form10qjune2008.htm
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

[ x ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008

OR
[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to                 

Commission File Number 000-16435


COMMUNITY BANCORP.


Vermont
03-0284070
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
4811 US Route 5, Derby, Vermont
05829
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(zip code)
   
Registrant's Telephone Number:  (802) 334-7915

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file for such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ( X )  No (  )

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer (  )
Accelerated filer (  )
Non-accelerated filer   (  )    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ( X )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES (  )     NO(X)

At August 11, 2008, there were 4,432,769 shares outstanding of the Corporation's common stock.


 
 

 


FORM 10-Q
 
Page
PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item I     Financial Statements
4  
12  
26  
27  
   
PART II  OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1    Legal Proceedings
27  
28  
28  
Item 5    Other Events
29  
Item 6    Exhibits
29  
30  

 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following are the unaudited consolidated financial statements for Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary, "the Company".

 

 


COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
June 30
   
December 31
   
June 30
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
2008
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
                 
  Cash and due from banks
  $ 10,189,104     $ 17,486,535     $ 8,158,825  
  Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    1,076,346       2,785,988       988,579  
     Total cash and cash equivalents
    11,265,450       20,272,523       9,147,404  
  Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $39,970,000 at 06/30/08,
                       
   $34,273,000 at 12/31/07, and $19,478,000 at 06/30/07)
    39,628,560       34,310,833       19,259,981  
  Securities available-for-sale
    30,963,259       46,876,771       21,691,772  
  Restricted equity securities, at cost
    3,906,850       3,456,850       2,450,150  
  Loans held-for-sale
    480,455       685,876       1,356,904  
  Loans
    357,349,032       355,885,207       263,487,493  
    Allowance for loan losses
    (3,013,321 )     (3,026,049 )     (2,308,904 )
    Unearned net loan fees
    (395,849 )     (443,372 )     (533,475 )
        Net loans
    353,939,862       352,415,786       260,645,114  
  Bank premises and equipment, net
    15,794,666       16,361,152       12,296,028  
  Accrued interest receivable
    2,404,376       2,304,055       1,729,649  
  Bank owned life insurance
    3,624,987       3,559,376       0  
  Core deposit intangible
    3,744,900       4,161,000       0  
  Goodwill
    10,502,804       10,347,455       0  
  Other assets
    5,955,856       7,279,941       5,728,931  
        Total assets
  $ 482,212,025     $ 502,031,618     $ 334,305,933  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                       
 Liabilities
                       
  Deposits:
                       
    Demand, non-interest bearing
  $ 51,998,230     $ 64,019,707     $ 48,449,376  
    NOW and money market accounts
    114,242,617       120,993,657       60,392,387  
    Savings
    51,015,544       46,069,943       39,503,360  
    Time deposits, $100,000 and over
    58,432,160       58,860,374       34,498,571  
    Other time deposits
    113,438,534       126,276,429       97,663,638  
        Total deposits
    389,127,085       416,220,110       280,507,332  
  Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    27,255,000       13,760,000       7,040,000  
  Repurchase agreements
    14,798,381       17,444,933       13,046,280  
  Capital lease obligations
    932,696       943,227       0  
  Junior subordinated debentures
    12,887,000       12,887,000       0  
  Accrued interest and other liabilities
    2,680,496       5,855,988       2,393,558  
        Total liabilities
    447,680,658       467,111,258       302,987,170  
 Shareholders' Equity
                       
  Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 25 shares issued and
                       
    outstanding at 06/30/08 and 12/31/07, and no shares issued and
                       
    outstanding at 06/30/07
    2,500,000       2,500,000       0  
  Common stock - $2.50 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized at 606/30/08authorized at
                       
   06/30/08, 12/31/07, and 06/30/07; and 4,642,578 shares issued at
                       
   06/30/08, 4,609,268 shares issued at 12/31/07, and 4,577,426
                       
   shares issued at 06/30/07
    11,606,445       11,523,170       11,443,565  
  Additional paid-in capital
    25,382,396       25,006,439       24,616,232  
  Accumulated deficit
    (2,099,478 )     (1,597,682 )     (1,914,073 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (235,219 )     111,210       (212,229 )
  Less: treasury stock, at cost; 210,101 shares at 06/30/08 and
                       
    12/31/07 and 209,510 shares at 06/30/07
    (2,622,777 )     (2,622,777 )     (2,614,732 )
        Total shareholders' equity
    34,531,367       34,920,360       31,318,763  
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 482,212,025     $ 502,031,618     $ 334,305,933  

 

 
COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
           
Consolidated Statements of Income
           
(Unaudited)
           
For The Second Quarter Ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
 Interest income
           
   Interest and fees on loans
  $ 5,826,431     $ 4,864,619  
   Interest on debt securities
               
     Taxable
    353,047       207,474  
     Tax-exempt
    470,789       225,251  
   Dividends
    48,007       39,084  
   Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    2,449       25,583  
        Total interest income
    6,700,723       5,362,011  
                 
 Interest expense
               
   Interest on deposits
    2,449,987       1,913,244  
   Interest on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    110,357       19,645  
   Interest on repurchase agreements
    58,230       79,564  
   Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    196,689       0  
        Total interest expense
    2,815,263       2,012,453  
                 
    Net interest income
    3,885,460       3,349,558  
    Provision for loan losses
    62,499       37,500  
        Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    3,822,961       3,312,058  
                 
 Non-interest income
               
   Service fees
    554,986       357,449  
   Income on bank owned life insurance
    33,126       0  
   Other income
    628,893       537,033  
        Total non-interest income
    1,217,005       894,482  
                 
 Non-interest expense
               
   Salaries and wages
    1,476,911       1,121,813  
   Employee benefits
    615,800       440,804  
   Occupancy expenses, net
    798,281       631,591  
   Other expenses
    1,202,933       961,463  
        Total non-interest expense
    4,093,925       3,155,671  
                 
    Income before income taxes
    946,041       1,050,869  
    Income tax expense
    72,480       192,986  
        Net Income
  $ 873,561     $ 857,883  
                 
 Earnings per common share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.20  
                 
 Weighted average number of common shares
               
  used in computing earnings per share
    4,421,453       4,357,462  
                 
 Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.17  
                 
 Book value per share on common shares outstanding at June 30,
  $ 7.23     $ 7.17  
                 
 
 

 

COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
           
Consolidated Statements of Income
           
(Unaudited)
           
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
 Interest income
           
   Interest and fees on loans
  $ 11,953,727     $ 9,627,815  
   Interest on debt securities
               
     Taxable
    810,948       415,244  
     Tax-exempt
    903,502       432,041  
   Dividends
    107,668       89,041  
   Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    60,967       57,828  
        Total interest income
    13,836,812       10,621,969  
                 
 Interest expense
               
   Interest on deposits
    5,356,291       3,816,599  
   Interest on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    254,715       27,359  
   Interest on repurchase agreements
    135,608       161,684  
   Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    489,212       0  
        Total interest expense
    6,235,826       4,005,642  
                 
    Net interest income
    7,600,986       6,616,327  
    Provision for loan losses
    124,998       75,000  
        Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    7,475,988       6,541,327  
                 
 Non-interest income
               
   Service fees
    1,079,138       681,472  
   Income on bank owned life insurance
    65,611       0  
   Other income
    968,030       916,356  
        Total non-interest income
    2,112,779       1,597,828  
                 
 Non-interest expense
               
   Salaries and wages
    3,125,821       2,252,987  
   Employee benefits
    1,228,847       872,403  
   Occupancy expenses, net
    1,657,368       1,237,733  
   Other expenses
    2,659,010       1,942,542  
        Total non-interest expense
    8,671,046       6,305,665  
                 
    Income before income taxes
    917,721       1,833,490  
    Income tax (benefit) expense
    (172,888 )     300,351  
        Net Income
  $ 1,090,609     $ 1,533,139  
                 
 Earnings per common share
  $ 0.23     $ 0.35  
                 
 Weighted average number of common shares
               
  used in computing earnings per share
    4,413,390       4,349,888  
                 
 Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.33  
                 
 Book value per share on common shares outstanding at June 30,
  $ 7.23     $ 7.17  
                 
All share and per share data for prior periods restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend declared in June 2007.
 

