Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-206807

 

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MERGER PROPOSAL — YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear First National Bank of Fredericksburg Stockholder:

On June 30, 2015, The First National Bank of Fredericksburg (“FNB”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “merger agreement”) with Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (“Citizens”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens Community Bank (“First Citizens”). The merger agreement provides for the merger of FNB with and into First Citizens, with First Citizens as the surviving bank (the “merger”).

If the merger is completed, the separate existence of FNB will cease and each share of FNB common stock issued and outstanding immediately before the merger will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof, either (i) $630.00 in cash, (ii) 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock, or (iii) a combination of cash and Citizens common stock, provided that, in the aggregate, 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock will be converted into shares of Citizens common stock and the remaining shares of FNB common stock will be converted into cash. Citizens may elect to increase the merger consideration under certain circumstances as described under “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Merger Consideration” section of this document (which we refer to as the “joint proxy statement/prospectus”). Based on the closing price of Citizens common stock of $49.00 per share on the OTC Pink on June 30, 2015, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger agreement, the 12.6000 exchange ratio represented approximately $617.40 in value for each share of FNB common stock. Based on the closing price of Citizens common stock of $47.00 per share on September 23, 2015, the latest practicable date before the printing of this document, the 12.6000 exchange ratio represented approximately $592.20 in value for each share of FNB common stock. Based on the closing price of Citizens common stock of $47.00 per share on September 23, 2015, the aggregate implied value of the merger consideration is $21.4 million. You should obtain current stock price quotations for Citizens common stock. Citizens common stock trades on the OTC Pink under the symbol “CZFS.” FNB common stock is not publicly traded.

The Board of Directors of FNB has approved the merger agreement and the transactions related to it. The merger cannot be completed unless, among other things, the merger agreement is approved by FNB stockholders. The merger agreement must be approved by the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock. FNB will hold a special meeting of stockholders in connection with the merger. The special meeting of FNB stockholders will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., local time. At the special meeting of FNB stockholders, you will be asked to (i) approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and (ii) approve the adjournment, postponement or continuation of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement and “FOR” approval of one or more adjournments or postponements of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments or postponements to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

If you sign, date and return your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement and “FOR” approval of one or more adjournments or postponements of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments or postponements to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the approval of the merger agreement. If you fail to vote, it will have the same effect as voting “AGAINST” approval of the merger agreement.

 
 

This joint proxy statement/prospectus is being delivered to FNB stockholders in connection with the solicitation by the FNB Board of Directors of proxies to be used at the special meeting of FNB stockholders. The joint proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about the proposed merger. It also contains or references information about Citizens and FNB and related matters. You are encouraged to read this document carefully. In particular, you should read the “Risk Factors” section for a discussion of the risks you should consider in evaluating the proposed merger and how it will affect you.

Voting procedures are described in the joint proxy statement/prospectus. Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting of stockholders, please take the time to vote by completing the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed envelope.

  Sincerely,
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  Rodney P. Seidel
  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the merger or the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement/prospectus or determined if this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The securities Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is offering through this document are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank or nonbank subsidiary of either Citizens Financial Services, Inc. or The First National Bank of Fredericksburg, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated September 29, 2015, and is first being mailed to stockholders of The First National Bank of Fredericksburg on or about October 7, 2015.

 
 

 

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3016 South Pine Grove Street

Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026

(717) 202-2255

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

A special meeting of the stockholders of The First National Bank of Fredericksburg will be held at the Fredericksburg Community Center, 125 S. Tan Street, Fredericksburg Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., local time, to consider and vote upon the following matters:

1.A proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 30, 2015, by and among Citizens Financial Services, Inc., First Citizens Community Bank and The First National Bank of Fredericksburg (the “merger agreement”), and thereby to approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger of The First National Bank of Fredericksburg with and into First Citizens Community Bank (the “merger proposal”);
   
2.A proposal to approve one or more adjournments or postponements of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments or postponements to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the approval of the merger proposal (the “adjournment proposal”); and
   
3.Any other business which may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
   

 

You are entitled to dissent to the merger and receive payment for your shares under 12 U.S.C. §214a(b). Any stockholder who wishes to exercise these rights must strictly comply with the procedures described in the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus, including: (1) (a) delivering to The First National Bank of Fredericksburg, at or before the vote on the merger agreement taken at the special meeting of stockholders, written notice to the presiding officer that he or she dissents from the merger agreement; or (b) voting against the merger agreement; and (2) strictly complying with all of the procedures required under 12 U.S.C. §214a(b). A copy of 12 U.S.C. §214a(b) is attached as Appendix C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The proposed merger is described in more detail in the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus, which you should read carefully in its entirety before voting. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Only stockholders of record of The First National Bank of Fredericksburg as of the close of business on September 30, 2015, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting of stockholders or any adjournments of the special meeting.

Your vote is very important. To ensure your representation at the special meeting of stockholders, please follow the voting procedures described in the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus and on the enclosed proxy card. This will not prevent you from voting in person, but it will help to secure a quorum and avoid added solicitation costs. Your proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished to you by such record holder.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE MERGER PROPOSAL AND “FOR” THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.

  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
   
   
  Alletta M. Schadler
  Corporate Secretary

October 7, 2015

Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania

 

 
 

 

DO NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE PROXY CARD. YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR DELIVERING YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES UNDER SEPARATE COVER.

If you have any questions concerning the merger or other matters to be considered at the special meeting, would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares, please contact:

Rodney P. Seidel, President and Chief Executive Officer

The First National Bank of Fredericksburg

3016 South Pine Grove Street

Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026

(717) 202-2255

 

 
 

 

REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Citizens Financial Services, Inc. from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Citizens Financial Services, Inc. at no cost from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also request copies of these documents, including documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, at no cost by contacting Citizens Financial Services, Inc. at the following address:

Citizens Financial Services, Inc.

15 South Main Street

Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933

Attention: Randall E. Black

President and Chief Executive Officer

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this document. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this document. This document is dated September 29, 2015, and you should assume that the information in this document is accurate only as of such date. You should assume that the information incorporated by reference into this document is accurate only as of the date of such information. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or by any person to or by whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Except where the context otherwise indicates, information contained in this document regarding Citizens Financial Services, Inc. has been provided by Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and information contained in this document regarding The First National Bank of Fredericksburg has been provided by The First National Bank of Fredericksburg.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING 3
SUMMARY 7
RISK FACTORS 12
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 21
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG 22
INFORMATION ABOUT CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. 25
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG 26
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA 38
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION 39
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA 40
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG 47
FNB PROPOSALS 49
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER 50
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF FNB COMMON STOCK 50
THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT 52
Parties to the Merger 52
Background of the Merger 52
Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and FNB’s Reasons for the Merger 55
Fairness Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. as FNB’s Financial Advisor 58
Unaudited Prospective Financial Information 63
Citizens’ Reasons for the Merger 64
Merger Consideration 65
Cash, Stock, or Mixed Election 66
Allocation Procedures 67
Election Procedures; Surrender of Stock Certificates 69
Effective Date of Merger 70
Dissenters’ Rights 70
Employee Matters 71
Interests of FNB’s Directors and Officers in the Merger That Are Different From Yours 71
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger 73
Representations and Warranties 76
Conditions to the Merger 77
Regulatory Matters 77
No Solicitation 78
Termination; Amendment; Waiver 78
Fees and Expenses 80
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger 80
Accounting Treatment 81
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS 82
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. 83
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS 83
EXPERTS 85
LEGAL OPINIONS 85
OTHER MATTERS 85
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 85
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 85
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG F-1

 

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Appendix A:  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Citizens Financial Services, Inc., First Citizens Community Bank and The First National Bank of Fredericksburg, dated as of June 30, 2015 A-1
Appendix B:  Fairness Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. B-1
Appendix C:  Dissenters’ Rights Statute (12 U.S.C. 214a(b)) C-1

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING

The following are answers to certain questions that you may have regarding the merger and the stockholder meeting. We urge you to read carefully the remainder of this joint proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section may not provide all the information that might be important to you in determining how to vote. Additional important information is also contained in the appendices to, and the documents incorporated by reference in, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MERGER

Q:WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT?
A.On June 30, 2015, The First National Bank of Fredericksburg (“FNB”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “merger agreement”) with Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (“Citizens”) and First Citizens Community Bank (“First Citizens”). The merger agreement provides for the merger of FNB with and into First Citizens, with First Citizens as the surviving bank (the “merger”). A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A. In order to complete the merger, the stockholders of FNB must vote to approve the merger agreement. FNB will hold a special meeting of stockholders to obtain the required approval to complete the merger. By means of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the FNB Board of Directors is soliciting proxies from FNB stockholders to obtain their approval at the special meeting. This joint proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the merger agreement, the merger, the special meeting of stockholders, and other related matters. You should read it carefully.
Q:WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO FNB AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER?
A:If the merger is completed, FNB will merge with and into First Citizens, FNB stockholders will become Citizens shareholders, and FNB will cease to exist.
Q:WHAT WILL FNB STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE IN THE MERGER?
A:If the merger proposal is approved and the merger is subsequently completed, each outstanding share of FNB common stock (other than any dissenting shares) will be converted into the right to receive either (i) $630.00 in cash, (ii) 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock, or (iii) a combination of cash and Citizens common stock, provided that, in the aggregate, 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock will be converted into shares of Citizens common stock and the remaining shares of FNB common stock will be converted into cash. In the event of certain decreases in the price of Citizens common stock, as described in the merger agreement and this joint proxy statement/prospectus, FNB may elect to terminate the merger agreement unless Citizens elects to increase the exchange ratio. See “The Merger and the Merger Agreement―Merger Consideration.”
Q:WHEN WILL THE MERGER BE COMPLETED?
A:The merger will be completed when all of the conditions to completion contained in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of the merger agreement by FNB stockholders at the FNB special meeting. We currently expect to complete the merger late in the fourth calendar quarter of 2015. However, because fulfillment of some of the conditions to completion of the merger, such as the receipt of required regulatory approvals, is not entirely within our control, we cannot predict the actual timing.
Q:WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MERGER IS NOT COMPLETED?
A:If the merger is not completed, FNB stockholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of common stock in connection with the merger. Instead, FNB will remain an independent bank. Under specified circumstances, FNB may be required to pay to Citizens a fee with respect to the termination of the merger agreement, as described under “The Merger and the Merger Agreement―Termination; Amendment; Waiver.”

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Q:SHOULD FNB STOCKHOLDERS SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?
A:No.  FNB stockholders SHOULD NOT send in any stock certificates now. If the merger is approved, transmittal materials, with instructions for their completion, will be provided to FNB stockholders under separate cover and the stock certificates should be sent at that time.
Q:WHAT ARE THE MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO FNB STOCKHOLDERS?
A:The merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Holders of FNB common stock are not expected to recognize any gain or loss, for United States federal income tax purposes, if they exchange their shares of FNB common stock solely for shares of Citizens common stock, except to the extent any cash is received in lieu of a fractional share of Citizens common stock. Holders of FNB common stock who receive cash in exchange for shares of FNB common stock will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the basis in their shares of FNB common stock and/or the basis in their fractional share interest. This gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, the holding period for such shares is greater than one year.
For a more detailed discussion of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the merger, see “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.”
The consequences of the merger to any particular stockholder will depend on that stockholder’s particular facts and circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor to determine your tax consequences from the merger.
Q:ARE DISSENTING FNB STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO APPRAISAL RIGHTS?
A:Yes. Pursuant to federal banking law, FNB stockholders may dissent from the merger and elect to have the fair market value of their shares appraised and to receive payment for their shares in cash. In order to perfect dissenters’ rights of appraisal, a stockholder must comply with the provisions of federal law, which include voting against the merger or giving notice in writing at or before the special meeting to the presiding officer that he or she dissents from the plan of merger. For further information, see “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Dissenters’ Rights” and Appendix C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
Q:ARE THERE RISKS THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER IN DECIDING WHETHER TO VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE MERGER-RELATED PROPOSALS?
A:Yes. You should read and carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Risk Factors.”

THE SPECIAL MEETING OF FNB STOCKHOLDERS

Q:WHEN AND WHERE WILL FNB HOLD ITS SPECIAL MEETING?
A:FNB will hold a special meeting of its stockholders at the Fredericksburg Community Center, 125 S. Tan Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., local time.
Q:WHAT MATTERS ARE FNB STOCKHOLDERS BEING ASKED TO APPROVE AT THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING PURSUANT TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS?
A:FNB stockholders are being asked to approve the merger agreement and thereby approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, which we refer to as the “merger proposal.” FNB stockholders also are being asked to approve one or more adjournments of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the merger proposal, which we refer to as the “adjournment proposal.”
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Q:WHAT DOES THE FNB BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO THE TWO PROPOSALS?
A:The FNB Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and determined that the merger agreement and the merger are in the best interests of FNB and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that FNB stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.
Q:DID THE FNB BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECEIVE AN OPINION FROM A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER?
A:Yes. On June 30, 2015, Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. (“Boenning”) rendered its opinion to the FNB Board of Directors that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions described to the FNB Board of Directors during Boenning’s presentation and set forth in its opinion, the consideration in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of FNB common stock. The full text of Boenning’s written opinion is attached as Appendix B to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. FNB stockholders are urged to read the opinion carefully.
Q:WHO CAN VOTE AT THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING?
A:Holders of record of FNB common stock at the close of business on September 30, 2015, which is the record date for the FNB special meeting, are entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Q:HOW MANY VOTES MUST BE REPRESENTED IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING TO HAVE A QUORUM?
A:The holders of a majority of the shares of FNB common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the special meeting.
Q:WHAT VOTE BY FNB STOCKHOLDERS IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING PROPOSALS?
A:Approval of the merger proposal will require the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of FNB common stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as shares voted against the merger agreement proposal.
Approval of the adjournment proposal will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect whether the adjournment proposal is approved.
As of the record date for the special meeting, directors and executive officers of FNB, together with their affiliates, had sole or shared voting power over approximately 10.66% of the FNB common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Q:HOW CAN THE FNB STOCKHOLDERS VOTE THEIR SHARES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING PROPOSALS PRESENTED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS?
A:FNB stockholders may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card in the enclosed prepaid return envelope as soon as possible. This will enable their shares to be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your stock is held in “street name,” you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow to have your shares voted. Your broker, bank or other nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions via the telephone or the Internet. Please review the proxy card or instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee that accompanies this proxy statement.
Q:WILL A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE HOLDING SHARES IN “STREET NAME” FOR AN FNB STOCKHOLDER AUTOMATICALLY VOTE THOSE SHARES FOR THE STOCKHOLDER AT THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING?
A:No.  A broker, bank or other nominee WILL NOT vote your shares with respect to the merger proposal without first receiving instructions from you on how to vote. If your shares are held in “street name,” you will receive separate voting instructions with your proxy materials. It is therefore important that you provide timely instruction to your broker, bank or other nominee to ensure that all shares of FNB common stock that you own are voted at the special meeting.
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Q:WILL FNB STOCKHOLDERS BE ABLE TO VOTE THEIR SHARES AT THE FNB SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON?
A:Yes. Submitting a proxy will not affect the right of any FNB stockholder to vote in person at the special meeting. If your shares are held in “street name,” you must ask your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares in person at the special meeting.
Q:WHAT DO FNB STOCKHOLDERS NEED TO DO NOW?
A:After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, FNB stockholders are requested to vote by mail or by attending the special meeting and voting in person. If you choose to vote by mail, you should complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card. The proxy card will instruct the persons named on the proxy card to vote the stockholder’s FNB shares at the special meeting as the stockholder directs. If a stockholder signs and sends in a proxy card and does not indicate how the stockholder wishes to vote, the proxy will be voted “FOR” approval of the merger proposal and “FOR” approval of the adjournment proposal.
Q:WHAT SHOULD AN FNB STOCKHOLDER DO IF THEY RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE SET OF VOTING MATERIALS?
A:As an FNB stockholder, you may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your FNB shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold FNB shares. If you are a holder of record and your FNB shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive or otherwise follow the voting instructions set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus in the section entitled “Special Meeting of The First National Bank of Fredericksburg Stockholders.”
Q:MAY AN FNB STOCKHOLDER CHANGE OR REVOKE THEIR VOTE AFTER SUBMITTING A PROXY?
A:Yes. If you have not voted through your broker, bank or other nominee, you can change your vote by:

·providing written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of FNB, which must be filed with the Corporate Secretary by the time the special meeting begins;
·submitting a new proxy card (any earlier proxies will be revoked automatically); or
·attending the special meeting and voting in person. Any earlier proxy will be revoked. However, simply attending the special meeting without voting will not revoke your proxy.

If you have instructed a broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, you must follow the directions of your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.
Q:WHAT HAPPENS IF I SELL MY SHARES OF FNB COMMON STOCK BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING?
A:The record date for FNB stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting is earlier than both the date of the special meeting and the completion of the merger. If you transfer your FNB shares of common stock after the record date but before the special meeting, unless special arrangements are made, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting, but will have transferred the right to receive the merger consideration to the person to whom you transfer your shares.
Q:IF I AM AN FNB STOCKHOLDER, WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?
A:If you have any questions about the merger or the special meeting, or if you need additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact Rodney P. Seidel, President and Chief Executive Officer, The First National Bank of Fredericksburg, 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026, (717) 202-2255.

 

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SUMMARY

On June 30, 2015, FNB entered into the merger agreement with Citizens and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens, pursuant to which FNB will merge with and into First Citizens, with First Citizens as the surviving bank. The merger cannot be completed unless the merger agreement is approved by FNB stockholders. This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about the proposed merger. It also contains or references information about Citizens and FNB and related matters.

This summary highlights selected information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item. You should read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus and its appendices and the other documents to which we refer you before you decide how to vote with respect to the merger agreement and related transactions. In addition, we incorporate by reference important business and financial information about Citizens into this document. For a description of this information, see “Where You Can Find More Information.” You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this document without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled “References to Additional Information.”

