demand:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 116,372     $ 113,380  
Interest bearing
    60,900       63,199  
Savings
    70,682       69,155  
Money market
    129,692       117,973  
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more
    36,166       41,390  
Other time
    281,144       305,342  
 
           
Total deposits
  $ 694,956     $ 710,439  
 
           
     Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Interest bearing demand
  $ 653     $ 1,184     $ 606  
Savings
    535       549       644  
Money market
    2,417       6,040       5,743  
Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more
    1,744       1,774       1,894  
Other time
    10,331       13,264       10,345  
 
                 
Total interest expense
  $ 15,680     $ 22,811     $ 19,232  
 
                 
     The following table sets forth the balance of other time deposits and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2008 maturing in the periods presented:
                 
            CERTIFICATES OF  
            DEPOSIT  
    OTHER TIME DEPOSITS     OF $100,000 OR MORE  
YEAR    (IN THOUSANDS)  
2008
  $ 165,136     $ 28,760  
2009
    50,410       3,707  
2010
    23,207       1,285  
2011
    14,655       433  
2012
    9,396       1,704  
2013 and after
    18,340       277  
 
           
Total
  $ 281,144     $ 36,166  
 
           

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     The maturities on certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2008, are as follows:
     MATURING IN:
         
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Three months or less
  $ 11,813  
Over three through six months
    13,382  
Over six through twelve months
    3,565  
Over twelve months
    7,406  
 
     
Total
  $ 36,166  
 
     
9. FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
     The outstanding balances and related information for federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
    FEDERAL    
    FUNDS   SHORT-TERM
    PURCHASED   BORROWINGS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance
  $     $ 119,920  
Maximum indebtedness at any month end
    5,685       138,855  
Average balance during year
    20       71,617  
Average rate paid for the year
    3.16 %     1.96 %
Interest rate on year end balance
          0.60  
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
    FEDERAL    
    FUNDS   SHORT-TERM
    PURCHASED   BORROWINGS
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)
Balance
  $     $ 72,210  
Maximum indebtedness at any month end
    3,430       74,095  
Average balance during year
    99       19,745  
Average rate paid for the year
    5.18 %     4.89 %
Interest rate on year end balance
          3.88  
     Average amounts outstanding during the year represent daily averages. Average interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balances.
     These borrowing transactions can range from overnight to one year in maturity. The average maturity was two days at the end of 2008 and 2007.
10.   ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK AND GUARANTEED JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES
     Borrowings and advances from the FHLB consist of the following:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
    WEIGHTED        
    AVERAGE YIELD     BALANCE  
MATURING    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Overnight
    1.96 %   $ 119,920  
 
               
2009
    4.17       3,004  
2010
    3.36       10,000  
2011 and after
    6.44       854  
 
             
Total advances
    3.72       13,858  
 
             
Total FHLB borrowings
    2.14 %   $ 133,778  
 
             

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    AT DECEMBER 31, 2007  
    WEIGHTED        
    AVERAGE YIELD     BALANCE  
MATURING    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Overnight
    3.88 %   $ 72,210  
 