 

 


           
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
           
  Net Income
  $ 1,090,609     $ 1,533,139  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
 
  Depreciation and amortization
    576,264       473,372  
  Provision for loan losses
    124,998       75,000  
  Deferred income taxes
    (227,577 )     (25,409 )
  Net gain on sale of loans
    (181,388 )     (142,716 )
  Loss on sale or disposal of fixed assets
    0       7,981  
  Gain on investment in Trust LLC
    (41,381 )     (71,597 )
  Amortization (accretion) of bond premium (discount), net
    (34,691 )     8,974  
  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    14,954,317       14,034,684  
  Originations of loans held for sale
    (14,567,508 )     (14,682,572 )
  Decrease in taxes payable
    (200,312 )     (174,240 )
  Increase in interest receivable
    (100,321 )     (62,514 )
  Decrease (increase) in mortgage servicing rights
    30,055       (42,176 )
  Decrease (increase) in other assets
    1,037,576       (137,342 )
  Increase in bank owned life insurance
    (65,611 )     0  
  Amortization of core deposit intangible
    416,100       0  
  Amortization of limited partnerships
    185,542       195,030  
  Decrease in unamortized loan fees
    (47,523 )     (98,630 )
  Decrease in interest payable
    (128,042 )     (69,813 )
  Decrease in accrued expenses
    (74,307 )     (169,169 )
  (Decrease) increase in other liabilities
    (2,450,157 )     92,365  
     Net cash provided by operating activities
    296,643       744,367  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
  Investments - held to maturity
               
    Maturities and paydowns
    9,934,645       8,976,074  
    Purchases
    (15,252,372 )     (7,166,190 )
  Investments - available for sale
               
    Sales and maturities
    16,502,999       1,000,000  
    Purchases
    (1,079,688 )     0  
  Proceeds from (purchase) redemption of restricted equity securities
    (450,000 )     378,100  
  Decrease in limited partnership contributions payable
    0       (236,094 )
  Investments in limited partnership
    (0 )     (264,800 )
  (Increase) decrease in loans, net
    (1,643,852 )     5,169,665  
  Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of bank
               
    premises and equipment
    (9,778 )     (443,357 )
  Recoveries of loans charged off
    42,301       38,651  
     Net cash provided by investing activities
    8,044,255       7,452,049  
 

 
 Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
           
  Net decrease in demand, NOW, money market and savings accounts
    (13,826,916 )     (18,931,874 )
  Net decrease in time deposits
    (13,266,109 )     (1,548,988 )
  Net decrease in repurchase agreements
    (2,646,552 )     (4,037,666 )
  Net increase in short-term borrowings
    21,495,000       7,000,000  
  Repayments on long-term borrowings
    (8,000,000 )     0  
  Decrease in capital lease obligations
    (10,531 )     0  
  Dividends paid on preferred stock
    (46,875 )     0  
  Dividends paid on common stock
    (1,045,988 )     (997,094 )
     Net cash used in financing activities
    (17,347,971 )     (18,515,622 )
                 
     Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (9,007,073 )     (10,319,206 )
  Cash and cash equivalents:
               
          Beginning
    20,272,523       19,466,610  
          Ending
  $ 11,265,450     $ 9,147,404  
                 
 Supplemental Schedule of Cash Paid During the Period
               
  Interest
  $ 6,363,929     $ 4,075,455  
  Income taxes
  $ 255,000     $ 500,000  
                 
 Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
  Change in unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale
  $ (524,892 )   $ 88,538  
                 
 Common Shares Dividends Paid
               
  Dividends declared
  $ 1,498,655     $ 1,406,798  
  Decrease (increase) in dividends payable attributable to dividends declared
    6,565       (6,528 )
  Dividends reinvested
    (459,232 )     (403,176 )
    $ 1,045,988     $ 997,094  
                 
  Stock Dividend
  $ 0     $ 2,801,082  

 
 

 

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION

     The interim consolidated financial statements of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary are unaudited.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company contained herein have been made.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2007 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NOTE 2.  5% STOCK DIVIDEND

     In June 2007, the Company declared a 5% stock dividend payable August 15, 2007 to shareholders of record as of July 15, 2007.  As a result of this stock dividend, all per share data and weighted average number of shares for prior periods have been restated.

NOTE 3.  RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the Board) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard, (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the Board having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute.  Accordingly, this Statement does not require any new fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008.  Additional information regarding the Company’s fair value measurements under SFAS No. 157 is contained in Note 8.  FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 delays the measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis until the first quarter of 2009.

     In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. SFAS No. 159 contains provisions to apply the fair value option to existing eligible financial instruments at the date of adoption. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year after November 15, 2007, with provisions for early adoption.  To date the Company has not applied the fair value option to any financial instruments; therefore, SFAS No. 159 has not had any impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 109, Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings, in which the SEC Staff expresses its views concerning written loan commitments accounted for as derivatives or at fair value through earnings, as permitted by SFAS No. 159. It is the Staff's position that expected net future cash flows from servicing a loan should be included in the fair value measurement of a loan commitment when it qualifies for derivative accounting under SFAS No. 133 or at fair value through earnings, as permitted by SFAS No. 159. Implementation of SAB No. 109 did not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

     In December 2007, FASB revised SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS No.141R). This statement requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. SFAS No. 141R recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase.  Additionally, SFAS No. 141R defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination, establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquiree achieves control and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, SFAS No. 141R did not apply to the Company’s acquisition of LyndonBank completed at year-end 2007, but would apply to business combinations (if any) in 2009 and subsequent years.

     In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51”.  This statement applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. This statement amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company currently has one unconsolidated subsidiary, CMTV Statutory Trust I, which was created in 2007 in connection with the Company’s $12.5 million trust preferred securities financing.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 160 but does not expect it will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

     In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133”. This statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 161 but does not expect it will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE 4.  INCOME TAXES

     In July 2006, FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48. The implementation of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     The Company’s income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service.  The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes.  A late estimated tax payment for the first quarter of 2006 resulted in a penalty of $15,208 which is reflected in the provision for income taxes for 2007.

NOTE 5.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

     Earnings per common share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock issued during the period (retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends) and reduced for shares held in Treasury. The following table illustrates the calculation for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, as adjusted for the cash dividend paid on the preferred stock:

For the second quarter ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net income, as reported
  $ 873,561     $ 857,883  
Less: dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    46,875       0  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 826,686     $ 857,883  
Weighted average number of common shares used in calculating
               
 earnings per share
    4,421,453       4,357,462  
Earnings per common share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.20  
                 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
                 
Net income, as reported
  $ 1,090,609     $ 1,533,139  
Less: dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    93,750       0  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 996,859     $ 1,533,139  
Weighted average number of common shares used in calculating
               
 earnings per share
    4,413,390       4,349,888  
Earnings per common share
  $ 0.23     $ 0.35  

 
NOTE 6.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

     Accounting principles generally require recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses to be included in net income.  Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as the after-tax effect of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are not reflected in the statement of income, but the cumulative effect of such items from period-to-period is reflected as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss).  Other comprehensive income or loss, along with net income, comprises the Company's total comprehensive income.

The Company's total comprehensive income for the comparison periods is calculated as follows:

For the second quarter ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net income
  $ 873,561     $ 857,883  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
     Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
               
       securities arising during the period
    (671,862 )     (21,248 )
     Tax effect
    228,433       7,224  
     Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (443,429 )     (14,024 )
               Total comprehensive income
  $ 430,132     $ 843,859  
                 
 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
                 
Net income
  $ 1,090,609     $ 1,533,139  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
     Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
               
       securities arising during the period
    (524,892 )     88,538  
          Tax effect
    178,463       (30,103 )
          Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (346,429 )     58,435  
               Total comprehensive income
  $ 744,180     $ 1,591,574  

NOTE 7.  MERGER AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     On December 31, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of LyndonBank, Lyndonville, Vermont, through the merger of LyndonBank with and into Community National Bank, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary.  The aggregate purchase price was approximately $26.7 million in cash.  To finance a portion of the acquisition costs, the Company issued $12.5 million of junior subordinated debentures in a trust preferred securities financing and 25 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock for gross sale proceeds of $2.5 million.

     The transaction was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the operations of LyndonBank are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  The purchase price has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimates of fair value at the date of acquisition.  The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.  During the first quarter of 2008, the Company received valuations on bank premises and equipment to determine fair value and make the necessary adjustments to bank premises and equipment, goodwill and the related deferred tax liability.  The adjustment to goodwill was an increase of $212,884.  During the second quarter of 2008, additional adjustments totaling $57,536 were made to goodwill for the settlement of certain LyndonBank liability accounts, one of which is discussed in Note 9 (LEGAL PROCEEDINGS).


The purchase price allocation, including adjustments described above, was as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,056,029  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    1,006,700  
Investments
    23,541,893  
Loans, net
    94,898,984  
Bank premises and equipment
    3,906,979  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    4,785,076  
Identified intangible asset
    4,161,000  
Goodwill
    10,502,804  
Deposits
    (110,044,422 )
Borrowings
    (14,269,911 )
Long-term debt
    (943,227 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (2,886,859 )
    Aggregate purchase price
  $ 26,715,046  

     The $4.2 million of acquired intangible asset represents the core deposit intangible and is subject to amortization over the weighted-average life of the core deposit base which was determined to be approximately 10 years.