This joint proxy statement/prospectus, including information included or incorporated by reference into this document, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) statements of goals, intentions and expectations; (ii) statements regarding business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies; (iii) statements regarding the asset quality of loan and investment portfolios; (iv) statements regarding estimates of risks and future costs and benefits; and (iv) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the management of Citizens and FNB and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” many of which are beyond the control of Citizens and FNB. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”

THE MERGER

The merger agreement is attached to this document as Appendix A. We encourage you to read the agreement carefully, as it is the legal document that governs the merger of FNB with and into First Citizens.

Parties to the Merger (page 52)

Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens Community Bank. Citizens is a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. Established in 1932, and headquartered in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, First Citizens has a primary market area of Clinton, Potter, Tioga and Bradford Counties in north central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southwestern New York, and operates 18 branch offices. As of June 30, 2015, Citizens had total assets of approximately $942.5 million, total deposits of approximately $791.9 million, net loans of approximately $564.7 million, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $103.2 million. Through this branch network and its electronic delivery channels, First Citizens provides deposit and loan products and financial services to local businesses, consumers and municipalities. First Citizens’ wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc., offers products such as mutual funds, annuities, and health and life insurance. The principal executive office of Citizens is located at 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933 and its telephone number is (570) 662-2121.

The First National Bank of Fredericksburg. Founded in 1907, FNB is a national bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). FNB engages in general commercial banking business from its main office in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania and operates seven branch offices located in Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties in southcentral Pennsylvania. FNB provides its customers with a variety of consumer and commercial banking services. As of June 30, 2015, FNB had total assets, deposits and net loans of approximately $232.4 million, $214.1 million and $145.2 million, respectively. FNB’s principal executive office is located at 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026 and its telephone number is (717) 202-2255.

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Upon completion of the proposed merger, the combined institution will have total assets of approximately $1.2 billion, total deposits of approximately $1.0 billion, net loans of approximately $707.7 million, and 25 branches serving northcentral and southcentral Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southwestern New York.

Special Meeting of FNB Stockholders (page 47)

FNB will hold a special meeting of its stockholders at the Fredericksburg Community Center, 125 S. Tan Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., local time. At the special meeting, FNB stockholders will be asked to vote to approve the merger proposal and the adjournment proposal. You may vote at the special meeting of stockholders if you owned shares of FNB common stock at the close of business on the record date, September 30, 2015. On that date, there were 35,628 shares of FNB common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting of FNB stockholders. You may cast one vote for each share of FNB common stock you owned on the record date.

Even if you expect to attend the special meeting of stockholders, FNB recommends that you promptly complete and return your proxy card in the enclosed return envelope.

Approval of the merger agreement by FNB stockholders requires the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock. A failure to vote or an abstention will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger agreement. Approval of the adjournment proposal will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect whether the adjournment proposal is approved.

As of the record date, directors and executive officers of FNB beneficially owned 3,798 shares of FNB common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting of stockholders. This represents approximately 10.66% of the total votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting of stockholders. The directors have executed voting agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote “FOR” adoption of the merger agreement.

What FNB Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger (page 65)

If the merger agreement is approved and the merger is subsequently completed, each outstanding share of FNB common stock will be converted into the right to receive either (i) $630.00 in cash, (ii) 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock (the “exchange ratio”), or (iii) a combination of cash and Citizens common stock, provided that, in the aggregate, 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock will be converted into shares of Citizens common stock and the remaining shares of FNB common stock will be converted into cash. In the event of certain decreases in the price of Citizens common stock, as described in the merger agreement and this document, FNB may elect to terminate the merger agreement unless Citizens elects to increase the exchange ratio.

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (page 80)

Citizens and FNB will not be required to complete the merger unless each receives a legal opinion from its respective counsel to the effect that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes.

For United States federal income tax purposes, we expect that you generally will not recognize any gain or loss with respect to your shares of FNB common stock that are exchanged for shares of Citizens common stock in the merger, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Citizens common stock. If you receive cash in exchange for your shares of FNB common stock, we expect that you will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the basis in your shares of FNB common stock and/or the basis in your fractional share interest. This gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, your holding period for such shares is greater than one year.

You should read “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” for a more complete discussion of the federal income tax consequences of the merger. Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular tax situation. You should consult your tax advisor to fully understand the tax consequences of the merger to you.

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The FNB Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends Stockholder Approval of the Merger Agreement (page 55)

The FNB Board of Directors, after careful review and consideration of the terms of the merger agreement, unanimously approved the merger agreement and all directors have agreed to vote shares of FNB common stock they own as of the record date in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. The FNB Board of Directors believes that the merger and the merger agreement are in the best interests of FNB and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval and adoption of the merger agreement. See “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger.”

Fairness Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. as FNB’s Financial Advisor (page 58 and Appendix B)

At the June 30, 2015 meeting of the FNB Board of Directors, representatives of Boenning rendered Boenning’s oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion to the FNB Board of Directors dated June 30, 2015, as to the fairness, as of such date, from a financial point of view, to the holders of FNB common stock of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement.

 

The full text of the written opinion of Boenning, dated June 30, 2015, which sets forth, among other things, the various qualifications, assumptions and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Boenning provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the FNB Board of Directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the merger, and the opinion only addresses whether the exchange ratio provided for in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to FNB stockholders. The Boenning opinion does not constitute a recommendation to the FNB Board of Directors or any holder of FNB common stock as to how the FNB Board of Directors, such stockholder or any other person should vote or otherwise act with respect to the merger or any other matter.

Holders of FNB Common Stock Have Dissenters’ Rights (page 70 and Appendix C)

The holders of FNB common stock are entitled to dissent from approval of the merger agreement and to receive the fair value of their shares in cash if the merger is consummated, provided they follow certain procedures. These procedures are described at page 70 in the section “The Merger and the Merger Agreement―Dissenters’ Rights” and set forth in Appendix C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Interests of FNB’s Directors and Officers in the Merger that are Different from Yours (page 71)

In considering the recommendation of the Board of Directors of FNB to approve the merger agreement, you should be aware that officers and directors of FNB have employment and other compensation agreements or economic interests that give them interests in the merger that are somewhat different from, or in addition to, the interests of FNB stockholders. These interests and agreements provide for potential cash severance payments in the aggregate amount of up to approximately $769,277. Some of the interests of the officers and directors include:

 

·Employment agreements between FNB and each of Rodney P. Seidel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael R. Groff, Vice President/Senior Loan Officer, Kyle R. Fisher, Vice President/Trust Officer, and Wendy E. Dorsey, Assistant Vice President/Operations Officer, that provide for cash severance payments and continued health and welfare benefits in connection with a termination of employment without cause or for good reason following a change in control;
·Salary continuation agreements with Messrs. Seidel, Groff, Fisher, and Ms. Dorsey that provide for annual retirement benefits over a period of 15 years following retirement and under which the normal retirement benefits fully vest upon a change in control;
·Insurance policies and split-dollar agreements for directors and executives, pursuant to which seven current executives will receive a benefit upon a termination of employment following a change in control;
·Continued life insurance coverage for certain officers and directors upon their termination of service following a change in control;
·One current director of FNB who, in consultation with FNB, will be invited to be appointed and elected by Citizens to the Citizens Board of Directors and by First Citizens to the First Citizens Board of Directors; and
·Rights of FNB officers and directors to continued indemnification coverage and continued coverage under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

 

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Regulatory Matters (page 77)

The merger cannot be completed without the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “PDOB”). Citizens has applications pending with the FRB and PDOB. While Citizens does not know of any reason why it would not be able to obtain the necessary approvals in a timely manner, Citizens cannot assure you that these approvals will occur or what the timing may be or that these approvals will not be subject to one or more conditions that would result in a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the merger agreement) to Citizens or FNB.

Conditions to the Merger (page 77)

Completion of the merger depends on a number of conditions being satisfied or waived, including the following:

·the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, without any accompanying condition or requirement that would result in a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the merger agreement) on Citizens or FNB;
·approval of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock;
·there must be no statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree in existence which enjoins or prohibits the completion of the merger;
·Citizens’ registration statement, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, shall have become effective and no stop order suspending its effectiveness shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC or any state securities commissioner;
·with respect to each of Citizens and FNB, the representations and warranties of the other party to the merger agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date of the closing, except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date;
·each party must have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied in all material respects with all agreements or covenants to be performed or complied with by it at or before the effective time of the merger; and
·both Citizens and FNB must have received a legal opinion from their respective counsels that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under United States federal income tax laws.

 

The parties may waive conditions to their obligations unless they are legally prohibited from doing so. Stockholder approval and regulatory approvals may not be legally waived.

Although Citizens anticipates the closing will occur during the fourth quarter of 2015, because the satisfaction of certain of these conditions is beyond its control, Citizens cannot be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived or whether the merger will be completed.

No Solicitation (page 78)

Subject to certain exceptions, FNB has agreed not to initiate, solicit, induce or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any third party relating to an acquisition of FNB, or enter into or maintain or continue to discuss or negotiate any acquisition proposal with any third party. Notwithstanding these restrictions, however, the merger agreement provides that, under specified circumstances, in response to an unsolicited acquisition proposal or inquiry from a third party which, in the good faith judgment of the FNB Board of Directors, is reasonably likely to result in a transaction more favorable to FNB’s stockholders from a financial point of view than the merger with First Citizens (a “superior proposal”), FNB may furnish information regarding FNB and engage in discussions and negotiations with such third party.

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Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 78)

Citizens and FNB may mutually agree at any time to terminate the merger agreement without completing the merger, even if FNB stockholders have approved it. Also, either party may decide, without the consent of the other party, to terminate the merger agreement under specified circumstances, including if the merger is not consummated by June 30, 2016, if the required regulatory approval is not received, or if the stockholders of FNB do not approve the merger. In addition, either party may terminate the merger agreement if there is a failure by the other party to perform or comply with any of the covenants or agreements set forth in the merger agreement, unless the breach is capable of being cured and is cured within 30 days of the notice of breach and provided that the terminating party is not then in breach of the merger agreement.

In addition, FNB may terminate the merger agreement if the Citizens common stock price falls below thresholds set forth in the merger agreement and Citizens does not increase the exchange ratio pursuant to a prescribed formula or, under certain limited circumstances, if FNB has received a superior proposal and has determined to accept such proposal. Citizens may terminate the merger agreement if FNB accepts a third party’s superior proposal and fails to recommend that the stockholders of FNB approve the merger agreement or withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation regarding the merger proposal in a manner adverse to Citizens.

Termination Fee (page 78)

If the merger is terminated pursuant to the situations specified in the merger agreement (for example, if FNB accepts a superior proposal or enters into an acquisition proposal under certain circumstances), FNB may be required to pay a termination fee to Citizens of $1.0 million. FNB agreed to this termination fee arrangement in order to induce Citizens to enter into the merger agreement. The termination fee requirement may discourage other companies from trying or proposing to combine with FNB before the merger is completed.

Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights (page 82)

The rights of FNB stockholders who become Citizens shareholders as a result of the merger will be governed by Pennsylvania law and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Citizens rather than by the National Bank Act and OCC regulations and the articles of association and bylaws of FNB.

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RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding whether to vote for approval of the merger agreement and the related transactions.

Risks Related to the Merger

Regulatory approval may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or cannot be met.  

Before the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement, including the merger, may be completed, various approvals or consents must be obtained from the FRB and the PDOB. The FRB and the PDOB may impose conditions on the completion of the merger or require changes to the terms of the merger agreement. Although Citizens and FNB do not currently expect that any such conditions or changes would be imposed, there can be no assurance that they will not be, and such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying completion of the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement or imposing additional costs on or limiting Citizens’ revenues, any of which might have a material adverse effect on Citizens following the merger. There can be no assurance as to whether the regulatory approvals will be received, the timing of those approvals, or whether any conditions will be imposed.

The merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the merger may not be completed.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions which must be fulfilled in order for the merger to close. Those conditions include FNB stockholder approval, regulatory approvals, the continued accuracy of certain representations and warranties by both parties, and the performance by both parties of certain covenants and agreements. In addition, certain circumstances exist where FNB may choose to terminate the merger agreement, including the acceptance of a superior proposal as defined in the merger agreement or certain declines in Citizens common stock price followed by Citizens’ election not to increase the exchange ratio.

Citizens may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger, and the value of the Citizens common stock received by FNB stockholders as consideration for the merger may decline.

First Citizens and FNB have operated and, until the completion of the merger, will continue to operate, independently. Certain employees of FNB will not be employed by Citizens or First Citizens after the merger. In addition, employees of FNB that First Citizens wishes to retain may elect to terminate their employment as a result of the merger which could delay or disrupt the integration process. It is possible that the integration process could result in the disruption of FNB’s ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the ability of First Citizens to maintain relationships with customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger.

The success of the merger will depend on, among other things, Citizens’ ability to realize anticipated cost savings and to combine the businesses of First Citizens and FNB in a manner that permits growth opportunities and does not materially disrupt the existing customer relationships of FNB or result in decreased revenues resulting from any loss of customers. If Citizens is not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected, adversely affecting the value of Citizens common stock, including that which FNB stockholders have received as consideration for the merger.

FNB directors and officers have interests in the merger besides those of a stockholder.

FNB’s directors and officers have various interests in the merger besides being FNB stockholders. These interests include:

·Employment agreements between FNB and each of Rodney P. Seidel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael R. Groff, Vice President/Senior Loan Officer, Kyle R. Fisher, Vice President/Trust Officer, and Wendy E. Dorsey, Assistant Vice President/Operations Officer that provide for cash severance payments and continued health and welfare benefits in connection with a termination of employment without cause or for good reason following a change in control;

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·Salary continuation agreements with Messrs. Seidel, Groff, Fisher, and Ms. Dorsey that provide for annual retirement benefits over a period of 15 years following retirement and under which the normal retirement benefits fully vest upon a change in control;
·Insurance policies and split-dollar agreements for directors and executives, pursuant to which seven current executives will receive a benefit upon a termination of employment following a change in control;
·Continued life insurance coverage for certain officers and directors upon their termination of service following a change in control;
·One current director of FNB who, in consultation with FNB, will be invited to be appointed and elected by Citizens to the Citizens Board of Director and by First Citizens to the First Citizens Board of Directors; and
·Rights of FNB officers and directors to continued indemnification coverage and continued coverage under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

 

FNB stockholders cannot be certain of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive, because the market price of Citizens common stock will fluctuate.

Upon completion of the merger, each share of FNB common stock will be converted into merger consideration consisting of either (i) $630.00 in cash, (ii) 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock, or (iii) a combination of cash and Citizens common stock. The market value of Citizens common stock may vary from the closing price on the date the merger was announced, on the date that this document was mailed to FNB stockholders, on the date of the special meeting of the FNB stockholders, on the date the merger is completed, and thereafter. Any change in the market price of Citizens common stock before completion of the merger will affect the amount and market value of the merger consideration that FNB stockholders will receive upon completion of the merger to the extent FNB stockholders receive shares of Citizens common stock. Accordingly, at the time of the special meeting, FNB stockholders will not know or be able to calculate with certainty the market value of the merger consideration they would receive upon completion of the merger. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in each company’s respective business, operations and prospects, and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are beyond Citizens’ control. You should obtain current market quotations for shares of Citizens common stock before you vote.

FNB stockholders may receive a form of consideration different from what they elect.

The consideration to be received by FNB stockholders in the merger is subject to the requirement that 75% of the shares of FNB common stock be exchanged for shares of Citizens common stock and the remaining 25% of FNB common shares be exchanged for cash. The merger agreement contains proration and allocation procedures to achieve this desired result. If you elect all cash and the available cash consideration is oversubscribed, then you will receive a portion of the merger consideration in Citizens common stock. If you elect all stock and the available stock consideration is oversubscribed, then you will receive a portion of the merger consideration in cash.

In certain circumstances, cash merger consideration received may be taxed as a dividend rather than capital gains and FNB’s counsel is not able to provide an opinion regarding whether this tax treatment will apply to any individual stockholder.

In certain circumstances, the cash merger consideration received by an FNB stockholder who receives Citizens common stock and cash may be taxed as a dividend, rather than as capital gain. This could arise if there has not been a meaningful reduction in the stockholder’s interest in Citizens as a result of the exchange. For purposes of this determination, the stockholder generally will be treated as if the stockholder first exchanged all of their shares of FNB common stock solely for Citizens common stock and then Citizens immediately redeemed a portion of the Citizens common stock in exchange for the cash the stockholder actually received. Moreover, the FNB stockholder may be deemed to constructively own shares of Citizens common stock held by certain members of the stockholder’s family or certain entities in which the stockholder has an ownership or beneficial interest, and certain stock options may be aggregated with the stockholder’s shares of Citizens common stock. Because the determination as to whether a stockholder’s interest has been meaningfully reduced is based on facts and circumstances unique to each stockholder, FNB’s legal counsel will not opine as to such treatment at the individual stockholder level.

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FNB stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the merger and will exercise less influence over management.

FNB’s stockholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the FNB Board of Directors and on other matters affecting FNB. If and when the merger occurs, each FNB stockholder that receives shares of Citizens common stock will become a stockholder of Citizens with a percentage ownership of the combined institution that is much smaller than the stockholder’s current percentage ownership of FNB. Because of this, FNB’s stockholders will have less influence on the management and policies of Citizens than they currently have on the management and policies of FNB.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock prices and future businesses and financial results of Citizens and FNB.

If the merger is not completed, the ongoing businesses of Citizens and FNB may be adversely affected and Citizens and FNB will be subject to several risks, including the following: 

1.

Citizens and FNB will be required to pay certain costs relating to the merger whether or not the merger is completed, such as legal, accounting, financial advisory and printing fees;

2.

under the merger agreement, FNB is subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of its business before completing the merger, which may adversely affect its operating results; and

3.

matters relating to the merger may require substantial commitments of time and resources by Citizens and FNB management, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that may have been beneficial to Citizens and FNB as independent companies.

In addition, if the merger is not completed, Citizens or FNB may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from their respective customers and employees. Citizens or FNB also could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or to enforcement proceedings to perform their respective obligations under the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, Citizens and FNB cannot assure their stockholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect the business, financial results and stock prices of Citizens or FNB.

The opinions of FNB’s financial advisor will not reflect changes in circumstances between the signing of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger.

FNB’s financial advisor, Boenning, rendered an opinion dated June 30, 2015, to the FNB Board of Directors, that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its written opinion, the consideration to be paid to FNB stockholders pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of FNB common stock. Boenning assumed no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming its opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date thereof.

