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CITIZENS HOLDING CO /MS/ - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

cizn20230331_10q.htm
 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

 

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: 001-15375

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Mississippi   64-0666512

(State or other jurisdiction of

Company or organization)

  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
521 Main Street, Philadelphia, MS   39350
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

601-656-4692

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of Each Exchange on Which

Registered

Common Stock, $0.20 par value

CIZN

NASDAQ Global Market

 

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 ☐ 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 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☑Yes ☐ 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 an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

 

Non-accelerated filer ☑

Emerging growth company ☐

Smaller Reporting Company ☑

 

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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐Yes ☑ No

 

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of May 4, 2023:

 

Title Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.20 par value 5,616,438

                                                               

 

 

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1
       
  Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements. 1
       
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, as of March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022 (Audited) 1
       
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three months ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited) 2
       
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three months ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited) 3
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three months ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited) 4
       
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
       
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 32
       
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 47
       
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 49
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 50
     
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings. 50
       
  Item 1A. Risk Factors. 50
       
  Item 6.  Exhibits. 50
       
SIGNATURES   51

 

 

 

 

PART I.‐ FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(in thousands, except share data)

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

   

(Audited)

 
Assets                

Cash and due from banks

  $ 15,600     $ 26,948  

Interest bearing deposits with other banks

    606       1,646  

Cash and cash equivalents

    16,206       28,594  

Investment securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

    402,237       406,590  

Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value

    201,740       201,322  

Loans held for investment (LHFI) (1)

    567,240       585,591  

Less allowance for credit losses (ACL), LHFI (1)

    6,017       5,264  

Net LHFI

    561,223       580,327  

Premises and equipment, net

    27,561       27,705  

Other real estate owned, net

    1,179       1,179  

Accrued interest receivable

    4,562       4,864  

Cash surrender value of life insurance

    25,909       25,724  

Deferred tax assets, net

    29,091       29,574  

Identifiable intangible assets, net

    13,413       13,442  

Other assets

    6,349       4,682  
                 

Total Assets

  $ 1,289,470     $ 1,324,003  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                
Liabilities                
Deposits:                

Non-interest bearing deposits

  $ 288,466     $ 299,112  

Interest bearing deposits

    827,360       827,290  

Total deposits

    1,115,826       1,126,402  
                 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

    98,532       127,574  

Short-term borrowings

    1,725       -  

Borrowings on secured line of credit

    18,000       18,000  

Deferred compensation payable

    9,985       9,868  

Other liabilities

    4,279       3,134  

Total liabilities

    1,248,347       1,284,978  
                 
Shareholders' Equity                

Common stock, $0.20 par value, 22,500,000 shares authorized, Issued and outstanding: 5,607,438 shares - March 31, 2023; 5,603,750 shares - December 31, 2022

    1,122       1,122  

Additional paid-in capital

    18,488       18,448  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $19,916 at March 31, 2023 and $20,726 at December 31, 2022

    (79,822

)

    (83,070 )

Retained earnings

    101,335       102,525  
                 

Total shareholders' equity

    41,123       39,025  
                 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 1,289,470     $ 1,324,003  

 

(1) Effective January 1, 2023, Citizens adopted FASB ASU 2016-13 using the modified restrospective approach.  Therefore prior period balances are presented under legacy GAAP and may not be comparable to current period presentation.

  

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

 

1

 

 

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
Interest Income                

Interest and fees on loans

  $ 7,323     $ 6,397  
Interest on securities                

Taxable

    2,306       1,697  

Nontaxable

    1,065       947  

Other interest

    339       13  

Total interest income

    11,033       9,054  
Interest Expense                

Deposits

    1,821       556  

Other borrowed funds

    1,534       211  

Total interest expense

    3,355       767  

Net Interest Income

    7,678       8,287  

Provision for credit losses (PCL)

    47       93  

Net Interest Income After PCL

    7,631       8,194  
                 
Other Income                

Service charges on deposit accounts

    914       945  

Other service charges and fees

    1,037       1,025  

Other operating income, net

    412       563  

Total other income

    2,363       2,533  
Other Expense                

Salaries and employee benefits

    4,695       4,439  

Occupancy expense

    1,845       1,775  

Other expense

    2,160       2,087  

Total other expense

    8,700       8,301  
                 

Income Before Income Taxes

    1,294       2,426  
                 

Income taxes

    154       390  
                 

Net Income

  $ 1,140     $ 2,036  
                 

Earings Per Share

               

-Basic

  $ 0.20     $ 0.36  
-Diluted   $ 0.20     $ 0.36  
                 

Dividends Paid Per Share

  $ 0.24     $ 0.24  

 

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

 

2

 

 

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
                 

Net income

  $ 1,140     $ 2,036  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)                
                 

Securities available-for-sale

               

Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period

    3,227       (58,204 )

Income tax effect

    (805 )     14,522  

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    2,422       (43,682 )
                 

Amortization of net unrealized losses on securities transferred from AFS to HTM

    1,101       -  

Income tax effect

    (275

)

    -  

Net unrealized gains

    826       -  
                 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

    3,248       (43,682 )
                 

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 4,388     $ (41,646 )

 

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

 

3

 

 

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
                 
Operating Activities                
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 1,310     $ 2,978  
                 
Investing Activities                

Proceeds from maturities, paydowns and calls of securities available-for-sale

    2,600       15,803  

Proceeds from maturities, paydowns and calls of securities held-to-maturity

    4,973       -  

Purchases of investment securities

    -       (43,886 )

Purchases of bank premises and equipment

    (179 )     (250 )

Net change in FHLB stock

    (317 )     (717 )

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned

    -       1,078  

Net change in loans

    18,464       (11,177 )
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    25,541       (39,149 )
                 

Financing Activities

               

Net change in deposits

    (10,576 )     37,688  

Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase

    (29,042 )     (6,965 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

    1,725       -  

Payment of dividends

    (1,346

)

    (1,343

)

                 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (39,239 )     29,380  
                 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (12,388 )     (6,791 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    28,594       79,236  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 16,206     $ 72,445  

 

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

 

4

 

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Nature of Business

 

Citizens Holding Company (referred to herein as the “Company”) owns and operates The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia (the “Bank”). As a state bank, the Bank is subject to regulations of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and the Federal Deposit Insurance Company. The Company is also subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve. The area served by the Bank is east central Mississippi, along with southern and northern counties of Mississippi and their surrounding areas. Services are provided at multiple branch offices.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). However, these interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments and reclassifications, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial condition as of and for the interim periods presented. All adjustments and reclassifications are of a normal and recurring nature. Results for the period ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

 

The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

For further information and significant accounting policies of the Company, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Citizens Holding Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

5

 

Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, or other real estate owned (“OREO”). In connection with the determination of the ACL and valuation of foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

 

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and to value foreclosed real estate, future additions to the allowance or adjustments to the valuation may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and valuations of foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance or to make adjustments to the valuation based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Due to these factors, it is reasonably possible that the ACL and valuation of foreclosed real estate may change materially in the near term.

 

Impact of Recently-Issued Accounting Standards and Pronouncements:

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). This update to Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), significantly changed the way entities recognize impairment on many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset’s remaining life. FASB describes this impairment recognition model as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model and believes the CECL model will result in more timely recognition of credit losses since the CECL model incorporates expected credit losses versus incurred credit losses. The scope of FASB’s CECL model includes loans, held-to-maturity debt instruments, lease receivables, loan commitments and financial guarantees that are not accounted for at fair value. Additionally, ASU 2016-13 amended the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD”). In the remainder of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, references to “CECL” or to “FASB ASU 2016-13” shall mean the accounting standards and principles set forth in ASC 326 after giving effect to ASU 2016-13 and the clarifications thereto discussed in the next paragraph.

 

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and all related subsequent amendments thereto effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. To implement CECL, entities are required to apply a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company recorded a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment as disclosed in the table below.

 

   

December 31, 2022

   

Impact of FASB ASU

   

January 1, 2023

 
   

(as reported)

    2016-13 Adoption    

(adjusted)

 

Assets:

                       

ACL

  $ (5,264 )   $ (634 )   $ (5,898 )

Deferred tax assets, net

    29,574       327       29,901  

Liabilities:

                       

ACL on off-balance sheet exposures

    -       677       677  

Shareholders' equity:

                       

Retained earnings

  $ 102,525     $ (984 )   $ 101,541  

 

6

 

Additionally, the Company made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of loans and thus the measurement of the ACL in the Company’s loan portfolio. Accrued interest receivable on loans is reported as a component of accrued interest receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $1,935 and $1,981 at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is excluded from estimated credit losses.

 

 

Note 2. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

(in thousands)

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to its customers. The unused portion of these commitments is not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had entered into loan commitments with certain customers with an aggregate unused balance of $71,563 compared to an aggregate unused balance of $75,602 at December 31, 2022. There were $3,488 of letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2023 and $5,438 at December 31, 2022. The fair value of such commitments is not considered material because letters of credit and loan commitments often are not used in their entirety, if at all, before they expire. The balances of such letters and commitments should not be used to project actual future liquidity requirements. However, the Company does incorporate expectations about the utilization under its credit-related commitments into its asset and liability management program.

 

The Company is a party to lawsuits and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, all of which are being vigorously contested. In the regular course of business, management evaluates estimated losses or costs related to litigation, and provisions are made for anticipated losses whenever management believes that such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, management believes, based on the advice of legal counsel, that the final resolution of pending legal proceedings will not likely have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

7

 

 

Note 3. Net Income per Share

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Net income per share - basic has been computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Net income per share - diluted has been computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock using the treasury stock method. Net income per share was computed as follows:

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    5,595,320       5,587,070  

Dilutive effect of granted options

    -       -  
                 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    5,595,320       5,587,070  
                 

Net income

  $ 1,140     $ 2,036  

Net income per share-basic

  $ 0.20     $ 0.36  

Net income per share-diluted

  $ 0.20     $ 0.36  

 

 

Note 4. Equity Compensation Plans

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

The Company has adopted the 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which the Company intends to use for future equity grants to employees, directors or consultants until the termination or expiration of the 2013 Plan.

 

No options were outstanding under the 2013 Plan as of March 31, 2023.

 

During 2022, the Company’s directors received restricted stock grants totaling 8,250 shares of common stock under the 2013 Plan. These grants vest over a one-year period ending April 27, 2023 during which time the recipients have rights to vote the shares and to receive dividends. The grant date fair value of these shares was $157 and is expensed ratably over the one-year vesting period.

 

During 2023, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) received restricted stock grants totaling 3,868 shares of common stock under the 2013 Plan. These grants vest over a four-year period ending March 1, 2027 during which time the CEO has rights to vote the shares and to receive dividends. The grant date fair value of these shares was $60 and is expensed ratably over the four-year vesting period.

 

 

Note 5. Income Taxes

(in thousands)

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes totaling $154 and $390, respectively. The effective tax rate was 11.90% and 16.08% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

The provision for income taxes includes both federal and state income taxes and differs from the statutory rate due to favorable permanent differences primarily related to tax free municipal investments.