The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

NOTE 8.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

     Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, which provides a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value under generally accepted accounting principles.  SFAS No. 157 requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available-for-sale investment securities) or on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans).

     SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  SFAS No. 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.  Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.  This category generally includes certain derivative contracts, residential mortgage servicing rights, and impaired loans.

Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.  For example, this category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interest in securitizations, and highly-structured or long-term derivative contracts.


     A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2008 are summarized below:

   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
 
Assets:
                       
Securities available-for-sale
  $ 4,727,669     $ 26,235,590     $ 0     $ 30,963,259  
Restricted equity securities
    0       3,906,850       0       3,906,850  
Mortgages held-for-sale
    0       480,455       0       480,455  
Mortgage servicing rights
    0       1,156,763       0       1,156,763  
   Total
  $ 4,727,669     $ 31,779,658     $ 0     $ 36,507,327  

     The fair value of securities available for sale equals quoted market prices, if available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using quoted market prices for similar securities.  Level 1 securities include U.S. Government Bonds and certain preferred stock.  Level 2 securities include asset-backed securities including obligations of government sponsored entities, mortgage backed securities, municipal bonds and equity securities.

     The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based upon an actual purchase and sale agreement between the Company and an independent market participant.  The sale is executed within a reasonable period following quarter end at the stated fair value.

     Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at estimated fair value and are then periodically measured for impairment by projecting and discounting future cash flows associated with servicing at market rates.  The projection of cash flows is a Level 2 measurement, incorporating assumptions of changes in cash flows due to estimated prepayments, estimated costs to service and estimates of other servicing income.  Market assumptions are used and primarily include discount rates and expected prepayments.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s mortgage servicing rights measured at fair value totaled $1.2 million.  During the second quarter of 2008, the Company recorded $3,454 of non-interest income to reflect a reduction in the previously reported impairment of mortgage servicing rights.

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and reflected in the balance sheet at June 30, 2008 are summarized below:

   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
 
Impaired loans
  $ 0     $ 901,346     $ 0     $ 901,346  

      Loans that are deemed to be impaired are valued at the lower of cost or the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral.   Impaired loans are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, with such fair values obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be level 2 inputs.

NOTE 9.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company's subsidiary, Community National Bank, as successor by merger to LyndonBank, was a defendant in an action filed in Quebec, Canada by a Canadian attorney involving a claim for legal fees.  During the second quarter of 2008, the case was resolved and a settlement to the plaintiff-attorney in the amount of $20,000 was paid by the Bank, along with certain statutory costs of $3,735.

     In addition to the foregoing matter, in the normal course of business the Company and its subsidiary are involved in litigation that is considered incidental to their business.  Management does not expect that any such litigation will be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.


 

 

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
for the Period Ended June 30, 2008

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may contain certain forward-looking statements about the Company's operations, financial condition and business. When used therein, the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "predicts," or similar expressions, indicate that management of the Company is making forward-looking statements.

     Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  They necessarily involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Future results of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward looking statements contained in this discussion include, but are not limited to, management’s expectations as to future asset growth, income trends, results of operations and other matters reflected in the Overview section, estimated contingent liability related to the Company's participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) program, assumptions made within the asset/liability management process, and management's expectations as to the future interest rate environment and the Company's related liquidity level. Although these statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates, many of the factors that could influence or determine actual results are unpredictable and not within the Company's control.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements as they speak only as of the date they are made.  The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) competitive pressures increase among financial services providers in the Company's northern New England market area or in the financial services industry generally, including competitive pressures from nonbank financial service providers, from increasing consolidation and integration of financial service providers, and from changes in technology and delivery systems, which erode the competitive advantage of in-market branch facilities; (2) interest rates change in such a way as to reduce the Company's margins; (3) adverse changes in the financial markets or in general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, result in a deterioration in credit quality or a diminished demand for the Company's products and services; (4) changes in laws or government rules, or the way in which courts interpret those laws or rules, adversely affect the Company's business; and (5) unanticipated difficulties, expenses or delays might arise in the integration of LyndonBank’s operations or we may not fully realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition or realize them within expected timeframes.

A Note to Reader

     The Company’s acquisition of LyndonBank became effective on December 31, 2007.  Accordingly, the Company’s results for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 discussed in this report are of the merged institution.  The comparative period information in this report as of June 30, 2007 and for the second quarter and six months then ended does not include data for LyndonBank.

OVERVIEW

     Total assets at June 30, 2008 were $482.21 million compared to $502.0 million at December 31, 2007 and $334.31 at June 30, 2007.  The year-to-year increase reflects the acquisition of LyndonBank.  The decrease from year-end to June 30, 2008 reflects the annual municipal finance cycle as short-term municipal loans generally mature at the end of the second quarter and are not replaced until after the start of the third quarter.  Municipal loans totaling $10 million matured on June 30, 2008, with renewals and new loans of approximately the same being booked in July.  Gross loans increased from year-end by $1.46 million while deposits decreased by $27.09 million.  The decrease in deposits during the first half of the year is due in part to seasonal municipal activity; however this year, the Company also experienced some post-merger deposit runoff.  Low interest rates have made growing deposits a challenge.  The Company is also aware that the recent turmoil in the banking industry can cause erosion in customer confidence.

     Net income for the second quarter of 2008 increased 1.8% over the second quarter of 2007.  This resulted in earnings per common share of $0.19 for the second quarter of 2008 compared to earnings per common share of $0.20 for the same period last year.  Net interest income, after the provision for loan losses, was $3.82 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $3.31 million for the second quarter of 2007.  Although the merger resulted in a larger earning-asset base, diminishing spreads in the declining interest rate environment have been further reduced by the additional interest expense from the amortization of the fair value adjustments to the acquired loans and deposits.  At the end of the quarter, yields on assets had stabilized somewhat while deposit rates continue to decrease, showing slight improvements in spread.  Loan demand has been steady.  However, since much of the activity consists of refinancings, the increased loan activity has not resulted in significant growth of the portfolio.

     Non-interest income, which is derived primarily from charges and fees on deposit and loan products, was $1.22 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $894,482 for the second quarter of 2007, an increase of 36%, while non-interest expense was $4.10 million and $3.16 million for the same comparison period, an increase of 30%.  With most of the merger related costs having been expensed in the first quarter, the second quarter non-interest expenses are starting to reflect the normal post-merger operating expenses of the Company.  The regulatory environment continues to increase operating costs and place extensive burden on management resources to comply with rules such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the US Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act to protect the U.S. financial system and the customer from fraud, identity theft, anti-money laundering, and terrorism.

     The following pages describe our second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2008 financial results in much more detail. Please take the time to read them to more fully understand the results of those periods in relation to the 2007 comparison periods.  The discussion below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and related notes included in this report and with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). (See “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” above.)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and related notes.  The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the Company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Because of the significance of these estimates and assumptions, there is a high likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported for the Company under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates.

     Management evaluates on an ongoing basis its judgment as to which policies are considered to be critical. Management believes that the calculation of the allowance for loan losses (ALL) is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.  In estimating the ALL, management considers historical experience as well as other factors including the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values, current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers and changes in delinquent, non-performing or impaired loans.  Management’s estimates used in calculating the ALL may increase or decrease based on changes in these factors, which in turn will affect the amount of the Company’s provision for loan losses charged against current period income.  Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.

     Occasionally, the Company acquires property in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of debt previously contracted.  To determine the value of property acquired in foreclosure, management often obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.  Because the extent of any recovery on these loans depends largely on the amount the Company is able to realize upon liquidation of the underlying collateral, the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of foreclosed real estate is susceptible to changes in local market conditions.  The amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.  In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate.  Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

     Companies are required to perform periodic reviews of individual securities in their investment portfolios to determine whether decline in the value of a security is other than temporary. A review of other-than-temporary impairment requires companies to make certain judgments regarding the materiality of the decline, its effect on the financial statements and the probability, extent and timing of a valuation recovery and the company’s intent and ability to hold the security. Pursuant to these requirements, management assesses valuation declines to determine the extent to which such changes are attributable to fundamental factors specific to the issuer, such as financial condition, business prospects or other factors or market-related factors, such as interest rates. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are recorded in earnings as realized losses.

