Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-39188

CINCINNATI BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(513) 574-3025

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes ¨    No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes ¨    No x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.         ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares held by nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2020 was $24,383,374.

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock as of March 25, 2021 was 2,972,822.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

INDEX

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Except as may be required by applicable law and regulation, we are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report.

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

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

PART I

General

Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation that was incorporated in August 2019 to become the stock holding company for Cincinnati Federal in connection with the conversion of the former CF Mutual Holding Company from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company. Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. is the successor to Cincinnati Bancorp (a Federal corporation) (“Old Cincinnati Bancorp”), the former stock holding company of Cincinnati Federal and majority-owned subsidiary of the former CF Mutual Holding Company. The conversion was completed effective January 22, 2020. In the conversion, Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. sold 1,652,960 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $14.1 million, and issued 1,322,665 shares of common stock in exchange for the shares of common stock of Old Cincinnati Bancorp owned by stockholders of Old Cincinnati Bancorp, other than CF Mutual Holding Company, as of the effective date of the conversion. As a result of the conversion, CF Mutual Holding Company and Old Cincinnati Bancorp have ceased to exist.

Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. conducts its business principally through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cincinnati Federal. Because the conversion was effective in January 2020, the financial information contained in this Annual Report for periods prior to that date is the consolidated financial information for Old Cincinnati Bancorp, the predecessor of Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc.

The executive offices of Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. are located at 6581 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45247, and the telephone number at that address is (513) 574-3025. Our website address is www.cincinnatifederal.com. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this annual report.

Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc. is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $237.1 million, total deposits of $152.2 million and total equity of $41.5 million. We recognized net income of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Cincinnati Federal is a federal savings bank headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the years, we have grown internally and we have also acquired a total of five mutual savings institutions, with our most recent acquisition occurring in 2018 with the acquisition of Kentucky Federal Savings and Loan Association effective October 12, 2018.

Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with borrowings and funds generated from operations, in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction and land loans. We also invest in securities, which consist primarily of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government sponsored entities and Federal Home Loan Bank stock. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificate of deposit accounts. We utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (the “FHLB-Cincinnati”) for asset/liability management purposes and for additional funding for our operations.

Cincinnati Federal also operates an active mortgage banking unit with thirteen mortgage loan officers, which originates loans both for sale into the secondary market and for retention in our portfolio. The revenue from gain on sales of loans was $9.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Cincinnati Federal is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by its primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Market Area

We conduct our operations from our main office and three branch offices in Cincinnati, Ohio (Cincinnati) and two branch offices in Northern Kentucky. We also operate a loan production office in Clermont County, Ohio. Hamilton County, Ohio represents our primary geographic market area for loans and deposits. Our business operations are conducted in the larger Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metropolitan area which includes Warren, Butler and Clermont Counties in Ohio, Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties in Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. We will, on occasion, make loans secured by properties located outside of our primary market. The local economy is diversified with services, trade and manufacturing employment being the most prominent employment sectors in Hamilton County. The employment base is diversified and there is no dependence on one area of the economy for continued employment. Major employers in the market include The Kroger Co., Catholic Healthcare Partners, The Procter & Gamble Company, the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, city and county governments, the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. Our future growth opportunities will be influenced by the growth and stability of the regional, state and national economies, other demographic trends and the competitive environment. Hamilton County and Cincinnati have generally experienced a declining population since the 2000 census while the other counties in which we conduct business experienced population growth. The population decline in both Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati results from other counties and northern Kentucky being more successful in attracting new and existing businesses to locate within their areas through economic incentives, including less expensive real estate options for office facilities. Individuals are moving to these other areas to be closer to their place of employment, for newer, less expensive housing and more suburban neighborhoods.

Competition

We face intense competition within our market area both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market area has a concentration of financial institutions that include large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions. We also face competition from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, consumer and finance companies and, with respect to deposits, from money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies. As of June 30, 2020, based on the most recent available FDIC data, our market share of deposits represented 0.10% of FDIC-insured deposits in Hamilton County, ranking us 18th in deposit market share. This data does not include deposits held by credit unions.