               
2009
    4.62       9,004  
2010 and after
    6.45       901  
 
             
Total advances
    4.79       9,905  
 
             
Total FHLB borrowings
    3.99 %   $ 82,115  
 
             
     The Company’s subsidiary bank is a member of the FHLB which provides this subsidiary with the opportunity to obtain short to longer-term advances based upon the bank’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. The rate on open repo plus advances, which are typically overnight borrowings, can change daily, while the rate on the advances is fixed until the maturity of the advance. All FHLB stock, along with an interest in certain mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, with an aggregate statutory value equal to the amount of the advances, are pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Pittsburgh to support these borrowings. At December 31, 2008, the bank had immediately available $183 million of overnight borrowing capability at the FHLB and $10 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks.
Guaranteed Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures:
     On April 28, 1998, the Company completed a $34.5 million public offering of 8.45% Trust Preferred Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of a Delaware business trust, AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I. The Trust Preferred Securities will mature on June 30, 2028, and are callable at par at the option of the Company after June 30, 2003. Proceeds of the issue were invested by AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Unamortized deferred issuance costs associated with the Trust Preferred Securities amounted to $302,000 as of December 31, 2008 and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the issue. The Trust Preferred securities are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol ASRVP. AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I was deconsolidated in the first quarter of 2004 in accordance with FASB Interpretation #46(R) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)). The Company used $22.5 million of proceeds from a private placement of common stock to redeem Trust Preferred Securities in 2005 and 2004. The balance as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $13.1 million.
11. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
     Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and financial liabilities. FAS No. 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard applies whenever other standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which removed leasing transactions accounted for under FAS No. 13 and related guidance from the scope of FAS No. 157. The FASB also issued Staff Position No.157-2, Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of Statement 157, which deferred the effective date of FAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.
     FAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The three broad levels defined by FAS No. 157 hierarchy are as follows:
     
Level I:
  Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.
 
   
Level II:
  Pricing inputs are other than the quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities includes items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently and items that are fair-valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.
 
   
Level III:
  Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
     Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may

52


 

include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. This applies to all available for sale securities except U.S. Treasury and equity securities which are considered to be Level 1.
     Residential real estate loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Residential real estate loans are valued based on quoted market prices from purchase commitments from market participants and are classified as Level 1.
     The following table presents the assets reported on the balance sheet at their fair value as of December 31, 2008, by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by FAS No. 157, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
     Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis
     Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008 Using
            Quoted Prices in   Significant    
            Active Markets   Other   Significant
            for   Observable   Unobservable
            Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs
    Total   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)
Assets:
                               
Available for sale securities
  $ 126,781     $ 17     $ 126,764     $  
Loans held for sale
    1,000       1,000              
Fair value swap asset
    336             336        
     Assets Measured on a Non-recurring Basis
     Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008 Using  
            Quoted Prices in     Significant        
            Active Markets     Other     Significant  
            for     Observable     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
    Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Impaired loans
  $ 857     $     $ 857     $  
Other real estate owned
    1,195             1,195        
     Loans considered impaired under FAS 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” as amended by FAS 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan — Income Recognition and Disclosure,” are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments to reflect (1) partial write-downs that are based on the observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral, or (2) the full charge-off of the carrying value. All of the Company’s impaired loans are classified as level 2.
     Other real estate owned (OREO) is measured at fair value, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from OREO.
12. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
     For the Company, as for most financial institutions, approximately 90% of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. Therefore, significant estimates and present value calculations were used by the Company for the purpose of this disclosure.

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     Estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using independent third party valuations that uses best available data (Level 2) and an estimation methodology (level 3) the Company believes is suitable for each category of financial instruments. Management believes that cash, cash equivalents, and loans and deposits with floating interest rates have estimated fair values which approximate the recorded book balances. The estimation methodologies used, the estimated fair values based off of FAS 157 measurements, and recorded book balances at December 31, 2008 and 2007, were as follows:
                                 
    2008   2007
    ESTIMATED   RECORDED   ESTIMATED   RECORDED
    FAIR VALUE   BOOK BALANCE   FAIR VALUE   BOOK BALANCE
    (IN THOUSANDS)
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
                               
Investment securities
  $ 143,104     $ 142,675     $ 163,319     $ 163,474  
Regulatory stock
    9,739       9,739       7,204       7,204  
Net loans (including loans held for sale), net of allowance for loan loss
    701,066       698,198       632,609       628,903  
Accrued income receivable
    3,735       3,735       4,032       4,032  
Bank owned life insurance
    32,929       32,929       32,864       32,864  
Fair value swap asset
    336       336              
 