     Under current accounting rules, mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are capitalized and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. The value of capitalized servicing rights represents the present value of the future servicing fees arising from the right to service loans in the portfolio. The carrying value of the mortgage servicing rights is periodically reviewed for impairment based on a determination of fair value and impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as amortization of other assets.  Critical accounting policies for mortgage servicing rights relate to the initial valuation and subsequent impairment tests. The methodology used to determine the valuation of mortgage servicing rights requires the development and use of a number of estimates, including anticipated principal amortization and loan prepayments. Events that may significantly affect the estimates used are changes in interest rates and the payment performance of the underlying loans.  As required by SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets-an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 140”, the Company utilizes the services of a third party provider to perform a quarterly valuation analysis.

     Accounting for a business combination requires the application of the purchase method of accounting.  Under the purchase method, the Company is required to record the net assets and liabilities acquired through the merger at fair market value, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets recorded as goodwill and evaluated annually for impairment.  The determination of fair value requires management to make various assumptions, including discount rates, and changes in those assumptions could significantly affect fair values.

     Management utilizes numerous techniques to estimate the carrying value of various assets held by the Company, including, but not limited to, bank premises and equipment and deferred taxes. The assumptions considered in making these estimates are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Management acknowledges that the use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different estimates of carrying values.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The second quarter of 2008 and the six months then ended reflect the combined operations following the Company’s acquisition of LyndonBank, which became effective on December 31, 2007.  Accordingly, in the discussion that follows, prior period income and expense figures are for the Company prior to the merger, and do not include LyndonBank’s results of operations.

     The Company’s net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $873,561, representing an increase of $15,679, or 1.8% over net income of $857,883 for the second quarter of 2007. This resulted in earnings per common share of $0.19 and $0.20, respectively, for the second quarters of 2008 and 2007.  Core earnings (net interest income) for the second quarter of 2008 increased $535,902, or 16.2% over the second quarter of 2007.  Interest income on loans, the major component of interest income, increased $961,812 or 19.8%, for the second quarter of 2008 to $5.8 million compared to $4.7 million for the second quarter of 2007.  Interest and dividend income on investments increased $400,034 or 84.8%. Interest paid on deposits, the major component of interest expense, increased $536,743, or 28.1%, between periods. Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures, a new component of interest expense between comparison periods, amounted to $196,689 for the second quarter of 2008.  This interest is paid out quarterly on the Company’s $12.5 million in junior subordinated debentures issued in October, 2007 in connection with a trust preferred securities financing.

     Net income for the first six months of 2008 was $1.1 million, representing a decrease of $442,530, or 28.9% compared to $1.5 million for the first six months of 2007.  Core earnings for the same comparison periods were $7.6 million for 2008, compared to $6.6 million for 2007, resulting in an increase of approximately $1 million, or 14.9%.  Interest income on loans increased $2.3 million or 24.2% for the first six months of 2008 to approximately $12.0 million compared to $9.6 million for the same period in 2007, and interest and dividend income on investments increased $885,792 or 94.6% between periods, to $1.8 million for the first six months of 2008, versus $936,326 for the 2007 comparison period.  Interest paid on deposits increased $1.5 million to $5.3 million for the first six months of 2008 compared to $3.8 million for the first six months of 2007, and interest paid on junior subordinated debentures amounted to $489,212 for the first six months of 2008.  These increases are predominantly the result of increases in earning assets and interest bearing liabilities related to the Company’s recent merger with LyndonBank.   As a result of the merger, the Company is required to amortize the fair value adjustments of the loans and deposits through net interest income.  The loan fair value adjustment was a net premium, therefore creating a decrease of $81,093 in interest income for the second quarter of 2008, and $196,817 for the first six months of 2008.  The amortization of the core deposit intangible and the certificate of deposit fair value adjustment resulted in $273,050 of additional interest expense for the second quarter of 2008 and $546,100 for the first six months of 2008.  The Company also incurred some additional expenses during the first half of 2008 that were a direct result of the merger, including costs to terminate service contracts held by the former LyndonBank, costs of outside contracts to complete the computer and network conversions, the cost of a communication booklet for the customers, and salary and wages for the personnel needed to complete the merger and the conversion of computer systems.

      Return on average assets (ROA), which is net income divided by average total assets, measures how effectively a corporation uses its assets to produce earnings.  Return on average equity (ROE), which is net income divided by average shareholders' equity, measures how effectively a corporation uses its equity capital to produce earnings.  ROA and ROE were significantly lower in the second quarter and first six months of 2008 compared to 2007, reflecting the effect of merger-related expenses.  The following table shows these ratios annualized for the comparison periods.

For the second quarter ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Return on Average Assets
    0.72 %     .96 %
Return on Average Equity
    10.15 %     11.50 %
                 
For the first six months ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
                 
Return on Average Assets
    0.44 %     .87 %
Return on Average Equity
    6.31 %     10.36 %

INTEREST INCOME LESS INTEREST EXPENSE (NET INTEREST INCOME)

     Net interest income, the difference between interest income and interest expense, represents the largest portion of the Company's earnings, and is affected by the volume, mix, and rate sensitivity of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, market interest rates and the amount of non-interest bearing funds which support earning assets.  The three tables below provide a visual comparison of the consolidated figures, and are stated on a tax equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 34%, the Company’s corporate tax rate. Therefore, to equalize tax-free and taxable income in the comparison, we divide the tax-free income by 66%, with the result that every tax-free dollar is equal to $1.52 in taxable income.

     Tax-exempt income is derived from municipal investments, which comprise the entire held-to-maturity portfolio of $39.6 million, along with a small portfolio within the available-for-sale portfolio amounting to approximately $1.2 million.  The Company also has Agency Stock in its available-for-sale portfolio amounting to $1.4 million that carries a 70% tax exemption on the interest income generated.  Both of these available-for-sale portfolios, aggregating $2.6 million, were acquired through the merger with LyndonBank.

     The following table shows the reconciliation between reported net interest income and tax equivalent, net interest income for the six month comparison periods of 2008 and 2007:

For the six months ended June 30,
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net interest income as presented
  $ 7,600,986     $ 6,616,327  
Effect of tax-exempt income
    450,026       222,567  
   Net interest income, tax equivalent
  $ 8,055,012     $ 6,838,894  



AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

     The table below presents average earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities supporting earning assets.  Interest income (excluding interest on non-accrual loans) and interest expense are both expressed on a tax equivalent basis, both in dollars and as a rate/yield for the 2008 and 2007 comparison periods.  Loans are stated before deduction of non-accrual loans, unearned discount and allowance for loan losses.  Average earning assets and liabilities for the 2007 comparison period do not include the earning assets and liabilities of LyndonBank.


 
   
   
For the Six Months Ended:
 
         
2008
               
2007
       
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
 
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
 
EARNING ASSETS
 
 Loans (gross)
  $ 355,976,557     $ 11,953,727       6.75 %   $ 267,568,784     $ 9,627,815       7.26 %
 Taxable Investment Securities
    37,301,989       810,949       4.37 %     21,742,734       415,244       3.85 %
 Tax Exempt Investment Securities
    43,218,158       1,357,529       6.32 %     21,536,974       654,608       6.13 %
 Federal Funds Sold
    15,131       520       6.91 %     0       0       0.00 %
 Interest Earning Deposit Accounts
    2,353,150       60,446       5.17 %     2,162,989       57,828       5.39 %
 Other Investments
    4,029,290       107,667       5.37 %     2,330,747       89,041       7.70 %
     TOTAL
  $ 442,894,275     $ 14,290,838       6.49 %   $ 315,342,228     $ 10,844,536       6.93 %
   
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES & EQUITY
 
   
 NOW & Money Market Funds
  $ 120,963,309     $ 1,543,587       2.57 %   $ 73,693,482     $ 917,499       2.51 %
 Savings Deposits
    49,646,014       219,416       0.89 %     39,250,471       67,861       0.35 %
 Time Deposits
    179,005,538       3,593,288       4.04 %     131,342,262       2,831,239       4.35 %
 Fed Funds Purchased and Other   Borrowed Funds
    13,784,273       216,754       3.16 %     974,403       27,359       5.66 %
 Repurchase Agreements
    16,133,800       135,608       1.69 %     14,811,398       161,684       2.20 %
 Capital Lease Obligations
    937,540       37,961       8.14 %     0       0       0.00 %
 Junior Subordinated Debentures
    12,887,000       489,212       7.63 %     0       0       0.00 %
     TOTAL
  $ 393,357,474     $ 6,235,826       3.19 %   $ 260,072,016     $ 4,005,642       3.11 %
                                                 
Net Interest Income
          $ 8,055,012                     $ 6,838,894          
Net Interest Spread(1)
                    3.30 %                     3.82 %
Interest Margin(2)
                    3.66 %                     4.37 %


(1)  Net interest spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
(2)  Interest margin is net interest income divided by average earning assets.

