Finward Bancorp - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

Finward Bancorp

Consolidated Balance Sheet

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.        

(1) See note 3 regarding adoption of ASC 326        

Finward Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Income

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(1) See note 3 regarding adoption of ASC 326

Finward Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Finward Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Finward Bancorp

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Finward Bancorp

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

Organization and Description of Business

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Finward Bancorp (the “Bancorp”), its wholly-owned subsidiary Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Peoples Service Corporation, NWIN, LLC, NWIN Funding, Incorporated, and Columbia Development Company, LLC. The Bancorp has no other business activity other than being a holding company for the Bank and the Bancorp’s earnings are primarily dependent upon the earnings of the Bank. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete presentation of consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated balance sheets of the Bancorp as of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), and changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, and consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022. The income reported for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Finward Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), which include descriptions of significant accounting policies, should be read in conjunction with these interim financial statements. The Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.

Note 2 - Use of Estimates

Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates associated with the allowance for loan losses, fair values of foreclosed real estate, loan servicing rights, investment securities, deferred tax assets, goodwill, and the status of contingencies are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.

Note 3 – Change in Accounting Principles

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”. The ASU includes increased disclosures and various changes to the accounting and measurement of financial assets including the Bancorp’s loans and available-for-sale debt securities. Each financial asset presented on the balance sheet would have a unique allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The amendments in this ASU also eliminate the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and instead, reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses using reasonable and supportable forecasts. In October 2019, the FASB voted and approved proposed changes to the effective date of this ASU for smaller reporting companies, such as the Bancorp, and other non-SEC reporting entities. The approval changed the effective date of the ASU to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal periods. The new credit loss guidance became effective for the Bancorp as of January 1, 2023. Upon adoption, the ASU will be applied using a modified retrospective transition method to the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. A prospective transition approach is required for debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized before the effective date. On January 1, 2023, the Bancorp adopted ASU No. 2016-13 resulting in an implementation entry of $8.3 million, increasing the ACL by $5.2 million and unfunded commitment liability of $3.1 million, retained earnings decreased $6.1 million and a deferred tax asset of $2.2 million was generated. The majority of the implementation entry is related to including acquired loan portfolios in the model and the addition of using economic forecasts in estimating future losses. In addition, $1.0 million of non-accretable credit loan discounts on purchase credit impaired loans now classified as purchase credit deteriorated were reallocated to the ACL.

Upon adopting ASU 2016-13, the Bancorp did not record an allowance as of January 1, 2023, with respect to its available-for-sale debt securities as the majority of these securities are municipal securities for which the risk of loss is minimal.

The main drivers of the day one adjustment related to implementation is summarized in the following table:

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which addresses and amends areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the accounting standard that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by companies that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require disclosure of current-period gross writeoffs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. ASU 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years for entities that have adopted the CECL accounting standard. The Bancorp adopted ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023.

Note 4 - Upcoming Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. In December of 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06 which extended the period of time preparers can utilize the reference rate reform relief guidance in Topic 848. The guidance ensures the relief in Topic 848 covers the period of time during which a significant number of modifications may take place and the ASU defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Bancorp continues to implement its transition plan towards cessation of LIBOR and the modification of its loans and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly influenced by LIBOR. The Bancorp expects to utilize the LIBOR transition relief allowed under ASU 2020-04, ASU 2021-01 and ASU 2022-06, as applicable, and does not expect such adoption to have a material impact on its accounting and disclosures.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03 “Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions.” These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The Bancorp has assessed ASU 2022-03 and does not expect it to have a material impact on its accounting and disclosures.

In March 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards (ASU) No. 2023-02 “Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method.” These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The Bancorp is assessing ASU 2023-02 and its impact on its accounting and disclosures.

In July 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-03, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280 - General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock” (“ASU 2023-03”). This ASU amends various paragraphs in the accounting codification pursuant to the issuance of Commission Staff Bulletin ("SAB") number 120. ASU 2023-03 does not provide any new guidance, so there is no transition or effective date. ASU 2023-03 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 5 - Acquisition Activity

On January 31, 2022, the Bancorp completed its previously announced acquisition of Royal Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RYFL”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 28, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”) between the Bancorp and RYFL. The stockholders of both the Bancorp and RYFL approved the Merger Agreement at the respective stockholder meetings of the companies held on December 13, 2021. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, RYFL merged with and into the Bancorp, with the Bancorp as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”), and Royal Savings Bank, an Illinois state-chartered savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of RYFL, merged with and into Peoples Bank, the wholly-owned Indiana state-chartered commercial bank subsidiary of the Bancorp, with Peoples Bank as the surviving bank.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, RYFL stockholders who owned 101 or more shares of RYFL common stock were permitted to elect to receive either 0.4609 shares of the Bancorp common stock or $20.14 in cash, or a combination of both, for each share of RYFL common stock owned, subject to proration and allocation provisions such that 65% of the shares of RYFL common stock outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the merger were converted into the right to receive shares of the Bancorp common stock and the remaining 35% of the outstanding RYFL shares were converted into the right to receive cash. Stockholders holding less than 101 shares of RYFL common stock received fixed consideration of $20.14 in cash per share and no stock consideration.

As a result of RYFL stockholder stock and cash elections and the related allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement, the Bancorp issued 795,423 shares of its common stock and paid cash consideration of approximately $18.7 million in the Merger. Based on the January 28, 2022, closing price of $47.75 per share of the Bancorp common stock, the transaction had an implied valuation of approximately $56.7 million. In connection with the acquisition, Robert W. Youman, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bancorp and Peoples Bank effective as of the closing of the Merger. RYFL had a home office and eight branch offices in Cook County and DuPage County, Illinois. The acquisition has further expanded the Bank’s banking center network in Cook County and DuPage County, Illinois.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to net tangible and intangible assets based on their current estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. Based on the valuations of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change, the final purchase price for the RYFL acquisition is allocated as follows:

During the year-ended December 31, 2022, adjustments were made to the carrying value of other assets of $409 thousand, due to the valuation of prepaids and deferred tax assets brought over in the acquisition, and premises and equipment, net, of $48 thousand, due to a correction in the valuation of buildings, and in addition, a correction was made to the valuation of shares issued increasing the value by $79 thousand. The resulting impact of these changes was a decrease to the goodwill balance related to the RYFL acquisition of $378 thousand. Goodwill related to the RYFL transaction is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Goodwill of approximately $11.5 million, which is the excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired, has been recorded in the RYFL acquisition and is the result of expected operational synergies and other factors. This goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Gross loans acquired during the RYFL transaction totaled $456.7 million.

The following pro-forma and earnings (unaudited) of the combined company are presented as if the RYFL merger had occurred on January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2022:

(1) Excludes $2.9 million in pre-tax merger expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Bancorp recorded $2.9 million in pre-tax one-time merger expenses related to the RYFL acquisition, and these expenses have been allocated to the following non-interest expense line items within the income statement:

Note 6 - Securities

The estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:

The cost basis and estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2023, by contractual maturity, were as follows. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily collateralized mortgage obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.

Sales of available-for-sale securities were as follows for the three months ended:

Sales of available-for-sale securities were as follows for the nine months ended:

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) balances, net of tax, related to available-for-sale securities, were as follows:

Securities with market values of approximately $294.4 million and $223.7 million were pledged as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, as collateral for repurchase agreements, public funds, and for other purposes as permitted or required by law.

Securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 not recognized in income are as follows:

Unrealized losses on securities have not been recognized into income because the securities are of high credit quality or have undisrupted cash flows. Management has the intent and ability to hold those securities for the foreseeable future, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and volatility in securities markets. The fair values are expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.

At September 30, 2023, collateralized debt obligations with a cost basis of $2.2 million and fair value of $1.2 million had previously recorded impairment of $173 thousand, which will not be recoverable until maturity of the security.

Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $2.4 million at September 30, 2023, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The Bancorp made the policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of AFS debt securities and report accrued interest separately on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Note 7 - Loans Receivable

The Bancorp’s current lending programs are described below:

Residential Real Estate. The primary lending activity of the Bancorp has been the granting of conventional mortgage loans to enable borrowers to purchase existing homes, refinance existing homes, or construct new homes. Conventional loans are made up to a maximum of 97% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. For loans made in excess of 80% of value, private mortgage insurance is generally required in an amount sufficient to reduce the Bancorp’s exposure to 80% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value of the property. Loans insured by private mortgage insurance companies can be made for up to 97% of value. Loans closed with over 20% of equity do not require private mortgage insurance because of the borrower’s level of equity investment.

Fixed rate loans currently originated generally conform to Freddie Mac guidelines for loans purchased by the Single Family Division. Loan interest rates are determined based on secondary market yield requirements and local market conditions. Fixed rate mortgage loans with contractual maturities generally exceeding fifteen years and greater may be sold and/or classified as held for sale to control exposure to interest rate risk.

The Bancorp’s Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans (“ARMs”) include offerings that reprice annually or are “mini-fixed.” The “mini‑fixed” mortgage reprices annually after a one, three, five, seven or ten year period. The ability of the Bancorp to successfully market ARM’s depends upon loan demand, prevailing interest rates, volatility of interest rates, public acceptance of such loans and terms offered by competitors.