                               
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
                               
Deposits with no stated maturities
  $ 377,646     $ 377,646     $ 363,707     $ 363,707  
Deposits with stated maturities
    320,201       317,310       347,361       346,732  
Short-term borrowings
    119,920       119,920       72,210       72,210  
All other borrowings
    31,472       26,943       25,811       22,990  
Accrued interest payable
    4,062       4,062       4,961       4,961  
Fair value swap liability
    336       336              
     The fair value of investment securities is equal to the available quoted market price.
     The fair value of regulatory stock is equal to the current carrying value.
     The net loan portfolio has been valued using a present value discounted cash flow. The discount rate used in these calculations is based upon the treasury yield curve adjusted for non-interest operating costs, credit loss, current market prices and assumed prepayment risk.
     The fair value of accrued income receivable is equal to the current carrying value.
     The fair value of bank owned life insurance is based upon the cash surrender value of the underlying policies and matches the book value.
     Deposits with stated maturities have been valued using a present value discounted cash flow with a discount rate approximating current market for similar assets and liabilities. Deposits with no stated maturities have an estimated fair value equal to both the amount payable on demand and the recorded book balance.
     The fair value of short-term borrowings is equal to the current carrying value.
     The fair value of other borrowed funds are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates are estimated using rates currently offered for similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.
     The fair value of accrued interest payable is equal to the current carrying value.
     The fair values of the fair value swaps used for interest rate risk management represents the amount the Company would have expected to receive or pay to terminate such agreements.
     Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values. The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities which are not considered financial instruments have not been valued differently than has been customary under historical cost accounting.
     There is not a material difference between the notional amount and the estimated fair value of the off-balance sheet items which total $112.2 million at December 31, 2008, and are primarily comprised of unfunded loan commitments which are generally priced at market at the time of funding.

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13. INCOME TAXES
     The expense for income taxes is summarized below:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Current
  $ 121     $ 116     $ 76  
Deferred
    1,349       808       344  
 
                 
Income tax expense
  $ 1,470     $ 924     $ 420  
 
                 
     The reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective consolidated income tax rate is as follows:
                                                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT     RATE  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  
Income tax expense based on federal statutory rate
  $ 2,373       34.0 %   $ 1,346       34.0 %   $ 936       34.0 %
Tax exempt income
    (985 )     (14.1 )     (506 )     (12.8 )     (478 )     (17.4 )
Reversal of valuation allowance
                            (100 )     (3.6 )
Other
    82       1.2       84       2.1       62       2.3  
 
                                   
Total expense for income taxes
  $ 1,470       21.1 %   $ 924       23.3 %   $ 420       15.3 %
 
                                   
     December 31, 2008 and 2007, deferred taxes are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table highlights the major components comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities for each of the periods presented:
                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
               
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 3,029     $ 2,465  
Unfunded commitment reserve
    167       135  
Premises and equipment
    1,102       876  
Accrued pension obligation
    1,165       100  
Unrealized investment security losses
          403  
Net operating loss carryforwards
    6,362       8,539  
Alternative minimum tax credits
    1,301       1,132  
Other
    396       332  
 
           
Total tax assets
    13,522       13,982  
 
           
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
               
Investment accretion
    (36 )     (26 )
Unrealized investment security gains
    (676 )      
Other
    (159 )     (206 )
 
           
Total tax liabilities
    (871 )     (232 )
 
           
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 12,651     $ 13,750  
 
           
     At December 31, 2008, the Company had no valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets as we believe the Company will generate sufficient future taxable income to fully utilize all net operating loss carryforwards and AMT tax credits.
     The change in net deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
                 
    YEAR ENDED  
    DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Investment write-ups due to FAS #115, charged to equity
  $ (1,079 )   $ (1,272 )
Pension obligation of the defined benefit plan not yet recognized in income
    1,329       (7 )
Deferred provision for income taxes
    (1,349 )     (808 )
 
           
Net decrease
  $ (1,099 )   $ (2,087 )
 
           
     The Company has alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1.3 million at December 31, 2008. These credits have an indefinite carryforward period. The Company also has an $18.7 million net operating loss carryforward that will begin to expire in the year 2024.