Changes in the operations and prospects of Citizens or FNB, general market and economic conditions and other factors on which Boenning’s opinion was based may significantly alter the value of Citizens or FNB or the prices of shares of Citizens common stock or FNB common stock by the time the merger is completed. Boenning’s opinion does not speak as of the time the merger will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinion. The FNB Board of Directors’ recommendation that holders of FNB common stock vote “FOR” adoption of the merger agreement, however, is as of the date of this document.

The merger agreement limits FNB’s ability to pursue alternatives to the merger.

The merger agreement contains “no shop” provisions that, subject to limited exceptions, limit FNB’s ability to discuss, facilitate or commit to competing third party proposals to acquire all or a significant part of FNB. In addition, FNB has agreed to pay Citizens a termination fee in the amount of $1.0 million in the event that FNB or Citizens terminates the merger agreement for certain reasons. These provisions might discourage a potential competing acquirer that has an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of FNB from considering or proposing that acquisition even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share market price than that proposed in the merger with First Citizens. FNB can consider and participate in discussions and negotiations with respect to an alternative proposal so long as the FNB Board of Directors determines in good faith after consultation with legal counsel that such alternative proposal is, or is reasonably likely to lead to, a proposal which is superior to the merger with First Citizens.

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The shares of Citizens common stock to be received by FNB stockholders as a result of the merger will have different rights from the shares of FNB common stock.

Upon completion of the merger, FNB stockholders will become Citizens shareholders and their rights as shareholders will be governed by Pennsylvania law and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Citizens. The rights associated with FNB common stock are different from the rights associated with Citizens common stock. See “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights” for a discussion of the different rights associated with Citizens common stock.

Goodwill incurred in the merger may negatively affect Citizens’ financial condition.

To the extent that the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net assets, including identifiable intangibles, of FNB, that amount will be reported as goodwill in Citizens’ future financial statements. In accordance with current accounting guidance, goodwill will not be amortized but will be evaluated for impairment annually. A failure to realize expected benefits of the merger could adversely impact the carrying value of the goodwill recognized in the merger and, in turn, negatively affect Citizens’ financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Citizens

 

Changing interest rates may decrease Citizens’ earnings and asset values.

Citizens’ net interest income is the interest it earns on loans and investments less the interest it pays on deposits and borrowings.  Citizens’ net interest margin is the difference between the yield it earns on its assets and the interest rate it pays for deposits and other sources of funding.  Changes in interest rates – whether increases or decreases – could adversely affect Citizens’ net interest margin and, as a result, its net interest income.  Although the yield it earns on its assets and its funding costs tend to move in the same direction in response to changes in interest rates, one can rise or fall faster than the other, causing the Citizens’ interest margin to expand or contract.  Citizens’ liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than its assets, so they may adjust faster in response to changes in interest rates.  As a result, when interest rates rise, Citizens’ funding costs may rise faster than the yield it earns on its assets, causing its net interest margin to contract until the asset yields catch up.  Changes in the slope of the “yield curve” – or the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates – could also reduce Citizens’ net interest margin.  Normally, the yield curve is upward sloping, meaning short-term rates are lower than long-term rates.  Because Citizens’ liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than its assets, when the yield curve flattens or even inverts, it could experience pressure on its net interest margin as the cost of funds increases relative to the yield it can earn on its assets.

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of First Citizens’ interest-earning assets, and in particular First Citizens’ securities portfolio.  Generally, the value of fixed-rate securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates.  Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax.  Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on shareholders’ equity.

Local economic conditions are being increasingly impacted by the exploration and drilling activities for natural gas in the in the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations.

The economy in a large portion of Citizens’ market areas has become increasingly influenced by the natural gas industry. Citizens’ market area is predominately centered in the Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas exploration and drilling area.  These natural gas exploration and drilling activities have significantly impacted the overall interest in real estate in the market area due to the related lease and royalty revenues associated with it.  The natural gas activities have had a positive impact on the value of local real estate. Additionally, many of Citizens’ customers provide transportation and other services and products that support natural gas exploration and production activities.  Moreover, Citizens has experienced an increase in deposits as a result of this natural resource exploration and has developed products specifically targeting those that have benefited from this activity. Exploration and drilling of the natural gas reserves in the market area may be affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations such as restrictions on production, permitting, changes in taxes and environmental protection. In addition, these activities can be affected by the market price for natural gas. These factors could negatively impact Citizens’ customers and, as a result, negatively impact its loan and deposit volume.  If there is a significant downturn in this industry, as a result of regulatory action or otherwise, the ability of Citizens’ borrowers to repay their loans in accordance with their terms could be negatively impacted or reduce demand for loans. Finally, the borrowing needs of some of the residents in Citizens’ market area have been limited due to the economic benefits afforded them as a result of the exploration activities.  These factors could have a material adverse effect on Citizens’ business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. 

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Higher loan losses could require Citizens to increase its allowance for loan losses through a charge to earnings.

When Citizens loans money it incurs the risk that its borrowers will not repay their loans. Citizens reserves for loan losses by establishing an allowance through a charge to earnings. The amount of this allowance is based on Citizens’ assessment of loan losses inherent in its loan portfolio. The process for determining the amount of the allowance is critical to Citizens’ financial results and condition. It requires subjective and complex judgments about the future, including forecasts of economic or market conditions that might impair the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Citizens might underestimate the loan losses inherent in its loan portfolio and have loan losses in excess of the amount reserved. Citizens might increase the allowance because of changing economic conditions. For example, in a rising interest rate environment, borrowers with adjustable-rate loans could see their payments increase. There may be a significant increase in the number of borrowers who are unable or unwilling to repay their loans, resulting in Citizens’ charging off more loans and increasing its allowance for loan losses. In addition, when real estate values decline, the potential severity of loss on a real estate-secured loan can increase significantly, especially in the case of loans with high combined loan-to-value ratios. A decline in the national economy and the local economies of the areas in which the loans are concentrated could result in an increase in loan delinquencies, foreclosures or repossessions resulting in increased charge-off amounts and the need for additional loan loss allowances in future periods. In addition, bank regulators may require Citizens to make a provision for loan losses or otherwise recognize further loan charge-offs following their periodic review of its loan portfolio, underwriting procedures, and loan loss allowance. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by such regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on Citizens’ financial condition and results of operations.  Citizens’ allowance for loan losses amounted to $7.0 million, or 1.22% of total loans outstanding and 94.1% of nonperforming loans, at June 30, 2015. Citizens’ allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2015 may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses. A large loss could deplete the allowance and require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would decrease Citizens’ earnings. In addition, at June 30, 2015, Citizens had a total of 28 loan relationships with outstanding balances that exceeded $3.0 million, 27 of which were performing according to their original terms. However, the deterioration of one or more of these loans could result in a significant increase in Citizens’ nonperforming loans and provision for loan losses, which would negatively impact its results of operations.

Citizens’ emphasis on commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, construction and municipal lending may expose Citizens to increased lending risks.

At June 30, 2015, Citizens had $193.7 million in loans secured by commercial real estate, $30.7 million in agricultural real estate loans, $8.0 million in construction loans and $84.7 million in municipal loans. Commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, construction and municipal loans represented 33.9%, 5.4%, 1.4% and 14.8%, respectively, of Citizens’ loan portfolio.  At June 30, 2015, Citizens had $4.3 million of reserves specifically allocated to these loan types.  While commercial real estate, agricultural, construction and municipal loans are generally more interest rate sensitive and carry higher yields than residential mortgage loans, these types of loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than single-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property, the income stream of the borrowers and, for construction loans, the accuracy of the estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost of construction.  Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to single-family residential mortgage loans.

Loan participations have been a significant source of loan originations in recent periods and a decline in loan participation volume could hurt profits and slow loan growth.

Citizens has actively engaged in loan participations in recent periods whereby it is invited to participate in loans, primarily commercial real estate and municipal loans, originated by another financial institution known as the lead lender.  Citizens has participated with other financial institutions in both Citizens’ primary markets and out-of-market areas. Loan participations accounted for approximately $11.7 million, or 66.4%, of Citizens’ loan growth during the six months ended June 30, 2015.  Citizens’ profits and loan growth could be significantly and adversely affected if the volume of loan participations materially decreases, whether because loan demand declines, loans are paid off, lead lenders come to perceive Citizens as a potential competitor in their respective market areas, or otherwise.

16
 

If Citizens concludes that the decline in value of any of its investment securities is other-than-temporary, it is required to write down the value of that security through a charge to earnings.

Citizens reviews its investment securities portfolio monthly and at each quarter-end reporting period to determine whether the fair value of the securities is below the current carrying value. When the fair value of any of its investment securities has declined below its carrying value, Citizens is required to assess whether the decline is other-than-temporary. If it concludes that the decline is other-than-temporary, it is required to write down the value of that security through a charge to earnings. As of June 30, 2015, Citizens’ investment portfolio included available for sale investment securities with an amortized cost of $113.8 million and a fair value of $113.0 million, which included unrealized losses on 72 securities totaling $810,000.  Changes in the expected cash flows of these securities or prolonged price declines may result in Citizens’ concluding in future periods that the impairment of these securities is other-than-temporary, which would require a charge to earnings to write down theses securities to their fair value. Any charges for other-than-temporary impairment would not impact cash flow, tangible capital or liquidity.

Income from secondary mortgage market operations is volatile, and Citizens may incur losses or charges with respect to its secondary mortgage market operations, which would negatively affect its earnings.

Citizens generally sells in the secondary market the longer term fixed-rate residential mortgage loans that it originates, earning non-interest income in the form of gains on sale. When interest rates rise, the demand for mortgage loans tends to fall and may reduce the number of loans available for sale. Furthermore, the prolonged low interest rate environment has reduced the demand for loans available for sale.  In addition to interest rate levels, weak or deteriorating economic conditions also tend to reduce loan demand. Although Citizens sells loans in the secondary market without recourse, it is required to give customary representations and warranties to the buyers. If Citizens breaches those representations and warranties, the buyers can require Citizens to repurchase the loans and it may incur a loss on the repurchase. Because Citizens generally retains the servicing rights on the loans it sells in the secondary market, it is required to record a mortgage servicing right asset, which it tests annually for impairment. The value of mortgage servicing rights tends to increase with rising interest rates and decrease with falling interest rates. If Citizens is required to take an impairment charge on its mortgage servicing rights, its earnings would be adversely affected.

Citizens’ financial condition and results of operations are dependent on the economy in First Citizens’ market area.

First Citizens’ primary market area consists of the Pennsylvania Counties of Bradford, Clinton, Potter, and Tioga in North Central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southern New York.  As of June 30, 2015, management estimates that approximately 91.9% of deposits and 75.0% of loans came from households whose primary addresses are located in First Citizens’ primary market area.  Because of First Citizens’ concentration of business activities in its market area, Citizens’ financial condition and results of operations depend upon economic conditions in this market area.  Adverse economic conditions in the market area could reduce Citizens’ growth rate, affect the ability of its customers to repay their loans, and generally affect its financial condition and results of operations.  Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, high interest rates and short money supply and other factors beyond its control may adversely affect Citizens’ profitability.  Citizens is less able than a larger institution to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies.  Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in Pennsylvania or New York could adversely affect the value of Citizens’ assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition.  Moreover, Citizens cannot give any assurance that it will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in its primary market areas if they do occur.

A return of recessionary conditions could result in increases in Citizens’ level of nonperforming loans or reduce demand for its products and services, which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations.

Although the United States economy is not currently in a recession, economic growth has been slow and uneven. A return to prolonged deteriorating economic conditions or continued negative developments in the domestic and international credit markets could significantly affect the markets in which Citizens does business, the value of its loans and investments, and its ongoing operations, costs and profitability. These events may cause Citizens to incur losses and may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

17
 

Regulation of the financial services industry is undergoing major changes and future legislation could increase Citizens’ cost of doing business or harm its competitive position.

Citizens is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the FRB and the PDOB, its primary regulators, and by the FDIC, as insurer of its deposits.  Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of First Citizens rather than for holders of Citizens common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on Citizens’ operations, the classification of its assets, and determination of its allowance for loan losses.  Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on Citizens’ profitability and operations. Future legislative changes could require changes to business practices or force Citizens to discontinue businesses and potentially expose it to additional costs, liabilities, enforcement action and reputational risk.

Citizens is periodically subject to examination and scrutiny by a number of banking agencies and, depending upon the findings and determinations of these agencies, it may be required to make adjustments to its business that could adversely affect it.

Federal and state banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of Citizens’ business practices, including its compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a banking agency was to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, asset concentration, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, sensitivity to market risk or other aspects of any of Citizens’ operations has become unsatisfactory, or that Citizens or its management is in violation of any law or regulation, it could take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in Citizens’ capital, to restrict Citizens’ growth, to change the asset composition of Citizens’ portfolio or balance sheet, to assess civil monetary penalties against Citizens’ officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate Citizens’ deposit insurance. If Citizens becomes subject to such regulatory actions, its business, results of operations and reputation may be negatively impacted.

Strong competition within First Citizens’ market area could hurt profits and slow growth.

First Citizens faces intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. This competition has made it more difficult for it to make new loans and at times has forced it to offer higher deposit rates. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in First Citizens earning less on loans and paying more on deposits, which would reduce net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult to increase the volume of First Citizens’ loan and deposit portfolios. As of June 30, 2014, which is the most recent date for which information is available, First Citizens held 35.0% of the FDIC-insured deposits in Bradford, Potter and Tioga Counties, Pennsylvania, which was the largest share of deposits out of eight financial institutions with offices in the area, and 5.5% of the FDIC-insured deposits in Allegany County, New York, which was the fourth largest share of deposits out of five financial institutions with offices in this area. Competition also makes it more difficult to hire and retain experienced employees. Some of the institutions with which First Citizens competes have substantially greater resources and lending limits than First Citizens has and may offer services that First Citizens does not provide. Citizens’ management expects competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. First Citizens’ profitability depends upon its continued ability to compete successfully in its market area.

Citizens relies on its management and other key personnel and the loss of any of them may adversely affect its operations.

Citizens is and will continue to be dependent upon the services of its executive management team. In addition, it will continue to depend on its ability to retain and recruit key commercial loan officers. The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel or commercial loan officers could have an adverse effect on Citizens’ business and financial condition because of the loss of their skills, knowledge of the market and years of industry experience, and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

18
 

Environmental liability associated with lending activities could result in losses.

In the course of Citizens’ business, it may foreclose on and take title to properties securing its loans. If hazardous substances were discovered on any of these properties, Citizens could 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 Citizens knew of or was responsible for the contamination. In addition, if Citizens arranges for the disposal of hazardous or toxic substances to another site, it may be liable for the costs of cleaning up and removing those substances from the site even if it neither owns nor operates the disposal site. Environmental laws may require Citizens to incur substantial expenses and may materially limit use of properties it acquires through foreclosure, reduce their value, or limit Citizens’ 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 Citizens’ exposure to environmental liability.

Citizens’ ability to pay dividends is limited.

Citizens’ ability to pay dividends to its shareholders largely depends on its receipt of dividends from First Citizens. The amount of dividends that First Citizens may pay to Citizens is limited by federal and state laws and regulations. Additionally, Citizens may decide to limit the payment of dividends even when it has the legal ability to pay them in order to retain earnings for use in its business.

Federal and state banking laws and Citizens’ articles of incorporation and bylaws may have an anti-takeover effect.

Federal law imposes restrictions, including regulatory approval requirements, on persons seeking to acquire control over bank holding companies such as Citizens. Pennsylvania law, as well as Citizens’ articles of incorporation and bylaws, also contain provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions may serve to entrench management or discourage a takeover attempt that shareholders consider to be in their best interest or in which they would receive a substantial premium over the current market price.

Citizens is subject to certain risks in connection with its use of technology.

Communications and information systems are essential to the conduct of Citizens’ business, as it uses such systems to manage its customer relationships, general ledger, deposits, and loans, and to deliver online and electronic banking services. Citizens’ operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential and other information in its computer systems and networks. Although it takes protective measures and endeavors to modify them as circumstances warrant, the security of Citizens’ computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other malicious code and cyber-attacks that could have a security impact.

In addition, breaches of security may occur through intentional or unintentional acts by those having authorized or unauthorized access to Citizens’ confidential or other information or the confidential or other information of its customers, clients, or counterparties. If one or more security breaches were to occur, the confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, Citizens’ computer systems and networks could potentially be jeopardized, or could otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in Citizens’ operations or the operations of its customers, clients, or counterparties. This could cause Citizens significant reputational damage or result in its experiencing significant losses from fraud or otherwise.

19
 

Furthermore, Citizens may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify its protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising from operational and security risks. Also, Citizens may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance it maintains.

In addition, Citizens routinely transmits and receives personal, confidential, and proprietary information by e-mail and other electronic means. Citizens has discussed and worked with its customers, clients, and counterparties to develop secure transmission capabilities, but it does not have, and may be unable to put in place, secure capabilities with all of these constituents, and it may not be able to ensure that these third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of such information. Any interception, misuse, or mishandling of personal, confidential, or proprietary information being sent to or received from a customer, client, or counterparty could result in legal liability, regulatory action, and reputational harm, and could have a significant adverse effect on Citizens’ competitive position, financial condition, and results of operations.

Citizens’ risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks or losses.

Citizens has implemented a risk management framework to manage its risk exposure. This framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to manage the types of risk to which it is subject, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate and compliance risk. Citizens’ framework also includes financial or other modeling methodologies which involve management assumptions and judgment. There is no assurance that Citizens’ risk management framework will be effective under all circumstances or that it will adequately mitigate any risk or loss. If Citizens’ framework is not effective, it could suffer unexpected losses, adverse regulatory consequences, and its business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

20
 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document, including information included or incorporated by reference in this document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) the financial condition, results of operations and business of Citizens and FNB; (ii) statements about the benefits of the merger, including future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhancements to revenue and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger; (iii) statements about Citizens’ plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts; and (iv) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of Citizens’ management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond its control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

·general economic conditions in the areas in which Citizens operates;
·the businesses of FNB and Citizens may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer to accomplish than expected;
·the growth opportunities and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected;
·the risk that the merger agreement may be terminated in certain circumstances which would require FNB to pay Citizens a termination fee of $1.0 million;
·operating costs, customer losses and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects of relationships with employees, may be greater than expected;
·governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger;
·adverse governmental or regulatory policies may be enacted;
·the interest rate environment may change, causing margins to further compress and adversely affecting net interest income;
·the risks associated with continued diversification of assets and adverse changes to credit quality;
·competition from other financial services companies in Citizens’ markets; and
·the risk that an economic slowdown could adversely affect credit quality and loan originations.