 

8

 

 

Note 6. Securities Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity

(in thousands)

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized were as follows:

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         

March 31, 2023

 

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Estimated

 
   

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Fair Value

 
Securities available-for-sale                                

Mortgage backed securities

  $ 104,478     $ 6     $ 8,948     $ 95,536  

State, County, Municipals

    134,667       24       28,930       105,761  

Other securities

    500     $ -     $ 57     $ 443  

Total

  $ 239,645     $ 30     $ 37,935     $ 201,740  

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         

December 31, 2022

 

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Estimated

 
   

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Fair Value

 
Securities available-for-sale                                

Mortgage backed securities

  $ 107,055     $ -     $ 10,083     $ 96,972  

State, County, Municipals

    134,906       -       30,993       103,913  

Other securities

    500       -       63       437  

Total

  $ 242,461     $ -     $ 41,139     $ 201,322  

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities held-to-maturity and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized were as follows:

 

 

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         

March 31, 2023

 

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Estimated

 
   

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Fair Value

 
Securities held-to-maturity                                

Obligations of U.S.

                               

Government agencies

  $ 4,018     $ -     $ 364     $ 3,654  

Mortgage backed securities

    305,356       -       21,219       284,137  

State, County, Municipals

    92,863       -       4,702       88,161  

Total

  $ 402,237     $ -     $ 26,285     $ 375,952  

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         

December 31, 2022

 

Amortized

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Estimated

 
   

Cost

   

Gains

   

Losses

   

Fair Value

 

Securities held-to-maturity

                               

Obligations of U.S.

                               

Government agencies

  $ 4,002     $ -     $ 367     $ 3,635  

Mortgage backed securities

    309,748       -       24,654       285,094  

State, County, Municipals

    92,840       -       6,277       86,563  

Total

  $ 406,590     $ -     $ 31,298     $ 375,292  

 

9

 

During the third quarter of 2022, the Company reclassified $413,921 of securities available-for-sale to securities held-to-maturity. At the date of this transfer, the net unrealized holding loss on the transferred securities totaled approximately $71,319 ($53,525 net of tax).

 

The securities were transferred at fair value, which became the cost basis for the securities held-to-maturity. The net unrealized holding loss is amortized over the remaining life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security. There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of the transfer. At March 31, 2023, the net unamortized, unrealized loss on transferred securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying balance sheet totaled approximately $68,511 ($51,417, net of tax) compared to $69,612 ($52,244, net of tax) at December 31, 2022.

 

ACL on Securities

 

ASU 2016-13 applies to all financial instruments carried at amortized cost, including securities held-to-maturity, and makes targeted improvements to the accounting for credit losses on securities available-for-sale.

 

Under ASU 2016-13, the allowance for credit losses is an estimate measured using relevant information about past events, including historical credit loss experience on financial assets with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the remaining cash flows over the contractual term of the financial assets.

 

In order to comply with ASU 2016-13, the Company conducted a review of its investment portfolio and determined that for certain classes of securities it would be appropriate to assume the expected credit loss to be zero. This zero-credit loss assumption applies to debt issuances of the U.S. Treasury and agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government. The reasons behind the adoption of the zero-credit loss assumption are as follows:

 

 

High credit rating

 

Long history with no credit losses

 

Guaranteed by a sovereign entity

 

Widely recognized as “risk-free rate”

 

Can print its own currency

 

The Company will continuously monitor any changes in economic conditions, credit downgrades, changes to explicit or implicit guarantees granted to certain debt issuers, and any other relevant information that would indicate potential credit deterioration and prompt the Company to reconsider its zero-credit loss assumption.

 

At the date of adoption, the Company’s estimated allowance for credit losses on securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity under ASU 2016-13 was deemed immaterial due to the composition of these portfolios. Both portfolios consist primarily of U.S. government agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities for which the risk of loss is minimal. Therefore, the Company did not recognize a cumulative effect adjustment through retained earnings related to the available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities.

 

10

 

Securities Available-for-Sale

 

ASU 2016-13 makes targeted improvements to the accounting for credit losses on securities available-for-sale. The concept of other-than-temporarily impaired has been replaced with the allowance for credit losses. Unlike securities held-to-maturity, securities available-for-sale are evaluated on an individual level and pooling of securities is not allowed.

 

Quarterly, the Company evaluates if any security has a fair value less than its amortized cost. Once these securities are identified, in order to determine whether a decline in fair value resulted from a credit loss or other factors, the Company performs further analysis to ensure that the changes in unrealized losses are, in fact, temporary in nature by correlating the changes to the yield curve movement.

 

Should it be determined that a credit loss exists, the credit portion of the allowance will be measured using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis using the effective interest rate as of the security’s purchase date. The amount of credit loss the Company records will be limited to the amount by which the amortized cost exceeds the fair value.

 

The DCF analysis utilizes contractual maturities, as well as third-party credit ratings and cumulative default rates published annually by Moody’s Investor Service.

 

At March 31, 2023, the results of the analysis did not identify any available-for-sale securities that violate the credit loss triggers; therefore, no DCF analysis was performed and no credit loss was recognized on any of the securities available-for-sale.

 

Securities Held-to-Maturity

 

ASU 2016-13 requires institutions to measure expected credit losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost on a collective or pool basis when similar risks exist. The Company uses several levels of segmentation in order to measure expected credit losses:

 

 

The portfolio is segmented into agency and non-agency securities.

 

The non-agency securities consists primarily of municipal securities.

 

Each individual segment is categorized by third-party credit ratings.

 

As discussed above, the Company has determined that for certain classes of securities it would be appropriate to assume the expected credit loss to be zero, which include debt issuances of the U.S. Treasury and agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government. This assumption will be reviewed and attested to quarterly. The Company is using an internally built model to verify the accuracy of third-party provided calculations.

 

At March 31, 2023, the Company’s securities held-to-maturity totaled $402,237. The potential credit loss exposure was $92,863 and consisted of municipal securities. After applying appropriate probability of default and loss given default assumptions, the total amount of current expected credit losses was deemed immaterial. Therefore, no reserve was recorded at March 31, 2023.

 

11

 

At March 31, 2023, the Company had no securities held-to-maturity that were past due 30 days or more as to principal or interest payments. The Company had no securities held-to-maturity classified as nonaccrual at March 31, 2023.

 

The Company monitors the credit quality of municipal securities held-to-maturity on a quarterly basis through credit ratings. The following table presents the amortized cost of the Company’s securities held-to-maturity by credit rating, as determined by Moody’s Investor Services, at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 

   

March 31, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

Aaa

  $ 16,791     $ 18,096  

Aa1 to Aa3

    41,492       40,174  

Not Rated (1)

    34,580       34,570  
    $ 92,863     $ 92,840  

 

(1) Not rated securities were municipals that did not have a current Moodys rating as of the dates reported above. However, all not rated securities are investment grade and are rated between AAA and AA- by Standard and Poors rating agency.

 

The tables below show the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments for which an ACL has not been recorded, aggregated by investment category and length of impairment at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

March 31, 2023

 

Available-for-sale

 

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or more

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

Description of Securities

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 
                                                 

Mortgage backed securities

  $ 55,492     $ 1,878     $ 36,256     $ 7,070     $ 91,748     $ 8,948  

State, County, Municipal

    16,842       466       87,008       28,464       103,850       28,930  

Other securities

    -       -       443       57       443       57  

Total

  $ 72,334     $ 2,344     $ 123,707     $ 35,591     $ 196,041     $ 37,935  

 

Held-to-maturity

 

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or more

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

Description of Securities

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 
                                                 

Obligations of U.S. government agencies

  $ -     $ -     $ 3,654     $ 364     $ 3,654     $ 364  

Mortgage backed securities

    -       -       284,137       21,219       284,137       21,219  

State, County, Municipal

    -       -       88,161       4,702       88,161       4,702  

Total

  $ -     $ -     $ 375,952     $ 26,285     $ 375,952     $ 26,285  

 

12

 

December 31, 2022

 

Available-for-sale

 

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or more

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

Description of Securities

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 
                                                 

Mortgage backed securities

  $ 70,652     $ 3,838     $ 26,320     $ 6,245     $ 96,972     $ 10,083  

State, County, Municipal

    45,200       9,027       58,713       21,966       103,913       30,993  

Other securities

    -       -       437       63       437       63  

Total

  $ 115,852     $ 12,865     $ 85,470     $ 28,274     $ 201,322     $ 41,139  

 

Held-to-maturity

 

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or more

   

Total

 
   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

 

Description of Securities

 

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

   

Value

   

Losses

 
                                                 

Obligations of U.S. government agencies

  $ -     $ -     $ 3,635     $ 367     $ 3,635     $ 367  

Mortgage backed securities

    17,882       1,332       267,212       23,322       285,094       24,654  

State, County, Municipal

    15,059       781       71,504       5,496       86,563       6,277  

Total

  $ 32,941     $ 2,113     $ 342,351     $ 29,185     $ 375,292     $ 31,298  

 

The unrealized losses shown above are due to increases in market rates over the yields available at the time of purchase of the underlying securities and not credit quality. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity.

 

Contractual Maturities

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2023 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

 

   

Available-for-sale

   

Held-to-maturity

 
   

Amortized

   

Estimated

   

Amortized

   

Estimated

 
   

Cost

   

Fair Value

   

Cost

   

Fair Value

 
                                 

Due in one year or less

  $ 720     $ 663     $ -     $ -  

Due after one year through five years

    3,155       3,076       -       -  

Due after five years through ten years

    5,275       5,008       -       -  

Due after ten years

    126,017       97,457       96,881       91,815  

Residential mortgage backed securities

    91,827       83,144       246,433       229,613  

Commercial mortgage backed securities

    12,651       12,392       58,923       54,524  

Total

  $ 239,645     $ 201,740     $ 402,237     $ 375,952  

 

Securities Pledged

 

At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, securities with a carrying value of $462,291 and $462,954, respectively, were pledged to secure government and public deposits and securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

 

13

 

 

Note 7. LHFI and ACL

(in thousands, except number of loans)

 

The composition of LHFI at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

    March 31, 2023    

December 31, 2022

 
Loans secured by real estate:                

Land Development and Construction

  $ 53,528     $ 52,731  

Farmland

    11,423       11,437  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    93,480       92,148  

Commercial Real Estate

    312,276       316,541  

Total Real Estate Loans

    470,707       472,857  
Business Loans:                

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    80,207       96,500  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    474       504  

Total Business Loans

    80,681       97,004  
Consumer Loans:                

Consumer Loans

    13,072       12,992  

Credit Cards

    2,780       2,738  

Total Consumer Loans

    15,852       15,730  

Gross LHFI

    567,240       585,591  
                 

Less Allowance for credit losses

    (6,017 )     (5,264 )
                 
                 

Net LHFI

  $ 561,223     $ 580,327  

 

14

 

Nonaccrual and Past Due LHFI

 

The amortized cost basis of period-end, nonaccrual and past due LHFI, segregated by class, were as follows:

 

   

Nonaccrual With No Allowance for Credit Loss

   

Nonaccrual

   

Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing

 

March 31, 2023

                       

Loans secured by real estate:

                       

Land Development and Construction

  $ -     $ 2     $ -  

Farmland

    28       108       -  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    184       1,712       -  

Commercial Real Estate

    691       825       -  

Total Real Estate Loansg

    903       2,647       -  

Business Loans:

                       

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    196       307       -  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    -       -       -  

Total Business Loans

    196       307       -  

Consumer Loans:

                       

Consumer Loans

    -       39       -  

Credit Cards

    -       -       5  

Total Consumer Loans

    -       39       5  

Total

  $ 1,099     $ 2,993     $ 5  

 

The following disclosures are presented under GAAP in effect prior to the adoption of CECL. The Company has included these disclosures to address the applicable prior period.

 

   

Nonaccrual

   

Loans Past Due 90 Days or More Still Accruing

 

December 31, 2022

               
Loans secured by real estate:                

Land Development and Construction

  $ -     $ 4  

Farmland

    117       -  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    1,720       -  

Commercial Real Estate

    846       95  

Total Real Estate Loans

    2,683       99  
Business Loans:                

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    281       -  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    -       -  

Total Business Loans

    281       -  
Consumer Loans:                

Consumer Loans

    24       -  

Credit Cards

    -       12  

Total Consumer Loans

    24       12  

Total

  $ 2,988     $ 111  

 

No material interest income was recognized in the income statement on nonaccrual LHFI for each of the periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

15

 

An aging analysis of the amortized cost basis of LHFI (including nonaccrual LHFI), segregated by class, was as follows:

 

March 31, 2023

 

30 - 89 Days Past Due

   

Greater Than 89 Days

Past Due

   

Total Past Due

   

Current Loans

   

Total

 
Loans secured by real estate:                                        

Land Development and Construction

  $ 250     $ -     $ 250     $ 53,278     $ 53,528  

Farmland

    233       -       233       11,190       11,423  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    1,527       216       1,743       91,737       93,480  

Commercial Real Estate

    640       504       1,144       311,132       312,276  

Total Real Estate Loans

    2,650       720       3,370       467,337       470,707  
Business Loans:                                        

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    271       266       537       79,670       80,207  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    -       -       -       474       474  

Total Business Loans

    271       266       537       80,144       80,681  
Consumer Loans:                                        

Consumer Loans

    126       -       126       12,946       13,072  

Credit Cards

    60       5       65       2,715       2,780  

Total Consumer Loans

    186       5       191       15,661       15,852  

Total

  $ 3,107     $ 991     $ 4,098     $ 563,142     $ 567,240  

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

30 - 89 Days Past Due

   

Greater Than 89 Days

Past Due

   

Total Past Due

   

Current Loans

   

Total

 
Loans secured by real estate:                                        

Land Development and Construction

  $ -     $ 4     $ 4     $ 52,727     $ 52,731  

Farmland

    38       30       68       11,369       11,437  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    1,799       439       2,238       89,910       92,148  

Commercial Real Estate

    933       486       1,419       315,122       316,541  

Total Real Estate Loans

    2,770       959       3,729       469,128       472,857  
Business Loans:                                        

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    109       277       386       96,114       96,500  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    4       -       4       500       504  

Total Business Loans

    113       277       390       96,614       97,004  
Consumer Loans:                                        

Consumer Loans

    66       23       89       12,903       12,992  

Credit Cards

    56       12       68       2,670       2,738  

Total Consumer Loans

    122       35       157       15,573       15,730  

Total

  $ 3,005     $ 1,271     $ 4,276     $ 581,315     $ 585,591  

 

Impaired LHFI

 

Prior to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, the Company’s individually evaluated impaired LHFI included all commercial substandard relationships of $100 or more, which were specifically reviewed for impairment and deemed impaired, and all LHFI classified as troubled-debt restructurings (“TDRs”) in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic 310-10-50-20 “Impaired Loans.” Once a LHFI was deemed to be impaired, the full difference between book value and the most likely estimate of the collateral’s net realizable value was charged off or a specific reserve was established.

 

No material interest income was recognized in the income statement on impaired LHFI for the period ended March 31, 2022.

 

16

 

The following disclosures are presented under GAAP in effect prior to the adoption of CECL that are no longer applicable or required. The Company has included these disclosures to address the applicable prior periods.

 

Loans formerly accounted for under FASB ASC 310-20, “Nonrefundable Fees and Other Cost” (“ASC 310-20”), and which are impaired loans recognized in conformity with ASC 310, “Receivables” (“ASC 310”), segregated by class, were as follows as of December 31, 2022:

 

           

Recorded

   

Recorded

                         
   

Unpaid

   

Investment

   

Investment

   

Total

           

Average

 
   

Principal

   

With No

   

With

   

Recorded

   

Related

   

Recorded

 
   

Balance

   

Allowance

   

Allowance

   

Investment

   

Allowance

   

Investment

 
Real Estate:                                                

Land Development and Construction

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 86  

Farmland

    30       30       -       30       -       32  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    190       190       -       190       -       479  

Commercial Real Estate

    3,023       795       2,066       2,861       116       1,996  

Total Real Estate Loans

    3,243       1,015       2,066       3,081       116     $ 2,593  
                                                 
Business Loans:                                                

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    304       196       -       196       -     $ 214  

Total Business Loans

    304       196       -       196       -     $ 214  
                                                 
                                                 

Total Loans

  $ 3,547     $ 1,211     $ 2,066     $ 3,277     $ 116     $ 2,807  

 

Loan Modifications

 

The Company adopted ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures on January 1, 2023. The amendments in this ASU were applied prospectively, and therefore, loan modification and charge off information is provided only for those items occurring after the January 1, 2023 adoption date.

 

Based on the guidance in ASU 2022-02, a loan modification or refinancing results in a new loan if the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms with customers with similar collection risks that are not refinancing or restructuring their loans and the modification to the terms of the loans are more than minor. If a loan modification or refinancing does not result in a new loan, it is classified as a loan modification. There are additional disclosures for the modification of loans with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that results in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The disclosures are applicable to situations where there is principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions or a combination of any of these terms. If the Company modifies any loans to borrowers in financial distress that involves principal forgiveness, the amount of principal forgiven is charged off against the ACL.

 

The Company had no loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in the first quarter of 2023.

 

At March 31, 2023, LHFI classified as modified loans totaled $2,050. At March 31, 2023, modified loans were primarily comprised of interest rate concessions. The Company had $-0- thousand in unused commitments on modified loans at March 31, 2023.

 

The allocated ACL attributable to modified loans was $100 at March 31, 2023. The Company had no commitments to lend additional funds on this troubled debt restructuring as of March 31, 2023.

 

There were no loans modified within the last twelve months for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the amortized cost of loans secured by Real Estate – 1-4 Family Mortgage in the process of foreclosure was $-0- and $-0-, respectively.

 

17

 

Collateral-Dependent Loans

 

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by class of loans and collateral type as of March 31, 2023:

 

March 31, 2023

  Inventory     Real Estate     Receivables    

Total

 

Loans secured by real estate:

                               

Land Development and Construction

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Farmland

    -       28       -       28  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    -       184       -       184  

Commercial Real Estate

    -       2,741       -       2,741  

Total Real Estate Loans

    -       2,953       -       2,953  

Business Loans:

                               

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    92       -       104       196  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    -       -       -       -  

Total Business Loans

    92       -       104       196  
                                 

Total

  $ 92     $ 2,953     $ 104     $ 3,149  

 

18

 

A loan is collateral dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment of the loan is expected to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral. The following provides a qualitative description by class of loan of the collateral that secures the Company’s collateral-dependent LHFI:

 

 

Loans secured by real estate – Loans within these loan classes are secured by liens on real estate properties. There have been no significant changes to the collateral that secures these financial assets during the period.

 

Business loans – Loans within this loan class are primarily secured by inventory, accounts receivables, equipment and other non-real estate collateral. There have been no significant changes to the collateral that secures these financial assets during the period.

 

Credit Quality Indicators

 

The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans when originated and is updated as factors related to the strength of the loan changes. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 9. A description of the general characteristics of the 9 risk grades is as follows.

 

Grade 1. MINIMAL RISK - These loans are without loss exposure to the Company. This classification is reserved for only the best, well secured loans to borrowers with significant capital strength, low leverage, stable earnings and growth and other readily available financing alternatives. This type of loan would also include loans secured by a program of the government.

 

Grade 2. MODEST RISK - These loans include borrowers with solid credit quality and moderate risk of loss. These loans may be fully secured by certificates of deposit with another reputable financial institution or secured by readily marketable securities with acceptable margins.

 

Grade 3. AVERAGE RISK - This is the rating assigned to most of the loans held by the Company. This includes loans with average loss exposure and average overall quality. These loans should liquidate through possessing adequate collateral and adequate earnings of the borrower. In addition, these loans are properly documented and are in accordance with all aspects of the current loan policy.

 

Grade 4. ACCEPTABLE RISK - Borrower generates sufficient cash flow to fund debt service but most working asset and capital expansion needs are provided from external sources. Profitability and key balance sheet ratios are usually close to peers but one or more may not align with peers.

 

Grade 5. MANAGEMENT ATTENTION - Borrower has potential weaknesses resulting from performance trends or management concerns. The financial condition of the borrower has taken a negative turn and may be temporarily strained. Cash flow is weak but cash reserves remain adequate to meet debt service. Management weakness is evident.

 

Grade 6. OTHER LOANS ESPECIALLY MENTIONED (“OLEM”) - Loans in this category are fundamentally sound but possess some weaknesses. OLEM loans have weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Bank's credit position at some future date. These loans have an identifiable weakness in credit, collateral, or repayment ability but there is no expectation of loss.

 

19

 

Grade 7. SUBSTANDARD ASSETS - Assets classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets classified as substandard must have a well-defined weakness based upon objective evidence. Assets classified as substandard are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. The possibility that liquidation would not be timely requires a substandard classification even if there is little likelihood of total loss.

 

Grade 8. DOUBTFUL - A loan classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses of a substandard classification and the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable or improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonable specific pending factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. A doubtful classification could reflect the fact that the primary source of repayment is gone and serious doubt exists as to the quality of a secondary source of repayment.

 

Grade 9. LOSS - Loans classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may occur in the future. Also included in this classification is the defined loss portion of loans rated substandard assets and doubtful assets.

 

These internally assigned grades are updated on a continual basis throughout the course of the year and represent management’s most updated judgment regarding grades at March 31, 2023.

 

20

 

The following table details the amortized cost basis of LHFI, segregated by loan origination year, grade and class, as of March 31, 2023:

 

Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year

 

March 31, 2023  

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

Prior

   

Revolving

Loans

   

Total Loans

 
Loans secured by real estate:                                                                
Land Development and Construction                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

  $ 2,496     $ 7,876     $ 6,566     $ 7,982     $ 950     $ 1,167     $ 24,425     $ 51,462  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       1,104       679       -       -       -       -       1,783  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       279       -       -       -       4       -       283  
Doubtful - Category 8     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Land Development and Construction

    2,496       9,259       7,245       7,982       950       1,171       24,425       53,528  
                                                                  
Farmland                                                                
Satisfactory - Categories 1-4     315       1,830       1,443       2,066       3,253       1,222       885       11,014  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       -       88       -       138       38       -       264  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       37       17       11       29       51       -       145  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Farmland

    315       1,867       1,548       2,077       3,420       1,311       885       11,423  
                                                                  
1-4 Family Mortgages                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

    4,356       20,671       12,882       12,645       11,051       9,529       16,911       88,045  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       198       46       135       305       984       176       1,844  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       37       288       378       137       2,340       411       3,591  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total 1-4 Family Mortgages

    4,356       20,906       13,216       13,158       11,493       12,853       17,498       93,480  
                                                                  
Commercial Real Estate                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

    4,719       53,935       61,039       56,352       42,180       36,853       16,612       271,690  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    66       2,493       2,285       1,073       1,487       463       -       7,867  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       187       3,758       2,805       269       25,700       -       32,719  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Commercial Real Estate

    4,785       56,615       67,082       60,230       43,936       63,016       16,612       312,276  

Total Real Estate Loans

    11,952       88,647       89,091       83,447       59,799       78,351       59,420       470,707  
Business Loans:                                                                
Commercial and Industrial Loans                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

    1,706       24,185       5,629       14,380       6,906       11,748       10,546       75,100  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       133       -       337       8       1,368       2,811       4,657  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       3       55       -       59       261       72       450  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Commercial & Industrial Loans

    1,706       24,321       5,684       14,717       6,973       13,377       13,429       80,207  
                                                                  
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

    -       272       -       9       -       92       91       464  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Substandard - Category 7

    -       -       7       -       -       3       -       10  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Farm Production & Other Farm Loans

    -       272       7       9       -       95       91       474  

Total Business Loans

    1,706       24,593       5,691       14,726       6,973       13,472       13,520       80,681  
Consumer Loans:                                                                

Satisfactory - Categories 1-4

    2,158       5,697       2,454       946       962       317       240       12,774  

Special Mention - Category 5 & 6

    -       -       -       -       -       4       -       4  

Substandard - Category 7

    238       24       27       3       1       1       -       294  

Doubtful - Category 8

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Loss 9

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total Consumer Loans

    2,396       5,721       2,481       949       963       322       240       13,072  
                                                                 
Credit Cards                                                                

Performing

    -       -       -       -       -       -       2,775       2,775  

Nonperforming

    -       -       -       -       -       -       5       5  

Total Credit Card

    -       -       -       -       -       -       2,780       2,780  

Gross LHFI

  $ 16,054     $ 118,961     $ 97,263     $ 99,122     $ 67,735     $ 92,145     $ 75,960     $ 567,240  
                                                                 

Less ACL

                                                            (6,017 )

Net LHFI

                                                          $ 561,223  

 

21

 

There were no revolving loans converted to term loans during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

The following disclosures are presented under GAAP in effect prior to the adoption of CECL. The Company has included these disclosures to address the applicable prior period.

 

A discussion of the Company’s policies regarding internal risk-rating of loans is discussed above and is applicable to these tables. The following table presents the Company’s loan portfolio by internal risk-rating grades as of December 31, 2022:

 

           

Special

                                 
   

Satisfactory

   

Mention

   

Substandard

   

Doubtful

   

Loss

   

Total

 
   

 1,2,3,4

   

 5,6

   

 7

   

 8

   

 9

   

Loans

 
Real Estate:                                                

Land Development and Construction

  $ 50,015     $ 2,427     $ 289     $ -     $ -     $ 52,731  

Farmland

    10,832       269       336       -       -       11,437  

1-4 Family Mortgages

    85,861       1,816       4,471       -       -       92,148  

Commercial Real Estate

    274,901       7,975       33,665       -       -       316,541  

Total Real Estate Loans

    421,609       12,487       38,761       -       -       472,857  
                                                 
Business Loans:                                                

Commercial and Industrial Loans

    91,016       4,902       577       -       5       96,500  

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

    491       -       13       -       -       504  

Total Business Loans

    91,507       4,902       590       -       5       97,004  
                                                 
Consumer Loans:                                                

Credit Cards

    2,670       -       68       -       -       2,738  

Other Consumer Loans

    12,934       7       51       -       -       12,992  

Total Consumer Loans

    15,604       7       119       -       -       15,730  
                                                 
                                                 

Total Loans

  $ 528,720     $ 17,396     $ 39,470     $ -     $ 5     $ 585,591  

 

 

Note 8. ACL on LHFI

 

The Company’s ACL methodology for LHFI is based upon guidance within ASC Subtopic 326-20 as well as applicable regulatory guidance. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Credit quality within the LHFI portfolio is continuously monitored by Management and is reflected within the ACL for loans. The ACL is an estimate of expected losses inherent within the Company’s existing LHFI portfolio. The ACL for LHFI is adjusted through the PCL, LHFI and reduced by the charge off of loan amounts, net of recoveries.

 

The methodology for estimating the amount of expected credit losses reported in the ACL has two basic components: a collective, or pooled, component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics, and an asset-specific component involving individual loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans and the measurement of expected credit losses for such individual loans. In estimating the ACL for the collective component, loans are segregated into loan pools based on loan product types and similar risk characteristics.

 

22

 

The loans secured by real estate segment includes loans for both commercial and residential properties. The underwriting process for these loans includes analysis of the financial position and strength of both the borrower and guarantor, experience with similar projects in the past, market demand and prospects for successful completion of the proposed project within the established budget and schedule, values of underlying collateral, availability of permanent financing, maximum loan-to-value ratios, minimum equity requirements, acceptable amortization periods and minimum debt service coverage requirements, based on property type. The borrower’s financial strength and capacity to repay their obligations remain the primary focus of underwriting. Financial strength is evaluated based upon analytical tools that consider historical and projected cash flows and performance in addition to a financial analysis of any proposed project. Additional support offered by guarantors is also considered. Ultimate repayment of these loans is sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions, liquidity and availability of long-term financing.

 

The business loan segment includes loans within the Company’s geographic markets made to many types of businesses for various purposes, such as short term working capital loans that are usually secured by accounts receivable and inventory and term financing for equipment and fixed asset purchases that are secured by those assets. The Company’s credit underwriting process for commercial and industrial loans includes analysis of historical and projected cash flows and performance, evaluation of financial strength of both borrowers and guarantors as reflected in current and detailed financial information and evaluation of underlying collateral to support the credit.

 

The consumer LHFI portfolio segment is comprised of loans that are centrally underwritten based on a credit scoring system as well as an evaluation of the borrower’s repayment capacity, credit, and collateral. Property appraisals are obtained to assist in evaluating collateral. Loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios, loan amount, and lien position are also considered in assessing whether to originate a loan. These borrowers are particularly susceptible to downturns in economic trends such as conditions that negatively affect housing prices and demand and levels of unemployment.

 

23

 

The following table provides a description of each of the Company’s portfolio segments, loan classes, loan pools and the ACL methodology and loss drivers:

 

Portfolio Segment

Loan Class

Methodology

Loss Drivers

Loans secured by real estate

     
 

Land Development and Construction

Loss Rate

CRE Price Index, Real GDP, US Unemployment

 

Farmland

Loss Rate

CRE Price Index, Real GDP, US Unemployment

 

1-4 Family Mortgages

Loss Rate

CRE Price Index, Real GDP, US Unemployment

 

Commercial Real Estate

Loss Rate

CRE Price Index, Real GDP, US Unemployment

       

Business loans

     
 

Commercial and Industrial Loans

Loss Rate

US Unemployment, Nominal GDP

 

Farm Production and Other Farm Loans

Loss Rate

US Unemployment, Nominal GDP

       

Consumer loans

     
 

Consumer Loans

Loss Rate

Moody's Expected Consumer Credit Loss Model

 

Credit Cards

WARM

Company loss history

 

Overdrafts

WARM

Company loss history

 

The Loss Rate model is designed to operate at the portfolio segment level. These segments are relatively homogenous groups of loans with similar characteristics. Based on the average inputs of each segment, the model then calculates both quarterly and lifetime loss rates for the entire segment by loan. The lifetime loss rate is then multiplied by the amortized cost of each loan within a class to get a quantitative reserve.

 

The Company chose the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (“WARM”) method for two loan classes that are relatively non-complex. The WARM methodology factors in the remaining life of each applicable loan class that must be calculated to be used within the quantitative model.

 

The Company determined that reasonable and supportable forecasts could be made for a twelve-month period for all of its loan pools. To the extent the lives of the loans in the LHFI portfolio extend beyond this forecast period, the Company uses a reversion period of four quarters and reverts to the historical mean on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the loans. The econometric models currently in production reflect segment or pool level sensitivities of probability of default to changes in macroeconomic variables. By measuring the relationship between defaults and changes in the economy, the quantitative reserve incorporates reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions that will affect the value of its assets, as required by FASB ASC Topic 326.

 

In addition to the items mentioned above, the Company incorporates qualitative factors into the ACL methodology, including the following:

 

 

Lending expertise

 

Risk tolerance measured through lending policy requirements

 

Quality of the loan review system

 

Changes in collateral valuations

 

External factors within the Company’s operating region, including economic conditions

 

Impact of competition

 

The qualitative reserve is calculated by taking the quantitative reserve rate and multiplying this rate by the qualitative factor (“Q-factor”) scalar. The Q-factor scalar takes the average of all the Q-factors selected for a specific loan class. Each Q-factor is given a rating between 0 to 100 basis points (“bps”), with the 0 being no risk to 100 bps being the highest risk impact. Each Q-factor is evaluated and adjusted quarterly using both internal and external reports and data.

 

24

 

The following table details activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the three months ended:

 

   

Real

   

Business

                 

March 31, 2023

 

Estate

   

Loans

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Beginning Balance, January 1, 2023

  $ 4,154     $ 713     $ 397     $ 5,264  

FASB ASU 2016-13 adoption adjustment

    665       56       (86 )     635  

Provision for credit losses ("PCL")

    (46 )     112       (19 )     47  

Chargeoffs

    1       -       32       33  

Recoveries

    26       7       71       104  

Net recoveries

    (25 )     (7 )     (39 )     (71 )

Ending Balance

  $ 4,798     $ 888     $ 331     $ 6,017  
                                 
Period end allowance allocated to:                                

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 100     $ -     $ -     $ 100  

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    4,698       888       331       5,917  

Ending Balance, March 31, 2023

  $ 4,798     $ 888     $ 331     $ 6,017  

 

The following table details activity in the ACL by portfolio segment, based on the Company’s former allowance methodology prior to the adoption of ASC 326, for the three months ended:

 

   

Real

   

Business

                 

March 31, 2022

 

Estate

   

Loans

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Beginning Balance, January 1, 2022

  $ 3,622     $ 645     $ 246     $ 4,513  

PCL

    170       57       (134 )     93  

Chargeoffs

    -       56       26       82  

Recoveries

    50       5       197       252  

Net chargeoffs (recoveries)

    (50 )     51       (171 )     (170 )

Ending Balance

  $ 3,842     $ 651     $ 283     $ 4,776  
                                 
Period end allowance allocated to:                                

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    3,842       651       283       4,776  

Ending Balance, March 31, 2022

  $ 3,842     $ 651     $ 283     $ 4,776  

 

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $47 during the first quarter of 2023, as compared to a provision for credit losses of $93 recorded in the first quarter of 2022. The Company’s allowance for credit losses model considers economic projections, primarily the national unemployment rate, recessionary risks, GDP and CRE price fluctuations. The provision activity during the current quarter was primarily driven by increased recessionary risks due to inflationary pressures partially offset by a decline in loans.