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     The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109, effective January 1, 2007. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties. The adoption of FIN No. 48 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
PENSION PLANS:
     The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all employees who work at least 1,000 hours per year. The participants shall have a vested interest in their accrued benefit after five full years of service. The benefits of the plan are based upon the employee’s years of service and average annual earnings for the highest five consecutive calendar years during the final ten year period of employment. Plan assets are primarily debt securities (including U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, corporate notes and bonds), listed common stocks (including shares of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. common stock valued at $414,000 and is limited to 10% of the plans assets), mutual funds, and short-term cash equivalent instruments. The following actuarial tables are based upon data provided by an independent third party as of December 31, 2008.
PENSION BENEFITS:
                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
               
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 16,231     $ 15,410  
Service cost
    926       927  
Interest cost
    937       880  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (78 )     109  
Special termination benefits
          85  
Benefits paid
    (1,215 )     (1,180 )
 
           
Benefit obligation at end of year
    16,801       16,231  
 
           
 
               
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    15,929       15,091  
Actual return on plan assets
    (2,912 )     918  
Employer contributions
    1,400       1,100  
Benefits paid
    (1,215 )     (1,180 )
 
           
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    13,202       15,929  
 
           
Funded status of the plan—under funded
  $ (3,599 )   $ (302 )
 
           
                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
AMOUNTS NOT YET RECOGNIZED AS A COMPONENT OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST:
               
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of:
               
Transition asset
  $ 17     $ 17  
Prior service cost
    (4 )     (4 )
Net actuarial loss (gain)
    3,711       (34 )
 
           
Total
  $ 3,724     $ (21 )
 
           
                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
               
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 14,850     $ 14,254  
 
           

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     The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007
    (PERCENTAGES)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
               
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.00 %
Salary scale
    2.50       2.50  
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:
                       
Service cost
  $ 926     $ 927     $ 882  
Interest cost
    937       880       816  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,232 )     (1,146 )     (1,007 )
Amortization of prior year service cost
    4       4       4  
Amortization of transition asset
    (17 )     (17 )     (17 )
Recognized net actuarial loss due to special termination benefit
          85        
Recognized net actuarial loss
    355       370       398  
 
                 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 973     $ 1,103     $ 1,076  
 
                 
     The estimated net loss, prior service cost and transition asset for the defined benefit pension plan that be will amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $475,000, $11,000, and $(17,000), respectively.
     The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (PERCENTAGES)  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
                       
Discount rate
    6.00 %     6.00 %     6.00 %
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00       8.00       8.00  
Rate of compensation increase
    2.50       2.50       2.50  
     The Company has assumed an 8% long-term expected return on plan assets. This assumption was based upon the plan’s historical investment performance over a longer-term period of 15 years combined with the plan’s investment objective of balanced growth and income. Additionally, this assumption also incorporates a targeted range for equity securities of 50% to 60% of plan assets.
PLAN ASSETS:
     The plan’s measurement date is December 31, 2008. This plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by asset category are as follows:
                 
ASSET CATEGORY:   2008   2007
Equity securities
    17 %     59 %
Debt securities and short-term investments
    83       41  
 
               
Total
    100 %     100 %
 
               
     The investment strategy objective for the pension plan is a balance of growth and income. This objective seeks to develop a portfolio for acceptable levels of current income together with the opportunity for capital appreciation. The balanced growth and income objective reflects a relatively equal balance between equity and fixed income investments such as debt securities. The allocation between equity and fixed income assets may vary by a moderate degree but the plan typically targets a range of equity investments between 50% and 60% of the plan assets. This means that fixed income and cash investments typically approximate 40% to 50% of the plan assets. The investment manager deviated from this targeted range due to the volatility experienced in the equity markets in 2008. The plan is also able to invest in ASRV common stock up to a maximum level of 10% of the market value of the plan assets (at December 31, 2008, 2.7% of the plan assets were invested in ASRV common stock). This asset mix is intended to ensure that there is a steady stream of cash from maturing investments to fund benefit payments.

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CASH FLOWS:
     The Bank presently expects that the contribution to be made to the Plan in 2009 will be comparable with recent years of approximately $1.5 million.
ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS:
     The following benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands).
         