 

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Citizens’ reports filed with the SEC.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters regarding either Citizens or FNB or any person acting on behalf of Citizens or FNB are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Neither Citizens nor FNB undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date on which the forward-looking statements are made.

21
 

 

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG

Citizens Financial Services, Inc.

The following tables set forth selected historical consolidated financial data for Citizens as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, which has been derived from Citizens’ audited consolidated financial statements, and as of June 30, 2015 and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. You should read these tables together with the historical consolidated financial information contained in Citizens’ consolidated financial statements and related notes, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Citizens’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference herein. Information for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is derived from unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and has been prepared on the same basis as Citizens’ audited consolidated financial statements and includes, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the data for such period. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 do not necessarily indicate the results which may be expected for any future interim period or for the full year.

 

   At June 30, 

At December 31,

  

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

   (unaudited)  (dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data                              
Total assets   $942,479   $925,048   $914,934   $882,427   $878,567   $812,526 
Total investments    304,792    306,146    317,301    310,252    318,823    251,303 
Loans    571,651    554,105    540,612    502,463    487,509    473,517 
Allowance for loan losses    6,959    6,815    7,098    6,784    6,487    5,915 
Total deposits    791,887    773,933    748,316    737,096    733,993    680,711 
Total borrowings    39,194    41,799    66,932    46,126    53,882    55,996 
Stockholders’ equity    103,225    100,528    92,056    89,475    81,468    68,690 

 

  

At or For the Year Ended December 31,

  

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

   (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Income Statement Data                         
Interest income  $35,291   $36,234   $38,085   $38,293   $39,000 
Interest expense   4,953    6,315    7,659    9,683    11,340 
Net interest income   30,338    29,919    30,426    28,610    27,660 
Provision for loan losses   585    405    420    675    1,255 
Net interest income after provision for loans losses   29,753    29,514    30,006    27,935    26,405 
Non-interest income   6,740    6,982    7,364    6,625    6,207 
Investment securities gains, net   616    441    604    334    99 
Non-interest expense   20,165    19,810    19,428    18,452    18,053 
Income before provision for income taxes   16,944    17,127    18,546    16,442    14,658 
Provision for income taxes   3,559    3,752    4,331    3,610    3,156 
Net income  $13,385   $13,375   $14,215   $12,832   $11,502 
Stock and Related Per Share Data                         
Net income – basic  $4.41   $4.38   $4.61   $4.12   $3.68 
Net income – diluted   4.40    4.38    4.60    4.12    3.68 
Cash dividends declared   2.17    1.21    1.49    1.08    1.01 
Book value   32.83    30.64    27.62    24.64    21.66 
Stock dividend   1.00%   5.00%   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%

 

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  At or For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   2015  2014
  (in thousands, except per share data)
  (unaudited)
Income Statement Data          
Interest income  $17,539   $17,670 
Interest expense   2,391    2,508 
Net interest income   15,148    15,162 
Provision for loan losses   240    330 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   14,908    14,832 
Non-interest income   3,382    3,296 
Investment securities gains, net   301    246 
Non-interest expense   10,763    10,091 
Income before provision for income taxes   7,828    8,283 
Provision for income taxes   1,519    1,742 
Net income  $6,309   $6,541 
Stock and Related Per Share Data          
Net income – basic  $2.09   $2.15 
Earnings per share – diluted   2.09    2.15 
Cash dividends declared   0.81    0.77 
Stock dividend       1.00%
Book value  $34.03   $31.97 
Market Price (OTC Pink: CZFS):          
High   53.75    58.99 
Low   48.10    49.10 
Close   49.00    54.50 

 

  

At June 30,

 

At or for the Year Ended December 31,

  

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

   (unaudited)  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Key Ratios                              
Return on assets (net income to average total assets)   1.36%   1.48%   1.51%   1.62%   1.52%   1.50%
Return on average equity (net income to average total equity)   12.41    13.73    14.89    17.48    17.86    18.13 
Equity to asset ratio (average equity to average total assets, excluding other comprehensive income)   10.93    10.74    10.13    9.26    8.49    8.25 
Net interest margin   3.81    3.84    3.87    3.99    3.94    4.19 
Efficiency ratio (1)   51.52    48.61    48.12    46.10    46.23    47.96 
Dividend payout ratio   38.80    49.32    27.63    32.37    26.30    27.50 
Tier 1 leverage   11.08    10.99    10.42    9.70    8.83    8.32 
Tier 1 risk-based capital   17.80    17.30    16.44    16.21    14.94    13.72 
Total risk-based capital   19.06    18.55    17.75    17.50    16.23    14.97 
Nonperforming assets/total loans   1.61    1.67    1.88    1.83    2.11    2.80 
Nonperforming loans/total loans   1.29    1.34    1.63    1.71    1.94    2.65 
Allowance for loan losses/total loans   1.22    1.23    1.31    1.35    1.33    1.25 
Net charge-offs/average loans (annualized)   0.03    0.16    0.02    0.02    0.02    0.05 
Other Data                              
Number of banking centers   19    19    19    19    18    19 
Full time equivalent employees   191    189    186    185    176    170 

_______________________________

 

(1) The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense as a percent of net tax equivalent interest income and non-interest revenues, excluding only gains from securities transactions.

 

23
 

 

The First National Bank of Fredericksburg

The following table sets forth selected historical financial information with respect to FNB. The data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are derived from FNB’s audited financial statements. The results of operations as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are derived from unaudited interim financial statements and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim period. Information as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 has been prepared on the same basis as FNB’s audited financial statements and includes, in the opinion of the management of FNB, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this data at the dates and for the periods presented. The financial information below should be read in conjunction with FNB's financial statements and related notes and the information contained under "Information About the First National Bank of Fredericksburg – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

   As of or for the
Six Months
Ended June 30,
(unaudited)
  As of or for the Years
Ended December 31,
   2015  2014  2014  2013
   (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Income Statement Data                    
Interest income  $3,522   $3,570   $7,037   $7,166 
Interest expense   282    303    599    674 
Net interest income   3,240    3,267    6,438    6,492 
Provision for loan losses   125    25    212    174 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,115    3,242    6,226    6,318 
Non-interest income   407    404    828    982 
Non-interest expense   3,291    3,373    6,726    6,885 
Income before income taxes   231    273    328    415 
Income tax expense   30    36    27    61 
Net income  $201   $237   $301   $354 
Per Share Data                    
Net income — basic  $5.66   $6.65   $8.46   $9.94 
Net income — diluted  $5.66   $6.65   $8.46   $9.94 
Book value per share  $442.25   $417.03   $435.98   $395.13 
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic   35,628    35,628    35,628    35,628 
Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted   35,628    35,628    35,628    35,628 
Balance Sheet Data                    
Total assets  $232,409   $225,922   $230,668   $214,228 
Investment securities   30,629    30,571    30,690    33,136 
Loans, net   145,212    142,584    140,677    141,902 
Deposits   214,109    208,087    212,708    197,122 
Stockholders' equity   15,756    14,858    15,533    14,077 
Key Ratios                    
Return on average assets   0.17%   0.21%   0.13%   0.16%
Return on average stockholders' equity   2.53%   3.26%   2.03%   2.38%
Net interest margin   2.90%   3.05%   2.99%   3.15%
Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets   2.82%   3.00%   2.98%   3.18%
Efficiency ratio (1)   82.62%   83.69%   84.27%   83.59%
Asset Quality                    
Allowance for loan losses to loans   0.83%   0.78%   0.81%   0.79%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding   0.08%   0.06%   0.14%   0.20%
Non-performing loans to total loans   2.57%   1.55%   2.91%   2.50%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets   32.43%   34.66%   26.03%   32.94%
Liquidity and Capital Ratios                    
Average loans to average deposits   66.14%   68.46%   68.31%   66.79%
Average equity to average assets   6.82%   6.46%   6.58%   6.86%
Tier 1 leverage ratio   7.30%   7.47%   7.45%   7.65%
Tier 1 risk based capital ratio   10.64%   10.91%   10.92%   10.62%
Total risk based capital ratio   11.39%   11.64%   11.67%   11.34%

_________________________

 

(1) The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense as a percent of net tax equivalent interest income and non-interest revenues, excluding only gains from securities transactions.

 

24
 

 

INFORMATION ABOUT CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Citizens is a Pennsylvania-chartered bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. Established in 1932, and headquartered in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, First Citizens has a primary market area of Clinton, Potter, Tioga and Bradford Counties in north central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southwestern New York, and operates 18 branch offices. As of June 30, 2015, Citizens had total assets of approximately $942.5 million, total deposits of approximately $791.9 million, net loans of approximately $564.7 million, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $103.2 million. Through this branch network and its electronic delivery channels, First Citizens provides deposit and loan products and financial services to local businesses, consumers and municipalities. First Citizens’ wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc., offers products such as mutual funds, annuities, and health and life insurance. The principal executive office of Citizens is located at 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933 and its telephone number is (570) 662-2121.

Citizens common stock trades on the OTC Pink under the symbol “CZFS.”

Additional information about Citizens and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

25
 

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG

Business

FNB, a national bank operating under a federal charter, is an FDIC-insured, full-service community bank headquartered at 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, PA 17026 (tel. (717) 202-2255). In addition to the headquarters, FNB maintains six branch offices throughout the Lebanon Valley in Pennsylvania: Lebanon (3), Mt. Aetna, Friedensburg and Schuylkill Haven. At June 30, 2015, FNB had total assets of $232.4 million, deposits of $214.1 million and stockholders’ equity of $15.8 million. FNB’s common stock is not traded on any exchange, and there is no established public trading market for the stock. No broker makes a market in FNB’s stock.

FNB’s primary market area consists of Lebanon, Berks, and Schuylkill Counties in Pennsylvania, with business being conducted in contiguous counties as well. Competition for deposit and loan products comes from other insured financial institutions such as commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions in FNB’s market area as well as from out-of-market financial institutions that offer deposits and loans over the internet and through other delivery channels.

FNB grants commercial, mortgage and consumer loans to its customers. As of June 30, 2015, FNB’s loan portfolio included commercial and multi-family real estate loans, commercial business loans and lines of credit, residential first mortgage loans, home equity term loans and lines of credit, residential construction loans, and other consumer loans. Substantially all of FNB’s borrowers are located in Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill and contiguous counties.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis summarizes FNB’s results of operations and highlights material changes for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and its financial condition as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. This discussion is intended to provide additional information which may not be readily apparent from the selected financial data included elsewhere in this document. Reference should be made to the selected financial data presented for a complete understanding of the following discussion and analysis.

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended June 30, 2015 and the audited financial statements and related footnotes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 appearing elsewhere in this document. Other than as described herein, management does not believe there are any trends, events or uncertainties that are reasonably expected to have a material impact on future results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as FNB’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Therefore, this analysis should be read in conjunction with the section of this document titled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

FNB’s results of operations depend primarily on net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, primarily loans and investment securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits. Net interest income is directly impacted by the market interest rate environment, the shape of the market yield curve and timing of the placement and re-pricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on FNB’s balance sheet. Results of operations are also directly affected by general economic conditions in the local geographic area, as well as throughout the country and the world.

26
 

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

         
   2015  2014  $ change  % change
Interest income  $3,522   $3,570   $(48)   (1.3)%
Interest expense   282    303    (21)   (6.9)%
Net interest income   3,240    3,267    (27)   (0.8)%
Provision for loan losses   125    25    100    400.0%
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,115    3,242    (127)   (3.9)%
Non-Interest income   407    404    3    0.7%
Non-interest expenses   3,291    3,373    (82)   (2.4)%
Income before income taxes   231    273    (42)   (15.4)%
Income tax expense   30    36    (6)   (16.7)%
Net income  $201   $237   $(36)   (15.2)%

Net Income. Net income for the first six months of 2015 totaled $201,000 compared to net income of $237,000 for the same period in 2014, a decrease of $36,000. Basic net income per common share was $5.66 for the first six months of 2015 compared to a net income per common share of $6.65 for the same period in 2014 and to date in 2015. The decrease in earnings was primarily attributable to lower interest rates during the latter part of 2014 into 2015 and an increase in the provision for loan losses of $100,000.

Net Interest Income and Margin. Net interest income represents the excess of interest income from earning assets less interest expense on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is the percentage of net interest income to average earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are affected by fluctuations in interest rates and by changes in the amounts and mix of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income for the six month period ended June 30, 2015 decreased by $27,000, or (0.8)%, compared to the same period in 2014, while the net interest margin decreased to 2.90% from 3.05% for the respective periods.

The decrease in net interest income was due largely to decreases in loan interest rates from the period ended June 30, 2014 to the period ended June 30, 2015, which resulted in a decrease in interest income. While deposits increased from June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015, FNB has been able to reduce average deposit interest rates, resulting in a slight decrease in interest expense over the periods reviewed.

Interest Income. Interest income for the six month period ended June 30, 2015 decreased by $48,000, or 1.3%, to $3.5 million from $3.6 million for the same period in 2014. This decrease primarily includes decreases of $36,000, or 5.3%, in interest on loans and $11,000, or 4.9%, in interest from securities. The average balance of loans increased $240,000 from $142.0 million at June 30, 2014 to $142.3 million at June 30, 2015. Average security balances decreased by $1.2 million at June 30, 2015 to $30.8 million from $32.0 million for the same period in 2014.

Interest rates have generally declined throughout the periods and are at near or at all-time lows. This extremely low interest rate environment is exerting downward pressure on loan and investment yields in three ways. First, as variable rate loans and securities reach repricing or call dates, yields are reduced. Second, new loans and securities added are at rates significantly lower than those originated in prior years. Finally, borrowers with fixed rate loans continued to refinance existing higher rate loans into new lower rate loans.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the six month period ended June 30, 2015 decreased by $21,000, or 6.9%, to $282,000 from $303,000 during the same period in 2014. This decrease consists solely of reduction in interest expense on deposits as FNB did not have interest expense on borrowed funds. The decrease in interest expense on deposits was due to lower average rates paid and lower average balances on certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Most certificates of deposit that matured and renewed over the period were originated in a higher rate environment. The overall cost of interest bearing deposits fell to 0.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 from 0.28% for the same period in 2014.

Provisions for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses charged to earnings are based on management’s judgment after considering a variety of factors, including current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio and delinquency statistics. Also considered by management in determining the amounts charged to earnings are the allowance for loan loss evaluations performed on a regular basis. These evaluations are based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, and estimated value of any underlying collateral. Provisions for loan losses charged to earnings in the first six months of 2015 were $125,000 compared to $25,000 for the same period in 2014. The increase in the provision for loan losses resulted from a higher level of special mention loans, substandard loans and loans charged-off in the first six months of 2015 compared to the respective period in 2014. For additional comments about FNB’s credit risk, see “Loan Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses”.

27
 

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $407,000 compared to $404,000 for the same period in 2014. This slight increase was due to increases in late charges collected and trust revenues.

Late charges rose to $12,000 for the two quarters ended June 30, 2015 from $11,000 for the same period in 2014. Trust revenues increased to $50,000 at June 30, 2015 from $45,000 for the same period in 2014.

Non-Interest Expenses. Total non-interest expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $3.3 million compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2014, a decrease of $82,000, or 2.4%. Decreases in shares tax, dues and subscriptions, and ATM/debit card fees and supplies were partially offset by increases in FDIC fees, professional fees and property related expenses.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense of $30,000 and $36,000 were recorded for the six month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A federal tax rate of 34% was applicable to taxable income in both periods. The decrease in tax expense is due to the decrease in reported taxable income.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

(dollars in thousands)         
   2014  2013  $ change  % change
Interest income  $7,037   $7,166   $(129)   (1.8)%
Interest expense   599    674    (75)   (11.1)%
Net interest income   6,438    6,492    (54)   (0.8)%
Provision for loan losses   212    174    38    21.8%
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   6,226    6,318    (92)   (1.5)%
Non-interest income   828    982    (154)   (15.7)%
Non-interest expenses   6,726    6,885    (159)   (2.3)%
Income before income taxes   328    415    (87)   (21.0)%
Income tax expense   27    61    (34)   (55.7)%
Net income  $301   $354   $(53)   (15.0)%

 

Net Income. FNB recorded net income of $301,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $354,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $53,000, or 15.0%. Basic net income per share was $8.46 for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to basic net income per share of $9.94 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in earnings was primarily attributable to decreases in interest rates, which resulted in lower net interest income.

Net Interest Income and Margin. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $54,000, or 0.8%, compared to the same period in 2013. Net interest margin decreased to 2.99% from 3.15%, for the respective periods. The decrease in net interest income and net interest margin was driven by a continuing declining interest rate environment throughout the year.

Interest Income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $129,000, or 1.8%, to $7.0 million from $7.2 million for the same period in 2013. This decrease includes decreases of $86,000, or 1.3%, in interest on loans and $58,000, or 0.8%, in interest from securities offset by a $15,000, or 0.2%, increase in interest on deposits in banks. The average balance of loans outstanding increased to approximately $142.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $133.0 million for 2013, while loan yields during the respective periods fell from 5.62% to 5.31%. Average investment balances decreased to $31.3 million for 2014 from $37.2 million for 2013 with security yields declining to 1.58% from 1.61%.

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During 2014, interest rates continued the downward trend experienced over the last several years. FNB’s balance sheet structure is similar to most other banks, with liabilities and deposits having shorter maturities than assets. Thus, during the beginning of this declining rate cycle, FNB’s margins increased, as deposit rates fell at a faster pace than loan rates. Now, as the cycle persists, margins are decreasing as loan yields continue to fall due to a decreasing interest rate environment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $75,000, or 11.1%, to $599,000 from $674,000 for the same period in 2013. The decrease in interest expense on deposits was due to lower average rates paid during the year. The overall cost of interest bearing deposits fell to 0.27% for the year ended December 31, 2014 from 0.31% for the same period in 2013.