Lending Activities

General. Our principal lending activity is originating one- to four-family residential real estate loans and nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction and land loans. To a much lesser extent, we also originate commercial business loans and consumer loans. Subject to market conditions and our asset-liability analysis, we expect to increase our focus on nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans in an effort to diversify our overall loan portfolio and increase the overall yield earned on our loans. We also originate for sale and sell the majority of the fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate with terms of greater than 10 years, on both a servicing-retained and servicing-released, limited or no recourse basis, while retaining shorter-term fixed-rate and generally all adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio. Loans are sold primarily to FHLB-Cincinnati, Freddie Mac or to private sector third party buyers.

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

Contractual Maturities. The following tables set forth the contractual maturities of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2020. Demand loans, which are loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. The table presents contractual maturities and does not reflect repricing or the effect of prepayments. Actual maturities may differ.

Fixed- and Adjustable-Rate Loan Schedule. The following table sets forth our fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2020 that are contractually due after December 31, 2021.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Pursuant to federal law, the aggregate amount of loans that Cincinnati Federal is permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of Cincinnati Federal’s unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is secured by “readily marketable collateral” or 30% for certain residential development loans). At December 31, 2020, based on the 15% limitation, Cincinnati Federal’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $5.5 million. On the same date, Cincinnati Federal had no borrowers with outstanding balances in excess of this amount. At December 31, 2020, our largest loan relationship with one borrower was for approximately $3.3 million, secured by a multifamily property, and was performing in accordance with its original terms on that date.

Our lending is subject to written underwriting standards and origination procedures. Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed applications submitted by the prospective borrower, credit histories that we obtain, and property valuations (consistent with our appraisal policy) prepared by outside independent licensed appraisers approved by our board of directors as well as internal evaluations, where permitted by regulations. The loan applications are designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the requested loan, and the more significant items on the application are verified through use of credit reports, bank statements and tax returns. We generally follow underwriting procedures that are consistent with Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines.

Under our loan policy, the loan underwriter of an application is responsible for ensuring proposals and approval of any extensions of credit are in compliance with internal policies and procedures and applicable laws and regulations, and for establishing and maintaining credit files and documentation sufficient to support the loan and to perfect any collateral position. Loans originated for sale may be approved by any loan underwriter, if the loan conforms to the underwriting guidelines established by the investor to whom the loan will be sold.

Loans to be held in our portfolio may not be approved solely by an underwriter, and generally require review and approval by our Chief Lending Officer, members of the loan committee or the board of directors. All loan approval amounts are based on the aggregate loans, including total balances of outstanding loans and the proposed loan to the individual borrower and any related entity. For one- to four-family owner-occupied real estate loans, our Chief Lending Officer, any two members of the loan committee or any one loan committee member and one underwriter are authorized to approve loans up to $424,100 in the aggregate.

For one- to four-family owner-occupied real estate, non-owner occupied one- to four-family owner-occupied real estate, commercial real estate, undeveloped lots or employee loans, any three members of the loan committee are authorized to approve up to $750,000 in the aggregate. The entire loan committee may approve loans up to $1,000,000 in the aggregate. For aggregate loans in excess of $1,000,000, approval of the board of directors is required.

For all other loans, our Chief Lending Officer or any two members of the loan committee are authorized to approve aggregate loans up to $50,000, with three loan committee members able to approve aggregate loans up to $250,000. As above, the approval of the full loan committee is required for loans up to $1,000,000 and approval of the board of directors is required for loans in excess of $1,000,000.

Generally, we require title insurance or abstracts on our mortgage loans as well as fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan or the value of improvements on the property, depending on the type of loan.