2009
  $ 1,497  
2010
    1,884  
2011
    1,992  
2012
    2,002  
2013
    2,244  
Years 2014—2018
    10,964  
401(k) PLAN:
     The Bank maintains a qualified 401(k) plan that allows for participation by Bank employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to make voluntary, pretax contributions to their accounts, and the Bank contributes 4% of salaries for union members who are in the plan. Contributions by the Bank charged to operations were $226,000 and $218,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The fair value of plan assets includes $266,000 pertaining to the value of the Company’s common stock that is held by the plan at December 31, 2008.
     Except for the above benefit plans, the Company has no significant additional exposure for any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.
15. LEASE COMMITMENTS
     The Company’s obligation for future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2008, is as follows:
         
    FUTURE MINIMUM
    LEASE PAYMENTS
YEAR    (IN THOUSANDS)
2009
  $ 613  
2010
    514  
2011
    431  
2012
    256  
2013
    172  
2014 and thereafter
    391  
     In addition to the amounts set forth above, certain of the leases require payments by the Company for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Rent expense included in total non-interest expense amounted to $514,000, $492,000 and $423,000, in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
     The Bank incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit are obligations to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral which secures these types of commitments is the same as for other types of secured lending such as accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets.
     Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including normal business activities, bond financings, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Letters of credit are issued both on an unsecured and secured basis. Collateral securing these types of transactions is similar to collateral securing the Bank’s commercial loans.

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     The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Bank uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. At December 31, 2008 the Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $112,192,000 and standby letters of credit of $13,064,000, compared to commitments to extend credit of $93,583,000 and standby letters of credit of $7,884,000 at December 31, 2007. Standby letters of credit had terms ranging from 1 to 4 years. Standby letters of credit of approximately $10.1 million were secured as of December 31, 2008 and approximately $5.1 million at December 31, 2007. The carrying amount of the liability for AmeriServ obligations related to standby letters of credit was $492,000 at December 31, 2008 and $398,000 at December 31, 2007.
     Pursuant to its bylaws, the Company provides indemnification to its directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a result of their service on behalf of the Company. In connection with this indemnification obligation, the Company can advance on behalf of covered individuals costs incurred in defending against certain claims. Additionally, the Company is also subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company, neither the resolution of these claims nor the funding of these credit commitments will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operation or cash flows.
17. PREFERRED STOCK
     On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (initially introduced as the Troubled Asset Relief Program or “TARP”) was enacted. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced its intention to inject capital into financial institutions under the TARP Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP”). The CPP is a voluntary program designed to provide capital to healthy, well managed financial institutions in order to increase the availability of credit to businesses and individuals and help stabilize the U.S. financial system.
     On December 19, 2008, the Company sold to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $21 million in cash 21,000 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D. In conjunction with the purchase of these senior preferred shares, the U.S. Treasury also received a warrant to purchase up to 1,312,500 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant has a term of 10 years and is exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, at an exercise price of $2.40 per share. The $21 million in proceeds was allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock and the warrant based on their relative fair values at issuance (approximately $20.4 million was allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock and approximately $600,000 to the warrant). The difference between the initial value allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock of approximately $20.4 million and the liquidation value of $21 million will be charged to surplus over the first three years of the contract. Cumulative dividends on Series D Preferred Stock are payable quarterly at 5% through December 19, 2013 and at a rate of 9% thereafter. As a result of the decision by the Company to accept a preferred stock investment under the U.S. Treasury’s CPP for a period of three years the Company is no longer permitted to repurchase stock or declare and pay dividends on common stock without the consent of the U.S. Treasury.
18. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
     On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) #123(R) “Share-Based Payment” using the “modified perspective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or settled after December 31, 2005, are measured and accounted for in accordance with FAS #123(R). As a result of this adoption the Company recognized $7,000 of pretax compensation expense for the year 2008, $12,000 in 2007 and $56,000 in 2006.
     In 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a shareholder approved Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) authorizing the grant of options or restricted stock covering 800,000 shares of common stock. This Plan replaced the expired 1991 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, options or restricted stock can be granted (the Grant Date) to directors, officers, and employees that provide services to the Company and its affiliates, as selected by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The option price at which a stock option may be exercised shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share of common stock on the Grant Date. The maximum term of any option granted under the Plan cannot exceed 10 years. Generally, under the Plan on or after the first anniversary of the Grant Date, one-third of such options may be exercised. On or after the second anniversary of the Grant Date, two-thirds of such options may be exercised minus the aggregate number of such options previously exercised. On or after the third anniversary of the Grant Date, the remainder of the options may be exercised.