Provisions for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses charged to earnings are based on management’s judgment after considering a variety of factors, including current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio, and delinquency statistics. Also considered by management in determining the amounts charged to earnings are the allowance for loan loss evaluations performed on a regular basis. These evaluations are based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, and estimated value of any underlying collateral. Provisions for loan losses charged to operations in 2014 were $212,000 compared to $174,000 charged in 2013. The increase in the provision for loan losses reflects an increase in the level of substandard loans. For additional comments about FNB’s credit risk, see “Loan Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses”.

Non-Interest Income. FNB recorded non-interest income of $828,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $154,000, or 15.7%, compared to income of $982,000 recorded in 2013. This decrease was due mostly to the decrease in realized gain on sales of available for sale securities. Realized gains on sales of securities were $129,000 in 2013 compared to no realized gains in 2014. Financial services income fell to $269,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $317,000 for 2013, a decrease of $48,000, or 15.1%.

Non-Interest Expenses. Total non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $6,726,000 compared to $6,885,000 for the same period in 2013, a decrease of $159,000, or 2.3%. Decreases in ATM and debit card fees, PA shares tax and miscellaneous operating expenses were partially offset by increases in occupancy expenses and professional fees.

Comparing the year ended December 31, 2014 with the same period in 2013, the following discussion further breaks down the variances in other operating expenses. Occupancy expenses increased to $585,000 from $575,000, a $10,000, or 1.7% increase, due to increased utilities and maintenance expenses. Equipment depreciation and maintenance decreased to $701,000 from $744,000, a $43,000, or 5.8% decrease, due to reduction in service contract expense at the Fredericksburg facility. Salaries expense decreased to $3.5 million from $3.6 million, a $37,000, or 1.0% decrease. Other operating expenses decreased to $741,000 from $765,000, a $24,000, or 3.1%, decrease due to lower recording/satisfaction fee and contribution expenses. PA shares tax decreased to $128,000 from $168,000, a $40,000, or 23.8%, decrease.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense of $27,000 and $61,000 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense recorded is due to lower levels of taxable net income for the 2014 period. FNB’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 8.2% and 14.7% respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to the increase in the proportion of tax-exempt income compared to taxable income.

29
 

Comparison of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

   June  30,
2015
  December  31,
2014
  $ Change  % Change
(dollars in thousands)            
                     
Cash and cash equivalents  $42,513   $45,167   $(2,654)   (5.9)%
Securities   30,629    30,690    (61)   (0.2)%
Loans, net   145,212    140,677    4,535    3.2%
Other assets   14,055    14,134    (79)   (0.6)%
Total assets  $232,409   $230,668   $1,741    0.8%
                     
Deposits  $214,109   $212,708   $1,401    0.7%
Other liabilities   2,544    2,427    117    4.8%
Stockholders’ equity   15,756    15,533    223    1.4%
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $232,409   $230,668   $1,741    0.8%

 

Balance Sheet. Total assets at June 30, 2015 were $232.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 0.8%, compared to total assets of $230.7 million at December 31, 2014. The increase was due largely to an increase in loan demand, specifically as it pertains to consumer loans.

Net loans outstanding increased by $4.5 million or, 3.2%, to $145.2 million at June 30, 2015 from $140.7 million at December 31, 2014. This increase included an increase in consumer loans of $3.4 million, or 10.9%, and a $2.2 million increase in commercial construction loans.

Total securities decreased by $61,000 or 0.2%, to $30.6 million at June 30, 2015 from $30.7 million at December 31, 2014. The primary purposes of FNB’s investment portfolio are to provide a source of liquidity sufficient to meet deposit withdraws or loan funding demands, to assist in the management of interest rate risk and to secure certain public deposits. As securities were maturing or called, FNB did not immediately replace those securities.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $2.7 million, or 5.9%, to $42.5 million at June 30, 2015 from $45.2 million at December 31, 2014, due to a decrease in cash balances associated with an increase in loan activity over the period reviewed. Cash and due from banks decreased to $37.6 million at June 30, 2015 from $40.0 million at December 31, 2014. Interest bearing deposits in banks decreased to $1.9 million at June 30, 2015 from $2.2 million at December 31, 2014.

FNB’s deposit base is comprised of demand deposits, savings accounts, and time deposits obtained from individuals, businesses and municipalities within the communities where branch offices are located. Deposits increased by $1.4 million, or 0.7%, to $214.1 million at June 30, 2015 from $212.7 million at December 31, 2014. The increase includes an increase in savings accounts of $2.1 million, and an increase in demand deposits of $1.7 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in time deposits of $2.4 million.

Loan Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses. As of June 30, 2015, charge-offs to average loans outstanding was 0.08% and the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 2.6%. The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2015 was $1.2 million, or 0.8% of loans outstanding, compared to an allowance at December 31, 2014 of $1.1 million, or 0.8% of loans outstanding. Management believes reserve levels are adequate to absorb any probable losses in the loan portfolio.

 

30
 

 

Comparison of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)  December 31,
2014
  December 31,
2013
  $ Change  % Change
                     
Cash and cash equivalents  $45,167   $24,120   $21,047    87.3%
Securities   30,690    33,136    (2,446)   (7.4)%
Loans, net   140,677    141,902    (1,225)   (0.9)%
Other assets   14,134    15,070    (936)   (6.2)%
Total assets  $230,668   $214,228   $16,440    7.7%
                     
Deposits  $212,708   $197,122   $15,586    7.9%
Other liabilities   2,427    3,029    (602)   (19.9)%
Stockholders’ equity   15,533    14,077    1,456    10.3%
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $230,668   $214,228   $16,440    7.7%

 

Balance Sheet. Total assets at December 31, 2014 were $230.7 million, an increase of $16.4 million, or 7.7%, compared to total assets of $214.2 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in assets year over year was primarily due to an increase in cash balances, associated with an increase in deposits.

Cash on hand and in banks increased by $21.0 million, or 87.3%, to $45.2 million at December 31, 2014 from $24.1 million at December 31, 2013. The increase was due mostly to increases in deposits, coupled with a decline in loan demand between December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014.

Securities decreased by $2.4 million, or 7.4%, to $30.7 million at December 31, 2014 from $33.1 million at December 31, 2013. The primary decrease in securities was in U.S. Government agency securities, which decreased to $23.6 million at December 31, 2014 from $25.9 million at December 31, 2013. As securities were maturing or called, FNB did not immediately replace those securities.

Net loans outstanding decreased by $1.2 million, or 0.9%, to $140.7 million at December 31, 2014 from $141.9 million at December 31, 2013. This decline includes a decrease of approximately $1.6 million, or 46.1%, year over year in construction loans, a decrease of approximately $1.5 million, or 2.8%, year over year in mortgages, and a decrease in agricultural loans of $1.3 million, or 6.4%. These decreases were partially offset by increases in commercial loans of $1.6 million, or 12.1%, and consumer loans of $1.6 million, or 4.9%, year over year. Loan demand from qualified borrowers during the current economic climate has been significantly lower than FNB’s historical average, which has had a negative impact on all of FNB’s loan portfolio balances.

FNB’s deposit base is comprised of noninterest bearing demand deposits, interest bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits obtained from individuals and businesses within the communities where branch offices are located. Deposits increased by $15.6 million, or 7.9%, to $212.7 million at December 31, 2014 from $197.1 million at December 31, 2013. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $6.1 million, or 16.8%, to $42.8 million at December 31, 2014 from $36.6 million at December 31, 2013. Interest bearing demand deposits increased $11.8 million, or 20.2% to $70.1 million at December 31, 2014 from $58.3 million at December 31, 2013. Savings accounts increased $966,000, or 1.6%, to $62.4 million at December 31, 2014 from $61.5 million at December 31, 2013.

Loan Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses. As of December 31, 2014, charge-offs, net of recoveries, to average loans outstanding were less than 0.14%. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 was $1.1 million, or 0.8%, of loans outstanding, compared to an allowance at December 31, 2013 of $1.1 million, or 0.8%, of loans outstanding. Management believes reserve levels are adequate to absorb any probable losses in the loan portfolio.

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, restructured loans, loans 90 days past due which are still accruing interest, other real estate owned (OREO) and impaired loans. Non-accrual loans represent loans where interest accruals have been discontinued. Restructured loans are loans in which the borrower has been granted a concession on the interest rate or the original repayment terms due to financial distress and the loan is performing according to the revised terms. The following is a summary of non-performing assets (dollars in thousands):

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   June 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
  December 31,
2013
Non-accrual loans  $3,228   $3,985   $2,928 
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing            
Other real estate owned (OREO)   512    407    511 
Total non-performing assets  $3,740   $4,392   $3,439 

Capital Resources

FNB seeks to maintain a strong capital base to support growth and allow for future business expansion and to provide stability to current operations. Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2015 increased to $15.8 million, an increase of $223,000, or 1.4%, from $15.5 million at December 31, 2014. Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2014 increased by $1.5 million, or 10.3%, compared to $14.1 million at December 31, 2013. Included in stockholders’ equity is the fair value adjustment (net of taxes) for securities classified as available for sale. These securities appreciated in value by a net $95,000 during the period from December 31, 2014 to June 30, 2015 and by $1.1 million during the period from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Thus, excluding the securities appreciation, stockholders’ equity increased by $130,000 and $340,000 during the respective six and twelve month periods. The increase during the six months ended June 30, 2015 resulted from the net income of $201,000. The increase during the year ended December 31, 2014 resulted for the most part from the net income of $301,000.

FNB is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. 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 FNB’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, FNB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of FNB’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require FNB to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the tables below) of Total Capital and Tier I Capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets.

To be categorized as well capitalized, FNB must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table (dollar figures are in thousands). As of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and 2013, the most recent notification from regulatory agencies categorized FNB as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since those notifications that management believes have changed those categories.

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  Actual  For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
  To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
   Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio
June 30, 2015:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $18,246    11.4%  $12,812    8.0%  $16,015    10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   17,033    10.6%   6,406    4.0%   9,609    6.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   17,033    7.3%   9,339    4.0%   11,673    5.0%
                               
December 31, 2014:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $17,975    11.7%  $12,327    8.0%  $15,409    10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   16,832    10.9%   6,164    4.0%   9,246    6.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   16,832    7.5%   9,041    4.0%   11,301    5.0%
                               
December 31, 2013:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $17,698    11.3%  $12,484    8.0%  $15,605    10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   16,565    10.6%   6,242    4.0%   9,363    6.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   16,565    7.6%   8,666    4.0%   10,832    5.0%

The approval of the OCC is required if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank in any calendar year exceeds FNB’s net profits (as defined) for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years. FNB did not need approval for any of its dividends declared for either 2014 or 2013. To date, there have not been any dividends declared by FNB in 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

FNB is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.

FNB’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument of commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. FNB uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The following table identifies the contract or notional amount of those instruments:

(dollars in thousands)  June 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
  December 31,
2013
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent risk:         
Commitments to extend credit  $1,247   $168   $815 
                
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit  $22,190   $22,737   $23,028 
                
Standby letters of credit  $4,970   $5,028   $4,605 

 

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Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. FNB evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by FNB upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include personal and commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

Standby letters-of-credit are conditional commitments issued by FNB to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters-of-credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. FNB generally holds collateral supporting those commitments when deemed necessary by management.

Critical Accounting Policies

The foregoing discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon FNB’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or US GAAP. US GAAP is complex and requires management to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. In management’s opinion, the most critical accounting policies and estimates impacting FNB’s financial statements are listed below. These policies are critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, loan servicing rights, the valuation of deferred tax assets, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, and the fair value of financial instruments.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of FNB’s activities are with customers located within Lebanon, Berks, and Schuylkill counties of Pennsylvania. Types of securities that FNB invests in are described below. The types of lending that FNB engages in are discussed on the next page. FNB does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

FNB’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States and its agencies and obligations of state and political subdivisions. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. FNB places deposits in correspondent accounts and, on occasion, sells federal funds to qualified financial institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts and with federal funds sold is not significant. Therefore, management believes that these particular practices do not subject FNB to unusual credit risk.

Investment Securities - Available for Sale

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Purchases and sales of investment securities are accounted for on a trade date basis.

All investment securities are classified as available for sale as FNB intends to hold such securities for an indefinite period of time but not necessarily to maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including movement in interest rates, changes in maturity mix of FNB’s assets, liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income or loss. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of the specific securities sold, are included in earnings. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.

34
 

Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of FNB to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

In regard to debt securities, if FNB does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the debt security before recovery, FNB will then evaluate whether a credit loss has occurred. To determine whether a credit loss has occurred, FNB compares the amortized cost of the debt security to the present value of the cash flows FNB expects to be collected. If FNB expects a cash flow shortfall, it will consider a credit loss to have occurred and will then consider the impairment to be other than temporary. FNB will recognize the amount of the impairment loss related to the credit loss in its results of operation, with the remaining portion of the loss recorded through comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Restricted Stocks

Restricted investments in bank stocks, which represents the required investment in common stock of correspondent banks, are carried at cost and consists of stock of the Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”), and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank. Federal law requires a member institution of the FHLB to hold FHLB stock according to a predetermined formula. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on their assessment of the ultimate recoverability of their cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. Accordingly, these investments are restricted assets, carried at cost because these stocks are not actively traded and have no readily determinable market value.

The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of their cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the correspondent bank as compared to the capital stock amount for the correspondent bank and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the correspondent bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the correspondent bank, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the correspondent bank.

Management believes no impairment charge is necessary related to the restricted stock as of December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2015.

Loans

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs. Interest is accrued on the principal balances outstanding and is credited to income as earned. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) by the interest method based on the contractual terms of the related loans, or if the commitment expires unexercised, recognized in income upon expiration.

The loan receivable portfolio is segmented into commercial loans, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Commercial loans consist of the following classes: commercial and industrial, commercial construction, commercial mortgage loans, and agriculture loans. Consumer loans consist of home equity lines of credit and all other consumer loans. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by residential mortgage loans throughout Lebanon, Berks, and Schuylkill counties of Pennsylvania.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments.

35
 

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments, if any, represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and is recorded in other liabilities on the balance sheet. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on FNB’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers nonclassified loans that have been segmented into groups with similar characteristics and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that FNB will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans and is measured as the difference between a loan’s carried value on the balance sheet and its fair market value. Based on the nature of the loan, its fair value reflects one of the following three measures: (1) the fair market value of collateral; (2) the present value of the expected future cash flows; or (3) the loan’s value as observable in the secondary market.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, FNB does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans criticized as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.

36
 

In addition, federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review FNB’s allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Other Real Estate Owned

Foreclosed properties are those properties for which FNB has taken physical possession in connection with loan foreclosure proceedings.

At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed real estate is recorded at lower of cost of fair value less cost to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, these assets are carried as “other real estate owned” at the new basis. Improvements to the property are added to the basis of the assets. Costs incurred in maintaining foreclosed real estate and subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of the property are classified as “other expenses.”

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, other real estate owned was approximately $407,000 and $511,000, respectively, and is included in other assets on the balance sheets. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in other expenses.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on income as reported in the financial statements. Certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes than for federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

In accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, FNB accounts for uncertain tax positions, if any, as required. Using that guidance, as of “year-end,” FNB has no uncertain tax positions that qualify for either recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. The years 2011 and forward are open for purposes of potential audits by the taxing authorities.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

FNB is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FNB uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of certain assets and liabilities is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for FNB’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instruments. FASB ASC 820, excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of FNB.

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UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

The following table shows information about Citizens’ and FNB’s respective income per common share, dividends per share and book value per share, and similar information giving effect to the merger. In presenting the comparative pro forma information for the time periods shown, we assumed that the merger occurred as of the date presented, in the case of the book value per share information, and the beginning of the period presented, in the case of the dividend and income information. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Data.”

 

Citizens anticipates that the merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced operating expenses and greater revenue. The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of Citizens following the merger under one set of assumptions, does not reflect these benefits and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. The pro forma information also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of Citizens would have been had its companies been combined during these periods.

 

The information in the following table is based on, and should be read together with, the historical financial information presented in this document. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Data.”

 

         Pro Forma 

Equivalent

Pro Forma

  

Citizens

Historical

 

FNB

Historical

 

Combined

(Unaudited)

 

Combined

(Unaudited) (5)

Basic Earnings per Share:                    
  For the year ended December 31, 2014  $4.41   $8.46   $4.10   $51.64 
  For the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)  $2.09   $5.66   $1.95   $24.59 
                     
Diluted Earnings per Share:                    
  For the year ended December 31, 2014  $4.40   $8.46   $4.10   $51.64 
  For the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)  $2.09   $5.66   $1.95   $24.59 
                     
Cash Dividends per Share:                    
  For the year ended December 31, 2014 (1) (2)  $2.17   $1.00   $1.57   $19.78 
  For the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited) (2)   $0.81   $0.00   $0.81   $10.21 
                     
Book Value per Share at: (3) (4)                    
  December 31, 2014  $32.83   $472.41   $34.44   $433.95 
  June 30, 2015 (unaudited)  $34.03   $478.05   $35.52   $447.60 
                     
Common Shares Outstanding at:                    
  December 31, 2014   3,038,956    35,628    3,375,641      
  June 30, 2015 (unaudited)   3,028,676    35,628    3,365,361      
                     
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding used in earnings per share computation:                    
Basic:                    
      For the year ended December 31, 2014   3,038,298    35,628    3,374,983      
      For the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)   3,022,945    35,628    3,359,630      
                     
Diluted:                    
      For the year ended December 31, 2014   3,039,593    35,628    3,376,278      
      For the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)   3,023,479    35,628    3,360,164      

_____________________________

 

(1)Citizen's cash dividend for 2014 includes a special dividend of $0.60 per share.
(2)The pro forma combined cash dividend per share amounts assume that Citizens would have declared cash dividends per share on Citizens common stock, including the Citizens common stock issued in the merger for FNB common stock, equal to its historical cash dividends per share declared on the Citizens common stock.
(3)Book value per share excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(4)The pro forma combined book value per share of Citizens' common stock is based upon the pro forma combined common shareholders' equity divided by the total pro forma common shares of the combined entity.
(5)The equivalent pro forma per FNB share was obtained by multiplying the pro forma combined amounts by the exchange ratio of 12.6000 and does not reflect the receipt of cash by holders of FNB common stock.