 

25

 

The following table represents gross charge-offs by year of origination for the date presented:

 

                                                   

Revolving

   

Total Charge-

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

Prior

   

Loans

   

Offs

 
Gross Charge-Offs                                                                
March 31, 2023                                                                
Loans secured by real estate:                                                                

Commercial Real Estate

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1     $ -     $ 1  

Total Real Estate Loans

    -       -       -       -       -       1       -       1  
                                                                 

Total Consumer Loans

    -       2       -       4       -       -       -       6  
                                                                 

Total Credit Card

    -       -       -       -       -       -       26       26  
                                                                 

Net LHFI

  $ -     $ 2     $ -     $ 4     $ -     $ 1     $ 26     $ 33  

 

ACL for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure

 

The Company maintains a separate ACL for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure, which is included in the “Other liabilities” line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company estimates the amount of expected losses on off-balance sheet credit exposure by calculating a likelihood of funding over the contractual period for exposures that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company and applying the loss factors used in the ACL on loans methodology described above to unfunded commitments for each loan type. No credit loss estimate is reported for off-balance-sheet credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company.

 

The following table provides a roll-forward of the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposure for the period presented:

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023

       

ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposure:

       

Beginning balance

  $ -  

FASB ASU 2016-13 adoption adjustment

    677  

PCL for off-balance sheet credit exposure

    (41 )

Ending Balance

  $ 636  

 

The Company recorded a negative PCL for off-balance sheet credit exposure of ($41) during the first quarter of 2023, The Company’s allowance for credit losses model considers economic projections, primarily the national unemployment rate, recessionary risks, GDP and CRE price fluctuations. The negative provision during the current quarter was primarily driven by a decrease in unfunded loan commitments partially offset by increased recessionary risks due to inflationary pressures.

 

26

 

 

Note 9. Secured Line of Credit

(in thousands)

 

On June 9, 2021, the Company obtained a secured revolving line of credit (“Line”) in the amount of $20,000 with First Horizon Bank. The proceeds of the Line were used to enhance the Bank’s capital structure. The Line bears interest at a floating interest rate linked to WSJ Prime Rate with an initial interest rate of 3.25%, which is payable quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter, commencing on July 1, 2021, with the final installment of interest being due and payable concurrently on the same date that the principal balance is due. As of March 31, 2023, the interest rate was 8%. The Line also bears an unused line fee at a rate equal to 0.25%, applied to the unused balance of the Line. The Line is fully secured by the common stock of the Bank. The Line matures on June 9, 2023, at which time all unpaid interest and principal is due and payable.

 

   

March 31, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

Funded balance

  $ 18,000     $ 18,000  

Unfunded balance

    2,000       2,000  

Total credit facility

  $ 20,000     $ 20,000  

 

 

Note 10. Shareholders Equity

(in thousands, except share data)

 

The following summarizes the activity in the capital structure of the Company:

 

                           

Accumulated

                 
   

Number

           

Additional

   

Other

                 
   

of Shares

   

Common

   

Paid-In

   

Comprehensive

   

Retained

         
   

Issued

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

(Loss) Income

   

Earnings

   

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2023

    5,603,570     $ 1,122     $ 18,448     $ (83,070 )   $ 102,525     $ 39,025  

FASB ASU 2016-13 adoption adjustment

                                    (984 )     (984 )

Net income

    -       -       -       -       1,140       1,140  

Dividends paid ($0.24 per share)

    -       -       -       -       (1,346 )     (1,346 )

Restricted stock granted

    3,868       -       -       -       -       -  

Stock compensation expense

    -       -       40       -       -       40  

Other comprehensive loss, net

    -       -       -       3,248       -       3,248  

Balance, March 31, 2023

    5,607,438     $ 1,122     $ 18,488     $ (79,822 )   $ 101,335     $ 41,123  

 

                           

Accumulated

                 
   

Number

           

Additional

   

Other

                 
   

of Shares

   

Common

   

Paid-In

   

Comprehensive

   

Retained

         
   

Issued

   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Income (Loss)

   

Earnings

   

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2022

    5,595,320     $ 1,120     $ 18,293     $ (11,795 )   $ 98,282     $ 105,900  

Net income

    -       -       -       -       2,036       2,036  

Dividends paid ($0.24 per share)

    -       -       -       -       (1,343 )     (1,343 )

Stock compensation expense

    -       -       39       -       -       39  

Other comprehensive loss, net

    -       -       -       (43,682 )     -       (43,682 )

Balance, March 31, 2022

    5,595,320     $ 1,120     $ 18,332     $ (55,477 )   $ 98,975     $ 62,950  

 

 

27

 

 

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(in thousands)

 

The fair value topic of the ASC establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. This topic clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. This topic also requires disclosure about how fair value was determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:

 

 

Level 1

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

 

 

 

Level 2

Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or

 

 

 

 

Level 3

Unobservable inputs for an asset or liability, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

 

The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following table presents assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2023:

 

   

Quoted Prices

                         
   

in Active

   

Significant

                 
   

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

         
   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

         
   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

         
   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

   

Totals

 
Securities available-for-sale                                
                                 

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ -     $ 95,536     $ -     $ 95,536  

State, county and municipal

    -       105,761       -       105,761  

Other securities

    -       443       -       443  
Total   $ -     $ 201,740     $ -     $ 201,740  

 

28

 

The following table presents assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022:

 

   

Quoted Prices

                         
   

in Active

   

Significant

                 
   

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

         
   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

         
   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

         
   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

   

Totals

 
Securities available-for-sale                                

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ -     $ 96,972     $ -     $ 96,972  

State, county and municipal

    -       103,913       -       103,913  

Other securities

    -       437       -       437  
Total   $ -     $ 201,322     $ -     $ 201,322  

 

The Company recorded no gains or losses in earnings for the period ended March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022 that were attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Loans considered impaired are reserved for at the time the loan is identified as impaired taking into account the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including but not limited to, equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The fair value of real estate is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The fair value of the business assets is generally based on amounts reported on the business’s financial statements. Appraised and reported values may be adjusted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation and management knowledge of the client and the client’s business. Since not all valuation inputs are observable, these nonrecurring fair value determinations are classified Level 3. The unobservable inputs may vary depending on the individual assets with the fair value of real estate based on appraised value being the predominant approach. The Company reviews the certified appraisals for appropriateness and adjusts the value downward to consider selling, closing and liquidation costs, which typically approximates 25% of the appraised value. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors previously identified.

 

Other real estate owned

 

OREO is primarily comprised of real estate acquired in partial or full satisfaction of loans. OREO is recorded at its estimated fair value less estimated selling and closing costs at the date of transfer, with any excess of the related loan balance over the fair value less expected selling costs charged to the ACL. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded against earnings. The Company outsources the valuation of OREO with material balances to third party appraisers. The Company reviews the third-party appraisal for appropriateness and adjusts the value downward to consider selling and closing costs, which typically approximate 25% of the appraised value.

 

29

 

The following tables provide the fair value measurement for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still held on the balance sheets as of the dates presented and the level within the fair value hierarchy each is classified:

 

   

March 31, 2023

 
   

Quoted Prices

                       
   

in Active

   

Significant

                 
   

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

         
   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

         
   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

         
   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

   

Totals

 
                                 

Impaired loans

  $ -     $ -     $ 1,950     $ 1,950  
                                 
Total   $ -     $ -     $ 1,950     $ 1,950  

 

   

December 31, 2022

 
   

Quoted Prices

                         
   

in Active

   

Significant

                 
   

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

         
   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

         
   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

         
   

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

   

Totals

 
                                 

Impaired loans

  $ -     $ -     $ 2,074     $ 2,074  
                                 
Total   $ -     $ -     $ 2,074     $ 2,074  

 

Impaired loans, whose fair value was remeasured during the period, with a carrying value of $2,050 and $2,190, had an allocated ACL of $100 and $116 at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The allocated allowance is based on the carrying value of the impaired loan and the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell.

 

After monitoring the carrying amounts for subsequent declines or impairments after foreclosure, management determined that no fair value adjustment to OREO was necessary during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

30

 

The financial instruments topic of the ASC requires disclosure of financial instruments’ fair values, as well as the methodology and significant assumptions used in estimating fair values. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The financial instruments topic of the ASC excludes certain financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. The following represents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2023:

 

     

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 
           

Quoted Prices

                         
           

in Active

   

Significant

                 
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

   

Total

 
   

Carrying

   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

   

Fair

 

March 31, 2023

 

Value

   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

   

Value

 
           

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

         
Financial assets                                        

Cash and due from banks

  $ 15,600     $ 15,600     $ -     $ -     $ 15,600  

Interest bearing deposits with banks

    606       606       -       -       606  

Securities held-to-maturity

    402,237       -       375,952       -       375,952  

Securities available-for-sale

    201,740       -       201,740       -       201,740  

Net LHFI

    561,223       -       -       521,259       521,259  
                                         
Financial liabilities                                        

Deposits

  $ 1,115,826     $ 929,637     $ 187,335     $ -     $ 1,116,972  

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

    98,532       98,532       -       -       98,532  

Short-term borrowings

    1,725       1,725       -       -       1,725  

Borrowings on secured line of credit

    18,000       18,000       -       -       18,000  

 

The following represents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2022:

 

           

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 
           

Quoted Prices

                         
           

in Active

   

Significant

                 
           

Markets for

   

Other

   

Significant

   

Total

 
   

Carrying

   

Identical

   

Observable

   

Unobservable

   

Fair

 

December 31, 2022

 

Value

   

Assets

   

Inputs

   

Inputs

   

Value

 
           

(Level 1)

   

(Level 2)

   

(Level 3)

         
Financial assets                                        

Cash and due from banks

  $ 26,948     $ 26,948     $ -     $ -     $ 26,948  

Interest bearing deposits with banks

    1,646       1,646       -       -       1,646  

Securities held-to-maturity

    406,590       -       375,292       -       375,292  

Securities available-for-sale

    201,322       -       201,322       -       201,322  

Net LHFI

    580,327       -       -       541,173       541,173  
                                         
Financial liabilities                                        

Deposits

  $ 1,126,402     $ 947,479     $ 178,902     $ -     $ 1,126,381  

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

    127,574       127,574       -       -       127,574  

Borrowings on secured line of credit

    18,000       18,000       -       -       18,000  

 