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     A summary of the status of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan at December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, and changes during the years then ended is presented in the table and narrative following:
                                                 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006
            WEIGHTED           WEIGHTED           WEIGHTED
            AVERAGE           AVERAGE           AVERAGE
            EXERCISE           EXERCISE           EXERCISE
    SHARES   PRICE   SHARES   PRICE   SHARES   PRICE
Outstanding at beginning of year
    228,392     $ 5.09       247,208     $ 5.03       372,645     $ 5.33  
Granted
    21,217       2.86       900       4.60       1,233       4.70  
Exercised
                (5,834 )     2.71       (21,667 )     3.21  
Forfeited
    (17,600 )     4.86       (13,882 )     5.02       (105,003 )     6.46  
 
                                               
Outstanding at end of year
    232,009       4.90       228,392       5.09       247,208       5.03  
 
                                               
Exercisable at end of year
    217,564       5.04       227,381       5.09       223,314       4.93  
Weighted average fair value of options granted in current year
          $ 1.39             $ 2.59             $ 2.69  
     A total of 217,564 of the 232,009 options outstanding at December 31, 2008, have exercise prices between $2.31 and $6.10, with a weighted average exercise price of $5.04 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.31 years. Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 reflect option ranges of: $2.31 to $3.49 totaling 14,572 options which have a weighted average exercise price of $2.78 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.55 years; and $4.02 to $6.10 totaling 202,992 options which have a weighted average exercise price of $5.20 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.07 years. All of these options are exercisable. The remaining 14,445 options have exercise prices between $2.85 and $4.60, with a weighted average exercise price of $2.90 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.22 years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 2008, 2007, and 2006.
                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
    2008   2007   2006
BLACK-SCHOLES ASSUMPTION RANGES
                       
 
                       
Risk-free interest rate
  2.76-3.34%   4.52%   4.70%
Expected lives in years
  10   10   10
Expected volatility
  33.28%   36.84%   37.22%
Expected dividend rate
  0%   0%   0%
19. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
     The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (the Purchase Plan) provides each record holder of Common Stock with a simple and convenient method of purchasing additional shares without payment of any brokerage commissions, service charges or other similar expense. A participant in the Purchase Plan may purchase shares of Common Stock by electing either to (1) reinvest dividends on all of his or her shares of Common Stock (if applicable) or (2) make optional cash payments of not less than $10 and up to a maximum of $2,000 per month and continue to receive regular dividend payments on his or her other shares. A participant may withdraw from the Purchase Plan at any time.
     In the case of purchases from AmeriServ Financial, Inc. of treasury or newly-issued shares of Common Stock, the average market price is determined by averaging the high and low sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ on the relevant investment date. At December 31, 2008, the Company issued 37,534 shares and had 48,000 unissued reserved shares available under the Purchase Plan. In the case of purchases of shares of Common Stock on the open market, the average market price will be the weighted average purchase price of shares purchased for the Purchase Plan in the market for the relevant investment date.
20. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
     The Company’s consolidated balance sheet shows both tangible assets (such as loans, buildings, and investments) and intangible assets (such as goodwill and core deposits). Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Instead such intangibles are evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. Any resulting impairment would be reflected as a non-interest expense. Of the Company’s goodwill of $13.5 million, $9.5 million is allocated to the retail banking segment and $4 million relates to the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition which is included in the trust segment. Goodwill in both of these segments was evaluated for impairment on its annual impairment evaluation date. The result of these evaluations indicated that the Company’s goodwill had no impairment. The Company’s only intangible asset, other than goodwill, is its core deposit intangible, which has a remaining finite life of approximately two months.