 

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MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

Citizens common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink under the trading symbol “CZFS.” The following table lists the quarterly high and low bid prices per share of Citizens common stock and the cash dividends declared for the periods indicated. High and low bid prices reported on the OTC Pink reflect inter-dealer quotations without retail markup, markdown or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

  Citizens Common Stock
  High  Low  Dividends
Quarter Ended           
September 30, 2015 (through September 23, 2015)   $50.00   $47.00   $0.510(1)
June 30, 2015    50.25   48.10   0.405 
March 31, 2015     53.75    49.50    0.405 
December 31, 2014     54.25    52.00    0.400 
September 30, 2014     54.50    51.25    0.400 
June 30, 2014     58.26    52.25    0.385 
March 31, 2014     58.99    49.10    0.385 
December 31, 2013     54.00    47.00    0.385 

_____________________________

 

(1)Includes a one-time, special dividend of $0.10 per share.

 

You should obtain current market quotations for Citizens common stock, as the market price of Citizens common stock will fluctuate between the date of this document and the date on which the merger is completed, and thereafter. You can get these quotations on the Internet, from a newspaper or by calling your broker.

FNB common stock is not publicly traded and, to FNB’s knowledge, trades sporadically in private transactions.  For the periods presented in the above table, FNB is aware of the following transactions:  22 shares traded during the quarter ended December 31, 2013, 20 shares traded during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, and 34 shares traded during the quarter ended June 30, 2014.  FNB has no knowledge of the share price of any of these transactions.  For the periods presented in the above table, FNB paid a dividend solely during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, in the amount of $1.00 per share.

As of June 30, 2015, there were approximately 1,542 holders of record of Citizens necessary for common stock. As of June 30, 2015, there were approximately 324 holders of record of FNB common stock. These numbers do not reflect the number of persons or entities who may hold their stock in nominee or “street name” through brokerage firms.

Following the merger, the declaration of dividends will be at the discretion of the Citizens Board of Directors and will be determined after consideration of various factors, including earnings, cash requirements, the financial condition of Citizens, applicable state law and government regulations, and other factors deemed relevant by the Citizens Board of Directors.

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting, giving effect to the merger. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated balance sheet combines the historical information of Citizens and of FNB as of June 30, 2015 and assumes that the merger was completed on that date. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated income statement combines the historical financial information of Citizens and of FNB and gives effect to the merger as if it had been completed as of January 1, 2014 and carried forward through the interim period presented. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial condition had the merger been completed on the date described above, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results of operations in future periods or the future financial condition and results of operations of the combined entities. The financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Information. Certain reclassifications have been made to FNB historical financial information in order to conform to Citizens’ presentation of financial information.

The actual value of Citizens’ common stock to be recorded as consideration in the merger will be based on the closing price of Citizens’ common stock as of the merger completion date. The proposed merger is targeted for completion late in the fourth quarter of 2015. There can be no assurance that the merger will be completed as anticipated. For purposes of the pro forma financial information, the fair value of Citizens’ common stock to be issued in connection with the merger was based on Citizens’ closing stock price of $49.00 as of June 30, 2015.

The pro forma financial information includes estimated adjustments, including adjustments to record FNB’s assets and liabilities at their respective fair values, and represents Citizens’ pro forma estimates based on available fair value information as of the date of the merger agreement. In some cases, where noted, more recent information has been used to support estimated adjustments in the pro forma financial information.

The pro forma adjustments are subject to change depending on changes in interest rates, the components of assets and liabilities, as additional information that may become available, and as additional analyses are performed. The final allocation of the purchase price for the merger will be determined after the merger is consummated and after completion of a thorough analysis to determine the fair value of FNB’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities as of the date the merger is completed. Increases or decreases in the estimated fair values of the net assets as compared with the information shown in the unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information may change the amount of the purchase price allocated to goodwill and other assets and liabilities and may impact Citizens’ statement of operations due to adjustments in yield and/or amortization of the adjusted assets or liabilities. Any changes to FNB’s stockholders’ equity, including results of operations from June 30, 2015 through the date the merger is completed, will also change the purchase price allocation, which may include the recording of a lower or higher amount of goodwill. The final adjustments may be materially different from the unaudited pro forma adjustments presented herein.

We estimate $1.9 million of Citizens pre-tax merger-related costs to be incurred in connection with the merger. These costs are related to professional fees, change in control payments, employee severance costs and retention bonuses, system conversion costs and other expenses that will be incurred by Citizens, which will reduce Citizens’ earnings in the 2015 fiscal year, and are excluded from the pro forma statements. We anticipate that the merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced operating expenses. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial data, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the benefits of expected cost savings or opportunities to earn additional revenue and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of the combined company would have been had our companies been combined during these periods.

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes of Citizens and of FNB, which appear elsewhere in this document.

 

40
 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2015 *
(in thousands)  Citizens  FNB  Pro Forma  Pro Forma
  Historical  Historical  Adjustments   Combined
ASSETS:            
Cash and cash equivalents:                    
Noninterest-bearing  $9,910   $37,593   $(6,807) (1)  $40,696 
Interest-bearing   1,002    4,920    —      5,922 
Total cash and cash equivalents   10,912    42,513    (6,807)   46,618 
Interest bearing time deposits with other banks   5,960    —      —      5,960 
Available-for-sale securities   304,792    30,629    —      335,421 
Loans held for sale   1,152    —      —      1,152 
Total loans   571,651    146,425    (3,457) (2)   714,619 
Allowance for loan losses   (6,959)   (1,213)   1,213  (3)   (6,959)
Loans, net   564,692    145,212    (2,244)   707,660 
Premises and equipment   12,582    3,996    (169) (4)   16,409 
Accrued interest receivable   3,584    286    —      3,870 
Goodwill   10,256    —      7,794  (8)   18,050 
Bank owned life insurance   20,615    4,587    —      25,202 
Other assets   7,934    5,186    2,328  (5)   15,448 
TOTAL ASSETS  $942,479   $232,409   $903   $1,175,791 
LIABILITIES:                    
Deposits:                    
Noninterest-bearing  $100,469   $43,420   $—     $143,889 
Interest-bearing   691,418    170,689    161  (6)   862,268 
Total deposits   791,887    214,109    161    1,006,157 
Borrowed funds   39,194    —      —      39,194 
Accrued interest payable   674    24    —      698 
Other liabilities   7,499    2,520    —      10,019 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   839,254    216,653    161    1,056,068 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   103,225    15,756    742  (7)   119,723 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $942,479   $232,409   $903   $1,175,791 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

*Assumes that the merger was completed as of June 30, 2015 utilizing the acquisition method of accounting. Estimated fair value adjustments for loans, core deposit intangible assets, premises and equipment, and deposits were determined by the management of Citizens and of FNB. Actual fair value adjustments, where appropriate, will be determined as of the merger completion date and will be amortized and accreted into income.

 

(1) 

The adjustment results from the assumption that cash and cash equivalents will be used to pay for after tax one-time merger and integration expenses of FNB. These expenses are actually charged against FNB’s income and result in a charge to Citizens’ goodwill. One-time merger and integration costs include $481,000 in estimated professional fees and estimated vendor contract termination penalties of $1.5 million. The adjustment also includes cash consideration of $5.5 million paid to FNB stockholders.

 

(2) 

The pro forma statement of financial condition includes a fair value credit adjustment to total loans to reflect the credit condition of FNB’s loan portfolio in the amount of $2.9 million, which represents a mark of 2.1% on FNB’s outstanding loan portfolio. In order to determine the adjustment related to credit deterioration, Citizens employed a detailed due diligence process. Members of Citizens’ senior management team, loan review and credit department functions, supported by its outside loan review firm, conducted a comprehensive review of FNB’s loan portfolio, underwriting methodology, loan-related policies and loan portfolio management processes. The individual loan file review included a representative sample of commercial loan relationships and adversely classified assets and watch list credits. In total, the individual loan file review covered approximately 62% of the total commercial loan balance and 32% of total loans outstanding, and resulted in $1.6 million of the total $2.9 million fair value credit adjustment considered accretable and the remaining $1.3 million non-accretable. Citizens will update and finalize its analysis at closing, which may significantly change from the initial estimate.

 

41
 

  

The pro forma adjustment of $3.5 million also includes a fair value adjustment to total loans reflecting differences in interest rates in the amount of $500,000, which was based primarily on an analysis of current market interest rates, loan types, maturity dates and potential prepayments. The fair value adjustment will be amortized through loan interest income over the estimated lives of the affected loans. The weighted average remaining life of the loan portfolio was estimated at approximately 4.7 years.

 

(3) 

Represents the reversal of FNB’s allowance for loan losses. Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value and the recorded allowance of the acquired company is not carried over.

 

(4) 

Represents the adjustment to estimate the fair value of acquired premises and equipment, specifically leasehold improvements, at the acquisition date.

 

(5) 

Citizen’s estimate of the fair value of core deposit intangible is $2.2 million. The core deposit intangible was determined by applying a 1.30% premium on FNB’s core deposits, which was based on current market data for similar transactions. The core deposit intangible will be amortized into noninterest expense over a ten year period using the sum-of-the-years digits methodology.

 

The adjustment also represents $127,000 in net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles and other deferred tax items. The actual deferred tax adjustment will depend on facts and circumstances existing at the time of the merger. The fair value adjustment of the net deferred tax asset assumes an effective tax rate of 34%.

 

(6) 

The deposits include a fair value adjustment to time deposits to reflect differences in interest rates in the amount of $161,000, which was based primarily on an analysis of current market interest rates and maturity dates. This fair value adjustment will be accreted into interest expense over the estimated useful lives of the affected time deposits, which is 1.1 years.

 

(7) 

Reflects elimination of FNB’s stockholders’ equity of $15.8 million. This amount is offset by the issuance of Citizen’s common stock totaling $300,000, and the addition of Citizen’s additional paid-in capital related to the issuance of common stock of $16.2 million. The value of the stock was determined by assuming that 75% of the total consideration paid will be in the form of common stock and the remaining 25% will be paid in cash.

 

(8) 

Represents additional goodwill as a result of the merger calculated as the fair value of consideration paid in the acquisition of FNB, less amounts allocated to fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price, purchase price allocation, and financing of the transaction are as follows (in thousands):

 

42
 

 

Estimated Transaction Value      $ 21,997
            
FNB's Stockholders' Equity at June 30, 2015   15,756       
            
Purchase Accounting Adjustments:           
Gross Loans - Credit   (2,940)      
Gross Loans - Rate   (517)      
Loan Loss Reserve Reversal   1,213       
Core Deposit Intangible   2,201       
Premises and equipment   (169)      
Deposits   (161)      
    (373)      
Net Deferred Tax Asset   127       
    (246)      
Estimated FNB Transaction-Related Expenses (net of tax)   (1,307)      
            
FNB Adjusted Stockholders' Equity         14,202
            
Estimated Goodwill Allocation      $ 7,794

 

43
 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 *
 
(in thousands, except share data)  Citizens  FNB  Pro Forma  Pro Forma
  Historical  Historical  Adjustments  Combined
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:                    
Interest and fees on loans  $28,324   $6,423   $457 (1)  $35,204 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks   82    82        164 
Investment securities:                    
Taxable   3,337    488        3,825 
Nontaxable   3,354    44        3,398 
Dividends   194            194 
TOTAL INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME   35,291    7,037    457    42,785 
INTEREST EXPENSE:                    
Deposits   4,347    599    (147) (2)   4,799 
Borrowed funds   606            606 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE   4,953    599    (147)   5,405 
NET INTEREST INCOME   30,338    6,438    604    37,380 
Provision for loan losses   585    212        797 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   29,753    6,226    604    36,583 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:                    
Service charges   4,297    434        4,731 
Trust   688    103        791 
Brokerage and insurance   567            567 
Investment securities gains, net   616            616 
Gains on loans sold   236    45        281 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   507    166        673 
Other   445    80        525 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME   7,356    828        8,184 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:                    
Salaries and employee benefits   11,505    3,532        15,037 
Occupancy   1,287    585    (18) (3)   1,854 
Furniture and equipment   362    701        1,063 
Professional fees   902    239        1,141 
Federal depository insurance   461    187        648 
Pennsylvania shares tax   686    128        814 
Other   4,962    1,354    400 (4)   6,716 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSES   20,165    6,726    383    27,274 
Income before provision for income taxes   16,944    328    222    17,494 
Provision for income taxes   3,559    27    75 (5)   3,661 
NET INCOME  $13,385   $301   $146   $13,832 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:                    
Basic  $4.41   $8.46      $ 4.10  
Diluted  $4.40   $8.46      $4.10  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:                    
Basic   3,038,298    35,628    336,685    3,374,983 
Diluted   3,039,593    35,628    336,685    3,376,278 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

44
 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 *
 
(in thousands, except share data)  Citizens  FNB  Pro Forma  Pro Forma
  Historical  Historical  Adjustments  Combined
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:                    
Interest and fees on loans  $14,168   $3,163   $229 (1)  $17,560 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks   70    52        122 
Investment securities:                    
Taxable   1,519    285        1,804 
Nontaxable   1,649    22        1,671 
Dividends   133            133 
TOTAL INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME   17,539    3,522    229    21,290 
INTEREST EXPENSE:                    
Deposits   2,044    282    (14(2)   2,312 
Borrowed funds   347            347 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE   2,391    282    (14)   2,659 
NET INTEREST INCOME   15,148    3,240    243    18,631 
Provision for loan losses   240    125        365 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   14,908    3,115    243    18,266 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:                    
Service charges   2,004    205        2,209 
Trust   374    50        424 
Brokerage and insurance   382            382 
Investment securities gains, net   301            301 
Gains on loans sold   98            98 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   306    85        391 
Other   218    67        285 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME   3,683    407        4,090 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:                    
Salaries and employee benefits   6,049    1,691        7,740 
Occupancy   717    321    (9(3)   1,029 
Furniture and equipment   215    353        568 
Professional fees   412    116        528 
Federal depository insurance   232    101        333 
Pennsylvania shares tax   401    49        450 
Other   2,737    660    180 (4)   3,577 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSES   10,763    3,291    171    14,225 
Income before provision for income taxes   7,828    231    72    8,131 
Provision for income taxes   1,519    30    24 (5)   1,573 
NET INCOME  $6,309   $201   $47   $6,557 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:                    
Basic  $2.09   $5.66      $1.95  
Diluted  $2.09   $5.66      $1.95  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:                    
Basic   3,022,945    35,628    336,685    3,359,630 
Diluted   3,023,479    35,628    336,685    3,360,164 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.

 

45
 

*Assumes that the merger was completed as of the beginning of the fiscal year presented and carried forward through the interim period presented using the acquisition method of accounting. Estimated fair value adjustments for loans, core deposit intangible assets, premises and equipment, and deposits were determined by the management of Citizens and of FNB. Actual fair value adjustments, where appropriate, will be determined as of the merger completion date and will be amortized and accreted into income.

 

(1)                

For purposes of the pro forma impact, the accretable portion related to loans for the credit fair value adjustment and the amount related to the interest rate fair value adjustment were accreted over an assumed average life of 4.7 years.

 

(2)                

Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of time deposits for differences in interest rates, which was based primarily on an analysis of current market interest rates and maturity dates. This fair value adjustment will be accreted into interest expense over the estimated useful lives of the affected time deposits, which is 1.1 years.

 

(3)                

Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of acquired premises and equipment, specifically leasehold improvements, at the acquisition date. The adjustment will be amortized over the remaining lease period.

 

(4)                

Amount represents core deposit amortization of $2.2 million over a ten year period using the sum-of-the-years digits methodology.

 

(5)                

Assumes an effective tax rate of 34%.

 

46
 

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FREDERICKSBURG

Date, Time and Place

FNB is mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you as an FNB stockholder on or about October 7, 2015. With this document, FNB is sending you a notice of the special meeting of FNB stockholders and a form of proxy that is solicited by the FNB Board of Directors. The special meeting will be held at the Fredericksburg Community Center, 125 S. Tan Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., local time.

Matters to be Considered

Merger Proposal. The purpose of the special meeting of FNB stockholders is to vote on the approval of the merger agreement by which FNB will merge with and into First Citizens.

Adjournment Proposal. You are also being asked to vote upon a proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting of stockholders, if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments or postponements to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.

The FNB Board of Directors knows of no additional matters that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting.

Shares Held in Street Name

If you are an FNB stockholder and your shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote the shares. Please follow the voting instructions provided by the bank or broker. You may not vote shares held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to FNB or by voting in person at the FNB special meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker, bank or other nominee. Furthermore, brokers, banks or other nominees who hold shares of FNB common stock on behalf of their customers will not vote your shares of FNB common stock or give a proxy to FNB to vote those shares with respect to any of the proposals without specific instructions from you, as brokers, banks and other nominees do not have discretionary voting power on these matters.

Proxy Card; Revocation of Proxy

You should vote by completing and returning the proxy card accompanying this joint proxy statement/prospectus to ensure that your vote is counted at the special meeting of stockholders, regardless of whether you plan to attend. If your shares are not held in “street name” you can revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the special meeting by:

·

submitting written notice of revocation to Alletta M. Schadler, Corporate Secretary of FNB, at 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026;

·

submitting a properly executed proxy bearing a later date before the special meeting of stockholders; or

·  

voting in person at the special meeting of stockholders. However, simply attending the special meeting without voting will not revoke an earlier proxy.

If your shares are held in “street name,” you should follow the instructions of your broker regarding revocation of proxies.

All shares represented by valid and unrevoked proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions on the proxy card. If you sign your proxy card, but make no specification on the card as to how you want your shares voted, your proxy card will be voted FORthe approval of the merger and FOR the approval of the adjournment proposals. The FNB Board of Directors is presently unaware of any other matter that may be presented for action at the special meeting of stockholders. If any other matter does properly come before the special meeting, the FNB Board of Directors intends that shares represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted, or not voted, by and at the discretion of the persons named as proxies on the proxy card.

47
 

Solicitation of Proxies

The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by FNB. FNB will, upon request, reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of common stock. In addition to solicitations by mail, FNB’s directors, officers and regular employees may solicit proxies personally or by telephone without additional compensation.