One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. The focus of our lending program has historically been the origination of one- to four-family residential real estate loans. At December 31, 2020, we had $84.8 million of loans secured by one- to four-family real estate, representing 49.0% of our total loan portfolio. We originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2020, the one- to four-family residential mortgage loans held in our portfolio due after December 31, 2020 were comprised of 35.7% fixed-rate loans, and 64.3% adjustable-rate loans.

Prior to 2010, we engaged in significant non-owner occupied one- to four-family real estate lending. Many of these loans were made to investors who owned a number of rental properties, and which did not provide sufficient rental cash flows to service the repayment of the loans. There is a greater credit risk inherent in non-owner occupied properties, than in owner occupied properties since, like nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans, the repayment of these loans may depend, in part, on the successful management of the property and/or the borrower’s ability to lease the property. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely affect the value of properties securing these loans or the revenues derived from these properties which could affect the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Beginning with the economic downturn that began in 2008, we experienced higher levels of delinquencies and charge-offs in our non-owner occupied residential loan portfolio. Our management took steps to reduce our delinquent and non-performing assets in this portfolio, and to reduce this type of lending. See “—Delinquencies and Non-Performing Assets” below. At December 31, 2020, we had $12.1 million of non-owner occupied residential loans.

We currently originate a small number of non-owner occupied residential loans. Non-owner occupied loans as a percentage of total loans was 7.0%. We impose strict underwriting guidelines in the origination of such loans, including a maximum number of loans to the same borrower, local residency, and no prior bankruptcies and/or foreclosures. Properties securing non-owner occupied loans must be within 50 miles of a Cincinnati Federal branch office. We also generally limit loans on non-owner occupied properties to borrowers with no more than ten total rental properties as a way to mitigate the risks involved in lending to professional property investors.

Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans are generally underwritten according to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as “conforming loans.” We generally originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for Fannie Mae. We also originate loans above the lending limit for conforming loans, which are referred to as “jumbo loans.” We also offer FHA, VA and Rural Housing Development loans, all of which we originate for sale on a servicing-released, non-recourse basis in accordance with FHA, VA and USDA guidelines. We use an underwriter with expertise in FHA/VA lending.

We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of our owner-occupied one- to four-family residential mortgage loans to 85% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower. In addition, we may make one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios up to 95% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less, if the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance. Non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are limited to an 80% loan-to-value ratio.

Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans typically have terms of up to 30 years, with non-owner occupied loans limited to a maximum term of 25 years. Our adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans generally have fixed rates for initial terms of three, five or seven years, and adjust annually thereafter at a margin. In recent years, this margin has been between 2.75% and 3.25% over the weekly average yield on U.S. treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. The maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased is generally 2% per adjustment period and the lifetime interest rate cap is generally 6% over the initial interest rate of the loan.

Although adjustable-rate mortgage loans may reduce to an extent our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically re-price, as interest rates increase, the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the ability of the borrower to repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents. Moreover, the interest rates on most of our adjustable-rate loans do not adjust for a period ranging from three years up to seven years after origination. As a result, the effectiveness of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in compensating for changes in general interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.

We also originate home equity lines of credit and fixed-term home equity loans. See “—Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit.”

We do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on permanent one- to four-family residential real estate loans (where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” on one- to four-family residential real estate loans (i.e., generally loans with credit scores less than 660), except for loans originated for sale in the secondary market.

We currently offer a special residential mortgage program with preferred loan terms to new and existing medical physicians. This program includes (i) preferred treatment of new physician income with regard to positions offered or recently begun and (ii) mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio up to 95% to 100% without the need to obtain mortgage insurance for loans up to $600,000. Doctors licensed for at least one year or self-employed for at least two years may receive mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios up to 90% to 100% without the need to obtain mortgage insurance for loans up to $700,000 and 85% for loans greater than $700,000. The portfolio of loans originated under this program was $4.6 million as of December 31, 2020.

Nonresidential Real Estate and Multi-Family Lending. In recent years, we have increased our nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans. Our nonresidential real estate loans are secured primarily by office buildings, retail and mixed-use properties, and light industrial properties located in our primary market area. Our multi-family loans are secured primarily by apartment buildings. At December 31, 2020, we had $29.5 million in nonresidential real estate loans and $41.7 million in multi-family real estate loans, representing 17.1% and 24.2% of our total loan portfolio, respectively.

Most of our nonresidential and multi-family real estate loans have a maximum term of up to 25 years. The interest rates on nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans are generally fixed for an initial period of three, five or seven years and adjust annually thereafter based on the One Year Treasury Rate. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our nonresidential real estate loans is generally 75% while multi-family real estate loans have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80%. All loan-to-value ratios are subject to our underwriting procedures and guidelines. At December 31, 2020, our largest nonresidential real estate loan totaled $3.2 million and was secured by an industrial use facility. At that date, our largest multi-family real estate loan totaled $3.3 million and was secured by an apartment building. At December 31, 2020, both of these loans were performing in accordance with their original terms. Set forth below is information regarding our nonresidential real estate loans at December 31, 2020.

We consider a number of factors in originating nonresidential and multi-family real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property and the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service). All nonresidential real estate and multi-family loans are appraised by outside independent appraisers approved by the board of directors. Personal guarantees are generally obtained from the principals of nonresidential and multi-family real estate borrowers.

Loans secured by nonresidential and multi-family real estate generally are larger than one- to four-family residential loans and involve greater credit risk. Nonresidential real estate loans often involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income-producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Repayment of nonresidential real estate loans depends to a large degree on the results of operations and management of the properties securing the loans or the businesses conducted on such property, and may be affected to a greater extent by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy in general. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family residential real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project. If the cash flow from the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed), the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Accordingly, the nature of these loans makes them more difficult for management to monitor and evaluate. At December 31, 2020, we had no non-performing nonresidential or multifamily real estate loans.

Construction Lending and Land Loans. We make construction loans to individuals for the construction of their primary residences and, to a limited extent, loans to builders and commercial borrowers. We also make a limited amount of land loans to complement our construction lending activities, as such loans are generally secured by lots that will be used for residential development. Land loans also include loans secured by land purchased for investment purposes. At December 31, 2020, our construction loans, including land loans, totaled $5.8 million, representing 3.4% of our total loan portfolio.

Loans to individuals for the construction of their residences are typically originated as construction/permanent loans, with a construction phase for up to 18 months. Upon completion of the construction phase, the loan automatically becomes a permanent loan. These construction loans have rates and terms comparable to one- to four-family residential loans offered by us. During the construction phase, the borrower pays interest only. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of owner-occupied single-family construction loans is generally 80%, or higher if mortgage insurance is obtained. Residential construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to the same guidelines used for originating permanent residential loans. Land loans are generally offered for terms of up to 5 years. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of land loans is 65% for developed lots and 50% for undeveloped land loans.

At December 31, 2020, our largest outstanding residential construction loan was for $804,000 of which $94,000 was outstanding. This loan was performing according to its original terms at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, there were no residential construction loans that were 60 days or more delinquent.

Loans to builders for the construction of pre-sold and market (not pre-sold) homes typically run for up to 24 months. These construction loans have rates and terms comparable to one- to four-family residential loans offered by us. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of pre-sold builder construction loans is generally 80%, and this ratio is reduced to 65% on market homes. Construction loans to builders require that financial statements and tax returns be supplied and reviewed annually. Additionally, we limit construction loans to builders, to no more than two loans on market homes in one development at a time, or no more than one loan per builder at a time.

Loans for the construction of nonresidential or multi-family properties typically run for up to 18 months. These construction loans have rates and terms comparable to nonresidential real estate loans offered by us. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of nonresidential or multi-family construction loans is generally 75%. Nonresidential real estate construction loans also have a 50% pre-leasing requirement. No such requirement is placed on multi-family construction loans.