     The average volume of earning assets for the first six months of 2008 increased $127.6 million, or 40.5% compared to the same period of 2007, reflecting the effect of the LyndonBank merger, while average yield decreased 44 basis points reflecting the low interest rate environment.  The average volume of loans increased $88.4 million or 33.0%, and the average volume of the investment portfolio increased $37.2 million or 86.0% between periods.  These increases are attributable to the merger with LyndonBank at December 31, 2007, in which the Company acquired $94.8 million in loans and $23.5 million in available-for-sale investments.  LyndonBank figures are actual, compared to the average volumes discussed above and throughout this section.  Interest earned on the loan portfolio comprised approximately 83.7% of total interest income for the first six months of 2008 and 88.8% for the 2007 comparison period.  Interest earned on tax exempt investments (which is presented on a tax equivalent basis) comprised 9.5% of net interest income for the first six months of 2008 compared to 6.0% for the same period in 2007.   As mentioned earlier in this discussion, the Company acquired $2.6 million in tax exempt, or partially tax exempt, investments in the merger with LyndonBank, contributing to this increase.

     In comparison, the average volume of interest-bearing liabilities for the first six months of 2008 increased approximately $133.3 million, or 51.3% over the 2007 comparison period, reflecting the effect of the LyndonBank merger, and the average rate paid on these accounts increased 8 basis points, which is attributable to the rate paid on capital lease obligations and the junior subordinated debentures.  The average volume of time deposits increased $47.7 million, or 36.3%, and the interest paid on time deposits, which comprises 57.6% and 70.7%, respectively, of total interest expense for the 2008 and 2007 comparison periods, increased $762,049, or 26.9%.  NOW and money market funds increased $47.3 million or 64.1%, and the interest paid on these funds comprises 24.8% and 22.9%, respectively, of the total interest expense for the first six months of 2008 and 2007.  The Company acquired actual balances totaling $29.7 million in NOW and money market funds and $54.1 million in time deposits at December 31, 2007 through the merger with LyndonBank.  Also contributing to the increase in average rate is a capital lease obligation the Company acquired through the merger with an average rate of 8.14%, and interest paid on $12.5 million in principal amount of junior subordinated debentures with an average rate of 7.63%.  These debentures helped to finance the year-end acquisition of LyndonBank.  The cumulative result of all these changes was an increase of $1.2 million in tax equivalent net interest income.  However coupled with a significant increase in the balance sheet, the result was a decrease in net interest spread of 52 basis points and a decrease of 72 basis points in the interest margin.


CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE

    The following table summarizes the variances in interest income and interest expense on a fully tax-equivalent basis for the 2008 and 2007 comparison periods resulting from volume changes in average assets and average liabilities and fluctuations in rates earned and paid.

   
Variance
   
Variance
       
RATE / VOLUME
 
Due to
   
Due to
   
Total
 
   
Rate(1)
   
Volume(1)
   
Variance
 
   
INCOME EARNING ASSETS
 
   
 Loans (2)
 
 $
(856,913 )  
$
3,182,825    
 $
2,325,912  
 Taxable Investment Securities
    98,651       297,054       395,705  
 Tax Exempt Investment Securities
    43,855       659,066       702,921  
 Federal Funds Sold
    520       0       520  
 Interest Earning Deposit Accounts
    (2,465 )     5,083       2,618  
 Other Investments
    (46,230 )     64,856       18,626  
       Total Interest Earnings
    (762,582 )     4,208,884       3,446,302  
   
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
 
   
 NOW & Money Market Funds
    37,728       588,360       626,088  
 Savings Deposits
    133,512       18,043       151,555  
 Time Deposits
    (266,107 )     1,028,156       762,049  
 Fed Funds Purchased and Other Borrowed Funds
    (170,145 )     359,540       189,395  
 Repurchase Agreements
    (40,503 )     14,427       (26,076 )
 Capital Lease Obligations
    37,961       0       37,961  
 Junior Subordinated Debentures
    489,212       0       489,212  
       Total Interest Expense
    221,658       2,008,526       2,230,184  
   
Changes in Net Interest Income
 
 $
(984,240 )  
2,200,358    
1,216,118  

(1) Items which have shown a year-to-year increase in volume have variances allocated as follows:
          Variance due to rate = Change in rate x new volume
          Variance due to volume = Change in volume x old rate
     Items which have shown a year-to-year decrease in volume have variances allocated as follows:
          Variance due to rate = Change in rate x old volume
          Variances due to volume = Change in volume x new rate
 
(2) Loans are stated before deduction of unearned discount and allowances for loan losses.  The
     principal balances of non-accrual loans is included in calculations of the yield on loans, while
     the interest on these non-performing assets is excluded.

NON-INTEREST INCOME AND NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

     Non-interest income increased $322,523 or 36.1% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007, from $894,482 to $1.2 million.  An increase in service fees of $197,537 or 55.3% was not only attributable to the increase in deposit accounts acquired through the merger with LyndonBank, but also through an increase in various fees on all deposit accounts resulting from both increased utilization and a change in various deposit fees.  The Company acquired bank owned life insurance (BOLI) through the merger, and recognized $33,126 in non-taxable income on this asset during the second quarter of 2008.  Commissions and distributions from insurance companies increased $110,285 accounting for the 17.1% increase in other income.  Non-interest income increased $514,951 or 32.2% for the first six months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 from $1.6 million to 2.1 million.  Increases are similar in the six month period to the second quarter period with service fees noting the biggest increase of $397,666 or 58.4%, followed by income of $65,611 on the BOLI account.
     Non-interest expense increased $938,254 or 29.7% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007.  Salaries and wages increased $355,098 or 31.7% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The 2008 increases were attributable to normal increases as well the addition of personnel resulting from the LyndonBank merger, and, in the first quarter of 2008, a temporary increase in personnel hours needed before and after the conversion of the computer system of LyndonBank.  Employee benefits increased $174,996 or 39.7% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter of 2007, which is attributable to an increase in personnel from the LyndonBank merger.  Other expenses increased $241,469 or 25.1%, which again is attributable to the merger, primarily in telephone, advertising and postage expenses.  Non-interest expense increased $2.4 million or 37.5% for the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007.  Salaries and wages heads the list of increases at $872,834 or 38.7%, followed closely by other expenses with an increase of $716,467 or 36.9% for the first six months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

     Management monitors all components of other non-interest expenses; however, a quarterly review is performed to assure that the accruals for these expenses are accurate.  This helps alleviate the need to make significant adjustments to these accounts that in turn affect the net income of the Company.

APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES

     Provision for income taxes decreased $120,506 or 62.4% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter of 2007, and a decrease of $473,239 or 157.6% is noted in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007, as a direct result of the decrease in income before taxes of $104,828 and $915,769, respectively.  At December 31, 2007, the Company’s deferred tax liability increased through the valuation of fixed assets and deposits acquired through the merger with LyndonBank contributing to the increase of $202,168 in the deferred tax provision thereby decreasing taxes currently payable.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

     The merger of the Bank and LyndonBank occurred on December 31, 2007. Therefore, the assets and liabilities presented in the discussion below at that date and at June 30, 2008 include the assets and liabilities of the former LyndonBank.

     The following table reflects the composition of the Company's major categories of assets and liabilities as a percent of total assets or liabilities and shareholders’ equity, as the case may be, as of the dates indicated:

ASSETS
 
30-Jun-08
   
31-Dec-07
   
30-Jun-07
 
   
 Loans (gross)*
  $ 357,829,487       74.21 %   $ 356,571,083       71.03 %   $ 264,844,397       79.22 %
 Available for Sale Securities
    30,963,259       6.42 %     46,876,771       9.34 %     21,691,772       6.49 %
 Held to Maturity Securities
    39,628,560       8.22 %     34,310,833       6.83 %     19,259,981       5.76 %
*includes loans held for sale
                                               
   
LIABILITIES
 
   
 Time Deposits
  $ 171,870,694       35.64 %   $ 185,136,803       36.88 %   $ 132,162,209       39.53 %
 Savings Deposits
    51,015,544       10.58 %     46,069,943       9.18 %     39,503,360       11.82 %
 Demand Deposits
    51,998,230       10.78 %     64,019,707       12.75 %     48,449,376       14.49 %
 NOW & Money Market Funds
    114,242,617       23.69 %     120,993,657       24.10 %     60,392,387       18.07 %


     The Company's loan portfolio increased slightly, by $1.3 million or 0.4% from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, and $93.0 million or 35.1%, from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2008.  The Company recorded $94.0 million in loans due to the merger on December 31, 2007.  Available-for-sale investments decreased $15.9 million or 34.0% through maturities and calls during the first six months of 2008, as these funds were then used to cover the outflow of deposit accounts.  The increase of $9.3 million in available-for-sale investments at June 30, 2008 versus June 30, 2007 is the result of $23.5 million in available-for-sale securities acquired in the merger, less $14.2 million in maturities and calls.  Held-to-maturity securities increased $5.3 million or 15.5% during the first six months of 2008, and $20.4 million or 105.8% year to year.  All LyndonBank investments were classified as available-for-sale, therefore, the increases in the held-to-maturity portfolio are entirely attributable to increases in the Company’s own portfolio.

