FIVE STAR BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2021 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

OR

o 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 001-40379

FIVE STAR BANCORP

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (916) 626-5000

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and formal fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes x No o

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

As of November 5, 2021, there were 17,223,808 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections, and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “aim,” “intend,” “plan,” or words or phases of similar meaning. We caution that the forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond our control. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions (some of which may be beyond our control) and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which change over time, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

The foregoing factors should not be considered exhaustive and should be read together with other cautionary statements that are included in this report, including those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Additional factors that could cause results or performance to materially differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements are detailed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” of our Registration Statement on Form S-1, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 4, 2021, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and other filings we may make with the SEC, copies of which are available from us at no charge. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict their occurrence or how they will affect us. If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements. We disclaim any duty to revise or update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking statements, except as specifically required by law.

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

  FIVE STAR BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

Five Star Bank (the “Bank”) was chartered on October 26, 1999 and began operations on December 20, 1999. Five Star Bancorp (“Bancorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated on September 16, 2002 and subsequently obtained approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) to be a bank holding company in connection with its acquisition of the Bank. The Company became the sole shareholder of the Bank on June 2, 2003 in a statutory merger, pursuant to which each outstanding share of the Bank’s common stock was exchanged for one share of common stock of the Company.

The Company, through the Bank, provides financial services to customers who are predominately small and middle-market businesses, professionals, and individuals residing in the Northern California region. Its primary loan products are commercial real estate loans, land development loans, construction loans, and operating lines of credit; and its primary deposit products are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and term certificate accounts. The Bank currently has seven branch offices in Roseville, Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Redding, Elk Grove, Chico, and Yuba City, and two loan production offices in Santa Rosa and Sacramento.

The Company terminated its status as a Subchapter S corporation as of May 5, 2021, in connection with the Company’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) and became a taxable C Corporation. Prior to that date, as an S Corporation, the Company had no U.S. federal income tax expense.

On April 9, 2021, the Company publicly filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with its IPO  (the “Registration Statement”), which was subsequently amended on April 26, 2021 and May 3, 2021. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on May 4, 2021. In connection with the IPO, the Company issued 6,054,750 shares of common stock, no par value, which included 789,750 shares sold pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase additional shares. The securities were sold to the public at a price of $20.00 per share and began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on May 5, 2021. On May 7, 2021, the closing date of the IPO, the Company received total net proceeds of $111.2 million. The net proceeds less other related expenses, including audit fees, legal fees, listing fees, and other expenses, totaled $109.1 million.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as contained within the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and the rules and regulations of the SEC, including the instructions to Regulation S-X. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the notes thereto, as filed in the Company’s Registration Statement, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 4, 2021.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include Five Star Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, Five Star Bank. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2021.

While the Company’s chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed, and financial performance is evaluated, on a Company-wide basis. Discrete financial information is not available other than on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to GAAP and to general practices within the banking industry.

The Company qualifies as an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and, as such, may take advantage of specified reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to other public companies.

Use of Estimates

Management is required 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. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. The allowance for loan losses is the most significant accounting estimate reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period less average unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”). Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares related to unvested RSAs using the treasury stock method. The Company has two forms of outstanding common stock: common stock and unvested RSAs. Holders of unvested RSAs receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common shareholders and they both share equally in undistributed earnings, and therefore the RSAs are considered participating securities. However, under the two-class method, the difference in EPS is not significant for these participating securities.

Schedule of Earning Per Share 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, there were no outstanding stock options. Anti-dilutive shares, which are excluded from the dilutive EPS calculation, were deemed to be immaterial.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, pro forma EPS is calculated by applying a C Corporation effective tax rate of 29.56% to net income before provision for income taxes and using the determined pro forma net income balance to calculate EPS. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma EPS is actual EPS given that the Company was a C Corporation for the entire three-month period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma EPS is calculated by applying an effective tax rate of 23.25%, which is the actual effective tax rate, excluding the effects of the discrete deferred tax adjustment of $4.6 million, as discussed in Note 8. The following reconciliation table provides a detailed calculation of pro forma EPS:

Schedule of Pro forma Earning Per Share 

Note 2: Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following reflect recent accounting standards that are pending adoption by the Company. As discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, the Company qualifies as an emerging growth company, and as such, has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and is not subject to the new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies during the extended transition period. The accounting standards discussed below reflect effective dates for the Company as an emerging growth company with the extended transition period.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU intend to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing an asset, which represents the right to use the asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments measured on a discounted basis. This ASU generally applies to leasing arrangements exceeding a twelve-month term. As amended by ASU 2020-05, ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021 and requires a modified retrospective method of adoption. In July 2018, the FASB issued two amendments to ASU 2016-02: ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, which provides various corrections and clarifications to ASU 2016-02; and ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides a new optional transition method and provides a lessor with practical expedients for separating lease and non-lease components of a lease. In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05, which amends ASU 2016-02 and requires a lessor to classify a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease on the commencement date of the lease if specified criteria are met. Entities will apply a modified retrospective approach at either the beginning of the earliest period presented or at the beginning of the period of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard will replace the “incurred loss” model with a “current expected credit loss” (“CECL”) model. The CECL model will apply to estimated credit losses on loans receivable, held-to-maturity debt securities, unfunded loan commitments, and certain other financial assets measured at amortized cost. The CECL model is based on lifetime expected losses, rather than incurred losses, and requires the recognition of credit loss expense in the consolidated statement of income and a related allowance for credit losses on the consolidated statement of condition at the time of origination or purchase of a loan receivable or held-to-maturity debt security. Likewise, subsequent changes in this estimate are recorded through credit loss expense and related allowance. The CECL model requires the use of not only relevant historical experience and current conditions, but reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and circumstances, incorporating a broad range of information in developing credit loss estimates, which could result in significant changes to both the timing and amount of credit loss expense and allowance. Under ASU 2016-13, available-for-sale debt securities are evaluated for impairment if fair value is less than amortized cost. Estimated credit losses are recorded through a credit loss expense and an allowance, rather than a write-down of the investment. Changes in fair value that are not credit-related will continue to be recorded in other comprehensive income. The ASU also expands the disclosure requirements regarding assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for loan losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. While the Company believes the change from an incurred loss model to a CECL model has the potential to increase the allowance for loan losses at the adoption date, the Company cannot reasonably quantify the impact of the adoption of the amendments to its financial condition or results of operations at this time due to the complexity and extensive changes from these amendments. The Company is working with its third-party vendor to identify data gaps and determine the appropriate methodologies and resources to utilize in preparation for its transition to the new accounting standard, including but not limited to the use of certain tools to forecast future economic conditions that affect the cash flows of loans over their lifetime.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The primary objective of the amendments in this update is to simplify the application of hedge accounting. More specifically, the amendments in this update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. Furthermore, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. Additionally, amendments in this update require an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. Hedge ineffectiveness is no longer separately measured and reported. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. The impact of adopting this ASU is expected to be immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). The amendments in this ASU are elective and provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. Additionally, in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which refines the scope of ASC 848 and clarifies its guidance, permitting entities to elect certain optional expedients and exceptions when accounting for derivative contracts and certain hedging relationships affected by changes in the interest rates used for discounting cash flows, computing variation margin settlements, and calculating price alignment interest in connection with reference rate reform activities under way in global financial markets. The amendments in these ASUs may be elected as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may choose to elect the amendments in these updates at an interim period subsequent to March 12, 2020, with adoption methods varying based on transaction type. The Company has not elected to apply these amendments; however, the Company is assessing the applicability of the ASUs and continues to monitor guidance for reference rate reform from FASB and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3: Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value Hierarchy and Fair Value Measurement

Accounting standards require the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The fair values of securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. When available, quoted market prices (Level 1) are used to determine the fair value of available-for-sale securities. If quoted market prices are not available, management obtains pricing information from a reputable third-party service provider, who may utilize valuation techniques that use current market-based or independently sourced parameters, such as bid/ask prices, dealer-quoted prices, interest rates, benchmark yield curves, prepayment speeds, probability of default, loss severity, and credit spreads (Level 2). Level 2 securities include U.S. agencies or government-sponsored agencies’ debt securities, mortgage-backed securities, government agency issued bonds, privately issued collateralized mortgage obligations, and corporate bonds. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were no Level 1 or Level 3 securities.