31

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”) contains statements that constitute forward‑looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are based on management's beliefs, plans, expectations and assumptions and on information currently available to management. The words “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions used in this Quarterly Report that do not relate to historical facts are intended to identify forward‑looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this Quarterly Report. The Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the actual results or experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations described or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of the business of Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi (the “Bank” and collectively with the Company, the “Company”), include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

expectations about the movement of interest rates, including actions that may be taken by the Federal Reserve Board in response to changing economic conditions;

adverse changes in asset quality and loan demand, and the potential insufficiency of the ACL and our ability to foreclose on delinquent mortgages;

the risk of adverse changes in business conditions in the banking industry generally and in the specific markets in which the Company operates;

natural disasters, civil unrest, epidemics and other catastrophic events in the Company’s geographic area;

the impact of increasing inflation rates on the general economic, market or business conditions;

extensive regulation, changes in the legislative and regulatory environment that negatively impact the Company and the Bank through increased operating expenses and the potential for regulatory enforcement actions, claims, or litigation;

increased competition from other financial institutions and the risk of failure to achieve our business strategies;

events affecting our business operations, including the effectiveness of our risk management framework, the accuracy of our estimates, our reliance on third party vendors, the risk of security breaches and potential fraud, and the impact of technological advances;

climate change and societal responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations, including indirectly through impact to its customers;

our ability to maintain sufficient capital and to raise additional capital when needed;

our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to conduct business and meet our obligations;

events affecting our ability to compete effectively and achieve our strategies, such as the risk of failure to achieve the revenue increases expected to result from our acquisitions, branch additions and in new product and service offerings, our ability to control expenses and our ability to attract and retain skilled people;

 

32

 

events that adversely affect our reputation, and the resulting potential adverse impact on our business operations;

increased cybersecurity risk, including network breaches, business disruptions or financial losses;

risks arising from owning our common stock, such as the volatility and trading volume, our ability to pay dividends, the regulatory limitations on stock ownership, and provisions in our governing documents that may make it more difficult for another party to obtain control of us;

risks associated with national and global events, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and supply chain disruptions;
risks associated with the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank, which have resulted in significant market volatility and less confidence in depository institutions; and

other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report, or if earlier, the date on which such statements were made.

 

Management’s discussion and analysis is intended to provide greater insight into the results of operations and the financial condition of the Company. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. All dollar amounts appearing in this section of our Quarterly Report are in thousands unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Company is a one-bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Mississippi on February 16, 1982. The Company is the sole shareholder of the Bank. The Company does not have any direct subsidiaries other than the Bank.

 

The Bank was opened on February 8, 1908, as The First National Bank of Philadelphia. In 1917, the Bank surrendered its national charter and obtained a state charter, at which time the name of the Bank was changed to The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi. At March 31, 2023, the Bank was the largest bank headquartered in Neshoba County, Mississippi, with total assets of $1,289,079 and total deposits of $1,115,935. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The principal executive offices of both the Company and the Bank are located at 521 Main Street, Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350, and the main telephone number is (601) 656-4692. All references hereinafter to the activities or operations of the Company reflect the Company’s activities or operations through the Bank.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

For an overview of the Company’s critical accounting policies, see the section captioned “Critical Accounting Policies” included in Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report. Additionally, as described more fully in our unaudited financial statements in Part I of this Quarterly report, especially Note 1, Impact of Recently-Issued Accounting Standards and Pronouncements and Note 8, ACL on LHFI, on January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326. This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit.

 

33

 

LIQUIDITY

 

The Company has an asset and liability management program that assists management in maintaining net interest margins during times of both rising and falling interest rates and in maintaining sufficient liquidity. A measurement of liquidity is the ratio of net deposits and short-term liabilities divided by the sum of net cash, short-term investments and marketable assets. This measurement for liquidity of the Company at March 31, 2023, was 14.35% and at December 31, 2022, was 14.58%. The decrease was due to a decrease in interest bearing cash and cash equivalents partially offset by an increase in the fair market value of investment securities as of March 31, 2023. Management believes it maintains adequate liquidity for the Company’s current needs.

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity is customer deposits, which were $1,115,826 at March 31, 2023, and $1,126,402 at December 31, 2022. Other sources of liquidity include investment securities, the Company’s line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), the Company’s secured line of credit with First Horizon Bank (“FHN”), the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) and federal funds lines with correspondent banks. The Company had $201,740 invested in available-for-sale investment securities at March 31, 2023, and $201,322 at December 31, 2022. The increase in securities available-for-sale is the result of an increase in the fair market value of investment securities partially offset by paydowns on investment securities.

 

The Company also had $606 in interest bearing deposits at other banks at March 31, 2023 and $1,646 at December 31, 2022. The Company had secured and unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks in the amount of $50,000 at March 31, 2023 and $45,000 at December 31, 2022. In addition, the Company has the ability to draw on its line of credit with the FHLB and FHN. At March 31, 2023, the Company had unused and available $197,867 of its line of credit with the FHLB and at December 31, 2022, the Company had unused and available $160,488 of its line of credit with the FHLB. The increase in the amount available under the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB from the end of 2022 to March 31, 2023, was the result of an increase in the amount of loans eligible for the collateral pool securing the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB. In addition to the line of credit previously mentioned with the FHLB that is secured by pledged loans, the Company can also pledge investment securities at their current face value, less a predetermined discount amount, typically between 3 to 10%. This is similar to the BTFP except the Company can structure the terms of the line of credit with the FHLB and the BTFP is a one-year line of credit secured by investment securities at par. The Company has approximately $132,996 and $133,033 of unpledged securities at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The secured line of credit with FHN was originated on June 9, 2021. At March 31, 2023, the Company had unused and available $2,000 of its secured line of credit with FHN. The Company had federal funds purchased of $1,725 and $-0- as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company may purchase federal funds from correspondent banks on a temporary basis to meet short-term funding needs.

 

When the Company has more funds than it needs for its short-term liquidity needs, the Company increases its investment portfolio, increases the balances in interest bearing due from bank accounts or sells federal funds. It is management’s policy to maintain an adequate portion of its portfolio of assets and liabilities on a short-term basis to ensure rate flexibility and to meet loan funding and liquidity needs. When deposits decline or do not grow sufficiently to fund loan demand, management will seek funding either through federal funds purchased or advances from the FHLB.

 

34

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Total shareholders’ equity was $41,123 at March 31, 2023, as compared to $39,025 at December 31, 2022.  The increase is a result of a change in AOCI caused by a decrease in the medium-term interest rates that has occurred since December 31, 2022. To help manage the AOCI volatility, the Company transferred securities to held-to-maturity during the third quarter 2022 to help further mitigate any future negative impacts on shareholders’ equity that could result from continued interest rate hikes. The unrealized loss that was frozen in AOCI at the time of the transfer will be amortized out of AOCI back into shareholders’ equity over the remaining life of the securities. Management does not intend to sell any securities at an unrealized loss position. Additionally, as noted in the Liquidity section of Item 2. of this Quarterly Report, the Company has sufficient liquidity options available if the need for short-term funds arises.

 

The Company paid aggregate cash dividends in the amount of $1,346, or $0.24 per share, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 compared to $1,343, or $0.24 per share, for the same period in 2022.

 

Quantitative measures established by federal regulations to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital (primarily common stock and retained earnings, less goodwill) to risk weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management believes that as of March 31, 2023, the Company and Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject and according to these requirements the Company and Bank are considered to be well capitalized.

 

35

 

                                   

Minimum Capital

 
                   

Minimum Capital

   

Requirement to be

 
                   

Requirement to be

   

Adequately

 
   

Actual

   

Well Capitalized

   

Capitalized

 
   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

   

Amount

   

Ratio

 

March 31, 2023

                                               

Citizens Holding Company

                                               

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  $ 108,373       8.01 %   $ 67,655       5.00 %   $ 54,124       4.00 %

Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio

    108,373       13.57 %     87,952       6.50 %     60,890       4.50 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    108,373       13.57 %     63,871       8.00 %     47,903       6.00 %

Total risk-based capital ratio

    114,390       14.33 %     79,839       10.00 %     63,871       8.00 %

The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia

                                               

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  $ 125,673       9.29 %   $ 67,636       5.00 %   $ 54,109       4.00 %

Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio

    125,673       9.29 %     87,927       6.50 %     60,872       4.50 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    125,673       15.75 %     63,840       8.00 %     47,880       6.00 %

Total risk-based capital ratio

    131,691       16.50 %     79,800       10.00 %     63,840       8.00 %
                                                 

December 31, 2022

                                               

Citizens Holding Company

                                               

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  $ 108,756       7.96 %   $ 68,352       5.00 %   $ 54,682       4.00 %

Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio

    108,756       13.19 %     88,858       6.50 %     61,517       4.50 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    108,756       13.19 %     65,951       8.00 %     49,463       6.00 %

Total risk-based capital ratio

    114,020       13.83 %     82,438       10.00 %     65,951       8.00 %

The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia

                                               

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  $ 126,105       9.23 %   $ 68,333       5.00 %   $ 54,667       4.00 %

Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio

    126,105       9.23 %     88,833       6.50 %     61,500       4.50 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    126,105       15.34 %     65,759       8.00 %     49,320       6.00 %

Total risk-based capital ratio

    131,370       15.98 %     82,199       10.00 %     65,759       8.00 %

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”) to adopt regulations imposing a continuing “floor” on the risk based capital requirements. In December 2010, the Basel Committee released a final framework for a strengthened set of capital requirements, known as “Basel III”. In early July 2013, each of the U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules relevant to us: (1) the Basel III regulatory capital reforms; and (2) the "standardized approach of Basel II for non-core banks and bank holding companies”, such as the Bank and the Company. The capital framework under Basel III replaced the existing regulatory capital rules for all banks, savings associations and U.S. bank holding companies with greater than $500 million in total assets, and all savings and loan holding companies.

 

Beginning January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank began to comply with the final Basel III rules, which became effective on January 1, 2019. Among other things, the final Basel III rules impact regulatory capital ratios of banking organizations in the following manner:

 

 

Create a requirement to maintain a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of not less than 4.5%;

 

Increase the minimum leverage capital ratio to 4% for all banking organizations (currently 3% for certain banking organizations);

 

Increase the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio from 4% to 6%; and

 

Maintain the minimum total risk-based capital ratio at 8%.

 

36

 

In addition, the final Basel III rules subject banking organizations to certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the organization does not maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of its total risk-weighted assets. The effect of the capital conservation buffer increases the minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 7%, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio to 8.5% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio to 10.5% for banking organizations seeking to avoid the limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

 

The final Basel III rules also changed the capital categories for insured depository institutions for purposes of prompt corrective action. Under the final rules, to be well capitalized, an insured depository institution must maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%, and a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%. In addition, the final Basel III rules established more conservative standards for including an instrument in regulatory capital and imposed certain deductions from and adjustments to the measure of common equity Tier 1 capital.