     Time deposits decreased $13.3 million or 7.2% for the first six months of 2008, while an increase of $39.7 million or 30.1% is noted year to year.  The year to year increase reflects the acquisition of $53.4 million in time deposits on December 31, 2007 in the LyndonBank merger, net of fair value adjustments and the sale of deposits associated with the Vergennes branch of LyndonBank.  This year to year increase was partially offset by a decline in time deposits during the first six months of 2008.. Demand deposits decreased $12.0 million for the first six months of 2008, compared to an increase of just over $3.5 million year to year.  Although $18.1 million in demand deposits were acquired in the merger, approximately $8 million were reclassified to NOW accounts after the conversion. This reclassification is reflected in the decrease in demand deposits year to year of $6.6 million.  Savings deposits increased $4.9 million or 10.7% for the first six months of 2008, and NOW and money market funds reported a decrease of $6.8 million for the same period, while increases in both accounts are noted year to year for a combined increase of $65.4 million or 65.4%.  Total savings, NOW and money market accounts acquired at December 31, 2007 were $38.6 million accounting for 59% of the total increase year to year.  The Company anticipated a post-merger runoff of 3% in non- maturing deposits during the first quarter; actual run off of these deposits during the first quarter was approximately 5%.  Additional decrease in deposits in the second quarter is normal for the Company primarily due to seasonal municipal activity.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management - Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure and attempts to structure the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk.  The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, liquidity, and various business strategies.  The ALCO meets monthly to review financial statements, liquidity levels, yields and spreads to better understand, measure, monitor and control the Company’s interest rate risk.  In the ALCO process, the committee members apply policy limits set forth in the Asset Liability, Liquidity and Investment policies approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The ALCO's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the effects of interest rate changes on net interest income and an analysis of the Company's interest rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the entire balance sheet.

     Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates.  As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s interest sensitive assets and liabilities also change, thereby impacting net interest income (NII), the primary component of the Company’s earnings.  Fluctuations in interest rates can also have an impact on liquidity.  The ALCO uses an outside consultant to perform quarterly rate shock simulations to the Company's net interest income, as well as a variety of other analyses.  It is the ALCO’s function to provide the assumptions used in the modeling process.  The ALCO utilizes the results of this simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII and liquidity to sustained interest rate changes.  The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and interest expense paid on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet.  Furthermore, the model simulates the balance sheet’s sensitivity to a prolonged flat rate environment. All rate scenarios are simulated assuming a parallel shift of the yield curve; however further simulations are performed utilizing a flattening yield curve as well. This sensitivity analysis is compared to the ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a 1-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) shift upward and a 100 bp shift downward in interest rates.  The analysis also provides a summary of the Company's liquidity position. Furthermore, the analysis provides testing of the assumptions used in previous simulation models by comparing the projected NII with actual NII.  The asset/liability simulation model provides management with an important tool for making sound economic decisions regarding the balance sheet.

     While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot provide any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how or when customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Credit Risk - A primary concern of management is to reduce the exposure to credit loss within the loan portfolio. Management follows established underwriting guidelines, and any exceptions to the policy must be approved by a loan officer with higher authority than the loan officer originating the loan.  The adequacy of the loan loss coverage is reviewed quarterly by the risk management committee of the Board of Directors.  This committee meets to discuss, among other matters, potential exposures, historical loss experience, and overall economic conditions.  Existing or potential problems are noted and addressed by senior management in order to assess the risk of probable loss or delinquency.  A variety of loans are reviewed periodically by an independent firm in order to help ensure accuracy of the Company's internal risk ratings and compliance with various internal policies and procedures, as well as those set by the regulatory authorities.  The Company also employs a Credit Administration Officer whose duties include monitoring and reporting on the status of the loan portfolio including delinquent and non-performing loans.  Credit risk may also arise from geographic concentration of loans.  While the Company’s loan portfolio is derived primarily from its primary market area in northeastern Vermont, geographic concentration is partially mitigated by the continued growth of the Company’s loan portfolio in Washington, Lamoille and Franklin counties, its newest market areas.

The following table reflects the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Total Loans
   
% of Total
   
Total Loans
   
% of Total
 
Construction & Land Development
   $ 13,620,017       3.81 %  
12,896,803       3.62 %
Secured by Farm Land
    9,098,411       2.54 %     9,645,648       2.71 %
1-4 Family Residential
    203,040,866       56.74 %     195,844,303       54.92 %
Commercial Real Estate
    85,284,468       23.83 %     85,576,002       24.00 %
Loans to Finance Agricultural Production
    1,159,187       0.32 %     2,430,454       0.68 %
Commercial & Industrial Loans
    28,035,249       7.84 %     31,258,211       8.77 %
Consumer Loans
    16,583,607       4.64 %     18,461,620       5.18 %
All other loans
    1,007,682       0.28 %     459,241       0.13 %
     Total Gross Loans
    357,829,487       100.00 %     356,572,281       100.00 %
 Reserve for loan losses
    (3,013,321 )     -0.84 %     (3,026,049 )     -0.85 %
 Unearned loan fees
    (395,849 )     -0.11 %     (443,372 )     -0.12 %
      Net Loans
   $ 354,420,317       99.05 %  
353,119,281       99.03 %

Allowance for loan losses and provisions - The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio (See “Critical Accounting Policies”). As of June 30, 2008, the Company maintained a residential loan portfolio (including home equity lines of credit) of $203.0 million, compared to $195.8 million at December 31, 2007, accounting for 56.7% and 54.9%, respectively, of the total loan portfolio.  The commercial real estate portfolio (including construction, land development and farmland loans) totaled $108.0 million and $108.1 million, respectively, at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, comprising 30.2% and 30.3%, respectively, of the total loan portfolio.  The Company's commercial loan portfolio includes loans that carry guarantees from government programs, thereby mitigating the Company's credit risk on such loans.  At June 30, 2008, the Company had $17.8 million in loans of which $13.4 million was guaranteed, compared to almost $19.0 million in loans with a guaranteed portion totaling $14.1 million at December 31, 2007.  The Company's estimate for loan loss coverage is based upon such factors as trends in the volumes of residential and commercial loans secured by real estate, historical loan loss experience on these portfolios, and the experience of loan origination, underwriting and credit administration staff.  Based upon management's analysis of these and other factors, management believes its coverage for potential loan loss is adequate for the current environment.

The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience for the six months ended June 30,

   
2008
   
2007
 
Loans Outstanding End of Period
  $ 357,829,487     $ 264,844,397  
Average Loans Outstanding During Period
  $ 355,976,557     $ 267,568,784  
                 
Loan Loss Reserve, Beginning of Period
  $ 3,026,049     $ 2,267,821  
Loans Charged Off:
               
  Residential Real Estate
    0       0  
  Commercial Real Estate
    106,383       0  
  Commercial Loans not Secured by Real Estate
    7,044       0  
  Consumer Loans
    66,600       72,568  
       Total Loans Charged Off
    180,027       72,568  
Recoveries:
               
  Residential Real Estate
    1,329       13,346  
  Commercial Real Estate
    879       12234  
  Commercial Loans not Secured by Real Estate
    11,006       1,512  
  Consumer Loans
    29,087       11,559  
        Total Recoveries
    42,301       38,651  
Net Loans Charged Off
    137,726       33,917  
Provision Charged to Income
    124,998       75,000  
Loan Loss Reserve, End of Period
  $ 3,013,321     $ 2,308,904  
                 
Net Charge Offs to Average Loans Outstanding
    0.039 %     0.013 %
Loan Loss Reserve to Average Loans Outstanding
    0.846 %     0.863 %

Non-performing assets for the comparison periods were as follows:

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
             
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
   
Balance
   
of Total
   
Balance
   
of Total
 
                         
Non-Accruing loans
  $ 1,021,987       51.39 %   $ 1,337,641       90.66 %
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
    966,591       48.61 %     137,742       9.34 %
   Total
  $ 1,988,578       100.00 %   $ 1,475,383       100.00 %

     Specific allocations are made in the allowance for loan losses in situations management believes may represent a greater risk for loss.  In addition, a portion of the allowance (termed "unallocated") is established to absorb inherent losses that probably exist as of the valuation date although not identified through management's objective processes for estimated credit losses.  A quarterly review of various qualitative factors, including levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals and national and local economic trends and conditions, helps to ensure that areas with potential risk are noted and coverage increased or decreased to reflect the trends in delinquencies and non-accruals.  Due in part to local economic conditions, the Company increased this section of qualitative factors during the first quarter of 2007, to allocate portions of the allowance to this area.  Residential mortgage loans make up the largest part of the loan portfolio and have the lowest historical loss ratio, helping to alleviate the overall risk.  While the allowance is described as consisting of separate allocated portions, the entire allowance is available to support loan losses, regardless of category.