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     As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s core deposit intangibles had an original cost of $17.6 million with accumulated amortization of $17.5 million. The weighted average amortization period of the Company’s core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2008, is two months. Estimated amortization expense for 2009 is $108,000.
     A reconciliation of the Company’s intangible asset balances for 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    CORE DEPOSIT        
    INTANGIBLES     GOODWILL  
Balance January 1
  $ 973     $ 1,838     $ 13,497     $ 9,544  
Addition due to WCCA
                      3,953  
Amortization expense
    (865 )     (865 )            
 
                       
Balance December 31
  $ 108     $ 973     $ 13,497     $ 13,497  
 
                       
21. DERIVATIVE HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
     The Company can use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. The Company can use derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, to manage interest rate risk and match the rates on certain assets by hedging the fair value of certain fixed rate debt, which converts the debt to variable rates and by hedging the cash flow variability associated with certain variable rate debt by converting the debt to fixed rates.
     To accommodate a customer need and support the Company’s asset/liability positioning, we entered into an interest rate swap with the customer and Pittsburgh National Bank (PNC) in the fourth quarter of 2008. This arrangement involves the exchange of interest payments based on the notional amounts. The Company entered into a floating rate loan and a fixed rate swap with our customer. Simultaneously, the Company entered into an offsetting fixed rate swap with PNC. In connection with each swap transaction, the Company agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on the same notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Company agrees to pay PNC the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. This transaction allows the Company’s customer to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. The $144,000 fee the Company received on the transaction is being amortized into income over the term of the swap.
     The following table summarizes the interest rate swap transactions that impacted the Company’s 2008 performance:
                                                         
                                                    INCREASE  
                                                    (DECREASE) IN  
    MATURITY             NOTIONAL     RATE     RATE     REPRICING     INTEREST  
START DATE   DATE     HEDGE TYPE     AMOUNT     RECEIVED     PAID     FREQUENCY     EXPENSE  
12/12/08
    12/24/13     FAIR VALUE   $ 9,000,000       5.25 %     4.40 %   MONTHLY   $ 4,250  
12/12/08
    12/24/13     FAIR VALUE     9,000,000       4.40       5.25     MONTHLY     (4,250 )
 
                                                     
 
                                                  $  
 
                                                     
     The Company monitors and controls all derivative products with a comprehensive Board of Director approved hedging policy. This policy permits a total maximum notional amount outstanding of $500 million for interest rate swaps, interest rate caps/floors, and swaptions. All hedge transactions must be approved in advance by the Investment Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) of the Board of Directors. The Company had no interest rate swaps, caps or floors outstanding at December 31, 2007.
22. SEGMENT RESULTS
     The financial performance of the Company is also monitored by an internal funds transfer pricing profitability measurement system which produces line of business results and key performance measures. The Company’s major business units include retail banking, commercial lending, trust, and investment/parent. The reported results reflect the underlying economics of the business segments. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated based upon the cost and estimated usage of those services. The businesses are match-funded and interest rate risk is centrally managed and accounted for within the investment/parent business segment. The key performance measure the Company focuses on for each business segment is net income contribution.
     Retail banking includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise, lending to both individuals and small businesses, and financial services. Lending activities include residential mortgage loans, direct consumer loans, and small business commercial loans. Financial services include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. Commercial lending to businesses includes commercial

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loans, and commercial real-estate loans. The trust segment has two primary business divisions, traditional trust and union collective investment funds. Traditional trust includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. The union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD Funds are designed to invest union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The financial results of WCCA, an investment advisory firm, have been incorporated into the trust segment beginning March 7, 2007. The investment/parent includes the net results of investment securities and borrowing activities, general corporate expenses not allocated to the business segments, interest expense on guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and centralized interest rate risk management. Inter-segment revenues were not material.
The contribution of the major business segments to the consolidated results of operations were as follows:
                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008  
            COMMERCIAL             INVESTMENT/        
    RETAIL BANKING     LENDING     TRUST     PARENT     TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Net interest income
  $ 17,373     $ 10,328     $ 85     $ 1,331     $ 29,117  
Provision for loan loss
    585       2,340                   2,925  
Non-interest income
    8,253       865       7,511       (205 )     16,424  
Non-interest expense
    21,610       5,849       5,694       2,484       35,637  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    3,431       3,004       1,902       (1,358 )     6,979  
Income taxes (benefit)
    691       705       649       (575 )     1,470  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,740     $ 2,299     $ 1,253     $ (783 )   $ 5,509  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 350,864     $ 470,084     $ 3,306     $ 142,675     $ 966,929  
 
                             
                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007  
            COMMERCIAL             INVESTMENT/        
    RETAIL BANKING     LENDING     TRUST     PARENT     TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Net interest income
  $ 18,207     $ 9,199     $ 159     $ (3,342 )   $ 24,223  
Provision for loan loss
    60       240                   300  
Non-interest income
    6,312       588       7,728       79       14,707  
Non-interest expense
    21,932       5,463       5,155       2,122       34,672  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    2,527       4,084       2,732       (5,385 )     3,958  
Income taxes (benefit)
    548       892       935       (1,451 )     924  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,979     $ 3,192     $ 1,797     $ (3,934 )   $ 3,034  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 336,291     $ 402,222     $ 2,891     $ 163,474     $ 904,878  
 
                             
                                         
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006  
            COMMERCIAL             INVESTMENT/        
    RETAIL BANKING     LENDING     TRUST     PARENT     TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  
Net interest income
  $ 18,822     $ 7,328     $ 343     $ (2,015 )   $ 24,478  
Provision for loan loss
    (34 )     (91 )                 (125 )
Non-interest income
    5,732       540       6,521       48       12,841  
Non-interest expense
    23,120       4,735       4,291       2,546       34,692  
 
                             
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,468       3,224       2,573       (4,513 )     2,752  
Income taxes (benefit)
    265       626       875       (1,346 )     420  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,203     $ 2,598     $ 1,698     $ (3,167 )   $ 2,332  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 357,083     $ 331,849     $ 2,716     $ 204,344     $ 895,992  
 
                             
23. REGULATORY CAPITAL
     The Company is subject to various capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

62


 

     Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as Well Capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Company believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would change this conclusion. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table.
                                                 
    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008
                                    TO BE WELL
                    FOR CAPITAL   CAPITALIZED UNDER
                    ADEQUACY   PROMPT CORRECTIVE
    ACTUAL   PURPOSES   ACTION PROVISIONS
    AMOUNT   RATIO   AMOUNT   RATIO   AMOUNT   RATIO
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 120,035       15.90 %   $ 60,377       8.00 %   $ 75,472       10.00 %
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    92,333       12.56       58,813       8.00       73,517       10.00  
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    110,633       14.66       30,189       4.00       45,283       6.00  
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    83,143       11.31       29,407       4.00       44,110       6.00  
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    110,633       12.15       36,414       4.00       45,518       5.00  
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    83,143       9.30       35,751       4.00       44,688       5.00  
                                                 
    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
                                    TO BE WELL
                    FOR CAPITAL   CAPITALIZED UNDER
                    ADEQUACY   PROMPT CORRECTIVE
    ACTUAL   PURPOSES   ACTION PROVISIONS
    AMOUNT   RATIO   AMOUNT   RATIO   AMOUNT   RATIO
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 92,404       13.94 %   $ 53,017       8.00 %   $ 66,271       10.00 %
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    83,612       12.75       52,458       8.00       65,573       10.00  
Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    84,754       12.79       26,508       4.00       39,762       6.00  
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    75,962       11.58       26,229       4.00       39,344       6.00  
Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets)
                                               
Consolidated
    84,754       9.74       34,811       4.00       43,514       5.00  
AmeriServ Financial Bank
    75,962       8.84       34,391       4.00       42,989       5.00 &n