At December 31, 2020, our largest outstanding nonresidential or multi-family construction loan was $1.7 million. This loan was performing in accordance with its original terms at December 31, 2020.

The application process for a construction loan includes a submission to Cincinnati Federal of accurate plans, specifications and costs of the project to be constructed or developed. These items are used as a basis to determine the appraised value of the subject property. Loans are based on the lesser of current appraised value and/or the cost of construction (land plus building). Our construction loan agreements generally provide that loan proceeds are disbursed in increments as construction progresses.

Construction and land lending generally are made for relatively short terms. However, to the extent our construction loans are not made to owner-occupants of single-family homes, they are more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions and the concentration of credit with a limited number of borrowers. Further, the nature of these loans is such that they are more difficult to evaluate and monitor. Our risk of loss on a construction or land loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value upon completion of the project and the estimated cost (including interest) of the project. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project with a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment and/or the possibility of having to make substantial investments to complete and sell the project. Because defaults in repayment may not occur during the construction period, it may be difficult to identify problem loans at an early stage.

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. We offer home equity loans and lines of credit, which are generally made for owner-occupied homes, and are secured by first or second mortgages on residences. We generally offer these loans with a maximum loan-to-value ratio (including senior liens on the collateral property) of 90% if the first mortgage is originated by Cincinnati Federal and 85% if the first mortgage is not originated by Cincinnati Federal. We currently offer home equity lines of credit for a period of ten years, and generally at rates tied to the prevailing prime interest rate. We also offer home equity lines of credit on non-owner occupied properties, where the first mortgage is also originated by us, with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 50% for a maximum term of two years. Our home equity loans and lines of credit are generally underwritten in the same manner as our one- to four-family residential loans. At December 31, 2020, we had $9.9 million of home equity lines of credit and $2.2 million of fixed-term home equity loans, representing 5.8% and 1.3% of our total loan portfolio, respectively. At December 31, 2020, we had no home equity lines of credit that were 30 days or more delinquent.

Home equity lines of credit and fixed-term home equity loans have greater risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans secured by first mortgages. Our interest is generally subordinated to the interest of the institution holding the first mortgage. Even where we hold the first mortgage, we face the risk that the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to compensate us for the amount of the unpaid loan and costs of foreclosure and we may be unsuccessful in recovering the remaining balance from those customers.

Commercial Business Loans. We have generally conducted very limited commercial business lending. We participated in the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and originated $634,000 in such loans. The board of directors has also authorized management to purchase up to $500,000 in commercial business loans from an unaffiliated commercial lender specializing in loans to physicians and other professionals in the medical field. These are installment loans amortizing over seven years and carry higher interest rates than traditional residential loans. These loans may be secured by liens on non-real estate business assets. These loans are often used for working capital, debt consolidation, equipment and other general business purposes. The loans to be purchased must be reviewed and found to be consistent with our loan policy and underwriting guidelines. As of December 31, 2020, we had acquired such loans in the aggregate amount of $158,000 or 0.1% of the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2020, the loans were performing in accordance with their original terms.

Consumer Lending. To date, our consumer lending apart from home equity loans and lines of credit has been limited. At December 31, 2020, we had $339,000 of consumer loans outstanding, representing approximately 0.2% of our total loan portfolio.

Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans

Lending activities are conducted primarily by our salaried loan personnel operating at our main and branch office locations and by our loan officers. All loans originated by us are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures. We originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate loans. Our ability to originate fixed- or adjustable-rate loans is dependent upon relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by current and expected future levels of market interest rates. We originate real estate and other loans through our loan officers, marketing efforts, our customer base, walk-in customers and referrals from real estate brokers, builders and attorneys.

Consistent with our interest rate risk strategy, we originate for sale and sell the majority of the fixed-rate, one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate with terms of greater than 10 years, on a combination of servicing-retained and servicing-released, limited or no recourse basis, while generally retaining shorter-term fixed-rate and all adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio.  Additionally, we consider the current interest rate environment in making decisions as to whether to hold the mortgage loans we originate for investment or to sell such loans to investors, choosing the strategy that is most advantageous to us from a profitability and risk management standpoint. At December 31, 2020, we had $13.3 million in loans held for sale.

From time to time, we may purchase or sell participation interests in loans. We underwrite our participation portion of the loan according to our own underwriting criteria and procedures. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $4.2 million and $5.7 million in loan participation interests that we purchased. At those dates, we had $2.1 million and $4.2 million in loan participation interests sold.

Historically, we generally do not purchase whole loans or loan participations from third parties to supplement our loan production. However, we have purchased loans from a commercial lender specializing in loans to physicians and other professionals in the medical field. We may purchase additional loans from that lender in the future. See “—Commercial Business Loans.”

We generally sell our loans without recourse, except for customary representations and warranties provided in sales transactions. Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent borrowers, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of unremedied defaults, making certain insurance and tax payments on behalf of the borrowers and generally administering the loans. We retain a portion of the interest paid by the borrower on the loans we service as consideration for our servicing activities. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we sold $291.4 million and $93.8 million of residential loans, respectively, of mortgage loans. Some of the mortgage loans were sold on a servicing-released basis, and we retained servicing on certain of these loans. At December 31, 2020, we serviced $230.2 million of fixed-rate and adjustable, one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originated and sold in the secondary market.

The following table sets forth our loan origination, purchase, sale and principal repayment activity during the periods indicated.

Delinquencies and Non-Performing Assets

Delinquency Procedures. When a loan payment becomes 20 days past due, we contact the customer by mailing a late notice. If a loan payment becomes 30 days past due, we mail a “right to cure” letter to the borrower and any co-makers and endorsers. If a loan payment becomes 90 days past due (or a borrower misses three consecutive payments, whichever occurs first), we send a demand letter and generally cease accruing interest. It is our policy to institute legal procedures for collection or foreclosure when a loan becomes 120 days past due, unless management determines that it is in the best interest of Cincinnati Federal to work further with the borrower to arrange a workout plan. From time to time we may accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure.

When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure, the real estate is classified as real estate owned.  The real estate owned is recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Soon after acquisition, we order a new appraisal to determine the current market value of the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan satisfied over the market value of the property is charged against the allowance for loan losses, or, if the existing allowance is inadequate, charged to expense of the current period. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed.  Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell.

Delinquent Loans. The following tables set forth our loan delinquencies, including nonaccrual loans, by type and amount at the dates indicated.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as “special mention” by our management.

When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable accrued losses. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to cover probable accrued losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.

On the basis of this review of our assets, our classified or special mention assets (presented gross of allowance) at the dates indicated were as follows:

Non-Performing Assets. We generally cease accruing interest on our loans when contractual payments of principal or interest have become 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans are placed on non-accrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until the loan qualifies for return to accrual. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are moved to non-accrual status in accordance with our policy, which is typically after 90 days of non-payment.

The following table sets forth information regarding our non-performing assets and troubled debt restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings include loans for which either a portion of interest or principal has been forgiven, or loans modified at interest rates materially less than current market rates.

Except as disclosed in the foregoing tables, other than $251,000 and $695,000 of loans designated as substandard, there were no other loans at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, that are not already disclosed where there is information about possible credit problems of borrowers that caused us serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans in the future.

Interest income that would have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 had non-accruing loans been current according to their original terms amounted to $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. We recognized interest income for these loans totaling $3,000 and $2,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, all troubled debt restructurings were performing in accordance with their restructured terms.

Troubled Debt Restructurings. We occasionally modify loans to help a borrower stay current on his or her loan and to avoid foreclosure.  We consider modifications only after analyzing the borrower’s current repayment capacity, evaluating the strength of any guarantors based on documented current financial information, and assessing the current value of any collateral pledged. We generally do not forgive principal or interest on loans, but may do so if it is in our best interest and increases the likelihood that we can collect the remaining principal balance. We may modify the terms of loans to lower interest rates (which may be at below market rates), to provide for fixed interest rates on loans where fixed rates are otherwise not available, or to provide for interest-only terms. These modifications are made only when there is a reasonable and attainable workout plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and that is in our best interests. At December 31, 2020, we had ten loans totaling $1.1 million that were classified as troubled debt restructurings.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses. Our allowance for loan losses is the amount considered necessary to reflect probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.

Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists of two key elements: (1) specific allowances for identified impaired loans; and (2) a general valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio. Although we determine the amount of each element of the allowance separately, the entire allowance for loan losses is available for the entire portfolio.

We identify loans that may need to be charged off as a loss by reviewing all delinquent loans, classified loans, and other loans about which management may have concerns about collectability. For individually reviewed loans, the borrower’s inability to make payments under the terms of the loan as well as the shortfall in collateral value could result in our charging off the loan or the portion of the loan that was impaired.

Among other factors, we consider current general economic conditions, including current housing price depreciation, in determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses for our residential real estate portfolio. We use evidence obtained from our own loan portfolio as well as published housing data on our local markets from third party sources we believe to be reliable as a basis for assumptions about the impact of housing depreciation.

Substantially all of our loans are secured by collateral. Loans 90 days past due and other classified loans are evaluated for impairment and general or specific allowances are established. Typically for a nonperforming real estate loan in the process of collection, the value of the underlying collateral is estimated using either the original independent appraisal, adjusted for current economic conditions and other factors, or a new independent appraisal, or evaluation and related general or specific allowances for loan losses are adjusted on a quarterly basis. If a nonperforming real estate loan is in the process of foreclosure and/or there are serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, and there is uncertainty about the value of the underlying collateral, we will order a new independent appraisal or evaluation if it has not already been obtained. Any shortfall would result in immediately charging off the portion of the loan that was impaired.

Specific Allowances for Identified Problem Loans. We establish a specific allowance when loans are determined to be impaired. Loss is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling expenses. Factors in identifying a specific problem loan include: (1) the strength of the customer’s personal or business cash flows; (2) the availability of other sources of repayment; (3) the amount due or past due; (4) the type and value of collateral; (5) the strength of our collateral position; (6) the estimated cost to sell the collateral; and (7) the borrower’s effort to cure the delinquency. In addition, for loans secured by real estate, we consider the extent of any past due and unpaid property taxes applicable to the property serving as collateral on the mortgage.

General Valuation Allowance on the Remainder of the Loan Portfolio. We establish a general allowance for loans that are not classified as impaired to recognize the probable incurred losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, has not been allocated to particular problem assets. This general valuation allowance is determined by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning allowance percentages based on our historical loss experience, delinquency trends and management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio. The allowance may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. These significant factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in existing general economic and business conditions affecting our primary market area, credit quality trends, collateral value, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio, duration of the current business cycle and bank regulatory examination results. The applied loss factors are re-evaluated quarterly to ensure their relevance in the current real estate environment.

As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require that we recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

At December 31, 2020, our allowance for loan losses represented 0.97% of total loans and 961.49% of nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans increased from $111,000 at December 31, 2019 to $174,000 at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2019, our allowance for loan losses represented 0.78% of total loans and 1,268.47% of nonperforming loans. The allowance for loan losses was $1.7 million at December 31, 2020 and $1.4 million at December 31, 2019. The Bank had no loan charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2020 and net loan charge-offs of $22,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, may request us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing allowance for loan losses may not be adequate and increases may be necessary should the quality of any loan deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Investment Activities

General. The goals of our investment policy are to provide and maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day, cyclical and long-term liquidity needs, to help mitigate interest rate and market risk within the parameters of our interest rate risk policy, and to generate a dependable flow of earnings within the context of our interest rate and credit risk objectives. Subject to loan demand and our interest rate risk analysis, we will increase the balance of our investment securities portfolio when we have excess liquidity.