     The Company has experienced an increase in collection activity on loans 30 to 60 days past due during the first six months of 2008.  The Company works actively with customers early in the delinquency process to help them to avoid default or foreclosure.  The Company’s non-accruing loan portfolio decreased $315,654 or 23.6% during the first six months of 2008, due in part to payoffs through foreclosure sales, which was partially offset by the addition of a 1-4 family residential loan with a sizeable balance.  The increase of $828,849 in the loans 90 days or more past due is attributable to two commercial loans amounting to $523,365.  These commercial loans are well secured minimizing any potential loss.

Market Risk - In addition to credit risk in the Company’s loan portfolio and liquidity risk, the Company’s business activities also generate market risk.  Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.  The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes.  The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, investing, and deposit taking activities.  Interest rate risk is directly related to the different maturities and repricing characteristics of interest-bearing assets and liabilities, as well as to loan prepayment risks, early withdrawal of time deposits, and the fact that the speed and magnitude of responses to interest rate changes vary by product.  Changes in interest rates also have a direct impact on the market value of the securities portfolio and the mortgage servicing rights.  As discussed above under "Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management", the Company actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk through the ALCO process.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

     The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit (including commercial and construction lines of credit), standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans.   Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.  During the first six months of 2008, the Company did not engage in any activity that created any additional types of off-balance-sheet risk.

     The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.  The Company's financial instruments or commitments whose contract amount represents credit risk as of June 30, 2008 were as follows:

   
Contract or
 
   
Notional Amount
 
       
Unused portions of home equity lines of credit
    15,317,891  
Other commitments to extend credit
    25,482,519  
Residential and commercial construction lines of credit
    6,896,624  
Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit
    280,680  
Recourse on sale of credit card portfolio
    1,311,950  
MPF credit enhancement obligation, net of liability recorded
    1,372,336  

     Since some commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The recourse provision under the terms of the sale of the Company’s credit card portfolio in 2007 is based on total lines, not balances outstanding.  Based on historical losses, the Company does not expect any significant losses from this commitment.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Managing liquidity risk is essential to maintaining both depositor confidence and stability in earnings.  Liquidity management refers to the ability of the Company to adequately cover fluctuations in assets and liabilities.  Meeting loan demand (assets) and covering the withdrawal of deposit funds (liabilities) are two key components of the liquidity management process.  The Company’s principal sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and securities, maturities of investment securities, sales of loans available for sale, and earnings and funds provided from operations.  Maintaining a relatively stable funding base, which is achieved by diversifying funding sources, competitively pricing deposit products, and extending the contractual maturity of liabilities, reduces the Company’s exposure to roll over risk on deposits and limits reliance on volatile short-term borrowed funds.  Short-term funding needs arise from declines in deposits or other funding sources and funding of loan commitments.  The Company’s strategy is to fund assets to the maximum extent possible with core deposits that provide a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds.  When funding needs, including loan demand, out pace deposit growth, it is necessary for the Company to use alternative funding sources, such as investment portfolio maturities and short-term borrowings, to meet these funding needs.

     The Company has taken the approach of offering deposit specials at competitive rates, in varying terms that fit within the balance sheet mix.  The strategy of offering specials is meant to provide a means to retain deposits while not having to reprice the entire deposit portfolio.  The Company recognizes that with increasing competition for deposits, it may at times be desirable to utilize alternative sources of funding to supplement deposits.  In 2007, the Board of Directors approved an updated Asset Liability Management Funding Policy that includes the expanded use of brokered deposits.  This will allow the Company to augment retail deposits and borrowings with brokered deposits as needed to help fund loans.  To date, the Company has not utilized this source of funds.

     During the first six months of 2008, the Company's available-for-sale investment portfolio decreased $15.9 million through maturities and calls, while the held-to-maturity investment portfolio increased $5.3 million and the loan portfolio increased $1.3 million.  At June 30, 2008, 14 debt securities and 3 equity securities had aggregate unrealized losses totaling $424,108 and $157,915, respectively.  The primary factors considered in the determination of the values of these investments are the general market conditions, changes in interest rates and the quality of the issuer.  The Company evaluates debt securities for impairment at least quarterly, or more frequently as conditions warrant.  The Company considers factors it deems relevant in light of the nature of the security and the issuer, including whether the issuer is a government unit, a government agency or a government-sponsored enterprise, whether the security bears a government guarantee, whether downgrades have been made by rating agencies, and more recently, the status of relevant legislative and regulatory developments affecting the market for mortgage related securities.  In light of its analysis and because the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity, or for the foreseeable future if classified as available-for-sale, no declines in value were deemed by management to be other than temporary at June 30, 2008.

     On the liability side, NOW and money market accounts decreased $6.8 million and savings deposits increased $4.9 million during the first six months of 2008, while time deposits decreased $13.3 million, and demand deposits decreased $12.0 million.  Approximately $8 million in demand deposits were reclassified into NOW accounts, accounting for a portion of the change in these account categories.

     As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB), the Company has access to pre-approved lines of credit.  The Company had a $1.0 million unsecured Federal Funds line with an available balance of the same at June 30, 2008.  Interest is chargeable at a rate determined daily, approximately 25 basis points higher than the rate paid on federal funds sold.  At June 30, 2008 the Company also had additional borrowing capacity of approximately $100.3 million, less outstanding advances and certain pledged collateral amounts, through the FHLBB, secured by the Company's qualifying loan portfolio.

     To cover seasonal decreases in deposits primarily associated with municipal accounts, the Company typically borrows short-term advances from the FHLBB at the end of the second quarter and pays the advances down as the municipal deposits flow back into the bank during the third and fourth quarter.  With the latest decrease in Federal Funds rate, the Company will consider extending a portion of the overnight funding need into short-term advances to mature as the seasonal deposits flow back into the bank.  At the end of the second quarter, the Company had outstanding advances of $27.3 million consisting of the following:

   
Annual
       
Principal
 
    Purchase Date
 
Rate
   
     Maturity Date
 
Balance
 
                 
Long-term Advance
               
November 16, 1992
    7.67 %  
November 16, 2012
  $ 10,000  
                     
Short-term Advances
                   
Overnight Funds Purchased (FHLBB)
    2.50 %  
July 1, 2008
  $ 27,245,000  

     Under a separate agreement with FHLBB, the Company has the authority to collateralize public unit deposits, up to its FHLBB borrowing capacity ($101.7 million less outstanding advances noted above) with letters of credit issued by the FHLBB.  At June 30, 2008, approximately $69.8 million was pledged under this agreement, as collateral for these deposits.  A letter of credit fee is charged to the Company quarterly based on the average daily balance for the quarter at an annual rate of 20 basis points.  The average daily balance for the second quarter of 2008 was approximately $19.9 million.

     Other alternative sources of funding come from unsecured Federal Funds lines with two other correspondent banks that total $7.5 million.  There were no balances outstanding on either line at June 30, 2008.

     In the second quarter of 2008, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per common share, payable in the third quarter of 2008, requiring an accrual of $750,726 at June 30, 2008.

The following table illustrates the changes in shareholders' equity from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008:

Balance at December 31, 2007 (book value $7.94 per common share)
$ 34,920,360 
Net income
1,090,609 
Issuance of stock through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan
459,232 
Total dividends declared on common stock
(1,498,655)
Total dividends declared on preferred stock
(93,750)
Unrealized holding gain arising during the period on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
(346,429)
     Balance at June 30, 2008 (book value $7.23 per common share)
$ 34,531,367 


     Since 2000 the Company has had in effect a stock buyback plan that authorized the repurchase from time to time of shares of the Company’s common stock.  During the first six months of 2008, the Company did not repurchase any shares pursuant to the buyback authority.  In August, 2008, the Board of Directors terminated the buyback program.  For additional information on stock repurchases by the Company refer to Part II, Items 2 and 5 of this Report.