 

Management believes that, as of March 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III.

 

37

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, certain items in the consolidated statements of income of the Company and the related changes between those periods:

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
                 

Interest Income

  $ 11,033     $ 9,054  

Interest Expense

    3,355       767  
                 

Net Interest Income

    7,678       8,287  

Provision for credit losses (PCL)

    47       93  
                 

Net Interest Income After PCL

    7,631       8,194  

Other Income

    2,363       2,533  

Other Expense

    8,700       8,301  
                 

Income Before Income Taxes

    1,294       2,426  

Income taxes

    154       390  
                 

Net Income

  $ 1,140     $ 2,036  
                 

Net Income Per share - Basic

  $ 0.20     $ 0.36  

Net Income Per Share-Diluted

  $ 0.20     $ 0.36  

 

See Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation regarding the Company’s calculation of Net Income Per Share - basic and - diluted.

 

Annualized return on average equity (“ROE”) was 11.49% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 8.53% for the corresponding period in 2022. The increase in ROE for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily the result of a decline in equity due to the unrealized losses on investments in AOCI.

 

Book value per share increased to $7.35 at March 31, 2023, compared to $6.97 at December 31, 2022. The increase in book value per share is directly attributable to the increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from the increase in AOCI caused by the decrease in medium-term interest rates. Average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $1,336,480 compared to $1,343,234 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

38

 

NET INTEREST INCOME / NET INTEREST MARGIN (NIM)

 

The main component of the Company’s earnings is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest and fees earned on loans and investments and the interest paid for deposits and borrowed funds. The net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets. The primary concerns in managing net interest income are the volume, mix and repricing of assets and liabilities.

 

Net interest income was $7,678 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to $8,287 for the same respective time period in 2022.

 

The annualized net interest margin was 2.56% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to 2.69% for the corresponding period of 2022. The decrease in net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, was mainly due to rising funding cost during late 2022 and early 2023. In addition, higher interest-bearing deposit balances as of March 31, 2023 increased the cost of funds to 135 basis point (“bps”) for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to 33 bps for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The linked-quarter interest expense increased $1,199, or (55.64%), to $3,354 from $2,155. Management expects continued pressure on NIM throughout the first half of 2023 as deposit competition remains tight.

 

39

 

The following table sets forth average balance sheet data, including all major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, together with the interest earned or interest paid and the average yield or average rate paid on each such category for the periods presented:

 

 TABLE 1 - AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

Average Balance

 

Income/Expense

Average Yield/Rate

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

2023

   

2022

2023

   

2022

 

Loans:

                                       

LHFI(1)

  $ 581,471     $ 578,127   $ 7,350     $ 6,426 5.06 %     4.45 %
                                         

Investment Securities

                                       

Taxable

    443,731       462,140     2,305       1,698 2.08 %     1.47 %

Tax-exempt

    202,333       210,915     1,331       1,183 2.63 %     2.24 %

Total Investment Securities

    646,064       673,055     3,636       2,881 2.25 %     1.71 %
                                         

Federal Funds Sold and Other

    27,993       32,790     322       13 4.60 %     0.16 %
                                         

Total Interest Earning Assets(1)(2)

    1,255,528       1,283,972     11,308       9,320 3.60 %     2.90 %
                                         

Non-Earning Assets

    80,952       68,737                          
                                         

Total Assets

  $ 1,336,480     $ 1,352,709                          
                                         

Deposits:

                                       

Interest-bearing Demand

                                       

Deposits (3)

  $ 505,099     $ 477,248   $ 980     $ 188 0.78 %     0.16 %

Savings

    128,313       129,694     76       31 0.24 %     0.10 %

Time

    188,212       219,785     765       337 1.63 %     0.61 %

Total Deposits

    821,624       826,727     1,821       556 0.89 %     0.27 %
                                         

Borrowed Funds

                                       

Short-term Borrowings

    150,867       99,221     1,188       60 3.15 %     0.24 %

Long-term Borrowings

    18,000       18,000     346       151 7.69 %     3.36 %

Total Borrowed Funds

    168,867       117,221     1,534       211 3.63 %     0.72 %

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities (3)

    990,491       943,948     3,355       767 1.35 %     0.33 %
                                         

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities

                                       

Demand Deposits

    292,445       300,428                          

Other Liabilities

    13,851       12,871                          

Shareholders' Equity

    39,693       95,462                          

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

  $ 1,336,480     $ 1,352,709                          
                                         

Interest Rate Spread

                            2.25 %     2.58 %
                                         

Net Interest Margin

                $ 7,953     $ 8,553 2.56 %     2.69 %
                                         

Less

                                       

Tax Equivalent Adjustment

                  275       266            
                                         

Net Interest Income

                $ 7,678     $ 8,287            

 

40

 

  (1)

Overdrafts, while not considered an earning asset, are included in Loans, net of unearned in the average volume calculation due to the immaterial impact on the yield.

 

  (2)

Earnings Assets in the table above does include the dividend paying stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

  (3)

Demand deposits are not included in the average volume calculation as they are not interest bearing liabilities. They are included within the non-interest bearing liabilities section above.

 

The average balances of nonaccruing assets are included in the tables above. Interest income and weighted average yields on tax-exempt loans and securities have been computed on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 3.95%, which is net of federal tax benefit.

 

Net interest margin and net interest income are influenced by internal and external factors. Internal factors include balance sheet changes in volume, mix and pricing decisions. External factors include changes in market interest rates, competition and the shape of the interest rate yield curve. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, rapidly increasing deposit costs have been the larger driver of decreased profitability. Management believes net interest margin should contract some more in the second quarter and then level off for the remainder of 2023. Management remains focused on loan growth to help offset the increased funding costs.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest earned, on a tax equivalent basis, and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and rates for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same respective period in 2022:

 

   

TABLE 2 - VOLUME/RATE ANALYSIS

 
           

(in thousands)

         
   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

2023 Change from 2022

 
   

Volume

   

Rate

   

Total

 

INTEREST INCOME

                       
                         

LHFI

  $ 37       887     $ 924  

Taxable Securities

    (68 )     675       607  

Non-Taxable Securities

    (48 )     196       148  

Federal Funds Sold and Other

    (2 )     311       309  
                         

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME

  $ (81 )   $ 2,069     $ 1,988  
                         

INTEREST EXPENSE

                       
                         

Interest-bearing demand deposits

  $ 11       781       792  

Savings Deposits

    (0 )     45       45  

Time Deposits

    (48 )     476       428  

Short-term borrowings

    31       1,097       1,128  

Long-term borrowings

    -       195       195  
                         

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE

  $ (7 )   $ 2,595       2,588  
                         
                         

NET INTEREST INCOME

  $ (74 )   $ (526 )   $ (600 )

 

41

 

CREDIT LOSS EXPERIENCE

 

As a natural corollary to the Company’s lending activities, some loan losses are to be expected. The risk of loss varies with the type of loan being made and the overall creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan. The degree of perceived risk is taken into account in establishing the structure of, and interest rates and security for, specific loans and for various types of loans. The Company attempts to minimize its credit risk exposure by use of thorough loan application and approval procedures.

 

The Company maintains a program of systematic review of its existing loans. Loans are graded for their overall quality. Those loans, which management determines require further monitoring and supervision, are segregated and reviewed on a regular basis. Significant problem loans are reviewed monthly by the Company’s management and Board of Directors.

 

The Company charges off that portion of any loan that the Company’s management and Board of Directors has determined to be a loss. A loan is generally considered by management to represent a loss, in whole or in part, when exposure beyond the collateral value is apparent, servicing of the unsecured portion has been discontinued or collection is not anticipated based on the borrower's financial condition. The general economic conditions in the borrower’s industry influence this determination. The principal amount of any loan that is declared a loss is charged against the Company’s ACL.

 

The Company’s ACL is designed to provide for loan losses that can be reasonably anticipated. The ACL is established through charges to operating expenses in the form of provisions for credit losses. Actual loan losses or recoveries are charged or credited to the ACL. Management determines the amount of the allowance, and the Board of Directors reviews and approves the ACL. Among the factors considered in determining the ACL are the current financial condition of the Company’s borrowers and the value of security, if any, for their loans. Estimates of future economic conditions and their impact on various industries and individual borrowers are also taken into consideration, as are the Company’s historical loan loss experience and reports of banking regulatory authorities. As these estimates, factors and evaluations are primarily judgmental, no assurance can be given as to whether the Company will sustain loan losses in excess or below its allowance or that subsequent evaluation of the loan portfolio may not require material increases or decreases in such allowance.

 

42

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s ACL for the dates indicated:

 

   

Quarter Ended

   

Year Ended

   

Amount of

   

Percent of

 
   

March 31,

   

December 31,

   

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 
                                 

BALANCES:

                               

Gross loans

  $ 567,240     $ 585,591     $ (18,351 )     (3.13% )

ACL

    6,017       5,264       753       14.30 %

Nonaccrual loans

    2,993       2,988       5       0.17 %

Ratios:

                               

ACL to gross loans

    1.06 %     0.90 %                

Net loans recovered to ACL(1)

    (1.18% )     (11.91% )                

(1) Quarter ended amount annualized.

 

The PCL for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $47. The PCL was primarily driven by a net decrease in loan balances of $18,351 during the quarter partially offset with qualitative factor adjustments due to continued inflationary risk concerns in both the local and national economy. The Company’s model used to calculate the PCL is described in depth in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The ACL to LHFI was 1.06% and 0.82% at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 0.90% at December 31, 2022 representing a level management considers commensurate with the present risk in the loan portfolio.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net loan losses recovered to the ACL totaled $71, a decrease of $99 in net recoveries from the $170 in net recoveries in the same period in 2022.

 

Management reviews quarterly with the Company’s Board of Directors the adequacy of the ACL. The PCL is adjusted when specific items reflect a need for such an adjustment. Management believes that there were no material loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that have not been charged off or appropriately reserved for in the ACL. Management also believes that the Company’s ACL will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. However, it remains possible that additional PCL’s may be required.          

 

OTHER INCOME

 

Other income includes service charges on deposit accounts, wire transfer fees, safe deposit box rentals and other revenue not derived from interest on earning assets. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $2,363, a decrease of $170, or (6.71%), from $2,533 in the same period in 2022. Service charges on deposit accounts were $914 in the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $945 for the same period in 2022. Included in the service charges on deposit accounts line item for the three months ended March 31, 2023, overdraft income decreased by $20, or (3.05%) from the same period in 2022. Interchange fees which are included in the other service charges and fees line item on the Comprehensive Statements of Income increased marginally by $1 ,or 0.12%, to $923 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $922 for the same period in 2022. Other operating income not derived from service charges or fees decreased $151, or (26.82%) to $412 in the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $563 for the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to the decline in mortgage loan origination income due to increased mortgage interest rates. Mortgage loan origination income decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2023 by $118, or (57.84%), to $86 compared to $204 for the same period in 2022.