On a recurring basis, derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value, which is based on the income approach using observable Level 2 market inputs, reflecting market expectations of future interest rates as of the measurement date. Standard valuation techniques are used to calculate the present value of the future expected cash flows assuming an orderly transaction. Valuation adjustments may be made to reflect both the Company’s credit risk and the counterparties’ credit risk in determining the fair value of the derivatives. A similar credit risk adjustment, correlated to the credit standing of the counterparty, is made when collateral posted by the counterparty does not fully cover their liability to the Company. For further discussion on the Company’s methodology in valuing its derivative financial instruments, refer to Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.

Certain financial assets may be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are subject to fair value adjustments that result from the application of the lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets, such as impaired loans that are collateral dependent and other real estate owned (“OREO”). As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not carry any assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. Further, management has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments specifically excluded from disclosure requirements such as bank owned life insurance policies (“BOLI”).

Schedule of fair value estimates for financial instruments 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

Cash and cash equivalents and time deposits in banks: The carrying amount is estimated to be fair value due to the liquid nature of the assets and their short-term maturities.

Investment securities: See discussion above for the methods and assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value of investment securities.

Loans held for sale: For loans held for sale, the fair value is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics.

Loans held for investment: For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates being offered at each reporting date for loans with similar terms to borrowers of comparable creditworthiness without considering widening credit spreads due to market illiquidity, which approximates the exit price notion. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of loan discount for credit quality concerns.

Interest receivable and payable: For interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount is estimated to be fair value.

Derivatives - interest rate swap: See above for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value of derivatives.

Deposits: The fair values for demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date represented by their carrying amount. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that uses interest rates being offered at each reporting date by the Company for certificates with similar remaining maturities. For variable rate time deposits, cost approximates fair value.

Subordinated Notes: The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flow using the current 3-month LIBOR rate. Both notes are not registered securities and were issued through private placements, resulting in a Level 3 classification. Both notes are recorded at carrying value.

Note 4: Investment Securities

The Company’s investment securities portfolio includes obligations of states and political subdivisions, securities issued by U.S. federal government agencies such as Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), and Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”). The Company also invests in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“MBS” and “CMBS”, respectively), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued or guaranteed by the GSEs, and corporate bonds, as reflected in the following tables.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value related to securities held-to-maturity as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is presented below.

Schedule of Securities Held-To-Maturity 

For securities issued by states and political subdivisions, management considers (i) issuer and/or guarantor credit ratings, (ii) historical probability of default and loss given default rates for given bond ratings and remaining maturity, (iii) whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities, (iv) internal credit review of the financial information, and (v) whether or not such securities have credit enhancements such as guarantees, contain a defeasance clause, or are pre-refunded by the issuers.

A summary of the amortized cost and fair value related to securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is presented below.

Schedule of Securities Available-for-Sale

The amortized cost and fair value of investment debt securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if the issuers of the securities have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Schedule of Investment Securities by Contractual Maturity

Sales of investment securities and gross gains and losses are shown in the following table:

Schedule of Investment Securities Available-for-Sale Gross Realized Gain and Losses

Pledged investment securities are shown in the following table:

The following table details the gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual available-for-sale securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

Schedule of securities in a continuous unrealized loss position aggregated by investment category and length of time

There were 93 and 31 securities in unrealized loss positions at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which were all classified as available-for-sale. As of September 30, 2021, the investment portfolio included 18 investment securities that had been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or more and 75 investment securities that had been in a loss position for less than twelve months.

The Company periodically evaluates each available-for-sale investment security in an unrealized loss position to determine if the impairment is temporary or other than temporary and has determined that no investment security is other than temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses are due primarily to interest rate changes. The Company does not intend, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to, sell the securities before the earlier of the forecasted recovery or the maturity of the underlying debt security.

There were no held-to-maturity securities in a continuous loss position at September 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

Obligations issued or guaranteed by government agencies such as GNMA and SBA or GSEs under conservatorship such as FNMA and FHLMC are guaranteed or sponsored by agencies of the U.S. government and have strong credit profiles. The Company therefore expects to receive all contractual interest payments on time and believes the risk of credit losses on these securities is remote.