     The primary source of funds for the Company's payment of dividends to its shareholders is dividends paid to the Company by the Bank.  The Bank, as a national bank, is subject to the dividend restrictions contained in the National Bank Act, administered by the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC").  Under such restrictions, the Bank may not, without the prior approval of the OCC, declare dividends in excess of the sum of the current year's earnings (as defined) plus the retained earnings (as defined) from the prior two years.

     Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and a so-called leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).  Under current guidelines, banks must maintain a risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%, of which at least 4.0% must be in the form of core capital (as defined).

     Regulators have also established minimum capital ratio guidelines for FDIC-insured banks under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.  These minimums are a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6%, and a leverage ratio of 5%.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s subsidiary was deemed well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that time that management believes have changed the Subsidiary's classification.

The risk based ratios of the Company and its subsidiary as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 exceeded regulatory guidelines and are presented in the table below.

         
Minimum To Be Well
     
Minimum
Capitalized Under
     
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
Adequacy Purposes:
Action Provisions:
 
Amount
Ratio 
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
As of June 30, 2008:
           
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$34,899
10.80%
$25,855
8.0%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$35,756
11.09%
$25,794
8.0%
$32,243
10.0%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated
$31,886
9.87%
$12,928
4.0%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$32,743
10.15%
$12,897
4.0%
$19,346
6.0%
Tier I capital (to average assets)
           
   Consolidated
$31,886
6.75%
$18,883
4.0%
N/A
N/A
   Bank
$32,743
6.95%
$18,855
4.0%
$23,569
5.0%
             
As of December 31, 2007:
           
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated*
$36,975
15.48%
$19,104
8.0%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$48,506
20.41%
$19,013
8.0%
$23,766
10.0%
   Former LyndonBank
$13,536
12.94%
$  8,365
8.0%
$10,457
10.0%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
           
   Consolidated*
$34,736
14.55%
$ 9,552
4.0%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$46,267
19.47%
$ 9,506
4.0%
$14,260
6.0%
   Former LyndonBank
$12,749
12.19%
$ 4,183
4.0%
$  6,274
6.0%
Tier I capital (to average assets)
           
   Consolidated*
$34,736
9.40%
$14,785
4.0%
N/A
N/A
   Community National Bank
$46,267
12.54%
$14,752
4.0%
$18,440
5.0%
   Former LyndonBank
$12,749
8.26%
$  6,153
4.0%
$  7,691
5.0%

*Consolidated refers to Community Bancorp. and Community National Bank before consolidation of the former LyndonBank assets.  The Federal Regulators approved the filing of separate Call Reports for Community National Bank and the former LyndonBank; therefore, numbers presented in the table above for 2007 are as filed with the applicable reporting agencies at December 31, 2007.

     The Company intends to maintain a capital resource position in excess of the minimums shown above.  Consistent with that policy, management will continue to anticipate the Company's future capital needs.

     From time to time the Company may make contributions to the capital of Community National Bank.  At present, regulatory authorities have made no demand on the Company to make additional capital contributions.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     The Company's management of the credit, liquidity and market risk inherent in its business operations is discussed in Part 1, Item 2 of this report under the caption "RISK MANAGEMENT", which is incorporated herein by reference.  Management does not believe that there have been any material changes in the nature or categories of the Company's risk exposures from those disclosed in the Company’s 2007 annual report on form 10-K.

ITEM 4T. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  As of June 30, 2008, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, management concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2008 were effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed in the reports it files with the Commission under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  As of December 31, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  Management assessed the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2007, its system of internal control over financial reporting met those criteria and is effective.  As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its President and Chief Operating Officer (Chief Financial Officer).  Based upon that evaluation, such officers concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  For this purpose, the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period ended June 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings


     The Company and/or its Subsidiary are subject to various claims and legal actions that have arisen in the normal course of business.  Management does not expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial statements.


ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information as to purchases of the Company’s common stock during the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, by the Company and by any affiliated purchaser (as defined in SEC Rule 10b-18):

                     
Maximum
 
                     
Number of Shares
 
               
Total Number of
   
That May Yet Be
 
   
Total Number
   
Average
   
Shares Purchased
   
Purchased Under
 
   
Of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
as Part of Publicly
   
the Plan at the
 
For the period:
 
Purchased(1)(2)
   
Per Share
   
Announced Plan(3)
   
End of the Period
 
                         
April 1 – April 30
    2,711     $ 14.00       0       226,110  
May 1 – May 31
    0     $ 0.00       0       226,110  
June 1 – June 30
    4,000     $ 13.85       0       226,110  
     Total
    6,711     $ 13.91       0       226,110  

(1)  All 6,711 shares were purchased for the account of participants invested in the Company Stock Fund under the Company’s Retirement Savings Plan by or on behalf of the Plan Trustee, the Human Resources Committee of Community National Bank.  Such share purchases were facilitated through Community Financial Services Group, LLC (“CFSG”), which provides certain investment advisory services to the Plan.  Both the Plan Trustee and CFSG may be considered affiliates of the Company under Rule 10b-18.  All purchases by the Plan were made in the open market in brokerage transactions and reported on the OTC Bulletin Board©.

(2)  Shares purchased during the period do not include fractional shares repurchased from time to time in connection with the participant's election to discontinue participation in the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

(3)  In 2000 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase from time to time of up to 205,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in open market and privately negotiated transactions, in management’s discretion and as market conditions may warrant.  The Board extended this authorization in 2002 to repurchase an additional 200,000 shares, with an aggregate limit for such repurchases under both authorizations of $3.5 million.  The Board of Directors terminated the buyback program in August 2008.

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     The following matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Community Bancorp. on June 10, 2008:

 
Item 1.  To elect four directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2011;
 
 Item 2.  To amend and restate the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation;
 
Item 3.
To amend Article Six of the Company’s Articles of Association to declassify the Board and provide for annual election of all directors;

Item 4.
To amend Article Six of the Company’s Articles of Association to delete provisions relating to filing of Board vacancies, removal of directors and interpretation of the Article;

Item 5.
To amend Article Seven of the Company’s Articles of Association, to eliminate the supermajority vote required to amend certain provisions of the Articles of Association and Bylaws;

Item 6.
To ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm of Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker as the Corporation’s external auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008;

The results are as follows:

               
AUTHORITY
       
               
WITHHELD/
   
BROKER
 
MATTER
 
FOR
   
AGAINST
   
ABSTAIN
   
NON-VOTE
 
Item 1.  Election of Directors:
                       
   Thomas E. Adams
    3,050,601       33,977       -0-       -0-  
   Jacques R. Couture
    3,034,306       50,272       -0-       -0-  
   Dorothy R. Mitchell
    3,039,109       45,469       -0-       -0-  
   Richard C. White
    3,069,751       14,827       -0-       -0-  
                                 
Item 2.  The Company’s Amended and Restated
    2,967,219       43,423       73,934       -0-  
 Articles of Incorporation
                               
Item 3.  Article Six of the Company’s Articles of
    2,911,354       76,933       96,290       -0-  
 Association
                               
Item 4.  Article Six of the Company’s Articles of
    2,890,121       79,898       114,557       -0-  
 Association
                               
Item 5.  Article Seven of the Company’s Articles
    2,823,261       156,144       105,171       -0-  
 of Association
                               
Item 6.  Selection of Auditors
    2,989,667       -0-       94,909       -0-  
Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker
                               

     The votes cast in favor were sufficient to elect each of the nominees for director and to approve items 2 and 6.  Items 3, 4 and 5 were not approved.

ITEM 5. Other Events
 
On August 12, 2008 the Board of Directors terminated the Company's stock repurchase program, effective immediately. The repurchase program was initially adopted in 2000 and reauthorized and extended in 2002 to provide repurchase authority with respect to an aggregate of up to 405,000 shares of common stock, with an aggregate dollar limitation of $3.5 million.  Prior to termination, a total of 178,890 shares had been repurchased pursuant to the program in open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions, at prices ranging from a low of $9.75 per share in May, 2000 to a high of $16.50 per share in September 2005.  The last purchase under the buyback program was in December, 2005.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this report:
Exhibit 3.1 - Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Community Bancorp.
Exhibit 31.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Exhibit 32.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

*This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Act of 1934.

 
 

 

 Index

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

COMMUNITY BANCORP.

DATED:  August 13, 2008
/s/ Stephen P. Marsh                    
 
 
Stephen P. Marsh, President &
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
     
DATED:  August 13, 2008
/s/ Louise M. Bonvechio                
 
 
Louise M. Bonvechio,  Vice President
 
 
& Chief Financial Officer