Our investment policy was adopted, and is reviewed annually, by the board of directors. All investment decisions require the approval of at least three senior management members, one of which shall be the President or Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer provides an investment schedule detailing the investment portfolio which is reviewed at least monthly by the Bank’s asset-liability committee and the board of directors.

Our current investment policy permits, with certain limitations, investments in United States Treasury securities; securities issued by the United States Government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises including mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) issued by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac; corporate bonds and obligations; debt securities of state and municipalities; commercial paper; certificates of deposit in other financial institutions, and bank-owned life insurance.

At December 31, 2020, our investment portfolio consisted of securities and obligations issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises or the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2020, we owned $2,801,800 of FHLB-Cincinnati stock. As a member of FHLB-Cincinnati, we are required to purchase stock in the FHLB-Cincinnati, which stock is carried at cost and classified as restricted equity securities.

Securities Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio at the dates indicated, all of which consisted of pass-through mortgage-backed securities.

Mortgage-Backed Securities. At December 31, 2020, we had mortgage-backed securities with a carrying value of $5.2 million, which constituted our entire securities portfolio. Mortgage-backed securities are securities issued in the secondary market that are collateralized by pools of mortgages. Certain types of mortgage-backed securities are commonly referred to as “pass-through” certificates because the principal and interest of the underlying loans is “passed through” to investors, net of certain costs, including servicing and guarantee fees. Mortgage-backed securities typically are collateralized by pools of one- to four-family or multifamily mortgages, although we invest primarily in mortgage-backed securities backed by one- to four-family mortgages. The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as Cincinnati Federal. The interest rate of the security is lower than the interest rates of the underlying loans to allow for payment of servicing and guaranty fees. All of our mortgage-backed securities are backed by either Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or GNMA, which are government-sponsored enterprises.

Residential mortgage-backed securities issued by United States Government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises are more liquid than individual mortgage loans because there is an active trading market for such securities. In addition, residential mortgage-backed securities may be used to collateralize our borrowings. Investments in residential mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that actual payments will be greater or less than the prepayment rate estimated at the time of purchase, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities. Current prepayment speeds determine whether prepayment estimates require modification that could cause amortization or accretion adjustments.

Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2019, are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the effect of scheduled principal repayments, prepayments, or early redemptions that may occur. Adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities are included in the period in which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust.

 Sources of Funds

General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also may use borrowings, primarily FHLB-Cincinnati advances, to supplement cash flow needs, lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.

Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from our primary market area. We offer a selection of deposit accounts, including demand accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We do not accept brokered deposits, although we have the authority to do so.

We participate in the National CD Rateline Program as a wholesale source for certificates of deposit to supplement deposits generated through our retail banking operations. The Rateline Program provides an internet based listing service which connects financial institutions such as Cincinnati Federal with other financial institutions for jumbo certificates of deposit. Deposits obtained through the Rateline Program are not considered to be brokered deposits. At December 31, 2020, approximately $5.6 million of our certificates of deposit, representing 3.7% of our total deposits, had been obtained through the Rateline Program. At December 31, 2020, these certificates of deposit had an average term to maturity of eight months. Early withdrawal of these deposits is not permitted, which makes these accounts a more stable source of funds.

Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. We rely upon personalized customer service, long-standing relationships with customers, and the favorable image of Cincinnati Federal in the community to attract and retain deposits. We recently implemented a fully functional electronic banking platform, including mobile app and on-line bill pay, as a service to our deposit customers.

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in interest rates and competition. Our ability to gather deposits is affected by the competitive market in which we operate, which includes numerous financial institutions of varying sizes offering a wide range of products.

The following table sets forth the distribution of our average total deposit accounts, by account type, for the periods indicated.