Home Equity Line of Credit. The Bancorp offers a fixed and variable rate revolving line of credit secured by the equity in the borrower’s home. Both products offer an interest only option where the borrower pays interest only on the outstanding balance each month. Equity lines will typically require a second mortgage appraisal and a second mortgage lender’s title insurance policy. Loans are generally made up to a maximum of 89% of the appraised value of the property less any outstanding liens.

Fixed term home improvement and equity loans are made up to a maximum of 85% of the appraised value of the improved property, less any outstanding liens. These loans are offered on both a fixed and variable rate basis with a maximum term of 240 months. All home equity loans are made on a direct basis to borrowers.

Commercial Real Estate and Multifamily Loans. Commercial real estate loans are typically made to a maximum of 80% of the appraised value. Such loans are generally made on an adjustable rate basis. These loans are typically made for terms of 15 to 25 years. Loans with an amortizing term exceeding 15 years normally have a balloon feature calling for a full repayment within seven to ten years from the date of the loan. The balloon feature affords the Bancorp the opportunity to restructure the loan if economic conditions so warrant. Commercial real estate loans include loans secured by commercial rental units, apartments, condominium developments, small shopping centers, owner occupied commercial/industrial properties, hospitality units and other retail and commercial developments.

While commercial real estate lending is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than single‑family residential lending due to the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and the effects of general economic conditions on real estate developers and managers, the Bancorp has endeavored to reduce this risk in several ways. In originating commercial real estate loans, the Bancorp considers the feasibility of the project, the financial strength of the borrowers and lessees, the managerial ability of the borrowers, the location of the project and the economic environment. Management evaluates the debt coverage ratio and analyzes the reliability of cash flows, as well as the quality of earnings. All such loans are made in accordance with well-defined underwriting standards and are generally supported by personal guarantees, which represent a secondary source of repayment.

Loans for the construction of commercial properties are generally located within an area permitting physical inspection and regular review of business records. Projects financed outside of the Bancorp’s primary lending area generally involve borrowers and guarantors who are or were previous customers of the Bancorp or projects that are underwritten according to the Bank’s underwriting standards.

Construction and Land Development. Construction loans on residential properties are made primarily to individuals and contractors who are under contract with individual purchasers. These loans are personally guaranteed by the borrower. The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 89% of either the current appraised value or the cost of construction, whichever is less. Residential construction loans are typically made for periods of nine months to one year.

Loans are also made for the construction of commercial properties. All such loans are made in accordance with well-defined underwriting standards. Generally if the loans are not owner occupied, these types of loans require proof of intent to lease and a confirmed end-loan takeout. In general, loans made do not exceed 80% of the appraised value of the property. Commercial construction loans are typically made for periods not to exceed two years or date of occupancy, whichever is less.

Commercial Business and Farmland Loans. Although the Bancorp’s priority in extending various types of commercial business loans changes from time to time, the basic considerations in determining the makeup of the commercial business loan portfolio are economic factors, regulatory requirements and money market conditions. The Bancorp seeks commercial loan relationships from the local business community and from its present customers. Conservative lending policies based upon sound credit analysis governs the extension of commercial credit. The following loans, although not inclusive, are considered preferable for the Bancorp’s commercial loan portfolio: loans collateralized by liquid assets; loans secured by general use machinery and equipment; secured short‑term working capital loans to established businesses secured by business assets; short‑term loans with established sources of repayment and secured by sufficient equity and real estate; and unsecured loans to customers whose character and capacity to repay are firmly established.

Consumer Loans. The Bancorp offers consumer loans to individuals for personal, household or family purposes. Consumer loans are either secured by adequate collateral, or unsecured. Unsecured loans are based on the strength of the applicant’s financial condition. All borrowers must meet current underwriting standards. The consumer loan program includes both fixed and variable rate products.

Manufactured Homes. The Bancorp purchases fixed rate closed loans from a third party that are subject to Bancorp’s underwriting requirements and secured by manufactured homes. The maturity date on these loans can range up to 25 years. In addition, these loans are partially secured by a reserve account held at the Bancorp.

Government Loans. The Bancorp is permitted to purchase non-rated municipal securities, tax anticipation notes and warrants within the local market area.

Loans receivable are summarized below:

The Bancorp's age analysis of past due loans is summarized below:

The following table shows the amortized cost of loans, segregated by portfolio segment, credit quality rating and year of origination as of September 30, 2023, and gross charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.