Record Date

The close of business on September 30, 2015 has been fixed as the record date for determining the FNB stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meeting of stockholders. At that time, 35,628 shares of FNB common stock were outstanding and were held by approximately 323 holders of record.

Quorum and Vote Requirements

The holders of a majority of the shares of FNB common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

Merger Proposal. Approval of the merger proposal will require the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of FNB common stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as shares voted against the proposal.

Adjournment Proposal. Approval of the adjournment proposal will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect whether the adjournment proposal is approved.

Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors

The FNB Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The FNB Board of Directors believes that the merger agreement is in the best interest of FNB and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the adoption of the merger agreement. See “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and FNB’s Reasons for the Merger.” The FNB Board of Directors also unanimously recommends that FNB stockholders vote FOR the adjournment proposal.

Attending the Special Meeting of FNB Stockholders

 

If you hold your shares of FNB common stock in your name as a stockholder of record and you wish to attend the special meeting and vote in person, please bring your proxy card to the special meeting. You should also bring valid picture identification.

 

If your shares of FNB common stock are held in “street name” in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or nominee and you wish to attend the FNB special meeting, you need to bring a copy of a bank or brokerage statement to the FNB special meeting reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date. You should also bring valid picture identification.

 

Holders of FNB Common Stock Have Dissenters’ Rights

The holders of FNB common stock are entitled to dissent from approval of the merger agreement and to receive the fair value of their shares if the merger is consummated provided they follow certain procedures. These procedures are described in “The Merger and the Merger Agreement―Dissenters’ Rights” and set forth in Appendix C to this document.

Assistance

 

If you need assistance in completing your proxy card, have questions regarding FNB’s special meeting or would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, please contact: Rodney P. Seidel, President and Chief Executive Officer, The First National Bank of Fredericksburg, 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026, (717) 202-2255.

 

48
 

 

FNB PROPOSALS

Proposal No. 1: Merger Proposal

 

The FNB Board of Directors is asking FNB stockholders to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Holders of FNB common stock should read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the appendices, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A.

 

After careful consideration, the FNB Board of Directors, by a unanimous vote of all directors, approved the merger agreement and declared the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, to be advisable and in the best interests of FNB and the stockholders of FNB. See “The Merger and the Merger Agreement—Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and FNB’s Reasons for the Merger” included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the FNB Board of Directors’ recommendation.

 

The FNB board OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY recommends a vote “FOR” the merger proposal.

 

Proposal No. 2: Adjournment Proposal

 

The special meeting of FNB stockholders may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the FNB special meeting to adopt the merger proposal.

 

If, at the special meeting, the number of shares of FNB common stock present or represented and voting in favor of the merger proposal is insufficient to adopt the merger proposal, FNB intends to move to adjourn the FNB special meeting to another time or place, as necessary or appropriate, to enable the FNB Board of Directors to solicit additional proxies for approval of the merger proposal. In that event, FNB will ask its stockholders to vote upon the adjournment proposal, but not the merger proposal.

 

The FNB Board of Directors is asking its stockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the FNB Board of Directors on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the FNB special meeting to another time or place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from FNB stockholders who have previously voted.

 

The FNB board OF DIRECTORS unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

 

49
 

 

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

Board of Directors

After completion of the merger, the Boards of Directors of Citizens and First Citizens will consist of all the current directors of Citizens and First Citizens. Additionally, one individual who is a current director of FNB and who will be designated by Citizens and First Citizens, in consultation with FNB, will be invited to be appointed and elected by Citizens to the Citizens Board of Directors and by First Citizens to the First Citizens Board of Directors.

Management

After completion of the merger, the executive officers of Citizens and First Citizens will consist of the current executive officers of Citizens and First Citizens.

 

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF FNB COMMON STOCK

The following tables set forth, to the best knowledge and belief of FNB, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of FNB common stock as of June 30, 2015 by (i) each director, certain named executive officers of FNB, and all of FNB’s directors and executive officers as a group, and (ii) by each person known to FNB to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding FNB common stock.

Security Ownership of Management

Direct and indirect ownership of common stock by each of the directors, the named executive officers and by all directors and executive officers as a group is set forth in the following table as of June 30, 2015, together with the percentage of total shares outstanding represented by such ownership. For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, under which, in general, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if he or she has or shares the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security or the power to dispose or to direct the disposition of the security, or if he or she has the right to acquire the beneficial ownership of the security within 60 days.

 

  Amount of Beneficial Ownership
  Common  Percent of

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Stock (1)

 

Class (2)

Directors:          
Donald M. Hoffa   116     %
Paul W. Kilgore   56    
Eugene R. Kreitzer, Sr.   88     %
Alletta M. Schadler   1,341    3.76%
Rodney P. Seidel   70     %
Wilmer G. Stoner   49     %
Robert L. Walborn   2,066    5.80%
           
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors:          
Michael R. Groff   5     %
Kyle R. Fisher   3     %
Wendy E. Dorsey        %
Dennis G. Gearhart (3)   4     %
           
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (11 persons)   3,798    10.66%

___________________________

 

(1)Beneficially owned shares include shares over which the named person exercises either sole or shared voting power or sole or shared investment power. It also includes shares owned (i) by a spouse, minor children or relatives sharing the same home, (ii) by entities owned or controlled by the named person, and (iii) by other persons if the named person has the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the exercise of any right or option. Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned of record and beneficially by the named person.
(2)Unless otherwise stated, the number of shares shown represents less than 1.00% of the total number of shares outstanding.
(3)Mr. Gearhart retired effective September 1, 2015.

 

50
 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following sets forth certain information concerning each non-director stockholder known to FNB who may be considered a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of FNB common stock as of June 30, 2015.

  Amount of Beneficial Ownership

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Common

Stock (1)

 

Percent of

Class

Bluemt & Co. (2)

2217 West Cumberland Street

Lebanon, PA 17042

   4,015    11.27%
Jean A. Yorty
P.O. Box 164
Fredericksburg, PA 17026
   2,116    5.94%
Eve Manbeck
311 West Main Street
Fredericksburg, PA 17026
   1,967    5.52%
Caroline E. Stover
345 S. 16th Street, Apt. 30
Lebanon, PA 17042
   1,887    5.30%

__________________

 

(1)Beneficially owned shares include shares over which the named person exercises either sole or shared voting power or sole or shared investment power. It also includes shares owned (i) by a spouse, minor children or relatives sharing the same home, (ii) by entities owned or controlled by the named person, and (iii) by other persons if the named person has the right to acquire such shares within 60 days of the exercise of any right or option. Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned of record and beneficially by the named person.
(2)Shares held by FNB’s nominee in its trust department for certain trusts, estates and agency accounts that beneficially own the shares. FNB shares voting power as to 3,958 of these shares. FNB has sole voting power as to 57 of these shares and, subject to the provisions of governing instruments and/or in accordance with applicable provisions of fiduciary law, may vote such shares in what it reasonably believes to be the best interest of the trust, estate or agency account for which it holds shares.

 

51
 

 

THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The description of the merger and the merger agreement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus describes the material terms of the merger agreement; however, it does not purport to be complete. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, FNB will merge with and into First Citizens, with First Citizens as the surviving bank. Outstanding shares of FNB common stock will be converted into the right to receive shares of Citizens common stock, cash or a mix of both cash and shares of Citizens common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional share of Citizens common stock. See “―Merger Consideration” below. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of FNB will cease and First Citizens will succeed to all the rights of FNB and be responsible for all the obligations of FNB.

Parties to the Merger

Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens Community Bank

 

Citizens is a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. Established in 1932, and headquartered in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, First Citizens has a primary market area of Clinton, Potter, Tioga and Bradford Counties in north central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southwestern New York, and operates 18 branch offices. As of June 30, 2015, Citizens had total assets of approximately $942.5 million, total deposits of approximately $791.9 million, net loans of approximately $564.7 million, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $103.2 million. Through this branch network and its electronic delivery channels, First Citizens provides deposit and loan products and financial services to local businesses, consumers and municipalities. First Citizens’ wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc., offers products such as mutual funds, annuities, and health and life insurance. The principal executive office of Citizens is located at 15 South Main Street, Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933 and its telephone number is (570) 662-2121. Citizens common stock trades on the OTC Pink market.

The First National Bank of Fredericksburg

Founded in 1907, FNB is a national bank regulated by the OCC. FNB engages in general commercial banking business from its main office in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania and operates seven branch offices located in Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties in southcentral Pennsylvania. FNB provides its customers with a variety of banking services. As of June 30, 2015, FNB had total assets, deposits and net loans of approximately $232.4 million, $214.1 million and $145.2 million, respectively. FNB’s principal executive office is located at 3016 South Pine Grove Street, Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania 17026 and its telephone number is (717) 202-2255. FNB common stock is not publicly traded.

Background of the Merger

As concerns about reduced earnings over the previous two fiscal years, having reduced the annual dividend from $4.00 per share to $1.00 per share in 2014, and the continuing challenge to grow profitability in a changing regulatory environment with increasing compliance and technology costs, the FNB Board of Directors (the “Board”) determined during the summer of 2014 to invite its legal counsel, Rhoads & Sinon LLP, to make a presentation to the Board of Directors regarding FNB’s strategic alternatives. A special meeting of the Board was held September 9, 2014 at which Rhoads & Sinon reviewed with the Board its fiduciary duties and made a presentation identifying on a conceptual basis various strategic alternatives. Following a lengthy discussion, Rhoads & Sinon suggested that the Board consider engaging an investment banking firm as financial advisor to provide a further analysis of strategic alternatives on a more practical basis. At the Board’s request, Rhoads & Sinon provided the names of several investment banking firms known to Rhoads & Sinon to be capable of performing such an analysis.

On October 7, 2014, FNB’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Rodney P. Seidel, contacted the investment banking firm of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. (“Boenning”) to discuss whether Boenning would be able and willing to provide the analysis. On November 3, 2014, the FNB Board approved a two phase engagement with Boenning involving (i) a review of strategic alternatives, and (ii) solicitations of interest from selected parties for a merger or acquisition involving FNB. Material to the FNB Board’s decision to engage Boenning was Boenning’s experience in advising community banks with regard to strategic alternatives and its record of success in mergers and acquisition transactions involving community banks.

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On November 22, 2014, Boenning met with the FNB Board to discuss FNB’s strategic alternatives. Boenning presented to the FNB Board an assessment of FNB’s financial condition and future prospects, which included a discussion of the current operating environment for community banks, a review of the financial performance of FNB as compared to its peers, an overview of the bank mergers and acquisitions market, and a financial analysis of FNB in order to formulate a valuation range under different scenarios, including remaining independent and a sale of FNB. After considering all of its options, FNB determined it would be in the best interests of FNB to explore the possibility of a business combination involving FNB. The Board instructed Boenning to work with FNB’s management to prepare a Confidential Information Memorandum (“CIM”) to be used to solicit indications of interest in a merger and acquisition transaction involving FNB and to identify potential transaction partners to solicit.

On March 21, 2015, FNB’s management approved the CIM and a list of thirty-seven prospective transaction partners intended to represent an appropriate sampling to best determine the level of interest in a merger and acquisition transaction involving FNB. FNB’s management and Boenning believed it would be in the best interest of FNB to solicit a larger number of prospective partners, rather than a select few, in order to be reasonably certain potential opportunities would not be missed.

On March 23, 2015, Boenning began soliciting interest and making contact with the thirty-seven potential transaction partners on the list. Twenty-two of the potential transaction partners executed a confidentiality agreement, received a CIM and were provided access to an online data room for due diligence purposes. Each of the interested parties was given a deadline of April 10, 2015 to provide an initial non-binding written indication of interest.

On April 10, 2015, Boenning informed FNB that it had received initial non-binding written indications of interest from eight prospective transaction partners.

On April 16, 2015, the FNB Board of Directors held a special meeting at which representatives of Boenning conducted a presentation that reviewed each of the eight initial non-binding written indications of interest and included a review by Rhoads & Sinon of the fiduciary duties of directors in connection with a proposed merger or acquisition transaction.

Six of the eight prospective transaction partners, including Citizens, proposed a mixed stock and cash consideration, while one proposed all cash consideration and one proposed all stock consideration.

Three of the prospective transaction partners, including the one proposing all cash consideration, have stocks quoted on NASDAQ with substantially higher daily trading volumes than the other potential transaction partners. Citizens has the highest daily trading volume among the five potential transaction partners having stocks that are quoted on the OTCQB.

A transaction with any of the five largest prospective transaction partners, including Citizens, the third largest, would result in an institution having approximately $1 billion or more in total assets on a pro forma basis, while a transaction with the three smallest prospective transaction partners would not.

Proposed prices per share ranged from a low of $295.00 per share to a high of $700.00 per share. Citizens’ proposal was the highest at a range of $600.00 to $700.00 per share. The $600.00 per share value at the low end of the range proposed by Citizens was $35.41 per share higher than the second highest proposal of $564.59 per share. The other proposals ranged from $460.00 to $564.59 per share.

Cash dividends, on a pro forma basis, ranged from $0.00 under the all cash consideration proposal to $24.17 per FNB share. Citizens’ proposal was the second highest at a range of $18.35 to $21.41 per share.

Six of the prospective transaction partners, including Citizens, would extend their current market area into FNB’s market area. Two of the prospective transaction partners are direct competitors of FNB.

Three of the prospective transaction partners have prior experience in completing merger and acquisition transactions. None of the other prospective transaction partners, including Citizens, have such prior experience.

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Following a lengthy discussion, the FNB Board decided to invite three of the eight prospective transaction partners to participate in the next steps of the process by conducting due diligence investigations and refining their indications of interest. Before finally identifying the three prospective transaction partners, however, the Board directed Boenning to contact the prospective transaction partner that had made the all cash consideration proposal to ask whether it would consider resubmitting an indication of interest for a mixed stock and cash consideration. That partner declined to do so.

The three prospective transaction partners invited to continue to participate in the process were Citizens and the two prospective transaction partners, other than the one that proposed all cash consideration, having stocks quoted on NASDAQ. The higher daily trading volumes of the NASDAQ quoted stocks and of Citizens’ stock among the OTCQB quoted stocks was an important factor considered by the FNB Board. All three prospective transaction partners proposed mixed stock and cash consideration. Citizens proposed the highest price and prospective transaction partner “B” proposed, at the high end of its proposed range, the third highest price. Prospective transaction partner “C” proposed a price that, at the high end of its proposed range, was consistent with the range established by the other proposals. A transaction with each of the three would result in an institution having approximately $1 billion or more in total assets on a pro forma basis. All three would be extending their current market areas into FNB’s market area thereby reducing the impact on FNB’s employees that would be expected from an in-market transaction. The two prospective transaction partners, other than Citizens, have prior experience completing merger and acquisition transactions.

The FNB Board did not invite the prospective transaction partner that proposed the second highest price to continue to participate in the process because that partner’s stock is quoted on the OTCQB instead of NASDAQ. The FNB Board reasoned that because that partner was not proposing the highest price, as had Citizens, the Board preferred to consider stocks quoted on NASDAQ with substantially higher daily trading volumes. In addition to having a stock quoted on NASDAQ with a substantially higher daily trading volume, partner B also proposed a price at the high end of its proposed range that was only $4.59 per share less than the second highest price. Moreover, a transaction with the partner that proposed the second highest price would have resulted in an institution having approximately $800 million in total assets on a pro forma basis, rather than the $1 billion or more in a transaction with each of the three prospective transaction partners invited to continue.

On-site due diligence investigations of FNB and meetings with FNB management were conducted by the three prospective transaction partners invited to continue to participate in the process from April 27, 2015 to May 8, 2015. During the on-site due diligence investigations, a contract between FNB and one of its vendors was identified that had not been identified in the CIM or included in the online data room. The contract provides for a $1.6 million payment in the event of a change in control of FNB.

Each of the three prospective transaction partners was given a deadline of May 15, 2015 in which to submit a revised written indication of interest. On May 15, 2015, Boenning informed FNB that it had received a revised written indication of interest from each partner.

On May 21, 2015, the FNB Board of Directors held a special meeting at which representatives of Boenning made a presentation reviewing the three revised indications of interest and Rhoads & Sinon again reviewed with the Board the fiduciary duties of directors in connection with a proposed merger and acquisition transaction.

Citizens’ revised proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio comprised of a mix of 75% stock and 25% cash, equal to $600.00 per share, representing 1.35 times FNB’s book value per share, and a pro forma cash dividend of $19.54 per share. The proposed $600 per share price represented a value at the low end of the $600 to $700 per share range initially proposed by Citizens. Citizens cited the $1.6 million change in control payment under the vendor contract as the reason for the proposed lower value. Citizens’ stock is quoted on the OTCQB. Citizens also proposed to appoint one FNB Board member to the Citizens and First Citizens Boards of Directors upon consummation of the transaction.

Prospective transaction partner B’s revised proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio comprised of a mix of 60% stock and 40% cash, equal to $512.46 per share, representing 1.15 times FNB’s book value per share, and a pro forma cash dividend of $4.99 per share. The proposed $512.46 per share price represented a value in the lower half of the $477 to $560 per share range initially proposed by partner B. Partner B also cited the $1.6 million change in control payment under the vendor contract as the reason for the proposed lower value. Partner B’s stock is quoted on NASDAQ. The proposal indicated that partner B would entertain discussion regarding FNB representation on partner B’s holding company and bank boards of directors.

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Prospective transaction partner C’s revised proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio comprised of a mix of 75% stock and 25% cash, equal to $580.00 per share, representing 1.30 times FNB’s book value per share price, and a pro forma cash dividend of $10.96 per share. The proposed $580.00 per share price represented a value in excess of the $460 to $520 per share range initially proposed by partner C. Partner C also had verbally communicated to Boenning that it had the flexibility to further increase the value of its proposal to 1.35 times FNB’s book value per share if it would be determined by the FNB Board to be the preferred partner. Partner C’s common stock is quoted on NASDAQ. The proposal indicated that partner C would appoint two members of the FNB Board to partner C’s holding company and bank boards of directors.

Following the presentation by Boenning, the FNB Board asked questions of Boenning and Rhoads & Sinon. After further discussion, the FNB Board concluded that the Citizens’ proposal was superior and directed Boenning and Rhoads & Sinon to move forward toward a definitive merger agreement with Citizens, conditioned upon Boenning first contacting Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler”) to request that Citizens increase its proposal to $630.00 per share in order to further separate its proposal from that of partner C. On May 26, 2015, Boenning informed FNB that Citizens had increased its proposal to $630.00 per share as set forth in a revised letter of intent.

From May 26, 2015 to June 29, 2015, Boenning and Rhoads & Sinon, in consultation with senior management of FNB, negotiated the terms of the definitive merger agreement.

On June 11, 2015, members of senior management of FNB and representatives of Boenning and of Rhoads & Sinon conducted on-site reverse due diligence of Citizens. The reverse due diligence included review and analysis of, among other things, Citizens’ loan portfolio, investment holdings, product offerings, policies and procedures, pending legal matters and financial information. Senior management of FNB, in consultation with representatives of Boenning and Rhoads & Sinon, determined due diligence findings to be satisfactory.

On June 29, 2015, special meetings of the Citizens and First Citizens Boards of Directors were held. Representatives of Luse Gorman, PC, special legal counsel to Citizens and First Citizens, reviewed with the Citizens and First Citizens Boards of Directors the terms and conditions of the proposed definitive merger agreement. Representatives of Sandler reviewed the financial terms of the proposed transaction with the Citizens and First Citizens Boards of Directors. Following all discussion, the Citizens and First Citizens Boards of Directors unanimously approved the proposed merger agreement.

A special meeting of the FNB Board of Directors was held on June 30, 2015. Representatives of Rhoads & Sinon again reminded the FNB directors of their fiduciary duties and reviewed with the FNB Board the terms and conditions of the proposed definitive merger agreement. Representatives of Boenning reviewed the financial terms of the proposed transaction with the FNB Board and then provided to the FNB Board a written fairness opinion stating that the merger consideration provided for in the agreement was fair to FNB’s stockholders from a financial point of view. Following further discussion and consideration of the factors described under “—Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and FNB’s Reasons for the Merger,” the FNB Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommended that FNB’s stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and all related transactions provided for in the agreement.

On June 30, 2015, FNB, Citizens and First Citizens executed the merger agreement and issued a joint press release announcing the proposed transaction.

Recommendation of the FNB Board of Directors and FNB’s Reasons for the Merger

After careful consideration, the FNB Board of Directors determined it was in the best interests of FNB and its stockholders for FNB to enter into the merger agreement with Citizens and First Citizens.

In the process of making the recommendation to approve the merger with First Citizens, the FNB Board of Directors consulted with its legal and financial advisors, as well as FNB’s senior management team. In determining that a business combination, generally, and the proposed merger with First Citizens, specifically, is in the best interests of FNB and its stockholders, the FNB Board of Directors considered the following factors, which are not necessarily all-inclusive:

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·the changing regulatory environment, including, in particular, issuance of additional regulations to implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, and the expectant material increase in legal and compliance costs to FNB as greater human and technological resources and expertise are required to remain compliant with applicable law and regulations;
·the current relative size of FNB, its growth over its 108 year history and the expected scale that would be necessary going forward for FNB to continue as an independent, high-performing community banking institution in comparison to the benefits of aligning with a larger, high-performing institution;
·the current merger and acquisition market, including the attractive prices being paid by acquirers and the uncertainty that such pricing would continue or that FNB’s future earnings would remain at a level sufficient to attract such prices;
·the ability of FNB to attract and retain qualified individuals to replace its senior management team and members of its Board of Directors as individuals serving in such positions retire over the next several years;
·the challenging environment for FNB to grow profitably in its current market, as reflected by the decline in its net income from $814,000 as of December 31, 2011 to $301,000 as of December 31, 2014;
·the substantial and costly investments in information technology required to permit FNB to satisfy regulatory requirements and remain competitive in the marketplace, and the anticipated impact of such investments on FNB’s future earnings;
·information recently presented by Boenning identifying the institutions that FNB, its stockholders and customers might find most attractive as a business combination partner, which included a consideration of both large organizations and peers, within and outside FNB’s market;
·the process conducted by FNB’s management and Boenning to identify potential merger partners and to solicit proposals as to the financial terms, structure and other aspects of a potential transaction from potential merger partners in a competitive bidding environment;
·the consideration offered in the transaction, valued at approximately $22.1 million, which represents a premium to book value multiple of approximately 1.40 times;
·the 75% stock/25% cash consideration offered in the merger;
·the fact that FNB stockholders will have the opportunity to receive shares of Citizens common stock in the merger on a tax-free basis, which would allow FNB stockholders to participate in the future performance of the combined company’s businesses and synergies resulting from the merger;
·the increased liquidity for FNB stockholders who receive Citizens common stock in the transaction;
·the ability for FNB stockholders who receive Citizens common stock to participate in cash dividends representing an approximately 1,941% increase over the current dividend paid by FNB;
·the fact that up to $5.5 million of the merger consideration would be composed of cash at $630.00 per share, thereby permitting FNB stockholders who wish to receive cash to elect an all cash exchange or an exchange comprised of part Citizens common stock and part cash, subject to the election, allocation and pro ration provisions of the merger agreement;
·the opportunity to expand relationships with FNB’s existing customer base through the increased lending capacity afforded by the combined institution;
·the anticipated impact on employees of FNB, including the expectation that a merger with Citizens, which does not currently operate in FNB’s market area, will result in fewer reductions in staff;

 

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·the anticipated positive impact to FNB’s existing customers, resulting from Citizens having a community banking business model similar to FNB, including a focus on agricultural lending, and the retention of the vast majority of FNB’s customer-facing employees;
·the proposed Board of Directors and management arrangements which would enhance the depth and experience of Citizens’ existing leadership, including Citizens’ commitment to appoint one FNB Board member to the Citizens Board of Directors, and to retain Michael Groff, Vice President of FNB, as a Vice President of First Citizens;
·the likelihood and anticipated time of completion of the merger;
·the understanding that aligning with Citizens would provide more robust technology and systems, broader product offerings, more favorable terms with vendors and more sophisticated marketing;
·the mutual understanding that FNB and Citizens share similar operating cultures, core values and approaches to servicing their respective markets; and
·the FNB Board’s belief that multiple areas of risk, including regulatory, financial, legal, servicing, and customer retention, could be substantially reduced by combining with a larger institution having access to greater financial and operational resources.

 The FNB Board also considered a variety of potential risks associated with the merger, including the following:

·the possibility the merger might not close and the negative impact that could have on FNB’s reputation and earnings;
·the risk that potential benefits and synergies sought in the merger may not be realized or may not be realized within the expected time period, and the risks associated with the integration of FNB and Citizens;
·the fact that because the stock consideration in the merger is based upon a fixed exchange ratio of shares of Citizens common stock to FNB common stock, FNB stockholders who receive Citizens common stock could be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of Citizens common stock during the pendency of the merger;
·the fact that certain provisions of the merger agreement prohibit FNB from soliciting, and limit its ability to respond to, proposals for alternative transactions, and the obligation to pay a termination fee of $1.0 million in the event that the merger agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, including if FNB terminates the merger agreement to accept a superior offer;
·the potential for diversion of management and employee attention, and for employee attrition, during the period before the completion of the merger and the potential effect on FNB’s business and relations with customers, service providers and other stakeholders, whether or not the merger is consummated; and
·the fact that pursuant to the merger agreement, FNB must generally conduct its business in the ordinary course and FNB is subject to a variety of other restrictions on the conduct of its business before the completion of the merger or termination of the merger agreement, which may delay or prevent FNB from undertaking business opportunities that may arise pending completion of the merger.

 

The FNB Board of Directors realizes there can be no assurance about future results, including results expected or considered in the factors listed above. However, the FNB Board concluded the potential positive factors outweighed the potential risks of completing the merger.

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During its consideration of the merger, the FNB Board of Directors was also aware that some of its directors and executive officers may have interests in the merger that are different from or in addition to those of its stockholders generally, as described under “—Interests of FNB’s Directors and Officers in the Merger That Are Different From Yours.”

The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the FNB Board of Directors in evaluating the transaction is not intended to be exhaustive, but, rather, includes all material factors considered by the FNB Board of Directors. In reaching its decision to approve the transaction, the FNB Board of Directors did not quantify or assign relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The FNB Board of Directors evaluated the factors described above, including asking questions of FNB management and legal and financial advisors, and determined that the transaction was in the best interests of FNB. In reaching its determination, the FNB Board of Directors relied on the experience of its financial advisors for quantitative analysis of the financial terms of the merger. See “—Fairness Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. as FNB’s Financial Advisor.” It should be noted that this explanation of the reasoning of FNB’s Board of Directors and all other information in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.”

The FNB Board of Directors unanimously recommends that FNB stockholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger proposal.

Fairness Opinion of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. as FNB’s Financial Advisor

Boenning is acting as financial advisor to FNB in connection with the merger. Boenning is a registered broker-dealer providing investment banking services with substantial expertise in transactions similar to the merger. As part of its investment banking activities, Boenning is regularly engaged in the independent valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwriting, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. The FNB Board of Directors selected Boenning because of its experience in advising community banks with regard to strategic alternatives and its record of success in mergers and acquisition transactions involving community banks.

 

As part of its engagement, representatives of Boenning attended the special meeting of the FNB Board of Directors held on June 30, 2015, at which the Board considered the merger agreement. At this meeting, Boenning reviewed the financial aspects of the merger and rendered its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, to the FNB Board of Directors that, as of such date, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of FNB common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. The FNB Board of Directors approved the merger agreement at this meeting.

 

The full text of Boenning’s written opinion dated June 30, 2015, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations of the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. You are urged to, and should, read this opinion carefully and in its entirety in connection with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The summary of Boenning’s opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Boenning’s opinion does not reflect any developments that may occur or may have occurred after the date of its opinion and before the completion of the merger.

 

No limitations were imposed by FNB on the scope of Boenning’s investigation or the procedures to be followed by Boenning in rendering its opinion. Boenning was not requested to, and did not, make any recommendation to the FNB Board of Directors as to the form or amount of the consideration to be paid to the FNB stockholders, which was determined through arm’s length negotiations between the parties. In arriving at its opinion, Boenning did not ascribe a specific range of values to FNB. Its opinion is based on the financial and comparative analyses described below.

 

In connection with its opinion, Boenning, among other things:

 

· 

reviewed the historical financial performances, current financial positions and general prospects of Citizens and FNB and reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of FNB;

 

· 

reviewed the merger agreement, dated June 30, 2015;

 

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· 

reviewed and analyzed the stock market performance of Citizens;

 

· 

studied and analyzed the consolidated financial and operating data of Citizens and FNB;

 

· 

reviewed the pro forma financial impact of the merger on Citizens, based on assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and other synergies determined by senior management of Citizens and FNB;

 

· 

considered the financial terms of the merger between Citizens and FNB as compared with the financial terms of comparable bank and bank holding company mergers and acquisitions;

 

· 

met and/or communicated with certain members of Citizens’ and FNB’s senior management to discuss their respective operations, historical financial statements and future prospects; and

 

· 

conducted such other financial analyses, studies and investigations as Boenning deemed appropriate.

 

Boenning’s opinion was given in reliance on information and representations made or given by Citizens and FNB, and their respective officers, directors, auditors, counsel and other agents, and on filings, releases and other information issued by Citizens and FNB including financial statements, financial projections, and stock price data as well as certain information from recognized independent sources. Boenning did not independently verify the information concerning Citizens and FNB nor other data which Boenning considered in its review and, for purposes of its opinion, Boenning assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information and data. Boenning assumed that all forecasts and projections provided to it had been reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of Citizens and FNB as to their most likely future financial performance. Boenning expressed no opinion as to any financial projections or the assumptions on which they were based. Boenning did not conduct any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities of Citizens or FNB, nor have any such valuations or appraisals been provided to Boenning. Additionally, Boenning assumed that the merger is, in all respects, lawful under applicable law.

 

With respect to anticipated transaction costs, purchase accounting adjustments, expected cost savings and other synergies and financial and other information relating to the general prospects of Citizens and FNB, Boenning assumed that such information had been reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently available estimates and good faith judgment of the management of Citizens and FNB as to their most likely future performance. Boenning further relied on the assurances of management of Citizens and FNB that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Boenning was not asked to and did not undertake an independent verification of any of such information and Boenning did not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. Boenning assumed that the allowance for loan losses indicated on the balance sheets of Citizens and FNB was adequate to cover such losses; Boenning did not review individual loans or credit files of Citizens and FNB. Boenning assumed that all of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement and all related agreements were true and correct, that each party under the agreements will perform all of the covenants required to be performed by such party under the agreements, and that the conditions precedent in the agreements were not waived. Boenning assumed that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Also, in rendering its opinion, Boenning assumed that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the consummation of the merger no conditions will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the combined entity or contemplated benefits of the merger, including the cost savings and related expenses expected to result from the merger.

 

Boenning’s opinion is based upon information provided to it by the management of Citizens and FNB, as well as market, economic, financial and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluated only as of the date of its opinion and accordingly, it speaks to no other period. Boenning did not undertake to reaffirm or revise its opinion or otherwise comment on events occurring after the date of its opinion and did not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. Boenning’s opinion does not address the relative merits of the merger and the other business strategies that FNB’s Board of Directors has considered or may be considering, nor does it address the underlying business decision of FNB’s Board of Directors to proceed with the merger. In connection with the preparation of Boenning’s opinion, Boenning was not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit, third parties regarding alternatives to the merger. Boenning expressed no opinion as to the value of the shares of Citizens common stock when issued to holders of outstanding Company common stock pursuant to the merger agreement or the prices at which the shares may trade at any time. Boenning’s opinion is for the information of FNB’s Board of Directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to the Board of Directors of FNB in connection with the merger or a recommendation to any stockholder of FNB as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the merger.

 

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In connection with rendering its opinion, Boenning performed a variety of financial analyses that are summarized below. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of such analyses. Boenning believes that its analyses and the summary set forth herein must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of such analyses and the factors considered therein, without considering all factors and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the analyses and processes underlying its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Boenning considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it. The range of valuations resulting from any particular analysis described below should not be taken to be Boenning’s view of the actual value of FNB.

 

In its analyses, Boenning made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of FNB or Citizens. Any estimates contained in Boenning’s analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual future values or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such estimates. Estimates of values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the actual prices at which companies or their securities actually may be sold. No company or transaction utilized in Boenning’s analyses was identical to FNB or Citizens or the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the results described below is not mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other facts that could affect the public trading value of the companies to which they are being compared. None of the analyses performed by Boenning was assigned a greater significance by Boenning than any other, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Boenning. The analyses described below do not purport to be indicative of actual future results, or to reflect the prices at which FNB common stock or Citizens common stock may trade in the public markets, which may vary depending upon various factors, including changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions, economic conditions and other factors that influence the price of securities.

 

In accordance with customary investment banking practice, Boenning employed generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its opinion. The following is a summary of the material financial analyses that Boenning used in providing its opinion on June 30, 2015. Some of the summaries of financial analyses are presented in tabular format. In order to understand the financial analyses used by Boenning more fully, you should read the tables together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of Boenning’s financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, and if viewed in isolation could create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses performed by Boenning. The summary data set forth below do not represent and should not be viewed by anyone as constituting conclusions reached by Boenning with respect to any of the analyses performed by it in connection with its opinion. Rather, Boenning made its determination as to the fairness to the holders of FNB common stock of the merger consideration, from a financial point of view, on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of the analyses performed. Accordingly, the data included in the summary tables and the corresponding imputed ranges of value for FNB should be considered as a whole and in the context of the full narrative description of all of the financial analyses set forth in the following pages, including the assumptions underlying these analyses. Considering the data included in the summary table without considering the full narrative description of all of the financial analyses, including the assumptions underlying these analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses performed by Boenning.

 

In connection with rendering its opinion and based upon the terms of the merger agreement, Boenning assumed the effective per share merger consideration to be $620.55 based on (i) the fixed exchange ratio of 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock for each share of FNB common stock, (ii) Citizens’ closing common stock price of $49.00 on June 30, 2015, (iii) the cash consideration price of $630.00 per share, and (iv) the mixture of aggregate consideration offered by Citizens to FNB being comprised of 75.0% Citizens common stock and 25.0% cash. Based on the effective per share price of $620.55, the aggregate indicated merger consideration to FNB stockholders was $22.1 million as of June 30, 2015. The effective offer price of $620.55 per FNB share amounted to 139.6% of FNB’s tangible book value per share and 76.2x FNB’s earnings per share, as of and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015. Based on the fixed exchange ratio of 12.6000 shares of Citizens common stock for each share of FNB common stock, for those stockholders who elect to receive all of their merger consideration in Citizens common stock and ultimately would receive it all in Citizens common stock, the annual cash dividend to such FNB stockholders on a relative basis would have been $20.41 per share based on the Citizens’ most recent quarterly cash dividend annualized. These per share annual cash dividends compare to FNB’s current annual cash dividend of $1.00 that it paid during the twelve months ended March 31, 2015.

 

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Comparison of Selected Companies to FNB. Boenning reviewed and compared the multiples and ratios of the current trading price of FNB common stock to FNB’s book value, tangible book value, and latest twelve months earnings per share, such multiples referred to herein as the pricing multiples, with the median pricing multiples for the current trading prices of the common stock of a peer group of 13 selected publicly traded Pennsylvania banks and thrifts with assets between $150 million and $300 million, excluding merger targets. Boenning first applied the resulting range of pricing multiples for the peer group specified above to the appropriate financial results without the application of any control premium, referred to as the unadjusted trading price. Boenning then applied a 27.6% assumed control premium to the trading prices of the peer group specified above, referred to as the adjusted trading price, and compared the pricing multiples of the offer price to the median pricing multiples for the peer group adjusted trading prices. The 27.6% equity control premium is the median one day stock price premium for all bank and thrift merger and acquisition deals announced since January 1, 2000, based on data from SNL Financial.

 

Table 1

 

    Unadjusted Trading Price   Adjusted Trading Price
         

 

Pricing Multiple

  FNB (1)  

Median

Statistics for

Peer Group (2)

  Offer Price (3)  

Median

Statistics for

Peer Group (2)

Price/Book Value

      79.7 %