 

43

 

The following is a detail of the other major income classifications that were included in other operation income on the income statement:

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 

Other income

 

2023

   

2022

 
                 

BOLI Income

  $ 119     $ 121  

Mortgage Loan Origination Income

    86       204  

Gain on sale of OREO

    -       65  

Other Income

    207       173  
                 

Total other income

  $ 412     $ 563  

 

OTHER EXPENSES

 

Other expenses include salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, and other operating expenses. Aggregate non-interest expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were $8,700 and $8,301, respectively, an increase of $399, or 4.81%. Salaries and benefits increased $256, or 5.77%, to $4,695 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022.  Occupancy expense increased by $70, or 3.94%, to $1,845 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $1,775 for the same period of 2022. The increase in occupancy expense is the result of the Company replacing Automated Teller Machines (“ATMs”) and Interactive Teller Machines (“ITMs”) at several branch locations throughout the quarter. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, other expense increased $73, or 3.50% to $2,160 compared to $2,087 for the same period in 2022. The increase in other expense is primarily the result of an increase in professional fees coupled with check fraud losses of $138 that occurred during the first quarter of 2023 that are included in the Other expense line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

44

 

The following is a detail of the major expense classifications that make up the other expense line item in the income statement:

 

   

For the Three Months

 
   

Ended March 31,

 

Other Expense

 

2023

   

2022

 
                 

Advertising

  $ 47     $ 131  

Office Supplies

    231       209  

Professional Fees

    280       219  

Technology expense

    109       116  

Postage and Freight

    144       138  

Loan Collection Expense

    24       7  

Regulatory and related expense

    196       204  

Debit Card/ATM expense

    206       188  

Write down on OREO

    -       42  

Travel and Convention

    68       52  

Other expenses

    855       781  
                 

Total other expense

  $ 2,160     $ 2,087  

 

The Company’s efficiency ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was 87.15%, compared to 75.33% for the same period in 2022. The efficiency ratio is the ratio of non-interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income (on a fully tax equivalent basis) and non-interest income.

 

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

 

                   

Amount of

   

Percent of

 
   

March 31,

   

December 31,

   

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 
                                 

Cash and due from banks

  $ 15,600     $ 26,948     $ (11,348 )     (42.11% )

Interest bearing deposits with other banks

    606       1,646       (1,040 )     (63.18% )

Investment securities held to maturity

    402,237       406,590       (4,353 )     (1.07% )

Investment securities available for sale

    201,740       201,322       418       0.21 %

Net LHFI

    561,223       580,327       (19,104 )     (3.29% )

Premises and equipment

    27,561       27,705       (144 )     (0.52% )

Total assets

    1,289,470       1,324,003       (34,533 )     (2.61% )
                                 

Total deposits

    1,115,826       1,126,402       (10,576 )     (0.94% )

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

Cash and due from banks, which consist of cash, balances at correspondent banks and items in process of collection, balance at March 31, 2023 was $15,600, which was a decrease of $11,348 from the balance of $26,948 at December 31, 2022. Interest bearing deposits with other banks decreased by $1,040, or (63.18%), to $606 at March 31, 2023 compared to $1,646 at December 31, 2022.

 

45

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The Company’s investment securities portfolio primarily consists of United States agency debentures, mortgage-backed securities and obligations of states, counties and municipalities. The Company’s investments securities portfolio at March 31, 2023 decreased by $7,229, or 1.11%, to $641,822 from $649,051 at December 31, 2022 when comparing the amortized cost of the Company’s investments securities. The decrease is primarily a result of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio monthly paydowns.

 

LHFI

 

The Company’s gross loan balance decreased by $18,351, or (3.13%), during the three months ended March 31, 2023, to $567,240 from $585,591 at December 31, 2022. The year-to-date decline in loan growth primarily reflects paydown activity in excess of new loans coupled with management’s strategic reduction of substandard loans during the quarter. No material changes were made to the loan products offered by the Company during this period.

 

DEPOSITS

 

The following table shows the balance and percentage change in the various deposits:

 

                   

Amount of

   

Percent of

 
   

March 31,

   

December 31,

   

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 
                                 

Noninterest-Bearing Deposits

  $ 288,466     $ 299,112     $ (10,646 )     (3.56% )

Interest-Bearing Deposits

    514,485       515,337       (852 )     (0.17% )

Savings Deposits

    126,686       133,030       (6,344 )     (4.77% )

Certificates of Deposit

    186,189       178,923       7,266       4.06 %
                                 

Total deposits

  $ 1,115,826     $ 1,126,402     $ (10,576 )     -0.94 %

 

All deposit accounts except for certificates of deposits decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in deposit accounts is directly attributable to customers moving noninterest-bearing deposits to certificates of deposits due to the current rate environment coupled with the aforementioned increased deposit competition. Management continually monitors the interest rates on time deposit products to ensure that the Company is managing liquidity in line with our asset and liability management objectives. These rate adjustments impact deposit balances.

         

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report for a discussion of the nature and extent of the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements, which consist solely of commitments to fund loans and letters of credit.

 

46

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk

 

The principal objective of our asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest rate risk within the balance sheet and pursue a controlled assumption of interest rate risk while maximizing net income and preserving adequate levels of liquidity and capital. The Board of Directors of the Bank has oversight of our asset and liability management function, which is managed by our Chief Financial Officer. Our Chief Financial Officer meets with our senior executive management team regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to market rate changes, local and national market conditions and market interest rates. That group also reviews our liquidity, capital, deposit mix, loan mix and investment positions.

 

47

 

As a financial institution, our primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of our assets and liabilities, and the fair value of all interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, other than those which have a short term to maturity. Interest rate risk is the potential of economic losses due to future interest rate changes. These economic losses can be reflected as a loss of future net interest income and/or a loss of current fair values.

 

We manage our exposure to interest rates primarily by structuring our balance sheet in the ordinary course of business. We do not typically enter into derivative contracts for the purpose of managing interest rate risk, but we may elect to do so should the situation warrant. Based upon the nature of our operations, we are not subject to material foreign exchange or commodity price risk. We do not own any trading assets.

 

We use an interest rate risk simulation model to test the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet. Instantaneous parallel rate shift scenarios are modeled and utilized to evaluate risk and establish exposure limits for acceptable changes in projected net interest margin. These scenarios, known as rate shocks, simulate an instantaneous change in interest rates and use various assumptions, including, but not limited to, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. We also analyze the economic value of equity as a secondary measure of interest rate risk. This is a complementary measure to net interest income where the calculated value is the result of the fair value of assets less the fair value of liabilities. The economic value of equity is a longer-term view of interest rate risk because it measures the present value of all future cash flows. The impact of changes in interest rates on this calculation is analyzed for the risk to our future earnings and is used in conjunction with the analyses on net interest income.

 

The following table summarizes the simulated change in net interest income assuming a static balance sheet versus unchanged rates as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 

   

March 31, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 
   

Following

   

Months

   

Following

   

Months

 
   

12 months

      13-24    

12 months

      13-24  

+400 basis points

    -12.1 %     -4.9 %     -12.0 %     -2.2 %

+300 basis points

    -8.3 %     -2.9 %     -7.9 %     -0.4 %

+200 basis points

    -4.6 %     -1.0 %     -3.9 %     1.0 %

+100 basis points

    -1.5 %     0.3 %     -0.8 %     1.6 %

Flat rates

    -       -       -       -  

-100 basis points

    0.8 %     -1.0 %     1.3 %     -1.2 %

-200 basis points

    2.8 %     -1.2 %     2.6 %     -2.5 %

 

48

 

The following table presents the change in our economic value of equity as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, assuming immediate parallel shifts in interest rates:

 

   

Economic Value of Equity at Risk (%)

 
   

March 31, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

+400 basis points

    -40.4 %     -33.1 %

+300 basis points

    -31.2 %     -24.7 %

+200 basis points

    -21.1 %     -16.6 %

+100 basis points

    -10.7 %     -8.3 %

Flat rates

    -       -  

-100 basis points

    6.5 %     5.1 %

-200 basis points

    8.6 %     5.7 %

 

Many assumptions are used to calculate the impact of interest rate fluctuations. Actual results may be significantly different than our projections due to several factors, including the timing and frequency of rate changes, market conditions and the shape of the yield curve. The computations of interest rate risk shown above do not include actions that our management may undertake to manage the risks in response to anticipated changes in interest rates, and actual results may also differ due to any actions taken in response to the changing rates.

 

As part of our asset/liability management strategy, our management has emphasized the origination of shorter duration loans as well as variable rate loans to limit the negative exposure to a rate increase. We also desire to acquire deposit transaction accounts, particularly non-interest or low interest-bearing non-maturity deposit accounts, whose cost is less sensitive to changes in interest rates.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

The management of the Company, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2023 (the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report).

 

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the three months ended March 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

The Company is a party to lawsuits and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, all of which are being vigorously contested. In the regular course of business, management evaluates estimated losses or costs related to litigation, and provisions are made for anticipated losses whenever management believes that such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, management believes, based on the advice of legal counsel, that the final resolution of pending legal proceedings will not likely have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS.

 

In evaluating an investment in our common stock, investors should consider carefully, among other things, the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our other reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.

 

Other than the risk factor set forth below, there has been no material change in the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Risks Related to Recent Events Impacting the Financial Services Industry

 

The recent high-profile bank failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023 and First Republic Bank in May 2023 have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies and, in particular, regional banks. These market developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of regional banks. As a result, customers may choose to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions or invest in higher yielding short-term fixed income securities, all of which could materially adversely impact our liquidity, cost of funding, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of operations. These events are occurring during a period of continued interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve which, among other things, have resulted in unrealized losses in longer-duration securities held by banks, increased competition for bank deposits and the possibility of an increase in the risk of a potential recession. These recent events have, and could continue to, adversely impact the market price and volatility of the Company's common stock.

 

These rapid bank failures have also highlighted risks associated with advances in technology that increase the speed at which information, concerns and rumors can spread through traditional and new media, and increase the speed at which deposits can be moved from bank to bank or outside the banking system, heightening liquidity concerns of traditional banks. While regulators and large banks have taken steps designed to increase liquidity at regional banks and strengthen depositor confidence in the broader banking industry, there can be no guarantee that these steps will stabilize the financial services industry and financial markets. In addition, regulators may adopt new regulations or increase FDIC insurance costs, which could increase our costs of doing business.

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibits

 

10(1)

Employment Agreement, dated January 11, 2023 by and between the Citizens Bank of Philadelphia and Stacy M. Brantley

 

31(a)

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

 

31(b)

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

 

32(a)

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

 

32(b)

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

 

101

Financial Statements submitted in Inline XBRL format.

 

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

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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.

 

  CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY  
       
       
  BY: /s/ Stacy M. Brantley  
  Stacy M. Brantley           
  President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
       
       
  BY: /s/ Phillip R. Branch  
  Phillip R. Branch  
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  
  (Principal Financial Officer and Chief  
  Accounting Officer)  
     
  DATE: May 15, 2023  

 

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