The Company’s investment in obligations of states and political subdivisions are deemed credit worthy after management’s comprehensive analysis of the issuers’ latest financial information, credit ratings by major credit agencies, and/or credit enhancements.

Non-Marketable Securities Included in Other Assets

FHLB capital stock: As a member of the FHLB, the Company is required to maintain a minimum investment in FHLB capital stock determined by the board of directors of the FHLB. The minimum investment requirements can increase in the event the Company increases its total asset size or borrowings with the FHLB. Shares cannot be purchased or sold except between the FHLB and its members at the $100 per share par value. The Company held $6.7 million and $6.2 million of FHLB stock at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The carrying amounts of these investments are reasonable estimates of fair value because the securities are restricted to member banks and do not have a readily determinable market value. Based on management’s analysis of the FHLB’s financial condition and certain qualitative factors, management determined that the FHLB stock was not impaired at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. On July 29, 2021, FHLB announced a cash dividend for the second quarter of 2021 at an annualized dividend rate of 6.00%, which was paid on August 10, 2021. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, cash dividends received on FHLB capital stock in the amount of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, were recorded as non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company’s loan portfolio is its largest class of earning assets and typically provides higher yields than other types of earning assets. Associated with the higher yields is an inherent amount of credit risk which the Company attempts to mitigate with strong underwriting. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying value of total loans held for investment amounted to $1.7 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. The following table presents the balance of each major product type within the Company’s portfolio as of the dates indicated.

Schedule of Loan Portfolio

Underwriting

Commercial loans: Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay its obligations as agreed. Commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Real estate loans: Real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts, and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected than other loans by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Company’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography, and risk grade criteria.

Construction loans: With respect to construction loans that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates, and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the ultimate success of the project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are generally considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions, and the availability of long-term financing.

Residential real estate loans: Residential real estate loans are underwritten based upon the borrower’s income, credit history, and collateral. To monitor and manage residential loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Underwriting standards for home loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage, collection remedies, the number of such loans a borrower can have at one time, and documentation requirements.

Farmland loans: Farmland loans are generally made to producers and processors of crops and livestock. Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service. Farmland loans are secured by real property and are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities. This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions, and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions.

Consumer loans: The Company purchased consumer loans underwritten utilizing credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage, collection remedies, the number of such loans a borrower can have at one time, and documentation requirements.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company has established a loan risk rating system to measure and monitor the quality of the loan portfolio. All loans are assigned a risk rating from the inception of the loan until the loan is paid off. The primary loan grades are as follows:

Loans rated pass: These are loans to borrowers with satisfactory financial support, repayment capacity, and credit strength. Borrowers in this category demonstrate fundamentally sound financial positions, repayment capacity, credit history, and management expertise. Loans in this category must have an identifiable and stable source of repayment and meet the Company’s policy regarding debt service coverage ratios. These borrowers are capable of sustaining normal economic, market, or operational setbacks without significant financial impacts. Financial ratios and trends are acceptable. Negative external industry factors are generally not present. The loan may be secured, unsecured, or supported by non-real estate collateral for which the value is more difficult to determine and/or marketability is more uncertain.

Loans rated watch: These are loans which have deficient loan quality and potentially significant issues, but losses do not appear to be imminent, and the issues are expected to be temporary in nature. The significant issues are typically: (a) a history of losses or events that threaten the borrower’s viability, (b) a property with significant depreciation and/or marketability concerns, or (c) poor or deteriorating credit, occasional late payments, and/or limited reserves but loan is generally kept current. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company’s credit position at some future date.

Loans rated substandard: These are loans which are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged (if any). Loans so classified exhibit a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. The substandard loan category includes loans that management has determined not to be impaired, as well as loans that are impaired.

Loans rated doubtful: These are loans for which the collection or liquidation of the entire debt is highly questionable or improbable. Typically, the possibility of loss is extremely high. The losses on these loans are deferred until all pending factors have been addressed.

The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators related to the Company’s loans by class as of September 30, 2021:

Schedule of Loan by credit quality  

The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators related to the Company’s loans by class as of December 31, 2020: