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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

Commission File Number 000-33411

 

New Peoples Bankshares, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Virginia   31-1804543
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
67 Commerce Drive   24260
Honaker, VA    
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (276) 873-7000

 

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

None

 

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

Common Stock - $2 Par Value

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes [ X ] No [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K Section 229.405 is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates, based on the last reported sales prices of $1.71 per share on the last business day of the second quarter of 2017 was $17,123,287.

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 23,922,086 as of March 22, 2018.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

The Proxy Statement for New Peoples Bankshares, Inc’s 2018 Annual Meeting to Shareholders, is incorporated into Items 10 through 14 of this form 10-K.

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I     Page
Item 1.  Business   3 
         
Item 1A.  Risk Factors   14 
         
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments   14 
         
Item 2.  Properties   14 
         
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings   15 
         
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures   16 
         
PART II        
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   16 
         
         
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data   16 
         
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   17 
         
         
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   35 
         
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   36 
         
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   74 
         
         
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures   74 
         
Item 9B.  Other Information   74 
         

PART III        
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   75 
         
Item 11.  Executive Compensation   75 
         
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   75 
         
         
Item 13.  Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence   75 
         
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services   75 
         
PART IV        
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules   76 
         
SIGNATURES      77 

 

 

 
 

PART I

 

Item 1.Business

 

General

 

New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (New Peoples or Company) is a Virginia financial holding company headquartered in Honaker, Virginia. From January 1, 2009 to March 3, 2016, New Peoples was a bank holding company. On March 4, 2016 the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond approved New Peoples’s election to become a financial holding company. Our business is conducted primarily through New Peoples Bank, Inc., a Virginia banking corporation (the Bank). The Bank has a division doing business as New Peoples Financial Services which offers investment services through its broker-dealer relationship with Infinex Investments, Inc. NPB Insurance Services, Inc. (NPB Insurance) is a subsidiary of the Bank and generates revenue through the referral of insurance services.

 

The Bank, headquartered in Honaker, Virginia, offers a range of banking and related financial services focused primarily on serving individuals, small to medium size businesses, and the professional community. We strive to serve the banking needs of our customers while developing personal, hometown relationships with them. Our board of directors believes that marketing customized banking services enables us to establish a niche in the financial services marketplace where we do business.

 

We provide professionals and small and medium size businesses in our market area with responsive and technologically enabled banking services. These services include loans that are priced on a deposit relationship basis, easy access to our decision makers, and quick and innovative action necessary to meet a customer’s banking needs. Our capitalization and lending limit enable us to satisfy the credit needs of a large portion of the targeted market segment. When a customer needs a loan that exceeds our lending limit, we try to find other financial institutions to participate in the loan with us.

 

Our History

 

The Bank was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia on December 9, 1997 and began operations on October 28, 1998. On September 27, 2001, the shareholders of the Bank approved a plan of reorganization under which they exchanged their shares of Bank common stock for shares of New Peoples common stock. On November 30, 2001, the reorganization was completed and the Bank became New Peoples’ wholly-owned subsidiary.

 

In June 2003, New Peoples formed two new wholly-owned subsidiaries, NPB Financial Services, Inc. (renamed NPB Insurance Services, Inc. in June 2012) and NPB Web Services, Inc. (NPB Web), an inactive web design and hosting company.

 

The Bank, through its division New Peoples Financial services, offers fixed and variable annuities, fee based asset management and other investment products through a broker/dealer relationship with Infinex Investments, Inc.

 

In July 2004, NPB Capital Trust I was formed by New Peoples to issue $11.3 million in trust preferred securities.

 

In September 2006, NPB Capital Trust 2 was formed by New Peoples to issue $5.2 million in trust preferred securities.

 

In July 2016, the Bank and its wholly-owned subsidiary NPB Insurance Services, Inc. commenced a business relationship with The Hilb Group of Virginia dba CSE Insurance Services, a division of the Hilb Group, LLC (“CSE”), located in Abingdon, Virginia, to provide insurance services for the Bank’s current and future customers. Effective July 1, 2016, NPB Insurance Services, Inc. sold its existing book of business to CSE. These customers are now serviced by CSE and the Bank refers future insurance needs of its bank customers to CSE.

 

On June 7, 2017, NPB Insurance Services, Inc. purchased a 39% membership interest in Lonesome Pine Title Agency, LLC, which provides title insurance. Another member of the agency is a related party to the Company.

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Branch Locations

 

After a period of significant branch expansion between 2000 and 2008, we have consolidated some of our branch operations to improve efficiency. Currently, in addition to our headquarters in Honaker, Virginia we have 17 full service branches located in Abingdon, Virginia; Big Stone Gap, Virginia; Bluefield, Virginia; Bristol, Virginia; Castlewood, Virginia; Chilhowie, Virginia; Clintwood, Virginia; Gate City, Virginia; Grundy, Virginia; Haysi, Virginia; Lebanon, Virginia; Pounding Mill, Virginia; Tazewell, Virginia; Weber City, Virginia; Wise, Virginia; Princeton, West Virginia; and Kingsport, Tennessee. We have 1 limited services branch in Pound, Virginia. In July 2016, a loan production office was opened in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

 

Our Market Areas

 

Our primary market area consists of southwestern Virginia, southern West Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. Specifically, we operate in the southwestern Virginia counties of Russell, Scott, Washington, Tazewell, Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, and Smyth; Mercer county in southern West Virginia and the northeastern Tennessee counties of Sullivan and Washington (collectively, the “Tri-State Area”). The close proximity and mobile nature of individuals and businesses in adjoining counties and nearby cities in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee place these markets within our Bank’s targeted trade area, as well.

 

Accessibility to Interstates I-77, I-81, I-26, I-64 and I-75, as well as major state and U.S. highways including US 19, US 23, US 58, US 460 and US 421, make the area an ideal location for businesses to serve markets in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Midwest. The area is strategically located midway between Atlanta-Pittsburgh, Charlotte-Cincinnati, and Richmond-Louisville, and is within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population. A regional airport located in Bristol, Tennessee serves the area with commercial flights to and from major cities in the United States. Commercial rail service providers include CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railways.

 

The Tri-State Area has a diversified economy supported by natural resources, which include coal, natural gas, limestone, and timber; agriculture; healthcare; education; technology; manufacturing and services industries. Predominantly, the market is comprised of locally-owned and operated small businesses. Considerable investments in high-technology communications, high-speed broadband network and infrastructure have been made which has opened the area to large technology companies and future business development potential for new and existing businesses. Industries are taking advantage of the low cost of doing business, training opportunities, available workforce and an exceptional quality of life experience for employers and employees alike.

 

Internet Site

 

We have our internet banking site at www.newpeoplesbank.com. The site includes a customer service area that contains branch and ITM locations, product descriptions and current interest rates offered on deposit accounts. Customers with internet access can apply for loans, open deposit accounts online, access account balances, make transfers between accounts, enter stop payment orders, order checks, and use an optional bill paying service.

 

Available Information

 

We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Our SEC filings are filed electronically and are available to the public online at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, any document we file with the SEC can be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference facilities at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of documents can be obtained at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We also provide a link to our filings on the SEC website, free of charge, through our internet website www.npbankshares.com under "Investor Relations."

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Banking Services

 

General. We accept deposits, make consumer and commercial loans, issue drafts, and provide other services customarily offered by a commercial bank, such as business and personal checking and savings accounts, walk-up tellers, drive-in windows, and 24-hour interactive teller machines. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and its deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the FDIA) to the maximum limit.

 

Loans. Generally, we offer a full range of short-to-medium term commercial, 1-4 family residential mortgages and personal loans. Commercial loans include both secured and unsecured loans for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition of real estate and improvements) and purchase of equipment and machinery. Consumer loans may include secured and unsecured loans for financing automobiles, home improvements, education, personal investments and other purposes.

 

Our lending activities are subject to a variety of lending limits imposed by state law. While differing limits may apply in certain circumstances based on the type of loan or the nature of the borrower (including the borrower’s relationship to the Bank), the Bank generally is subject to a loans-to-one-borrower limit of an amount equal to 15% of its capital and surplus plus the allowance for loan losses. The Bank voluntarily may choose to impose a policy limit on loans to a single borrower that is less than the legal lending limit.

 

We obtain short-to-medium term commercial and personal loans through direct solicitation of business owners and continued business from existing customers. Completed loan applications are reviewed by our loan officers. As part of the application process, information is obtained concerning the income, financial condition, employment and credit history of the applicant. If commercial real estate is involved, information is also obtained concerning cash flow after debt service. Loan quality is analyzed based on the Bank’s experience and its credit underwriting guidelines.

 

Loans by type as a percentage of total loans are as follows:

                
   December 31,
   2017  2016  2015  2014  2013
Commercial, financial and agricultural   13.35%   11.75%   10.76%   10.99%   11.70%
Real estate – construction   5.80%   5.50%   3.33%   3.37%   4.55%
Real estate – commercial   24.89%   22.05%   22.34%   23.62%   25.59%
Real estate – residential   51.59%   55.97%   58.00%   56.37%   52.87%
Installment loans to individuals   4.37%   4.73%   5.57%   5.65%   5.29%
Total   100.00%   100.00%   100.00%   100.00%   100.00%

 

Commercial Loans. We make commercial loans to qualified businesses in our market area. Our commercial lending consists primarily of commercial and industrial loans to finance accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment. Commercial business loans generally have a higher degree of risk than residential mortgage loans, but have commensurately higher yields. Residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be easily ascertainable. In contrast, commercial business loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from cash flow from its business and are secured by business assets, such as commercial real estate, accounts receivable, equipment and inventory. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself.

 

Further, the collateral for commercial business loans may depreciate over time and cannot be appraised with as much precision as residential real estate. To manage these risks, our underwriting guidelines generally require us to secure commercial loans with both the assets of the borrowing business and other additional collateral and guarantees that may be available. In addition, we actively monitor certain measures of the borrower, including advance rate, cash flow, collateral value and other appropriate credit factors.

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Residential Mortgage Loans. Our residential mortgage loans consist of residential first and second mortgage loans, residential construction loans, home equity lines of credit and term loans secured by first and second mortgages on the residences of borrowers for home improvements, education and other personal expenditures. We make mortgage loans with a variety of terms, including fixed and floating or variable rates and a variety of maturities.

 

Under our underwriting guidelines, residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be easily ascertainable. These loans are made consistent with our appraisal policies and real estate lending policies, which detail maximum loan-to-value ratios and maturities.

 

Construction Loans. Construction lending entails significant additional risks, compared to residential mortgage lending. Construction loans often involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Construction loans also involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of property under construction, which is of uncertain value prior to the completion of construction. Thus, it is more difficult to evaluate the total loan funds required to complete a project and related loan-to-value ratios accurately. To minimize the risks associated with construction lending, loan-to-value limitations for residential, multi-family and non-residential construction loans are in place. These are in addition to the usual credit analysis of borrowers. Management feels that the loan-to-value ratios help to minimize the risk of loss and to compensate for normal fluctuations in the real estate market. Maturities for construction loans generally range from 4 to 12 months for residential property and from 6 to 18 months for non-residential and multi-family properties.

 

Consumer Loans. Our consumer loans consist primarily of installment loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes. The specific types of consumer loans that we make include home improvement loans, debt consolidation loans and general consumer lending. Consumer loans entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans do, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured, such as lines of credit, or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans. A borrower may also be able to assert against the Bank as an assignee any claims and defenses that it has against the seller of the underlying collateral.

 

Our underwriting policy for consumer loans seeks to limit risk and minimize losses, primarily through a careful analysis of the borrower. In evaluating consumer loans, we require our lending officers to review the borrower’s level and stability of income, past credit history and the impact of these factors on the ability of the borrower to repay the loan in a timely manner. In addition, we maintain an appropriate margin between the loan amount and collateral value.

 

Deposits. We offer a variety of deposit products for both individual and business customers. These include demand deposit, interest-bearing demand deposit, savings deposit, health savings, and money market deposit accounts. In addition, we offer certificates of deposit with terms ranging from 7 days to 60 months and individual retirement accounts with terms ranging from 12 months to 60 months.

 

Investment Services. We offer a variety of investment services for both individual and business customers. These services include fixed income products, variable annuities, mutual funds, indexed certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, long term care insurance, employee group benefit plans, college savings plans, financial planning, managed money accounts, and estate planning. We offer these services through our broker-dealer relationship with Infinex Investments, Inc.

 

Other Bank Services. Other bank services include safe deposit boxes, cashier’s checks, certain cash management services, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks and automatic drafts for various accounts. We offer ATM card services that can be used by our customers throughout our service area and other regions. We also offer consumer and commercial VISA credit card services. Electronic banking services include debit cards, internet banking, telephone banking, mobile banking, remote deposit capture, and wire transfers.

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We do not presently anticipate obtaining trust powers, but we are able to provide similar services through our affiliation with Infinex Investments, Inc..

 

Competition

 

The banking business is highly competitive. We compete as a financial intermediary with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in the southwestern Virginia, southern West Virginia, and eastern Tennessee market area and elsewhere. Our market area is a highly competitive, highly branched banking market.

 

Competition in the market area for loans to small businesses and professionals, the Bank’s target market, is intense, and pricing is important. Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have. They offer certain services, such as extensive and established branch networks and trust services that we do not expect to provide or will not provide in the near future. Moreover, larger institutions operating in the market area have access to borrowed funds at lower costs than are available to us. Deposit competition among institutions in the market area also is strong. As a result, it is possible that we may have to pay above-market rates to attract or retain deposits.

 

While pricing is important, our principal method of competition is service. As a community banking organization, we strive to serve the banking needs of our customers while developing personal, hometown relationships with them. As a result, we provide a significant amount of service and a range of products without the fees that customers can expect from larger banking institutions.

 

According to a market share report prepared by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC), as of June 30, 2017, the most recent date for which market share information is available, the Bank’s deposits as a percentage of total deposits in its major market areas were as follows: Russell County, VA – 25.82%, Scott County, VA – 35.05%, Dickenson County, VA – 28.01%, Tazewell County, VA – 9.32%, Smyth County, VA – 3.72%, Buchanan County, VA – 9.33%, Wise County, VA – 11.31%, Washington County, VA – 2.76%, and the City of Bristol, VA – 1.76%, Mercer County, WV – 5.67%, and City of Kingsport, TN – 1.18%.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had 262 total employees, of which 248 were full-time employees. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we consider relations with employees to be excellent.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

General. As a financial holding company, we are subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the examination and reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). We are also subject to Chapter 13 of the Virginia Banking Act, as amended (“Virginia Act”). As a state-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Financial Institutions (“BFI”). As a member of the Federal Reserve system, the Bank is also subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve. Other federal and state laws, including various consumer protection and compliance laws, govern the activities of the Bank, such as the investments that it makes and the aggregate amount of loans that it may grant to one borrower.

 

The following description summarizes the most significant federal and state laws applicable to New Peoples and its subsidiaries. To the extent that statutory or regulatory provisions are described, the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to that particular statutory or regulatory provision.

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The Bank Holding Company Act. Under the BHCA, the Federal Reserve examines New Peoples periodically. New Peoples is also required to file periodic reports and provide any additional information that the Federal Reserve may require. Activities at the bank holding company level are generally limited to:

 

• banking, managing or controlling banks;

 

• furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries; and

 

• engaging in other activities that the Federal Reserve has determined by regulation or order to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to these activities.

 

Thus, the activities we can engage in are restricted as a matter of law.

 

With some limited exceptions, the BHCA requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before:

 

• acquiring substantially all the assets of any bank;

 

• acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if after such acquisition it would own or control more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares); or

 

• merging or consolidating with another bank holding company.

 

As a result, our ability to engage in certain strategic activities is conditioned on regulatory approval.

 

In addition, and subject to some exceptions, the BHCA and the Change in Bank Control Act require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a bank holding company as defined in the statutes and regulations. These requirements make it more difficult for control of our company to change or for us to acquire substantial investments.

 

Financial Holding Company. As of March 4, 2016 the Company qualified as a financial holding company (“FHC”). The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act created this category of bank holding companies. FHC’s may directly or indirectly through subsidiaries engage in financial activities and activities “incidental” or “complementary” to financial activities. Generally, a FHC need not give prior notice of acquisitions or activities, but must notify the Federal Reserve within 30 days after the event.

 

The BHCA provides a long list of “financial” activities such as underwriting, brokering or selling insurance; providing financial or investment advice; underwriting; dealing in or making a market in securities.

There are other potential “financial” activites in which the Federal Reserve is permitted to designate as permitted financial or incidental to financial activities.

 

We do not currently undertake activities specifically permitted to us as a FHC.

 

The Virginia Act. As a bank holding company registered with the BFI, we must provide the BFI with information concerning our financial condition, operations and management, among other reports required by the BFI. New Peoples is also examined by the BFI in addition to its Federal Reserve examinations. Similar to the BHCA, the Virginia Act requires that the BFI approve the acquisition of direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any Virginia bank or bank holding company like us.

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Payment of Dividends. New Peoples is a separate legal entity that derives the majority of its revenues from dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries. The Bank is subject to laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends it can pay. In addition, both New Peoples and the Bank are subject to various regulatory restrictions relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital at or above regulatory minimums. Banking regulators have indicated that banking organizations should generally pay dividends only if the organization’s net income available to common shareholders over the past year has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The FDIC has the general authority to limit the dividends paid by FDIC insured banks if the FDIC deems the payment to be an unsafe and unsound practice. The FDIC has indicated that paying dividends that deplete a bank’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsound and unsafe banking practice.

 

Capital Adequacy. The final rule adopted by the federal banking regulators in 2013 implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms established new prompt corrective action requirements for all banks and includes a new Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) risk-based capital measure.  Because the Company is considered a “small bank holding company” by the Federal Reserve, the new regulatory capital requirements apply only to the Bank. The risk-based capital and leverage capital requirements under the final rule are set forth in the following table:

 

  Total Risk   Tier 1 Risk   CET1 Risk    
  Based Capital   Based Capital   Based Capital   Leverage
  Ratio   Ratio   Ratio   Ratio
Well Capitalized ≥ 10%   ≥ 8%   ≥ 6.5%   ≥ 5%
Adequately Capitalized ≥ 8%   ≥ 6%   ≥ 4.5%   ≥ 4%
Undercapitalized ≥ 8%   ≥ 6%   ≥ 4.5%   ≥ 4%
Significantly Undercapitalized ≥ 6%   ≥ 4%   ≥ 3%   ≥ 3%
Critically Undercapitalized Tangible equity to total assets ≤ 2%

 

The final rule also sets forth a capital ratio phase-in schedule. The phase-in provisions for banks with $250 billion or less in total assets are set forth in the following table:

 

  Effective as of January 1,
  2016   2017   2018   2019
Minimum Leverage Ratio 4.00%   4.00%   4.00%   4.00%
Minimum CET1 Risk Based Capital Ratio 4.50%   4.50%   4.50%   4.50%
Capital Conservation Buffer (1) 0.625%   1.25%   1.875%   2.50%
Minimum Tier CET1 Risk Based Capital Ratio with Capital Conservation Buffer 5.125%   5.75%   6.375%   7.00%
Minimum Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio 6.00%   6.00%   6.00%   6.00%
Minimum Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio with Capital Conservation Buffer 6.625%   7.25%   7.875%   8.50%
Minimum Total Risk Based Capital Ratio 8.00%   8.00%   8.00%   8.00%
Minimum Total Risk Based Capital Ratio with Capital Conservation Buffer 8.625%   9.25%   9.875%   10.50%

 

(1)The capital conservation buffer must be maintained in order for a banking organization to avoid being subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments, and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

 

The final rule includes comprehensive guidance with respect to the measurement of risk-weighted assets.  For residential mortgages, Basel III retains the risk-weights contained in the current capital rules which assign a risk-weight of 50% to most first-lien exposures and 100% to other residential mortgage exposures.  The final rule increases the risk-weights associated with certain on-balance sheet assets, such as high volatility commercial real estate loans, and loans that are more than 90 days past due or in nonaccrual status. Capital requirements also increase for certain off-balance sheet exposures including, for example, loan commitments with an original maturity of one year or less.

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Under the final rule, certain banking organizations, including the Company and the Bank, are permitted to make a one-time election to continue the current treatment of excluding from regulatory capital most accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) components, including amounts relating to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities and amounts attributable to defined benefit post-retirement plans.  Institutions that elect to exclude most AOCI components from regulatory capital under Basel III will be able to avoid volatility that would otherwise be caused by things such as the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities.  The Company and the Bank elected to exclude AOCI components from regulatory capital under Basel III.

 

Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on taking brokered deposits and certain other restrictions on its business. As described below, the FDIC can impose substantial additional restrictions upon FDIC-insured depository institutions that fail to meet applicable capital requirements as set forth above.

 

The FDIA requires the federal regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” if a depository institution does not meet minimum capital requirements as set forth above. Generally, a receiver or conservator for a bank that is “critically undercapitalized” must be appointed within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed within 45 days of the date a bank is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company for a bank required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the bank’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by a regulator, or (ii) the amount necessary to restore the bank to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the bank is notified that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for specified time periods. Additional measures with respect to undercapitalized institutions include a prohibition on capital distributions, growth limits and restrictions on activities.

 

For further detail on capital and capital ratios see discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” sections, “Capital Resources” and “Liquidity,” contained in Item 7, and in Note 22, “Capital,” to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8.

 

Other Safety and Soundness Regulations. There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries by federal law and regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance funds in the event that the depository institution is insolvent or is in danger of becoming insolvent. For example, the Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so otherwise. These requirements can restrict the ability of bank holding companies to deploy their capital as they otherwise might.

 

Interstate Banking and Branching. Banks in Virginia may branch without geographic restriction. Current federal law authorizes interstate acquisitions of banks and bank holding companies without geographic limitation. Bank holding companies may acquire banks in any state without regard to state law except for state laws requiring a minimum time a bank must be in existence to be acquired. The Virginia Act generally permits out of state bank holding companies or banks to acquire Virginia banks or bank holding companies subject to regulatory approval. These laws have the effect of increasing competition in banking markets.

 

Monetary Policy. The commercial banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions but also by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policies have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. In view of unsettled conditions in the national and international political environment, economy and money markets, as well as governmental fiscal and monetary policies their impact on interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or the business and earnings of the Bank is unpredictable.

 10 

 

 

Federal Reserve System. Depository institutions that maintain transaction accounts or nonpersonal time deposits are subject to reserve requirements. These reserve requirements are subject to adjustment by the Federal Reserve. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or in a non-interest-bearing account at, or on behalf of, a Federal Reserve Bank, the effect of the reserve requirement is to reduce the amount of the institution’s interest-earning assets.

 

Transactions with Affiliates. Transactions between banks and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. These provisions restrict the amount and provide conditions with respect to loans, investments, transfers of assets and other transactions between New Peoples and the Bank.

 

Loans to Insiders. The Bank is subject to rules on the amount, terms and risks associated with loans to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests.

 

Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act, depository institutions have an affirmative obligation to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas, including low and moderate-income areas, consistent with safe and sound banking practice. The Community Reinvestment Act emphasizes the delivery of bank products and services through branch locations in its market areas and requires banks to keep data reflecting their efforts to assist in its community’s credit needs. Depository institutions are periodically examined for compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act and are periodically assigned ratings in this regard. Banking regulators consider a depository institution’s Community Reinvestment Act rating when reviewing applications to establish new branches, undertake new lines of business, and/or acquire part or all of another depository institution. An unsatisfactory rating can significantly delay or even prohibit regulatory approval of a proposed transaction by a bank holding company or its depository institution subsidiaries. A bank holding company will not be permitted to become a financial holding company and no new activities authorized under the GLBA (see below) may be commenced by a holding company or by a bank financial subsidiary if any of its bank subsidiaries received less than a “satisfactory” rating in its latest Community Reinvestment Act examination. The Bank received a rating of “Satisfactory” at its last Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluation, as of June 13, 2016.

 

Other Laws. Banks and other depository institutions also are subject to numerous consumer-oriented laws and regulations. These laws, which include the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 and the Fair Housing Act, require compliance by depository institutions with various disclosure and consumer information handling requirements. These and other similar laws result in significant costs to financial institutions and create potential liability for financial institutions, including the imposition of regulatory penalties for inadequate compliance.

 

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) covers a broad range of issues, including a repeal of most of the restrictions on affiliations among depository institutions, securities firms and insurance companies.

 

For example, the GLBA permits unrestricted affiliations between banks and securities firms. It also permits bank holding companies to elect to become financial holding companies, which can engage in a broad range of financial services including securities activities such as underwriting, dealing, investment, merchant banking, insurance underwriting, sales and brokerage activities. In order to become a financial holding company, a bank holding company and all of its affiliated depository institutions must be well-capitalized, well-managed and have at least a satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act rating. On March 4, 2016 the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond approved New Peoples’s election to convert to a financial holding company.

 11 

 

 

Essentially as discussed above, GLBA removed many of the limitations on affiliations between commercial banks and their holding companies and other financially related business that had been in place since the Depression. Recently, this effect of GLBA has been the subject of controversy and cited as one of the causes of the financial services crisis. As a result, The Dodd-Frank Act (as discussed later) addressed some of the criticized aspects of GLBA.

 

The GLBA also provides that the states continue to have the authority to regulate insurance activities, but prohibits the states in most instances from preventing or significantly interfering with the ability of a bank, directly or through an affiliate, to engage in insurance sales, solicitations or cross-marketing activities.

 

USA Patriot Act. The USA Patriot Act provides for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering. Regulatory authorities must consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities, for example, its procedures for effective customer identification, when reviewing bank mergers and acquisitions. Various other laws and regulations require the Bank to cooperate with governmental authorities in respect to counter-terrorism activities. Although it does create a reporting obligation and cost of compliance for the Bank, the USA Patriot Act has not materially affected New Peoples’ products, services or other business activities.

 

Privacy and Fair Credit Reporting. Financial institutions, such as the Bank, are required to disclose their privacy policies to customers and consumers and require that such customers or consumers be given a choice (through an opt-out notice) to forbid the sharing of nonpublic personal information about them with nonaffiliated third persons. The Bank also requires business partners with whom it shares such information to assure the Bank that they have adequate security safeguards and to abide by the redisclosure and reuse provisions of applicable law. In addition to adopting federal requirements regarding privacy, individual states are authorized to enact more stringent laws relating to the use of customer information. To date, Virginia has not done so. These privacy laws create compliance obligations and potential liability for the Bank.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) is intended to increase corporate responsibility, provide enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties by publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures made pursuant to the securities law. The changes required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its implementing regulations are intended to allow shareholders to monitor the performance of companies and their directors more easily and effectively.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally applies to all domestic companies, such as New Peoples, that file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act includes significant additional disclosure requirements and expanded corporate governance rules and the SEC has adopted extensive additional disclosures, corporate governance provisions and other related rules pursuant to it. New Peoples has expended, and will continue to expend, considerable time and money in complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Deposit insurance Fund, as administered by the FDIC, to the maximum amount permitted by law, now $250,000 per depositor.

 

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law on July 21, 2010. Its wide ranging provisions affect all federal financial regulatory agencies and nearly every aspect of the American financial services industry. Among the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that directly impact the Company is the creation of an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has the ability to write rules for consumer protections governing all financial institutions. All consumer protection responsibility formerly handled by other banking regulators is consolidated in the CFPB. It also oversees the enforcement of all federal laws intended to ensure fair access to credit. For smaller financial institutions such as the Company and the Bank, the CFPB will coordinate its examination activities through their primary regulators.

 12 

 

 

The Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions designed to reform mortgage lending, which includes the requirement of additional disclosures for consumer mortgages. The CFPB has implemented mortgage lending regulations to carry out its mandate. In addition, the Federal Reserve has issued new rules, effective October 1, 2011, which had the effect of limiting the fees charged to merchants by credit card companies for debit card transactions. The result of these rules is to limit the amount of interchange fee income available explicitly to larger banks and indirectly to us. The Dodd-Frank Act also contains provisions that affect corporate governance and executive compensation. The Dodd-Frank Act provisions themselves are extensive; however, there is much uncertainty concerning the ultimate impact of this legislation.

 

Future Regulatory Uncertainty. Because federal and state regulation of financial institutions changes regularly and is the subject of constant legislative debate, New Peoples cannot forecast how regulation of financial institutions may change in the future and impact its operations. New Peoples fully expects that the financial institution industry will remain heavily regulated notwithstanding any regulatory relief that is adopted.

 

Subsequent Events

 

We have considered subsequent events through the date of the financial statements in this Form 10-K.

 

 13 

 

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Not applicable.

   

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company's net investment in premises and equipment in service was $26.1 million. Our main office and operations center is located in Honaker, Virginia. This location contains a full service branch, and our administration and operations center.

 

The Bank owns 14 of its full service branches, including its headquarter office, and its 1 limited service branch, as well as its loan production office in Tennessee. The locations of these branches are described in Item 1. On May 31, 2017, the Bank sold its Abingdon, Bristol, Gate City and Castlewood, Virginia properties and as a result recognized a gain of $2.6 million. In connection with the sale of the four properties, the Bank on May 31, 2017 entered into commercial lease agreements for the properties (the “Leases”), which allowed the Bank to continue to service customers from these locations. The Leases, which commenced on June 1, 2017, provide the Bank with use of the properties for an initial term of fifteen (15) years. Base rent payments for years 1 through 5 of the Leases are approximately $417 thousand a year. For additional discussion of these leases see Note Note 17, Leasing Activities, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Bank owns a location in Dungannon, Virginia that is now currently being leased, but was formerly used as a branch until its closure during 2010. The Bank owns additional property in Princeton, West Virginia that currently serves as an administration office. In December 2017, approval was obtained to open this location as a full service branch location. It is anticipated that the location will open as a full service branch during the 1st quarter of 2018.

 

The Bank entered into a commercial lease for office space in Kingsport, TN for use as a loan production office, which is expected to open during the 1st Quarter of 2018. For additional discussion of this lease see Note 17, Leasing Activities, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Norton office formerly a bank branch now serves as an administrative office. In November 2015, we purchased a building in Bristol, Virginia which began use as an operations office for our Interactive Teller Machine network starting in April 2016. In July 2016, the Jonesborough office, another closed bank branch, was reopened as a loan production office of the Bank. Four other closed branches (Bland, Bluewell, Bristol, and Jonesville) are vacant and may be used for future banking offices again.

 

We believe that all of our properties are maintained in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for our operational needs.

 14 

 


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

In the course of operations, we may become a party to legal proceedings. There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject that, in the opinion of management, may materially impact the financial condition of the Company, except for the following:

 

On June 24, 2015 New Peoples Bank filed an Amended Complaint in the Circuit Court of Russell County Virginia against Arthur Wayne Bostic, Michael W. Bostic, Sr. and Jeffrey C. Bostic to enforce guarantees of loans made to Bostic Ford Sales, Inc. and seeking judgment against the guarantors for $1,427,709.76 with interest and legal fees.  On July 24, 2015 Arthur Bostic filed a counterclaim against New Peoples Bank asserting lender liability theories of recovery.  On March 8, 2016 Michael Bostic, Sr. and Jeffrey Bostic filed similar counterclaims against New Peoples Bank.  In January 2018, the parties reached a settlement in the matter resolving all claims asserted by New Peoples against the guarantors and all claims asserted against New Peoples by the guarantors.  An order dismissing all claims with prejudice was entered on February 7, 2018. This settlement had no material financial impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In 2015, New Peoples Bank filed suit in the Circuit Court for Washington County, Virginia, seeking payment from Ms. Sandra Campbell due to breach of a promissory note executed in 2013. Ms. Campbell asserted a Counterclaim alleging that the Bank’s requirement that she provide her personal guaranty on a loan sought by her husband’s company was a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The counterclaim seeks damages in the amount of $825,000. The Bank filed a motion for summary judgment in its favor on its Complaint and as to Defendant’s Counterclaim in May 2016. A hearing has not yet been held on this motion. If the matter is not dismissed, the Bank plans a vigorous defense and does not believe that Ms. Campbell’s claims will be successful.

 

In conjunction with the departure of Mr. Kenneth Hart, New Peoples’ former Chief Executive Officer, New Peoples entered into a separation agreement with him. Mr. Hart originally filed suit alleging various breaches by the Company and the Bank related to this and earlier agreements between the parties, which action was dismissed in April 2016 for failure to serve. He then refiled the suit on October 7, 2016, providing him another 12 months to have the Company and the Bank served. On October 3, 2017, the Company and Bank were served with the current complaint for breach of contract which is substantially the same as his original suit. Mr. Hart is asking the Court for an award of $1.5 million plus interest alleging a breach by the Company and the Bank of these various agreements with Mr. Hart. New Peoples filed a “demurrer” to the complaint, asking that the suit be dismissed, on October 23, 2017. New Peoples believes there is no merit to this suit or these claims which are based on conduct that occurred in 2010, and that the suit is a reaction to a judgment of over a million dollars awarded in favor of the Bank and against Mr. Hart in a separate matter. The Court has not yet ruled on this motion to dismiss. Should this suit not be dismissed, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion and does not believe Mr. Hart’s claims will be successful.

 

Jonathan Mullins, is a former President and Chief Executive Officer of New Peoples who departed in December 2014. In 2017 he filed a Complaint in the Circuit Court of Russell County, Virginia against New Peoples Bank. This is his second lawsuit against the Bank (the first was dismissed), and he seeks payment of deferred compensation pursuant to a 2009 agreement made with the Board of Directors, in which he alleges it agreed to payments of $50,000/year for 15 years beginning at age 65. At the time Mullins’ severance agreement was negotiated, the Bank determined that the accrued value of the deferred compensation at that time was $144,445. Mullins seeks either the $50,000 annual payments when he reaches age 65 or a lump sum payment of $144,445 with prejudgment interest from December 2014, along with $20,000 in severance pay and accrued leave. New Peoples filed its “demurrer” to this lawsuit in January 2018, requesting dismissal. The demurrer argues that the Bank cannot make these payments to Plaintiff in compliance with federal law, and therefore, Mullins’ case must be dismissed. A hearing has not been set on this motion. If the matter is not dismissed, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion and does not believe that Mr. Mullin’s claims will be successful.

 15 

 

 

In November 2017, Keith Carroll filed a complaint against New Peoples Bank in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). He has filed essentially the same lawsuit in multiple Virginia federal court divisions, alleging violations of the ADA against various banks and credit unions. Mr. Carroll is a blind individual and asserts that he attempted to do business with the Bank through its website, which he claims was inaccessible to him due to his disability. Mr. Carroll seeks injunctive relief and unspecified monetary damages, to include costs and attorneys’ fees. The Bank filed a Motion to Dismiss these claims. One of Mr. Carroll’s cases filed in the Eastern District of Virginia was recently dismissed on numerous grounds, including the ground that websites are not “places of public accommodation under the ADA,” and that even if they were, no regulations currently exist to govern them as such. The Bank has requested dismissal of this case for the same reason, among others. A hearing on the Bank’s motion is set for March 21, 2018. If the matter is not resolved on motions, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(a)       Market Information

 

Computershare Investor Services is the stock transfer agent for New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. The common stock of New Peoples is quoted on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “NWPP”. The volume of trading of shares of common stock is very limited. Trades in our common stock occur sporadically on a local basis and typically small volumes of stock are traded.

 

The high and low prices at which our common stock has traded known to us for each quarter in the past two years are set forth in the table below. These prices are obtained through our listing on the OTCBB. Other transactions may have occurred at prices about which we are not aware.

 

         
  2017 2016
  High Low High Low
1st quarter $   1.79 $    1.64 $   1.55 $    1.36
2nd quarter 1.74 1.60 1.60 1.41
3rd quarter 1.80 1.70 1.55 1.45
4th quarter 2.40 1.77 1.75 1.55

 

The most recent sales price of which management is aware was $2.00 per share on March 22, 2018.

 

(b)       Holders

 

On March 21, 2018, there were approximately 4,429 shareholders of record.

 

(c)       Dividends

 

In order to preserve capital we have not paid cash dividends to our shareholders. Any declaration of dividends in the future will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, growth strategies, and compliance with regulatory mandates principally at the Bank level since the Company’s primary source of income is dividends which it would receive from the Bank. We are subject to certain dividend restrictions and capital requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Bank as well as Virginia banking statutes and regulations. We do not anticipate paying a dividend on our common stock in the forseeable future as the Company continues to have a retained deficit. Earnings will continue to be retained to build capital and position the Company to pay a dividend to its shareholders as soon as practicable. See Note 16 and Note 22 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of dividend limitations and capital requirements.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

Not applicable.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Caution About Forward Looking Statements

 

We make forward looking statements in this annual report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward looking statements include statements regarding our profitability, liquidity, allowance for loan losses, interest rate sensitivity, market risk, growth strategy, and financial and other goals. The words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” or other similar words or terms are intended to identify forward looking statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ from projections include:

·the success or failure of our efforts to implement our business plan;
·any required increase in our regulatory capital ratios;
·satisfying other regulatory requirements that may arise from examinations, changes in the law and other similar factors;
·deterioration of asset quality;
·fluctuations of real estate values in our markets;
·our ability to attract and retain talent;
·demographical changes in our markets which negatively impact the local economy;
·the uncertain outcome of enacted legislation to stabilize the U.S. financial system such as Dodd-Frank;
·the successful management of interest rate risk;
·the successful management of liquidity;
·changes in general economic and business conditions in our market area;
·credit risks inherent in making loans such as borrower ability to repay;
·competition with other banks and financial institutions, and companies outside of the banking industry, including online lenders and those companies that have substantially greater access to capital and other resources;
·demand, development and acceptance of new products and services we have offered or may offer;
·technology utilized by us;
·our ability to successfully manage cyber security;
·our reliance on third-party vendors and correspondent banks;
·changes in general accepted accounting principles;
·changes in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; and,
·other risks which may be described in our future filings with the SEC.

 

Because of these uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

 17 

 

General

 

The following commentary discusses major components of our business and presents an overview of our consolidated financial position at December 31, 2017 and 2016 as well as results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This discussion should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other statistical information presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

New Peoples generates a significant amount of its income from the net interest income earned by the Bank. Net interest income is the difference between interest income and interest expense. Interest income depends on the volume of interest-earning assets outstanding during the period and the interest rates earned thereon. The Bank's interest expense is a function of the average amount of interest-bearing deposits and borrowed money outstanding during the period and the interest rates paid thereon. The quality of the assets further influences the amount of interest income lost on nonaccrual loans and the amount of additions to the allowance for loan losses. The Bank also generates noninterest income from service charges on deposit accounts and commissions on insurance and investment products sold.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Certain critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. Our most critical accounting policies relate to our provision for loan losses and the calculation of our deferred tax asset and valuation allowance.

 

The provision for loan losses reflects the estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our borrowers were to further deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, our estimates would be updated, and additional provisions could be required. For further discussion of the estimates used in determining the allowance for loan losses, we refer you to the section on “Provision for Loan Losses” in this discussion.

 

Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the difference between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The Company has provided a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not such assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2017, the Company had no valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets.

 

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax postion will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. For further discussion of the deferred tax asset and valuation allowance, we refer you to the section on “Deferred Tax Assets and Income Taxes” in this discussion.

 

The Company early adopted ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). This ASU revised certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions.

 

For further discussion of our other critical accounting policies, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, found in Item 8 to this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

 18 

 

Cyber Security

 

The Company, primarily through the Bank, depends on its ability to continuously process, record and monitor a large number of customer transactions and customer, public and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased over time. Accordingly, its and its subsidiaries’ operational systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions and breakdowns. Although the Company has business continuity plans and other safeguards in place, disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support its businesses and customers, or cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices on which customers’ personal information is stored and that customers use to access the Company’s and its subsidiaries products and services could result in customer attrition, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

Although to date the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that it or its subsidiaries will not suffer such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, our plans to continue to implement our Internet banking and mobile banking channel strategies and develop additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our customers when and how they want to be served. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of the Company’s controls, processes and practices designed to protect its and its subsidiaries systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for the Company. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.

 

In late February 2018, the SEC issued guidelines governing the manner in which public companies report cybersecurity breaches to investors. The federal bank regulatory agencies and state laws govern the manner in which banks report cybersecurity breaches to affected customers.

 

Overview

 

At December 31, 2017, total assets were $666.7 million, total loans were $513.0 million, and total deposits were $582.5 million. The Company‘s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $3.1 million, or basic income per share of $0.13 as compared to a net income of $958 thousand, or basic income per share of $0.04, for the year ended December 31, 2016. This is an increase of $2.1 million, or $0.09 per share. This increase was mainly driven by an increase in net interest income of $1.1 million and a non-recurring gain of $2.6 million recognized on sale and lease back transactions. We also had a provision for loan losses of $450 thousand for 2017 as compared to a negative provision for loan losses of $500 thousand for 2016. Net interest income, increased $1.1 million, or 4.85%, from 2016 to 2017. This increase in net interest income is due primarily to the $1.5 million increase in interest and fees on loans, due to increased loan volume during 2017. Noninterest expenses showed a slight increase of $360 thousand to $28.9 million in 2017. The Company’s key performance indicators are as follows:

 

    December 31,
    2017   2016
         
Return on average assets   0.47%   0.15%
Return on average equity   6.30%   2.00%
Average equity to average assets ratio   7.52%   7.59%

 

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Highlights from the year 2017 include:

 

·Loans increased $44.4 million, or 9.48%;
·Provision for loan losses of $450,000 for 2017 as compared to a negative provision for loan losses of $500 thousand for 2016;
·Gain of $2.6 million recognized on sale and leaseback transactions;
·Net income tax expense of $144 thousand was recorded, consisting of $5.5 million in federal tax expense, which included $4.0 million due to changes in deferred tax assets resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December, and a $318 thousand dollar tax penalty related to the surrender of several bank owned life insurance policies. This expense was largely offset by the reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance of $5.3 million against the deferred tax asset due to improved earnings;
·Decrease in nonperforming assets of $9.7 million, or 40.05%;
·Deposits increased $28.1 million, or 5.07%;
·Net interest margin of 3.94%;
·Stock Warrants on 636,364 common shares were exercised in 2017, resulting in additional capital of $1.1 million; and,
·Book value per share of $2.13 as of December 31, 2017.

 

Total assets increased $32.4 million in 2017, or 5.10%, from $634.3 million at December 31, 2016. Loans showed an increase of $44.4 million, or 9.48%, as a result of our efforts to grow the loan portfolio. Going forward, we anticipate total assets increasing due to our plan to conservatively and prudently grow the loan portfolio, as we were able to accomplish in 2017. OREO decreased $3.8 million, or 35.63%, in 2017 to $6.9 million at December 31, 2017 from $10.7 million at December 31, 2016. Bank owned life insurance decreased $7.8 million due largely to the surrender of several low yielding policies during the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

On the liability side of the balance sheet, total deposits increased $28.1 million, or 5.07%, to $582.5 million. We anticipate total deposits to increase as we focus on growth in the future. Time deposits increased $24.5 million, or 9.89%, to $272.3 million at December 31, 2017. FHLB advances decreased $6.2 million to $7.6 million while trust preferred securities remained unchanged at $16.5 million.

 

As a result of the discussed sale and leaseback transactions, the Company recognized right-to-use assets – operating leases of approximately $5.3 million, along with corresponding lease liabilities of approximately $5.3 million effectively offsetting the balance sheet affect of these transactions. This accounting treatment resulted from the early adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). This ASU revised certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions.

 

Total equity was $51.0 million at December 31, 2017, an increase of $4.1 million, or 8.65%. The Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016, respectively were as follows: Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.56% versus 9.93%; Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 14.05% versus 15.39%; total risk based capital ratio of 15.30% versus 16.64%; and common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.05% versus 15.39%. The Bank is considered well-capitalized under regulatory guidelines.

 

Expenses related to other real estate owned properties were $1.4 million in 2017 compared to $2.2 million in 2016. During 2017 we recorded writedowns on other real estate owned properties in the amount of $758 thousand to $1.4 million in 2016. During 2017 we had a net loss on the sale of other real estate owned of $64 thousand compared to a net gain of $221 thousand in 2016.

 

 20 

 

Total loans increased $44.4 million in 2017, or 9.47%, to $513.0 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $468.6 million at December 31, 2016. The main driver in this increase in total loans is our strategy is to grow the loan portfolio. To assist in these efforts, we added several commercial lenders, during 2016 and 2017, mostly focused in the Tri-Cities market of Bristol, VA and TN, Kingsport, TN, and Johnson City, TN. We expect the trend in total loan growth we have experienced in 2017 to continue at least in the near term, subject to economic conditions, customer demand, and competition in our markets.

 

Asset quality continued to improve during 2017, as OREO and nonaccrual loans both decreased in 2017. Nonperforming assets, which include nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or greater still accruing interest, and other real estate owned, decreased $9.7 million, or 40.05%, from $24.1 million to $14.4 million during 2017. $3.9 million of this decrease was the result of 65 nonperforming loans which were sold to further reduce the high level of nonaccrual loans with proceeds of $3.6 million received. Total nonperforming assets represented 2.16% and 3.79% of total assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. There were no loans past due 90 days or greater and still accruing interest at December 31, 2017 or 2016. The makeup of these assets are primarily loans secured by commercial real estate, residential mortgages, and farmland as well as other real estate owned properties. We continue undertaking extensive and more aggressive measures to work out problem credits and liquidate foreclosed properties in an effort to accelerate a reduction of nonperforming assets. Our goal is to reduce the nonperforming assets being mindful of the impact to earnings and capital; however, we may recognize some losses and reductions in the allowance for loan loss as we expedite the resolution of these problem assets.

 

Our allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017 was $6.2 million, or 1.21% of total loans, as compared to $6.1 million, or 1.30% of total loans at December 31, 2016. Impaired loans decreased $1.8 million, or 12.3%, to $12.6 million with an estimated allowance of $1.2 million for potential losses at December 31, 2017 as compared to $14.4 million in impaired loans with an estimated allowance of $552 thousand at the end of 2016. A provision for loan losses of $450 thousand was recorded in 2017, while a negative provision of $500 thousand was recorded in 2016. Net loans charged off decreased in 2017 as they were $326 thousand, or 0.07% of average loans, compared to $921 thousand, or 0.20% of average loans, in 2016. The allowance for loan losses is being maintained at a level that management deems appropriate to absorb any potential future losses and known impairments within the loan portfolio whether or not the losses are actually ever realized. We continue to adjust the allowance for loan loss model to best reflect the risks in the portfolio and the improvements made in our internal policies and procedures; however, future provisions may be deemed necessary.

 

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

 

The Company’s primary source of income, net interest income, increased $1.1 million, or 4.85% from 2017 to 2016. The increase in net interest income is due primarily to the $1.6 million increase in interest income on loans during 2017, due to increased loan volume during 2017. While we have been successful in our strategy to grow the loan portfolio, renewed loans are repricing at lower interest rates and new loans are being booked at lower interest rates due to competitive pressures. With new commercial lenders added during 2017, we believe, going forward, new increased volume will outpace the monthly loan paydowns and maturities. Investment interest income remained comparable at $1.5 million in 2017 and 2016. The increase in interest income was offset by a $593 thousand increase in interest expense on time deposits, as a result of our time deposits re-pricing at higher interest rates at maturity, and an increase in the volume of higher cost time deposits.

 

Nonaccrual loans were $7.6 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $13.4 million at December 31, 2016. This represents a decrease of $5.8 million, or 43.57%. In 2017, 65 nonperforming loans totaling $3.9 million were sold to further reduce the high level of nonaccrual loans with proceeds of $3.6 million received. Charge offs of $256 thousand associated with the sold nonperforming loans were realized and fully absorbed by the allowance for loan losses during 2017. Although nonaccrual loans decreased during 2017, the continued high volume of nonaccrual loans negatively affects interest income as these loans are nonearning assets. Interest income and cash receipts on impaired loans are handled differently depending on whether or not the loan is on nonaccrual status. If the impaired loan is not on nonaccrual status, the interest income on the loan is computed using the effective interest method. When doubt about the collectability of a loan exists, it is the Bank’s policy to stop accruing interest on that loan under the following circumstances: (a) whenever we are advised by the borrower that scheduled payment or interest payments cannot be met, (b) when conditions indicate that payment of principal and interest can no longer be expected, or (c) when any such loan becomes delinquent for 90 days and is not both well secured and in the process of collection. All interest accrued but not collected on loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off are reversed against interest income in the current period except in the case of a nonaccrual loan that is well secured and in the process of collection, in which case, the interest accrued but not collected is not reversed. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual. Generally, loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, six consecutive timely payments are made, and prospects for future contractual payments are reasonably assured.

 

 21 

 

Our net interest margin increased two basis points to 3.94% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 3.92% for the same period in 2016. Unless we are able to increase the volume of our interest-earning assets going forward, we may experience compression on the net interest margin as new and renewed loans are often being repriced at lower interest rates while we anticipate a slight increase on interest rates paid on deposits, particularly time deposits.

 

The following table shows the rates paid on earning assets and deposit liabilities for the periods indicated.

 

                                           
Net Interest Margin Analysis  
Average Balances, Income and Expense, and Yields and Rates  
(Dollars in thousands)  
        For  the Year Ended   For  the Year Ended   For  the Year Ended  
        December 31, 2017   December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015  
        Average   Income/   Yields/   Average   Income/   Yields/   Average   Income/   Yields/  
        Balance   Expense   Rates   Balance   Expense   Rates   Balance   Expense   Rates  
ASSETS                                      
  Loans (1), (2), (3) $ 488,425 $ 24,163   4.95% $ 457,266 $ 22,644   4.95% $ 445,839 $ 23,671   5.31%  
  Federal funds sold   75   1   1.33%   14   -   0.00%   777   2   0.26%  
  Interest bearing deposits   15,735   192   1.22%   12,835   84   0.65%   23,258   91   0.39%  
  Other investments (3)   75,069   1,637   2.18%   84,080   1,618   1.92%   104,727   1,891   1.81%  
  Total Earning Assets   579,304   25,993   4.49%   554,195   24,346   4.39%   574,601   25,655   4.46%  
  Less:  Allowance for loans losses   (6,136)           (6,849)           (9,063)          
  Non-earning assets   79,107           83,030           80,609          
    Total Assets $ 652,275         $ 630,376         $ 646,147          
                                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
  Deposits                                      
  Demand – Interest bearing $ 35,235 $ 48   0.14% $ 39,834 $ 50   0.13% $ 31,334 $ 37   0.12%  
  Savings   119,849   180   0.15%   115,213   166   0.14%   119,606   173   0.14%  
  Time deposits   260,963   2,241   0.86%   250,296   1,742   0.70%   277,747   2,259   0.81%  
  Other Borrowings   9,830   151   1.54%   8,508   154   1.81%   3,577   145   4.05%  
  Trust Preferred  Securities   16,496   593   3.59%   16,496   508   3.08%   16,496   440   2.67%  
  Total interest bearing liabilities   442,373   3,213   0.73%   430,347   2,620   0.61%   448,760   3,054   0.68%  
  Non-interest bearing deposits   154,356           149,350           150,061          
  Other liabilities   6,468           2,849           2,574          
    Total Liabilities   603,197           582,546           601,395          
  Stockholders’ Equity   49,078           47,830           44,752          
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 652,275          $ 630,376           $ 646,147          
  Net Interest Income     $ 22,780         $ 21,726         $ 22,601      
  Net Interest Margin       3.94%           3.92%           3.93%  
  Net Interest Spread           3.76%           3.78%           3.78%  
                                           
(1)  Non-accrual loans have been included in the average balance of loans outstanding.          
(2)  Loan fees have been included in interest income on loans.                
(3)  Tax exempt income is not significant and has been treated as fully taxable.                
                                                                                                                 

 

 22 

 

 

Net interest income is affected by changes in both average interest rates and average volumes of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table sets forth the amounts of the total changes in interest income and expense which can be attributed to rate (change in rate multiplied by old volume) and volume (change in volume multiplied by old rate) for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

       
                                             Volume and Rate Analysis
                                                     (Dollars in thousands)
    2017 Compared to 2016   2016 Compared to 2015
    Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)

 

 

                               
      Volume Effect   Rate Effect   Change in Interest Income/ Expense     Volume Effect   Rate Effect   Change in Interest Income/ Expense  
Interest Income:                            
  Loans $ 1,543 $ (24) $ 1,519   $ 607 $ (1,634) $ (1,027)  
  Federal funds sold       1   1     (2)   -   (2)  
  Interest bearing deposits   19   89   108     (41)   34   (7)  
  Other investments   (173)   192   19     (373)   100   (273)  
  Total Earning Assets   1,389   258   1,647     191   (1,500)   (1,309)  
                               
Interest Bearing Liabilities:                              
  Demand   (6)   4   (2)     10   3   13  
  Savings   7   7   14     (6)   (1)   (7)  
  All other time deposits   74   425   499     (223)   (294)   (517)  
  Other borrowings   24   (27)   (3)     200   (191)   9  
  Trust Preferred Securities   -   85   85     -   68   68  
  Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   99   494   593     (19)   (415)   (434)  
  Change in Net Interest Income $ 1,290 $ (236) $ 1,054   $ 210 $ (1,085) $ (875)  
                                   

 

Loans

 

Our primary source of income comes from interest earned on loans. Total loans increased $44.4 million in 2017, or 9.47%, to $513.0 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $468.6 million at December 31, 2016. Loans rated substandard decreased $6.4 million, or 35.09%, to $11.9 million at December 31, 2017 from $18.3 million at December 31, 2016. The main driver in this increase in total loans is our strategy to grow the loan portfolio. We expect the trend in total loan growth we have experienced in 2017 to continue at least in the near term, subject to economic conditions, customer demand, and competition in our markets.

 

 23 

 

Loans receivable outstanding are summarized as follows:

 

Loan Portfolio

December 31,

                
(Dollars in thousands)  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $68,506   $55,073   $47,490   $50,273   $57,704 
Real estate – construction   29,763    25,755    14,672    15,439    22,421 
Real estate – commercial   127,688    103,331    98,569    108,062    126,174 
Real estate – residential   264,640    262,282    255,870    257,947    260,669 
Installment loans to individuals   22,411    22,188    24,568    25,828    26,055 
Total  $513,008   $468,629   $441,169   $457,549   $493,023 

 

 

Our loan maturities as of December 31, 2017 are shown in the following table:

 

Maturities of Loans

             
             
(Dollars in thousands)  Less than One Year  One to Five Years  After Five Years  Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $18,331   $31,671   $18,504   $68,506 
Real estate – construction   3,968    8,079    17,716    29,763 
Real estate – commercial   12,966    56,178    58,544    127,688 
Real estate – residential   14,162    40,288    210,190    264,640 
Installment loans to individuals   4,479    16,488    1,444    22,411 
Total  $53,906   $152,704   $306,398   $513,008 
                     
Loans with fixed rates  $26,225   $135,528   $129,139   $290,892 
Loans with variable rates   27,681    17,176    177,259    222,116 
Total  $53,906   $152,704   $306,398   $513,008 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The methodology we use to calculate the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s judgment and analysis. The following factors are included in our evaluation of determining the adequacy of the allowance: risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, current and historical loss experience, concentrations and internal and external factors such as general economic conditions.

 

The allowance for loan losses increased to $6.2 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $6.1 million at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses at the end of 2017 was approximately 1.21% of total loans as compared to 1.30% at the end of 2016. Provisions for loan losses of $450 thousand were recorded during 2017, while a negative provision of $500 thousand was recorded in 2016. Loans charged off, net of recoveries, decreased during 2017 as they were $326 thousand, or 0.07% of average loans, compared to $921 thousand, or 0.20% of average loans, in 2016. The allowance for loan losses is being maintained at a level that management deems appropriate to absorb any potential future losses and known impairments within the loan portfolio whether or not the losses are actually ever realized. We continue to adjust the allowance for loan loss model to best reflect the risks in the portfolio and the improvements made in our internal policies and procedures; however, future provisions may be deemed necessary.

 

Loans in non-accrual status present higher risks of default. We have experienced a decrease in nonaccrual loans in 2017. At December 31, 2017, there were 97 loans in non-accrual status totaling $7.6 million, or 1.47% of total loans. At December 31, 2016, there were 184 loans in non-accrual status totaling $13.4 million, or 2.86% of total loans. The amounts of interest that would have been recognized on these loans were $591 thousand and $639 thousand in the years 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2017, 65 nonperforming loans totaling $3.9 million were sold to further reduce the high level of nonaccrual loans with proceeds of $3.6 million received. Charge offs of $256 thousand associated with the sold nonperforming loans were realized and fully absorbed by the allowance for loan losses during 2017. There were no loans past due 90 days or greater and still accruing interest at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We do not have any commitments to lend additional funds to non-performing debtors.

 24 

 

 

A majority of our loans are collateralized by real estate located in our market area. It is our policy to sufficiently collateralize loans to help minimize loss exposures in case of default. However, during the last economic downturn, the real estate values in the Bank’s market materially declined which negatively impacted the Bank. Since that economic downturn, real estate values have stabilized. Our market area is somewhat diverse, but certain areas are more reliant upon agriculture, coal mining and natural gas. As a result, increased risk of loan impairments is possible as the coal mining and natural gas industry have been negatively affected in the past couple of years due to the increase in natural gas supplies from “fracking”, layoffs and environmental legislation. We do not foresee a major impact upon the Bank unless an additional severe downturn occurs which we believe is not highly likely. We are monitoring these industries. We consider these factors to be the primary higher risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.

 

Commercial and commercial real estate loans are initially risk rated by the originating loan officer. If deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and/or his or her capacity to repay the debt occur, the loan may be downgraded by the loan officer. Guidance for the risk rate grading is established by the regulatory authorities who periodically review the Bank’s loan portfolio for compliance. Classifications used by the Bank are Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss.

 

In regard to our consumer and consumer real estate loan portfolio, the Company uses the guidance found in the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy which affects our estimate of the allowance for loan losses. Under this approach, a consumer or consumer real estate loan must initially have a credit risk grade of Pass or better. Subsequently, if the loan becomes contractually 90 days past due or the borrower files for bankruptcy protection, the loan is downgraded to Substandard and placed in nonaccrual status. If the loan is unsecured upon being deemed Substandard, the entire loan amount is charged-off.

 

For non 1-4 family residential loans that are 90 days past due or greater or in bankruptcy, the collateral value less estimated liquidation costs is compared to the loan balance to calculate any potential deficiency. If the collateral is sufficient, then no charge-off is necessary. If a deficiency exists, then upon the loan becoming contractually 120 days past due, the deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. In the case of 1-4 family residential or home equity loans, upon the loan becoming 120 days past due, a current value is obtained and after application of an estimated liquidation discount, a comparison is made to the loan balance to calculate any deficiency. Subsequently, any noted deficiency is then charged-off against the allowance for loan loss when the loan becomes contractually 180 days past due. If the customer has filed bankruptcy, then within 60 days of the bankruptcy notice, any calculated deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. Collection efforts continue by means of repossessions or foreclosures, and upon bank ownership, liquidation ensues.

 

All loans classified as substandard, doubtful or loss are individually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35. In evaluating impairment, a current appraisal is generally used to determine if the collateral is sufficient. Appraisals are typically less than a year old and have to be independently reviewed to be relied upon. If the appraisal is not current, we perform a useful life review of the appraisal to determine if it is reasonable.  If this review determines that the appraisal is not reasonable, then a new appraisal is ordered. Impaired loans decreased to $12.6 million with $3.8 million requiring a valuation allowance of $1.2 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $14.4 million with $5.6 million requiring a valuation allowance of $552 thousand at December 31, 2016. Management is aggressively working to reduce the impaired credits at minimal loss.

 

In determining the component of our allowance in accordance with the Contingencies topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 450”), we do not directly consider the potential for outdated appraisals since that portion of our allowance is based on the analysis of the performance of loans with similar characteristics, external and internal risk factors. We consider the overall quality of our underwriting process in our internal risk factors, but the need to update appraisals is associated with loans identified as impaired under the Receivables topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 310”). If an appraisal is older than one year, a new external certified appraisal may be obtained and used to determine impairment. If an exposure exists, a specific allowance is directly made for the amount of the potential loss in addition to estimated liquidation and disposal costs. The evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 25 

 

 

Following is a summary of non-accrual, past due loans greater than 90 days still accruing interest, and restructured loans:

 

Non-Accrual, Past Due, and Restructured Loans

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31,

                
   2017  2016  2015  2014  2013
Non-accruing loans                         
   Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,868   $1,086   $1,244   $6,554   $6,307 
   Real estate – construction   470    319    436    332    775 
   Real estate – commercial   2,035    3,403    4,358    6,222    16,098 
   Real estate – residential   3,143    8,521    8,768    8,707    5,023 
   Installment loans to individuals   48    76    41    46    104 
Total Non-accruing loans   7,564    13,405    14,847    21,861    28,307 
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing   —      —      —      —      1 
Troubled debt restructurings (accruing)   4,932    7,310    7,198    4,249    5,563 
Total  $12,496   $20,715   $22,045   $26,110   $33,871 
Percent of total loans   2.44%   4.42%   5.00%   5.71%   6.87%

 

The above table includes $1.9 million and $2.3 million in nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings. No troubled debt restructurings were past due 90 days or more and still accruing as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. There were $6.9 million in loans classified as troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2017, as compared to $9.6 million in loans classified as troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2016.

 

In addition to impaired loans, the remaining loan portfolio is evaluated based on net charge-off history, economic conditions, and internal processes. To calculate the net charge-off history factor, we perform a 12-quarter look-back and use the average net charge offs as a percentage of the loan balances. To calculate the ecomomic conditions factor, we use current economic data which includes national and local regional unemployment information, local housing price changes, gross domestic product growth, and interest rates. Lastly, we also evaluate our internal processes of underwriting and consider the inherent risks present in the portfolio due to past and present lending practices. As economic conditions, performance of our loans, and internal processes change, it is possible that future increases or decreases may be needed to the allowance for loan losses. The following table provides a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses.

 

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in thousands)

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

                
Activity  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013
Beginning Balance  $6,072   $7,493   $9,922   $13,080   $16,810 
Provision charged to expense   450    (500)   (2,200)   —      550 

Advances made on loans with

off balance sheet provision

   —      —      —      —      —   
Loan Losses:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   (64)   (67)   (182)   (894)   (1,625)
Real estate – construction   (1)   (5)   (226)   (292)   (312)
Real estate – commercial   (179)   (557)   (724)   (2,190)   (2,811)
Real estate – residential   (714)   (738)   (1,127)   (1,104)   (1,143)
Installment loans to individuals   (147)   (83)   (101)   (79)   (153)
          Total loan losses   (1,105)   (1,450)   (2,360)   (4,559)   (6,044)
Recoveries:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   519    172    1,629    550    169 
Real estate – construction   —      26    215    236    452 
Real estate – commercial   193    220    147    427    439 
Real estate – residential   48    87    99    148    576 
Installment loans to individuals   19    24    41    40    128 
           Total recoveries   779    529    2,131    1,401    1,764 
Net charge offs   (326)   (921)   (229)   (3,158)   (4,280)
Balance at End of Period  $6,196   $6,072   $7,493   $9,922   $13,080 
Net charge offs as a % of average loans   0.07%   0.20%   0.05%   0.67%   0.84%

 

 26 

 

We have allocated the allowance according to the amount deemed to be reasonably necessary to provide for the possibility of losses being incurred within each of the categories of loans. The allocation of the allowance as shown in the following table should not be interpreted as an indication that loan losses in future years will occur in the same proportions or that the allocation indicates future loan loss trends. Furthermore, the portion allocated to each loan category is not the total amount available for future losses that might occur within such categories since the total allowance is a general allowance applicable to the entire portfolio.

 

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is based on our judgment of the relative risk associated with each type of loan. We have allocated 32% of the allowance to commercial real estate loans, which constituted 24.89% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017. This allocation increased when compared to the 27% in 2016 due to the $24.4 million increase in commercial real estate loans during the year. We have allocated 41% of the allowance to residential real estate loans, which constituted 51.59% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017. This allocation is comparable to the 43% allocation in 2016.

 

Both residential and commercial real estate loans are secured by real estate whose value tends to be easily ascertainable. These loans are made consistent with appraisal policies and real estate lending policies, which detail maximum loan-to-value ratios and maturities.

 

We have allocated 3% of the allowance to real estate construction loans, which constituted 5.80% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017. Construction loans are secured by real estate with values that are dependent upon market and economic conditions. Values may not always be easily ascertainable as evidenced by the current market conditions. These loans are made consistent with appraisal policies and real estate lending policies which detail maximum loan-to-value ratios and maturities.

 

We have allocated 18% of the allowance to commercial loans, which constituted 13.35% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017. Our allocation increased as a percentage of the allowance for loan losses due to the $13.4 million increase in commercial loans during 2017.

 

We have allocated 2% of the allowance to consumer installment loans, which constituted 4.37% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017, which was comparable to the 2% allocation we had in 2016.

 

The following table shows the balance and percentage of our allowance for loan losses (or “ALLL”) allocated to each major category of loans.

 

 27 

 

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                            
   December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016  December 31, 2015
   Amount  % of ALLL  %of Loans  Amount  % of ALLL  %of Loans  Amount  % of ALLL  % of Loans
 Commercial   $1,098    18%   13.35%  $622    10%   11.75%  $1,066    14%   10.76%
 R/E–const.    191    3%   5.80%   346    6%   5.50%   332    4%   3.33%
 R/E–comm.    1,989    32%   24.89%   1,625    27%   22.05%   2,384    36%   22.34%
 R/E-resid.    2,506    41%   51.59%   2,617    43%   55.97%   2,669    32%   58.00%
 Installment    156    2%   4.37%   123    2%   4.73%   128    2%   5.57%
 Unallocated    256    4%        739    12%        914    12%     
 Total   $6,196    100%   100.00%  $6,072    100%   100.00%  $7,493    100%   100.00%
                                                
      December 31, 2014              December 31, 2013                          
      

 

Amount

    % of ALLL    % of Loans    

 

Amount

    % of ALLL    % of Loans                
 Commercial   $1,496    15%   10.99%  $2,710    21%   11.70%               
 R/E-const.    199    2%   3.37%   1,184    9%   4.55%               
 R/E-comm.    4,418    45%   23.62%   5,203    40%   25.59%               
 R/E-resid.    2,726    27%   56.37%   3,449    26%   52.87%               
 Installment    171    2%   5.65%   153    1%   5.29%               
 Unallocated    912    9%        381    3%                    
 Total   $9,922    100%   100.00%  $13,080    100%   100.00%               

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) decreased $3.8 million or 35.63%, to $6.9 million at December 31, 2017 from $10.7 million at December 31, 2016. All properties are available for sale by commercial and residential realtors under the direction of our Special Assets division. Our aim is to reduce the level of OREO in order to reduce the level of nonperforming assets at the Bank, while keeping in mind the impact to earnings and capital. In both 2017 and 2016, pricing adjustments were made to make certain properties more marketable, which, in some cases, reduced the price below the fair value of the property (which is based on an appraisal less estimated disposition costs) or were the result of auctions on several of our older properties. During 2017, we recorded OREO writedowns of $758 thousand as compared to $1.4 million in 2016. Of the $758 thousand in OREO writedowns during 2017, $116 thousand of the writedowns were due to auctions we held on some of our OREO properties during the first half of 2017. Of the $1.4 million in OREO writedowns during 2016, $625 thousand of the writedowns were due to auctions we held on some of our OREO properties during the second half of 2016.

 

During 2017 we added $3.1 million in OREO properties as a result of settlement of foreclosed loans, offset by sales of $6.2 million with net losses totaling $64 thousand. During 2016, we added $4.5 million in OREO properties as a result of settlement of foreclosed loans, which was offset by sales of $5.0 million with net gains totaling $221 thousand. As previously discussed we have taken an aggressive approach toward liquidating properties to reduce our level of foreclosed properties by making pricing adjustments and holding auctions on some of our older properties. We expect to continue these efforts in 2018, which could result in additional losses, while reducing future carrying costs.

 

Although the properties remain for sale and are actively marketed, we do have lease agreements on certain other real estate owned properties which are generating rental income at market rates. Rental income on OREO properties was $232 thousand in 2017, a decrease of $15 thousand, or 6.07%, when compared to the $247 thousand recognized in 2016.

 

 28 

 

 

Investment Securities

 

Total investment securities increased $1.1 million, or 1.54%, to $71.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $70.0 million at December 31, 2016. All securities are classified as available-for-sale for liquidity purposes. We sold $3.2 million in investments securities during 2017 resulting in no net realized gains. In 2016 we sold $29.5 million in investment securities resulting in net realized gains of $303 thousand. These sales were executed to provide liquidity to fund our loan growth during 2016 and to take advantage of gains in the investment portfolio as deemed appropriate. Investment securities with a carrying value of $11.0 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required by law.

 

Our strategy is to invest excess funds in investment securities to increase interest income while providing for liquidity instead of other short term investment options, such as federal funds sold and overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank. We anticipate maintaining or slightly increasing the size of the portfolio during 2018. The portfolio is comprised of short to mid-term investments. The carrying values of investment securities and the different types of investments are shown in the following table:

 

Investment Securities Portfolio

(Dollars in thousands)

               
December 31,   2017   2016
    Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair
Available for Sale   Cost   Value   Cost   Value
U.S. Government Agencies $ 23,986 $ 23,844 $ 24,821 $ 24,632
Taxable municipals   4,466   4,397   2,340   2,292
Corporate bonds   5,437   5,579   3,600   3,749
Mortgage backed securities   37,950   37,268   39,941   39,338
Total Securities AFS $ 71,839 $ 71,088 $ 70,702 $ 70,011


The fair value of our investment portfolio is substantially affected by changes in interest rates, which could result in realized losses if we have to sell the securities and recognize the loss in a rising interest rate environment due to Federal Reserve actions, U.S. fiscal policies or other factors affecting market interest rates. At December 31, 2017 we had an unrealized loss in our investment portfolio totaling $751 thousand as compared to a $691 thousand unrealized loss at December 31, 2016. The $60 thousand decrease in fair value is mainly due to changes in interest rates during 2017. We have reviewed our investment portfolio and no investment security is deemed to have an other than temporary impairment. We monitor our portfolio regularly and use it to maintain liquidity, manage interest rate risk and enhance earnings.

 

The amortized cost, fair value and weighted average yield of investment securities at December 31, 2017 are shown by contractual maturity and do not reflect principal paydowns for amortizing securities, in the following schedule. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

Maturities of Securities

             
  Weighted
(Dollars are in thousands) Amortized   Fair   Average
Securities Available for Sale Cost   Value   Yield
Due in one year or less $ 7 $ 7   1.49%
Due after one year through five years 3,316 3,267 1.97%
Due after five years through ten years   15,822   15,847   3.10%
Due after ten years   52,694   51,967   2.24%
Total $ 71,839 $ 71,088   2.42%

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had an aggregate total cash surrender value of $4.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively, on life insurance policies covering current and former key officers. In December 2017 several policies were surrended, due to their lagging financial performance. This transaction resulted in net proceeds of $7.6 million after the effect of a tax penalty of $318 thousand.

 

Total income for the policies during 2017 and 2016 was $115 thousand and $169 thousand, respectively.

 

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Deposits

 

Total deposits were $582.5 million at December 31, 2017, an increase of $28.1 million, or 5.07%, from $554.4 million at December 31, 2016. Most of the increase has been in time deposits which are our highest cost deposit funding source. During 2017, we experienced an increase in time deposits of $24.5 million, while our lower-costing non-time deposits increased $3.6 million. Part of the increase in time deposits was due to an additional $11.7 million of certificate of deposits funding with one relationship that we obtained during 2017. Due to competitive pressures, rising interest rates, and our need for funding, we expect to see an uptick on the interest we pay on deposits in 2018.

 

Core deposits, which are mainly transaction accounts, commercial relationships and savings products, increased as noninterest bearing deposits grew 1.79%, or $2.7 million, from $151.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $154.6 million at December 31, 2017. We experienced a decrease of $5.6 million, or 14.00%, in interest-bearing demand deposits during 2017. The main reason for the decrease was due to one relationship that moved its funding from an interest-bearing demand deposit product into certificate of deposit time deposits. Savings deposits increased $6.5 million, or 5.68%, to $121.0 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $114.5 million at December 31, 2016. Overall, we continue to maintain core deposits through attractive consumer and commercial deposit products and strong ties with our customer base and communities.

 

Time deposits of $100,000 or more equaled approximately 21.16% of deposits at the end of 2017 and 17.20% of deposits at the end of 2016.

 

We have brokered deposits totaling $2.7 million that mature in 2019. These deposits were used to fund a particular 10 year balloon mortgage product. Internet accounts are limited to customers located in the surrounding geographical area. The average balance of and the average rate paid on deposits is shown in the net interest margin analysis table in the “Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin” section above. Total Certificate of Deposit Registry Service (“CDARS”) time deposits were $21.2 million and $10.2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding are summarized as follows:

 

    
Maturities of Time Deposits of $100 Thousand and More
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017
Three months or less  $20,793 
Over three months through six months   35,266 
Over six months through twelve months   22,422 
Over one year   44,798 
Total  $123,279 
      

 

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Noninterest Income

 

For 2017, noninterest income increased to $9.8 million from $7.3 million for the same period in 2016, an increase of $2.5 million, or 34.91%. This increase was primarily due to the $2.6 million gain recognized on the sale and leaseback transactions completed during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, 2016 includes gains on sales of investment securities that were not replicated in 2017. Services charges increased $748 thousand during 2017, primarily due to the $759 thousand increase in our nonsufficient funds / overdraft fee income as a result of the optional overdraft protection services we offer. The ratio of noninterest income as a percentage of average assets increased to 1.51% in 2017 as compared to 1.16% in 2016.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest expenses showed a slight increase of $360 thousand to $28.9 million in 2017. Salaries and employee benefits increased from $13.1 million in 2016 to $13.5 million in 2017, an increase of $389 thousand, or 2.96%. This increase was primarily due to annual pay increases and strategic hires made throughout the year, along with a profit sharing accrual for 2017. Total full time equivalent employees have increased to 255 at December 31, 2017 from 249 at December 31, 2016, an increase of 6, or 2.41%.

 

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $326 thousand to $4.5 million during 2017. We incurred lease expense of $265 thousand during 2017 as a result of the sale lease back transactions. The increase in occupancy and equipment expenses was mainly due to the rollout of the ITMs during 2016 in our 19 offices and 4 other locations. The ITMs, a new, state-of-the-art technology which replaced the Bank’s ATMs, help provide additional convenience by providing teller services from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday. We anticipate the addition of the ITMs will create efficiencies going forward as usage continues to increase. In addition, we have been transitioning our bank branches to the universal banker model. This model utilizes staff in multiple job functions versus staffing specialized in one area. To help accommodate this model, investments in video conferencing, cash recyclers, and other technological tools have been implemented. Although costs have increased, as we continue to grow, these costs should remain relatively constant and staffing costs in this area should decline in the future.

 

Expenses related to other real estate owned and repossessed assets showed a decline of $749 thousand, or 34.15%, from $2.2 million in 2016 to $1.4 million in 2017. OREO decreased in 2017 to $6.9 million at December 31, 2017 from $10.7 million at December 31, 2016. During 2017 we recorded net OREO writedowns of $758 thousand compared to $1.4 million in 2016. These writedowns were primarily the result of price reductions and auctions that helped us in being successful in reducing our other real estate owned by $3.8 million during the year. During 2017, we had net losses on the sale of OREO of $64 thousand compared to net gains of $221 thousand in 2016.

 

Our efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, which is defined as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income, was 88.69% in 2017 as compared to 98.45% in 2016. We continue to seek opportunities to operate more efficiently through the use of technology, improving processes, reducing nonperforming assets and increasing productivity.

 

Deferred Tax Assets and Income Taxes

 

Net income tax expense of $144 thosand was recorded, consisting of $5.5 million in federal tax expense , which included $4.0 million due to changes in deferred tax assets resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) in December, and a $318 thousand dollar tax penalty related to the surrender of several bank owned life insurance policies. These expenses were largely offset by the reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance of $5.3 million against the deferred tax asset due to improved earnings. The TCJA was signed into law by the President on December 22, 2017. The TCJA includes the reduction in the corporate tax rate from a top rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, changes in business deductions, and many international provisions. The reduction in the corporate tax rate resulted in the $4.0 million adjustment to our deferred tax assets.

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Deferred tax assets represent the future tax benefit of future deductible differences and, if it is more likely than not that a tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the recorded deferred tax assets to net realizable value. The Company has evaluated positive and negative evidence to assess the realizability of its deferred taxes. Based on the evidence, including taxable income projections, the Company believes it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realizable. As a result the Company reversed the valuation allowance of $5.3 million that existed as of December 31, 2016 during 2017. Accordingly, the Company has not included a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.

 

Tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process. The Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being recognized. The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had Federal and state net operating loss carryforward amounts of approximately $15.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These amounts are not limited pursuant to IRC Section 382. The Company is subject to examination in the United States and multiple state jurisdictions. Open tax years for examination are 2014 – 2017.

 

Capital Resources

 

Our total capital at the end of 2017 was $51.0 million compared to $46.9 million in 2016. The increase was $4.1 million, or 8.65%. $1.1 million of this increase was due to the exercise of 636,364 Common Stock Warrants during 2017 at a price of $1.75 per share. The book value per common share was $2.13 at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.01 at December 31, 2016.

 

The Company meets eligibility criteria of a small bank holding company in accordance with the Federal Reserve Board’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement issued in February 2015, and does not report consolidated regulatory capital. The Bank continues to be subject to various capital requirements administered by banking agencies.

 

The Bank’s capital levels are characterized as "well-capitalized" under the Basel III Capital Rules. The capital adequacy ratios for the Bank are set forth below:

 

Capital Adequacy Ratios

 

      December 31,
  Well-Capitalized        
  Regulatory        
  Threshold   2017   2016
Tier 1 leverage 5.00%   9.56%   9.93%
Common equity tier 1 6.50%   14.05%   15.39%
Tier 1 risk-based capital 8.00%   14.05%   15.39%
Total risk-based capital 10.00%   15.30%   16.64%

 

The ratios mentioned above for the Bank comply with the Federal Reserve rules to align with the Basel III Capital requirements effective January 1, 2015. As a result of these new rules the Bank is now subject to a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio set out above.

 

Under Basel III Capital requirements, beginning January 1, 2016, a capital conservation buffer of 0.625% became effective. The capital conservation buffer is 1.25% as of December 31, 2017 and the Bank met that requirement with a buffer of 7.30%. The capital conservation buffer will be gradually increased through January 1, 2019 to 2.5%. Banks will be required to maintain levels that meet the required minimum plus the capital conservation buffer in order to make distributions, such as dividends, or discretionary bonus payments.

 

Total assets increased in 2017 and we anticipate asset levels to increase in the future due to an emphasis on growing the loan portfolio and the core deposit base of the Bank. Under current economic conditions, we believe it is prudent to continue to increase capital to support planned asset growth while being able to absorb potential losses that may occur if asset quality deteriorates further. Based upon projections, we believe our earnings will be sufficient to support the Bank’s planned asset growth.

 

No cash dividends have been paid historically and and we do not anticipate paying a cash dividend in the foreseeable future as the Company continues to have a retained deficit. Earnings will continue to be retained to build capital and position the Company to pay a dividend to its shareholders as soon as practicable.

 

 32 

 

 

Liquidity

 

We closely monitor our liquidity and our liquid assets in the form of cash, due from banks, federal funds sold, and unpledged available-for-sale investments. Collectively, those balances were $92.8 million at December 31, 2017, down from $94.2 million at December 31, 2016. A surplus of short-term assets are maintained at levels management deems adequate to meet potential liquidity needs during 2018.

 

At December 31, 2017, all of our investments are classified as available-for-sale, providing an additional source of liquidity in the amount of $60.1 million, which is net of the $11.0 million of securities pledged as collateral. This will serve as a source of liquidity while yielding a higher return when compared to other short term investment options, such as federal funds sold and overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank. Total investment securities increased $1.1 million, or 1.54%, to $71.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $70.0 million at December 31, 2016.

 

A $60 thousand decrease in fair market value resulted in a net unrealized loss of $751 thousand at December 31, 2017 compared to the net unrealized loss at December 31, 2016, which was $691 thousand. This unrealized loss of $751 thousand could negatively impact earnings if the investment portfolio had to be quickly liquidated.

 

Our loan to deposit ratio was 88.06% at December 31, 2017 and 84.52% at year end 2016.

 

Available third party sources of liquidity remain intact at December 31, 2017 which includes the following: our line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) totaling $147.1 million, the brokered certificates of deposit markets, internet certificates of deposit, and the discount window at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. We have $10.0 million in unsecured federal funds as of December 31, 2017, which gives us an additional source of liquidity.

 

We have used our line of credit with FHLB to issue letters of credit totaling $17.0 million to the Treasury Board of Virginia for collateral on public funds. No draws on the letters of credit have been issued. The letters of credit are considered draws on our Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit. An additional $122.5 million was available on December 31, 2017 on the $147.1 million line of credit, which is secured by a blanket lien on our residential real estate loans.

 

We have access to the brokered deposits market. Currently we have $2.7 million in 10 year term time deposits comprised of $3 thousand incremental deposits which yield an interest rate of 4.10%. With the exception of CDARS time deposits, we have no other brokered deposits. In February 2016, our ability to participate in CDARS one way buys was reinstated. As of December 31, 2017 we had $5.0 million in CDARS one way buys outstanding compared to $3.9 million at December 31, 2016.

 

We are a member of an internet certificate of deposit network whereby we may obtain funds from other financial institutions at auction. We may invest funds through this network as well. Currently, we only intend to use this source of liquidity in a liquidity crisis event.

 

The Bank has access to additional liquidity through the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window for overnight funding needs. We may collateralize this line with investment securities and loans at our discretion; however, we do not anticipate using this funding source except as a last resort.

 

With the on-balance sheet liquidity and other external sources of funding, we believe the Bank has adequate liquidity and capital resources to meet our requirements and needs for the foreseeable future. However, liquidity can be further affected by a number of factors such as counterparty willingness or ability to extend credit, regulatory actions and customer preferences, etc., some of which are beyond our control.

 33 

 

 

During the capital raise in 2012, common stock warrants were issued to investors. The warrants were immediately exercisable through December 2017 at a price of $1.75 per share. During 2016, 375 warrants were exercised, and in 2017 636,364 warrants were exercised which resulted in additional liquidity to the Company of $1.1 million. The remaining 245,614 of unexercised common stock warrants expired on December 20, 2017. The funds resulting from the exercise of the warrants will be used to pay operating expenses and trust preferred interest payments. The Company is making quarterly interest payments on the trust preferred securities.

 

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

 

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

 

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

 

A summary of the contract amount of the Bank’s exposure to off-balance-sheet risk as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

       
(Dollars in thousands)   2017   2016
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:        
Commitments to extend credit $ 38,540 $ 34,770
Standby letters of credit   2,519   2,019

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

 

Unfunded commitments under lines of credit are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. Those lines of credit may not actually be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Bank is committed.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank holds certificates of deposit, deposit accounts, and real estate as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

 

 34 

 

 

Interest Sensitivity

 

At December 31, 2017, we had a negative cumulative gap rate sensitivity ratio of 35.69% for the one year re-pricing period, compared to 35.19% at December 31, 2016. A negative cumulative gap generally indicates that net interest income would improve in a declining interest rate environment as liabilities re-price more quickly than assets. Conversely, net interest income would likely decrease in periods during which interest rates are increasing. The below table is based on contractual maturities and does not take into consideration prepayment speeds of investment securities and loans nor does it factor decay rates for non maturity deposits. When considering these prepayment speed and decay rate assumptions, along with our ability to control the repricing of a significant portion of the deposit portfolio, we are in a position to increase interest income in a rising interest rate environment. Management reviews our interest rate risk profile quarterly and believes that the current position presents acceptable risk.

 

.                            
                             
Interest Sensitivity Analysis
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
    1- 90 Days   91-365 Days   1-3 Years   4-5 Years   6-15 Years   Over 15 Years   Total
Uses of funds:
Loans $ 60,295 $ 36,813 $ 103,565 $ 129,662 $ 117,585 $ 65,088 $ 513,008
Federal funds sold 4 - - - - - 4
Deposits with banks 14,452 - - - - - 14,452
Investments 11,046 1,405 2,257 5,381 24,780 26,219 71,088
Bank owned life insurance 4,456 - - - - - 4,456
Total earning assets $ 90,253   38,218 $ 105,822 $ 135,043 $ 142,365 $ 91,307 $ 603,008
 
Sources of funds:
Interest Bearing DDA $ 34,583 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -   34,583
Savings & MMDA 121,000 - - - - - 121,000
Time Deposits 54,119 116,954 55,436 45,821 - - 272,330
Trust preferred securities 16,496 - - - - - 16,496
Other borrowings - 558 2,000 5,000 - - 7,558
Total interest bearing liabilities $ 226,198 $ 117,512 $ 57,436 $ 50,821 $ - $ - $ 451,967
Discrete Gap $ (135,945) $ (79,294) $ 48,836 $ 84,222 $ 142,365 $ 91,307 $ 151,041
Cumulative Gap $ (135,945) $ (215,239) $ (166,853) $ (82,631) $ 59,734 $ 151,041    
Cumulative Gap as % of Total Earning Assets (22.54%) (35.69%) (27.67%) (13.70%) 9.91% 25.05%  
                                 

 

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

 35 

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CONTENTS   
   Page
    
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   37 
      
Consolidated Balance Sheets     
December 31, 2017 and 2016   38 
      
Consolidated Statements of Income – Years Ended     
December 31, 2017 and 2016   39 
      
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years Ended     
     December 31, 2017 and 2016   40 
      
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Years Ended   41 
December 31, 2017 and 2016     
      
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years Ended     
December 31, 2017 and 2016   42 
      
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   43 

 

 36 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Elliott Davis, LLC

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2011.

 

Greenville, South Carolina

March 23, 2018

 

Elliott Davis LLC | www.elliottdavis.com

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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

       
       
ASSETS  2017  2016
       
Cash and due from banks  $18,249   $18,500 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks   14,452    16,816 
Federal funds sold   4    132 
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents   32,705    35,448 
           
Investment securities available-for-sale   71,088    70,011 
           
Loans receivable   513,008    468,629 
Allowance for loan losses   (6,196)   (6,072)
Net Loans   506,812    462,557 
           
Bank premises and equipment, net   26,115    29,985 
Equity securities (restricted)   2,570    2,802 
Other real estate owned   6,859    10,655 
Accrued interest receivable   2,036    1,848 
Bank owned life insurance   4,456    12,274 
Deferred taxes, net   5,499    5,285 
Right-of-use assets – operating leases   5,253    —   
Other assets   3,307    3,470 
Total Assets  $666,700   $634,335 
           
LIABILITIES          
           
Deposits          
Demand deposits          
Noninterest bearing  $154,631   $151,914 
Interest-bearing   34,583    40,213 
Savings deposits   121,000    114,492 
Time deposits   272,330    247,819 
Total Deposits   582,544    554,438 
           
FHLB advances   7,558    13,758 
Lease liabilities – operating leases   5,253    —   
Accrued interest payable   426    331 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,450    2,395 
Trust preferred securities   16,496    16,496 
Total Liabilities   615,727    587,418 
           
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Common stock - $2.00 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;          
23,922,086 and 23,354,457 shares issued and outstanding at          
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively   47,844    46,709 
Common stock warrants   —      764 
Additional paid-in capital   14,570    13,965 
Retained deficit   (10,847)   (14,065)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (594)   (456)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   50,973    46,917 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $666,700   $634,335 

 

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

 38 

 

               

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

 

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME  2017  2016
Loans including fees  $24,163   $22,644 
Federal funds sold   1    —   
Interest-earning deposits with banks   192    84 
Investments   1,496    1,480 
Dividends on equity securities (restricted)   141    138 
Total Interest and Dividend Income   25,993    24,346 
           
INTEREST EXPENSE          
Deposits          
Demand   48    50 
Savings   180    166 
Time deposits below $100,000   1,356    1,087 
Time deposits above $100,000   885    655 
FHLB advances   146    152 
Federal funds purchased   5    2 
Trust preferred securities   593    508 
Total Interest Expense   3,213    2,620 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME   22,780    21,726 
           
PROVISION FOR (RECOVERY OF) LOAN LOSSES   450    (500)
           
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   22,330    22,226 
           
NONINTEREST INCOME          
Gain on sale and leaseback transactions   2,619    —   
Service charges   3,598    2,850 
Fees, commission and other income   3,292    3,507 
Insurance and investment fees   212    462 
Net realized gains on sale of investment securities   —      303 
Bank owned life insurance income   115    169 
Total Noninterest Income   9,836    7,291 
           
NONINTEREST EXPENSES          
Salaries and employee benefits   13,515    13,126 
Occupancy and equipment expenses   4,483    4,157 
Lease expense – operating leases   265    —   
Advertising and public relations   351    449 
Data processing and telecommunications   2,506    2,403 
FDIC insurance premiums   398    470 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets, net   1,444    2,193 
Other operating expenses   5,966    5,770 
Total Noninterest Expenses   28,928    28,568 
           
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   3,238    949 
           
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)   144    (9)
           
NET INCOME  $3,094   $958 
           
Income Per Share          
Basic and Diluted  $0.13   $0.04 
Average Weighted Shares of Common Stock          
Basic and Diluted   23,472,012    23,354,155 

 

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

 39 

 

             

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

       
       
   2017  2016
       
NET INCOME  $3,094   $958 
           
Other comprehensive loss:          
     Investment securities activity:          
          Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year   (60)   108 
          Tax related to unrealized gains (losses)   20    (37)
          Reclassification of realized gains during the year   —      (303)
          Tax related to realized gains   —      103 
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS   (40)   (129)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  $3,054   $829 

 

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

 40 

 


 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(IN THOUSANDS INCLUDING SHARE DATA)

 

  

 

 

 

 

Shares of

Common

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

Common

Stock

Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

Paid in

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained

Deficit

 

Accumu-lated

Other Compre-hensive

Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

Stockholders’

Equity

Balance,

December 31, 2015

   23,354   $46,708   $764   $13,965   $(15,023)  $(327)  $46,087 
                                    
Net income   —      —      —      —      958    —      958 
                                    
Exercise of common stock warrants*   —      1    —      —      —      —      1 
                                    

Other comprehensive

loss, net of tax

   —      —      —      —      —      (129)   (129)
                                    

Balance,

December 31, 2016

   23,354    46,709    764    13,965    (14,065)   (456)   46,917 
                                    
Net income   —      —      —      —      3,094    —      3,094 
                                    
Exercise of common stock warrants   637    1,272    (551)   392    —      —      1,113 
                                    

Expiration of

common stock

warrants

   —      —      (213)   213    —      —      —   
                                    

Retirement of

common stock

   (69)   (137)   —      —      26    —      (111)
                                    

Other

comprehensive

loss, net of tax

   —      —      —      —      —      (40)   (40)
                                    
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss due to tax rate change   —      —      —      —      98    (98)   —   
                                    

Balance,

December 31, 2017

   23,922   $47,844   $—     $14,570   $(10,847)  $(594)  $50,973 
                                    

 

 

*During 2016, 375 shares of common stock were issued in connection with common stock warrants being exercised.

 

 

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

 41 

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(IN THOUSANDS)

       
   2017  2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net income  $3,094   $958 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

operating activities:

          
Depreciation   2,547    2,398 
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses   450    (500)
Income on bank owned life insurance   (115)   (169)
Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale   —      (303)
Gain on sale and leaseback transactions   (2,619)   —   
Gain on sale of premises and equipment   (5)   (63)
Gain (loss) on sale of foreclosed real estate   64    (221)
Adjustment of carrying value of foreclosed real estate   758    1,414 
Accretion of bond premiums/discounts   785    931 
Deferred tax benefit   (193)   (97)
Net change in:          
Interest receivable   (188)   (32)
Other assets   70    (1,257)
Accrued interest payable   95    43 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   991    345 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   5,734    3,447 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Net increase in loans   (45,031)   (32,140)
Proceeds from the sale of loans   3,651    —   
Purchase of securities available-for-sale   (19,843)   (14,990)
Proceeds from sale and maturities of securities available-for-sale   17,921    45,797 
Net sale (purchase) of equity securities (restricted)   232    (361)
Payments for the purchase of premises and equipment   (2,164)   (4,790)
Payments for the purchase of/improvements to other real estate owned   —      (48)
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance   7,933    —   
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions   1,042      
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment   9    743 
Proceeds from insurance claims on other real estate owned   12    —   
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   4,742    4,232 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities   (31,496)   (1,557)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVIES          
Exercise of common stock warrants   1,113    1 
Net increase (decrease) in Federal Home Loan Bank advances   (6,200)   10,800 
Net change in:          
Demand deposits   (2,913)   12,162 
Savings deposits   6,508    (6,584)
Time deposits   24,511    (9,159)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   23,019    7,220 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (2,743)   9,110 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Year   35,448    26,338 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Year  $32,705   $35,448 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid During the Year for:          
Interest  $3,118   $2,577 
Taxes  $—     $95 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Transactions:          
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities  $5,253   $—   
Loan made to finance sale of premises and equipment  $4,935   $—   
Other real estate acquired in settlement of foreclosed loans  $3,087   $4,577 
Loans made to finance sale of foreclosed real estate  $1,477   $818 
Transfer of premises and equipment to other real estate  $125   $—   
Transfer of other real estate to premises and equipment  $—     $125 
Retirement of common stock  $(111)  $—   
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale  $(60)  $195 

  

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

 42 

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Nature of Operations – New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (“New Peoples”) is a financial holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of a community bank, New Peoples Bank, Inc. (the “Bank”). The Bank is organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a state chartered member bank, the Bank is subject to regulation by the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank provides general banking services to individuals, small and medium size businesses and the professional community of southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia, and northeastern Tennessee. These services include commercial and consumer loans along with traditional deposit products such as checking and savings accounts.

 

NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the Company, the Bank, NPB Insurance Services, Inc., and NPB Web Services, Inc. (Hereinafter, collectively referred to as “The Company.”) All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 942, Financial Services – Depository and Lending, NPB Capital Trust I and 2 are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the determination of the deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance are based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents as used in the cash flow statements include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, and federal funds sold.

 

Investment Securities – Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the intent and the Company has the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized historical cost. Securities not intended to be held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Securities available for sale are intended to be used as part of the Company’s asset and liability management strategy and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk or other similar factors.

 

The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective interest method over the period to maturity. Realized gains and losses on dispositions are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted book value of the securities sold, using the specific identification method. Realized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale are included in noninterest income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale are based on the difference between book value and fair value of each security. These gains and losses are credited or charged to other comprehensive income, net of tax, whereas realized gains and losses flow through the statements of income.

 43 

 

 

Loans – Loans are carried on the balance sheet at unpaid principal balance, net of any unearned interest and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is computed using the effective interest method, except where serious doubt exists as to the collectibility of the loan, in which case accrual of the income is discontinued.

 

It is the Company’s policy to stop accruing interest on a loan, and classify that loan as non-accrual under the following circumstances: (a) whenever we are advised by the borrower that scheduled payment or interest payments cannot be met, (b) when our best judgment indicates that payment in full of principal and interest can no longer be expected, or (c) when any such loan or obligation becomes delinquent for 90 days unless it is both well secured and in the process of collection. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are place on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, except in the case of a nonaccrual loan that is well secured and in the process of collection, in which case, the interest accrued but not collected is not reversed. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Generally, loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, six consecutive timely payments are made, and prospects for future contractual payments are reasonably assured.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk – The Company identifies a concentration as any obligation, direct or indirect, of the same or affiliated interests which represent 25% or more of the Company’s capital structure, or $12.7 million as of December 31, 2017. Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia, and northeastern Tennessee region. Certain concentrations may pose credit risk. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The loan portfolio is analyzed periodically and loans are assigned a risk rating. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of expected cash flows. A general allowance is made for all other loans not considered impaired as deemed appropriate by management. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, management considers the following factors: the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, prevailing environmental factors and economic conditions, and other inherent risks. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in collateral values and changes in estimates of cash flows on impaired loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of all or part of the principal is unlikely. Past due status is determined based on contractual terms.

 44 

 

 

In regard to our consumer and consumer real estate loan portfolio, the Company uses the guidance found in the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy which affects our estimate of the allowance for loan losses. Under this approach, a consumer or consumer real estate loan must initially have a credit risk grade of Pass or better. Subsequently, if the loan becomes contractually 90 days past due or the borrower files for bankruptcy protection, the loan is downgraded to Substandard and placed in nonaccrual status. If the loan is unsecured, upon being deemed Substandard, the entire loan amount is charged off. For non 1-4 family residential loans that are 90 days past due or greater, or in bankruptcy, the collateral value less estimated liquidation costs is compared to the loan balance to calculate any potential deficiency. If the collateral is sufficient then no charge-off is necessary. If a deficiency exists, then upon the loan becoming contractually 120 days past due, the deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. In the case of 1-4 family residential or home equity loans, upon the loan becoming 120 days past due, a current value is obtained and after application of an estimated liquidation discount, a comparison is made to the loan balance to calculate any deficiency. Subsequently, any noted deficiency is then charged-off against the allowance for loan loss when the loan becomes contractually 180 days past due. If the customer has filed bankruptcy, then within 60 days of the bankruptcy notice, any calculated deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. Collection efforts continue by means of repossessions or foreclosures, and upon bank ownership, liquidation ensues.

 

Other Real Estate Owned – Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through foreclosure or deed taken in lieu of foreclosure. At the time of acquisition, these properties are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Expenses incurred in connection with operating these properties and subsequent write-downs, if any, are charged to operations. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically considers the adequacy of the reserve for losses on the property. Gains and losses on the sales of these properties are credited or charged to income in the year of the sale.

 

Bank Premises and Equipment – Land, buildings and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Type   Estimated useful life
Buildings   39 years
Paving and landscaping   15 years
Computer equipment and software   3 to 5 years
Vehicles   5 years
Furniture and other equipment   5 to 10 years

Leashold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Repairs and maintenance costs are recorded as a component of noninterest expense as incurred.

Common Stock Warrants - The company issued common stock warrants as a result of the completion of its common stock offering in 2012. For additional discussion concerning these transactions including the terms and value of the warrants, see Note 22, “Capital.”

Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the difference between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The company has provided a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not such assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2017, the Company had no valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets.

 

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax postion will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. See Note 10, Income Taxes, for additional information. The Company records any penalties and interest attributed to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expenses.

 45 

 

 

The Company has adopted ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” which is considered a change in accounting principle. Because the required adjustment of deferred taxes is required to be included in income from continuing operations, the tax effects of items within accumulated other comprehensive income (commonly referred to as “stranded” tax effects) would not reflect the appropriate tax rate. Adoption of this ASU eliminates the “stranded” tax effects associated with the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Company has reclassified “stranded” tax effects totaling $98 thousand from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings and these reclassified amounts are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

 

Income Per Share – Basic income per share computations are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. Dilutive earnings per share reflects the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate to outstanding common stock warrants and are determined by the Treasury Method.

 

Financial Instruments – Off-balance-sheet instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Generally accepted accounting principles require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities is our only component of other comprehensive income.

 

Advertising Cost – Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred.

 

Reclassification – Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to place them on a comparable basis with the current year. Net income and stockholders’ equity previously reported were not affected by these reclassifications.

Subsequent Events – The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

NOTE 3 INCOME PER SHARE

 

Basic income per share computations are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. Dilutive earnings per share reflects the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate to outstanding common stock warrants and are determined by the Treasury Method. For the year ended December 31, 2017 there were no potential common shares. For the year ended December 31, 2016 potential common shares of 881,978, were anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation. Basic and diluted net income per common share calculations follows:

 

(Amounts in Thousands, Except  For the years ended
Share and Per Share Data)  December 31,
   2017  2016
Net income  $3,094   $958 
Weighted average shares outstanding   23,472,012    23,354,155 
Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding   23,472,012    23,354,155 
Basic and diluted income per share  $0.13   $0.04 

 

 46 

 

NOTE 4 DEPOSITS IN AND FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD TO BANKS

 

The Bank had federal funds sold and cash on deposit with other commercial banks amounting to $14.5 million and $16.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Deposit amounts at other commercial banks may, at times, exceed federally insured limits.

 

The Bank is required to maintain average reserve balances, computed by applying prescribed percentages to its various types of deposits, either at the Bank or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, all required reserves were met by the Bank’s vault cash.

 

The Bank has a $5.0 million unsecured fed funds line of credit facility with a correspondent bank that was available at December 31, 2017 and 2016. A condition of this unsecured fed funds line of credit is that the Bank agreed to maintain a minimum deposit balance with the correspondent bank of $200 thousand. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement.

 

NOTE 5 INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities (all available-for-sale) are as follows:

 

        Gross   Gross   Approximate
  Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
(Dollars are in thousands) Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
December 31, 2017
U.S. Government Agencies $ 23,986 $ 79 $ 221 $ 23,844
Taxable municipals   4,466   9   78   4,397
Corporate bonds   5,437   168   26   5,579
Mortgage backed securities   37,950   3   685   37,268
Total Securities AFS $ 71,839 $ 259 $ 1,010 $ 71,088
 
December 31, 2016
U.S. Government Agencies $ 24,821 $ 80 $ 269 $ 24,632
Taxable municipals   2,340   2   50   2,292
Corporate bonds   3,600   149   -   3,749
Mortgage backed securities   39,941   25   628   39,338
Total Securities AFS $ 70,702 $ 256 $ 947 $ 70,011

 

 47 

 

 

The following table details unrealized losses and related fair values in the available-for-sale portfolio. This information is aggregated by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total

 

(Dollars are in thousands)

  Fair Value 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Fair

Value

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Fair

Value

 

Unrealized

Losses

December 31, 2017                  
U.S. Government Agencies  $7,840   $69   $7,189   $152   $15,029   $221 
Taxable municipals   2,403    44    767    34    3,170    78 
Corporate bonds   1,507    26    —      —      1,507    26 
Mtg. backed securities   14,720    145    21,500    540    36,220    685 
Total Securities AFS  $26,470   $284   $29,456   $726   $55,926   $1,010 
                               
December 31, 2016                              
U.S. Government Agencies  $12,081   $250   $2,449   $19   $14,530   $269 
Taxable municipals   1,561    50    —      —      1,561    50 
Corporate bonds   500    —      —      —      500    —   
Mtg. backed securities   28,680    543    4,655    85    33,335    628 
Total Securities AFS  $42,822   $843   $7,104   $104   $49,926   $947 
                               

At December 31, 2017, the available-for-sale portfolio included 127 investments for which the fair market value was less than amortized cost. At December 31, 2016, the available-for-sale portfolio included 107 investments for which the fair market value was less than amortized cost. Management evaluates securities for other than temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial conditions and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Based on the Company’s analysis, the Company concluded that no securities had an other-than-temporary impairment at December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

 

Investment securities with a carrying value of $11.0 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required by law.

 

Gross proceeds on the sale of investment securities were $3.2 million and $29.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Gross realized gains and losses pertaining to the sale of investment securities available for sale are detailed as follows:

       
  

For the years ended

December 31,

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Gross gains realized  $30   $366 
Gross losses realized   (30)   (63)
Net realized gains  $—     $303 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2017, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following schedule. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Also, actual maturities may differ from scheduled maturities on amortizing securities, such as mortgage-back securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, because the underlying collateral on these type of securities may be repaid prior to the scheduled maturity date.

 48 

 

 

  Weighted
(Dollars are in thousands) Amortized   Fair   Average
Securities Available for Sale Cost   Value   Yield
Due in one year or less $ 7 $ 7   1.49%
Due after one year through five years 3,316 3,267 1.97%
Due after five years through ten years   15,822   15,847   3.10%
Due after ten years   52,694   51,967   2.24%
Total $ 71,839 $ 71,088   2.42%

 

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, is required to hold stock in each. The Bank also owns stock in CBB Financial Corp., which is a correspondent of the Bank. These equity securities are restricted from trading and are recorded at a cost of $2.6 million and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The stock has no quoted market value and no ready market exists.

 

NOTE 6 LOANS

 

Loans receivable outstanding at December 31, are summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Real estate secured:          
Commercial  $127,688   $103,331 
Construction and land development   29,763    25,755 
Residential 1-4 family   249,159    249,700 
Multifamily   15,481    12,582 
Farmland   22,998    24,948 
Total real estate loans   445,089    416,316 
Commercial   41,345    26,955 
Agriculture   3,494    3,164 
Consumer installment loans   22,411    22,188 
All other loans   669    6 
Total loans  $513,008   $468,629 

 

Loans receivable on nonaccrual status at December 31, are summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Real estate secured:          
Commercial  $2,035   $3,403 
Construction and land development   470    319 
Residential 1-4 family   2,991    8,355 
Multifamily   152    166 
Farmland   800    1,003 
Total real estate loans   6,448    13,246 
Commercial   1,065    —   
Agriculture   3    83 
Consumer installment loans   48    76 
Total loans receivable on nonaccrual status  $7,564   $13,405 

 

Total interest income not recognized on nonaccrual loans for 2017 and 2016 was $591 thousand and $639 thousand, respectively. In 2017, 65 nonperforming loans totaling $3.9 million were sold to further reduce the level of nonaccrual loans with proceeds of $3.6 million received. Charge offs of $256 thousand associated with the sold nonperforming loans were realized and fully absorbed by the allowance for loan losses during 2017. There were no nonperforming loans sold in 2016.

 49 

 

 

The following table presents information concerning the Company’s investment in loans considered impaired as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

Average

Recorded

Investment

 

 

Interest

Income

Recognized

 

 

 

Recorded

Investment

 

 

Unpaid Principal Balance

 

 

 

Related

Allowance

With no related allowance recorded:                         
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial  $2,910   $122   $2,646   $2,719   $—   
Construction and land development   87    6    424    680    —   
Residential 1-4 family   3,779    198    3,586    3,885    —   
Multifamily   377    20    281    321    —   
Farmland   2,283    59    1,264    1,664    —   
Commercial   126    12    628    628    —   
Agriculture   17    1    12    12    —   
Consumer installment loans   12    1    8    8    —   
All other loans   —      —      —      —      —   
With an allowance recorded:                         
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial   1,467    102    2,503    2,622    499 
Construction and land development   177    —      —      —      —   
Residential 1-4 family   591    19    421    437    91 
Multifamily   528    —      —      —      —   
Farmland   614    22    378    378    243 
Commercial   323    26    489    572    413 
Agriculture   1    —      —      —      —   
Consumer installment loans   2    —      —      —      —   
All other loans   —      —      —      —      —   
Total  $13,294   $588   $12,640   $13,926   $1,246 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

Average

Recorded

Investment

 

 

Interest

Income

Recognized

 

 

 

Recorded

Investment

 

 

Unpaid Principal Balance

 

 

 

Related

Allowance

With no related allowance recorded:                         
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial  $4,104   $147   $3,636   $4,055   $—   
Construction and land development   72    1    5    5    —   
Residential 1-4 family   3,745    192    3,861    4,182    —   
Multifamily   290    21    301    342    —   
Farmland   4,148    184    3,895    4,601    —   
Commercial   —      —      —      —      —   
Agriculture   27    2    19    19    —   
Consumer installment loans   25    1    26    43    —   
All other loans   —      —      —      —      —   
With an allowance recorded:                         
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial   1,469    8    1,191    1,270    65 
Construction and land development   265    —      240    469    106 
Residential 1-4 family   862    22    555    565    56 
Multifamily   80    —      —      —      —   
Farmland   575    27    591    602    299 
Commercial   70    3    67    67    18 
Agriculture   86    1    5    5    5 
Consumer installment loans   26    1    9    9    3 
All other loans   —      —      —      —      —   
Total  $15,844   $610   $14,401   $16,234   $552 

 

 50 

 

 

An age analysis of past due loans receivable is below. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no loans over 90 days past due that were accruing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

 

Loans

30-59

Days

Past

Due

 

 

 

Loans

60-89

Days

Past

Due

 

 

Loans

90 or

More

Days

Past

Due

 

 

 

 

Total

Past

Due

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

Loans

Real estate secured:                              
Commercial  $190   $2,396   $453   $3,039   $124,649   $127,688 

Construction and land

development

   69    246    42    357    29,406    29,763 
Residential 1-4 family   3,789    378    969    5,136    244,023    249,159 
Multifamily   125    89    —      214    15,267    15,481 
Farmland   309    —      —      309    22,689    22,998 
Total real estate loans   4,482    3,109    1,464    9,055    436,034    445,089 
Commercial   103    25    603    731    40,614    41,345 
Agriculture   38    —      —      38    3,456    3,494 

Consumer installment

Loans

   102    15    28    145    22,266    22,411 
All other loans   —      —      —      —      669    669 
Total loans  $4,725   $3,149   $2,095   $9,969   $503,039   $513,008 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

 

Loans

30-59

Days

Past

Due

 

 

 

Loans

60-89

Days

Past

Due

 

 

Loans

90 or

More

Days

Past

Due

 

 

 

 

Total

Past

Due

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

Loans

Real estate secured:                              
Commercial  $1,676   $307   $1,083   $3,066   $100,265   $103,331 

Construction and land

development

   103    17    44    164    25,591    25,755 
Residential 1-4 family   4,237    1,547    2,233    8,017    241,683    249,700 
Multifamily   1,367    —      —      1,367    11,215    12,582 
Farmland   2,987    —      —      2,987    21,961    24,948 
Total real estate loans   10,370    1,871    3,360    15,601    400,715    416,316 
Commercial   20    —      —      20    26,935    26,955 
Agriculture   19    —      78    97    3,067    3,164 

Consumer installment

Loans

   110    15    36    161    22,027    22,188 
All other loans   —      —      —      —      6    6 
Total loans  $10,519   $1,886   $3,474   $15,879   $452,750   $468,629 

 

 

The Company categorizes loans receivable into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans and leases individually by classifying the loans receivable as to credit risk. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

 51 

 

 

Pass - Loans in this category are considered to have a low likelihood of loss based on relevant information analyzed about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt and other factors.

 

Special Mention - Loans in this category are currently protected but are potentially weak, including adverse trends in borrower’s operations, credit quality or financial strength. Those loans constitute an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a substandard classification. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitute an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances.  Special mention loans have potential weaknesses which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the loan or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard - A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as substandard must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt; they are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Doubtful - Loans classified Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified Substandard, plus the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable. There were no loans categorized as doubtful at December 31, 2017 or 2016.

 

Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans receivable was as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Special

Mention

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

Total

Real estate secured:                    
Commercial  $120,104   $3,228   $4,356   $127,688 
Construction and land development   28,462    816    485    29,763 
Residential 1-4 family   243,048    1,810    4,301    249,159 
Multifamily   13,695    1,445    341    15,481 
Farmland   19,273    2,445    1,280    22,998 
Total real estate loans   424,582    9,744    10,763    445,089 
Commercial   37,973    2,307    1,065    41,345 
Agriculture   3,468    23    3    3,494 
Consumer installment loans   22,357    2    52    22,411 
All other loans   669    —      —      669 
Total  $489,049   $12,076    11,883   $513,008 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Special

Mention

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

Total

Real estate secured:                    
Commercial  $92,562   $6,922   $3,847   $103,331 
Construction and land development   23,905    1,531    319    25,755 
Residential 1-4 family   238,400    2,117    9,183    249,700 
Multifamily   10,848    1,367    367    12,582 
Farmland   19,070    1,545    4,333    24,948 
Total real estate loans   384,785    13,482    18,049    416,316 
Commercial   26,197    691    67    26,955 
Agriculture   3,076    —      88    3,164 
Consumer installment loans   22,086    —      102    22,188 
All other loans   6    —      —      6 
Total  $436,150   $14,173    18,306   $468,629 

 

 52 

 

 

NOTE 7 ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the period ended December 31, 2017. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

Beginning

Balance

 

Charge

Offs

 

 

Recoveries

 

 

Provisions

  Ending Balance
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial  $1,625   $(179)  $193   $350   $1,989 
Construction and land development   346    (1)   —      (154)   191 
Residential 1-4 family   2,376    (714)   48    690    2,400 
Multifamily   241    —      —      (135)   106 
Farmland   428    (49)   361    (325)   415 
Total real estate loans   5,016    (943)   602    426    5,101 
Commercial   163    (11)   153    355    660 
Agriculture   31    (4)   5    (12)   20 
Consumer installment loans   123    (147)   19    161    156 
All other loans   —      —      —      3    3 
Unallocated   739    —      —      (483)   256 
Total  $6,072   $(1,105)  $779   $450   $6,196 

 

 

                   
    Allowance for Loan Losses              Recorded Investment in Loans           

 

 

As of December 31, 2017

(Dollars are in thousands)

   

Individually

Evaluated

for Impairment

    Collectively Evaluated for Impairment    

 

 

 

Total

    

Individually

Evaluated for Impairment

    Collectively Evaluated for Impairment    

 

 

 

Total

 
Real estate secured:                              
Commercial  $499   $1,490   $1,989   $5,149   $122,539   $127,688 

Construction and land

development

   —      191    191    424    29,339    29,763 
Residential 1-4 family   91    2,309    2,400    4,007    245,152    249,159 
Multifamily   —      106    106    281    15,200    15,481 
Farmland   243    172    415    1,642    21,356    22,998 
Total real estate loans   833    4,268    5,101    11,503    433,586    445,089 
Commercial   413    247    660    1,117    40,228    41,345 
Agriculture   —      20    20    12    3,482    3,494 
Consumer installment loans   —      156    156    8    22,403    22,411 
All other loans   —      3    3    —      669    669 
Unallocated   —      256    256    —      —      —   
Total  $1,246   $4,950    6,196   $12,640   $500,368   $513,008 

 

 53 

 

 

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the period ended December 31, 2016. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

 

                

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

Beginning

Balance

 

Charge

Offs

 

 

Recoveries

 

 

Provisions

  Ending Balance
Real estate secured:                         
Commercial  $2,384   $(557)  $220   $(422)  $1,625 
Construction and land development   332    (5)   26    (7)   346 
Residential 1-4 family   2,437    (720)   87    572    2,376 
Multifamily   232    (18)   —      27    241 
Farmland   675    (2)   103    (348)   428 
Total real estate loans   6,060    (1,302)   436    (178)   5,016 
Commercial   266    (65)   62    (100)   163 
Agriculture   124    —      7    (100)   31 
Consumer installment loans   128    (83)   24    54    123 
All other loans   1    —      —      (1)   —   
Unallocated   914    —      —      (175)   739 
Total  $7,493   $(1,450)  $529   $(500)  $6,072 

 

                   
    Allowance for Loan Losses              Recorded Investment in Loans           

 

As of December 31, 2016

(Dollars are in thousands)

   

Individually

Evaluated

for Impairment

    Collectively Evaluated for Impairment    

 

 

 

Total

    

Individually

Evaluated for Impairment

    Collectively Evaluated for Impairment    

 

 

 

Total

 
Real estate secured:                              
Commercial  $65   $1,560   $1,625   $4,827   $98,504   $103,331 

Construction and land

development

   106    240    346    245    25,510    25,755 
Residential 1-4 family   56    2,320    2,376    4,416    245,284    249,700 
Multifamily   —      241    241    301    12,281    12,582 
Farmland   299    129    428    4,486    20,462    24,948 
Total real estate loans   526    4,490    5,016    14,275    402,041    416,316 
Commercial   18    145    163    67    26,888    26,955 
Agriculture   5    26    31    24    3,140    3,164 
Consumer installment loans   3    120    123    35    22,153    22,188 
All other loans   —      —      —      —      6    6 
Unallocated   —      739    739    —      —      —   
Total  $552   $5,520    6,072   $14,401   $454,228   $468,629 

 

In determining the amount of our allowance, we rely on an analysis of our loan portfolio, our experience and our evaluation of general economic conditions. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses and we may experience significant increases to our provision.

 54 

 

 

NOTE 8 TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS

 

At December 31, 2017 loans classified as troubled debt restructurings totaled $6.9 million compared to $9.6 million at December 31, 2016. The following table presents information related to loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

                   
   December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

# of Loans

  Pre-Mod. Recorded Investment 

Post-Mod.

Recorded

Investment

 

 

# of

Loans

 

Pre-Mod.

Recorded Investment

 

Post-Mod.

Recorded

Investment

Real estate secured:                              
   Commercial   —     $—     $—      1   $341   $336 

Construction and land

Development

   —      —      —      —      —      —   
   Residential 1-4 family   —      —      —      2    420    402 
   Multifamily   —      —      —      —      —      —   
   Farmland   —      —      —      1    291    268 
      Total real estate loans   —      —      —      4    1,052    1,006 
Commercial   1    443    437    —      —      —   
Agriculture   —      —      —      —      —      —   
Consumer installment loans   —      —      —      —      —      —   
All other loans   —      —      —      —      —      —   
Total   1   $443   $437    4   $1,052   $1,006 
                               

During the year ended 2017, the Company modified the terms of one loan for which the modification was considered to be a troubled debt restructuring. The interest rate was not modified on this loan; however, the payment terms and maturity date were changed. During the year ended 2016, the Company modified four loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings. On one loan, the interest rate and maturity date were not modified; however, the payment terms were changed. On one loan, the interest rate was lowered and the payment terms were changed. On two loans, the interest rate was lowered and the payment terms and maturity date were changed.

 

No loans modified as troubled debt restructurings defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2017. One commercial real estate loan with a recorded investment of $211 thousand that had been modified as a troubled debt restructuring defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2016, which was within twelve months of the loan’s modification date. Generally, a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be in default once it becomes 90 days or more past due following a modification.

 

When determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers troubled debt restructurings and subsequent defaults in these restructurings in its estimate. The Company evaluates all troubled debt restructurings for possible further impairment. As a result, the allowance may be increased, adjustments may be made in the allocation of the allowance, or charge-offs may be taken to further writedown the carrying value of the loan.

 

 55 

 

NOTE 9 BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Depreciation expense for 2017 and 2016 was $2.5 million and 2.4 million, respectively. Bank premises and equipment at December 31, are summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Land  $8,130   $9,115 
Buildings and improvements   18,866    22,889 
Furniture and equipment   22,190    20,369 
    49,186    52,373 
Less accumulated depreciation   (23,071)   (22,388)
Bank Premises and Equipment  $26,115   $29,985 

 

NOTE 10 INCOME TAXES

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law by the President on December 22, 2017. The TCJA includes the reduction in the corporate tax rate from a top rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, changes in business deductions, and many international provisions. The reduction in the corporate tax rate resulted in a $4.0 million adjustment to our deferred tax assets.

 

The Company recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in its 2017 financial statements in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law. As such, the Company’s results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is complete and provision amounts for those specific income tax effects of the 2017 Tax act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. The Company did not identify items for which the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of December 31, 2017.

 

The source of pre-tax book income is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016

 

Pre-tax book income

          
      Domestic  $3,238   $949 
Total pre-tax book income  $3,238   $949 

 

Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016

 

Current income tax expense (benefit)

          
     Federal  $337   $—   
     State   —      (7)
Total current income tax expense (benefit)   337    (7)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)      
     Federal   (193)   (2)
     State   —      —   
Total deferred income tax expense   (193)   (2)
Income tax expense (benefit)  $144   $(9)

 

 56 

 

The following table summarizes the differences between the actual income tax expense and the amounts computed using the federal statutory tax rate of 34%:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Income tax expense (benefit) at the applicable federal rate  $1,101   $323 
Permanent differences resulting from:          
     Nondeductible expenses   15    7 
     Tax exempt interest income   (35)   (44)
     State income taxes less federal tax effect   —      5 
     Bank owned life insurance   (39)   (57)
Remeasurement of deferred taxes under TCJA   4,046    —   
Deferred tax valuation allowance change, net   (5,317)   (338)
Penalty on surrender of bank owned life insurance   318    —   
Other adjustments   55    95 
Income tax expense (benefit)  $144   $(9)

 

The net deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences as of December 31 are summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars are in thousands)  2017  2016
Deferred Tax Assets          
     Allowance for loan losses  $1,301   $2,064 
     Deferred compensation   89    147 
     Accrued employee benefits   —      15 
     Nonaccrual loan interest   504    896 
     Other real estate owned   264    1,911 
     Repossessed assets   —      12 
     Amortization of core deposits   51    101 
     Amortization of goodwill   260    514 
     Capitalized interest and repair expense   25    41 
     Net operating loss carryforward   3,444    5,648 
     AMT carryforward   339    320 
     Unrealized loss on securities available for sale   158    235 
Total Assets, gross   6,435    11,904 
Valuation allowance   —      (5,317)
Total Assets, net   6,435    6,587 
Deferred Tax Liabilities          
     Accelerated depreciation   607    867 
     Accrued employee benefits   38    —   
     Prepaid expenses   20    38 
     Deferred loan costs   271    397 
Total Liabilities, gross   936    1,302 
Net Deferred Tax Asset  $5,499   $5,285 

 

Deferred tax assets represent the future tax benefit of future deductible differences and, if it is more likely than not that a tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the recorded deferred tax assets to net realizable value. The Company has evaluated positive and negative evidence to assess the realizability of its deferred taxes. Based on the evidence, including taxable income projections, the Company believes it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realizable. As a result, the Company reversed the valuation allowance of $5.3 million that existed as of December 31, 2016 during 2017. Accordingly, the Company has not included a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.

 57 

 

 

The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. Accordingly, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liablities were remeasured to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 34 percent to 21 percent, resulting in a $4.0 million increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a corresponding $4.0 million decrease in net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.

 

Tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process. The Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being recognized. The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had Federal and state net operating loss carryforward amounts of approximately $15.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These amounts are not limited pursuant to IRC Section 382. The Company is subject to examination in the United States and multiple state jurisdictions. Years prior to 2014 are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities.

 

NOTE 11 TIME DEPOSITS

 

The aggregate amount of time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC Insurance limit of $250,000 was $25.3 million and $13.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We have brokered deposits totaling $2.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows (dollars are in thousands):

 

2018 $ 171,073
2019   31,096
2020   24,340
2021   26,706
2022   19,115
After five years   -
Total $ 272,330

 

 

NOTE 12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the year, officers, directors (and companies controlled by them), principal shareholders, and associates were customers of and had loan transactions with the Bank in the normal course of business which amounted to $6.6 million at December 31, 2017 and $5.4 million at December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, total principal additions were $4.3 million and principal payments were $3.2 million, including renewals and advances on revolving lines of credit. During the year ended December 31, 2016, total principal additions were $4.9 million and principal payments were $3.6 million, including renewals and advances on revolving lines of credit. These transactions were made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing for other customers and did not involve any abnormal risk. Total related party deposits held at the Bank were $12.0 million and $11.1 million at the end of years 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

On June 7, 2017, NPB Insurance Services, Inc. purchased a 39% membership interest in Lonesome Pine Title Agency, LLC, which provides title insurance. Another member of the agency is a related party to the Company.

 

NOTE 13 RETIREMENT PLANS

 

The Company has established a qualified defined contribution plan that covers all full time employees. The Company matches employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% of their salary. The Company contributed $263 thousand and $385 thousand to the defined contribution plan for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

In addition, in 2002, the Bank established a salary continuation plan for key executives, which is funded by single premium life insurance policies. Expenses related to the plan were $5 thousand for the years 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 58 

 

 

NOTE 14 OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

 

The following table summarizes the activity in other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

   2017  2016
(Dollars are in thousands)          
Balance, beginning of year  $10,655   $12,398 
Additions   3,087    4,577 

Purchases of/improvements to

other real estate owned

   —      48 

Transfers of premises and equipment

to other real estate owned

   125    —   

Transfers of other real estate owned

to premises and equipment

   —      (125)

Proceeds from sales of

other real estate owned

   (4,742)   (4,232)
Proceeds from insurance claims   (12)   —   

Loans made to finance sales of

Other real estate owned

   (1,477)   (818)
Adjustment of carrying value   (758)   (1,414)
Deferred gain from sales   45    —   
Gain (loss) from sales   (64)   221 
Balance, end of year  $6,859   $10,655 

 

NOTE 15 BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had an aggregate total cash surrender value of $4.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively, on life insurance policies covering current and former key officers. In December 2017 several policies were surrended, due to their lagging financial performance. This transaction resulted in net proceeds of $7.6 million after the effect of a tax penalty of $318 thousand.

 

Total income for the policies during 2017 and 2016 was $115 thousand and $169 thousand, respectively.

 

NOTE 16 DIVIDEND LIMITATIONS ON SUBSIDIARY BANK

 

A principal source of funds of the Company is dividends paid by the Bank. The Federal Reserve Act restricts the amount of dividends the Bank may pay. Approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is required if the dividends declared by a state member bank, in any year, exceed the sum of (1) net income of the current year and (2) income net of dividends for the preceding two years.

 59 

 

 

NOTE 17 LEASING ACTIVITIES

 

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

 

On May 31, 2017 the Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, sold four (4) of its properties, one each located in Abingdon, Bristol, Gate City and Castlewood, Virginia to a non affiliated third party for a total purchase price of $6.2 million. After selling expenses of $192 thousand, the net proceeds on the transactions were $6.0 million. The sales prices for the properties were based on outside appraisals obtained by the Bank. The Bank provided $4.9 million of financing to the purchaser for a term of 10 years for this transaction.

 

In connection with the sale of the four properties, the Bank on May 31, 2017 entered into commercial lease agreements with the purchaser for the properties (the “Leases”), which will allow the Bank to continue to service customers from these locations. The Leases, which commenced on June 1, 2017, provide the Bank with use of the properties for an initial term of fifteen (15) years.  Base rent payments for years 1 through 5 of the Leases are approximately $417 thousand a year.  The base rent payments will increase by 8% for years 6 through 10 of the Leases and then by another 8% for years 11 through 15 of the Leases.  The Bank has the option to renew the Leases five (5) times and each renewal would be for a term of five (5) years.  The base rent for the renewals would be negotiated at the time the renewal option is exercised by the Bank. While the cash lease payments are currently $417 thousand a year, the Company is required to straight-line the expense over the initial term of fifteen (15) years. As a result, the annual lease expense will be approximately $451 thousand. The weighted average remaining life of the leases is 14.42 years.

 

In anticipation of this transaction the Company early adopted ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). This ASU revised certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions. As a result of this transaction the Company recognized right-to-use assets – operating leases of approximately $5.3 million, along with corresponding lease liabilities of approximately $5.3 million. The $5.3 million was determined by calculating the present value of the annual cash lease payments using a discount rate of 3.25%. The 3.25% discount rate was determined to be our fifteen (15) year incremental borrowing rate as of May 31, 2017.

 

As a result of the sale and the determination that the corresponding leases were operating leases, the Company recognized a gain of $2.6 million on the sale and leaseback transactions.

 

Kingsport Loan Production Office Lease

 

The Bank entered into a commercial lease for office space in Kingsport, TN for use as a loan production office, which is expected to open during the 1st Quarter of 2018. The lease, which commenced on December 1, 2017, provides the Bank with use of the office space for an intital term of three (3) years. Base rent payments are $25 thousand for year 1, $25 thousand for year 2, and $26 thousand for year 3. The Bank has the option to renew the lease one (1) time and the renewal would be for a term of one (1) year. The base rent for the renewal would increase by 5.00%. While the cash lease payments are currently $25 thousand a year, the Company is required to straight-line the expense over the initial term of three (3) years. As a result, the annual lease expense will be approximately $25 thousand. The weighted average remaining life of the lease is 2.97 years.

 

As a result of this transaction the Company recognized a right-to-use asset – operating lease of approximately $73 thousand, along with corresponding lease liability of approximately $73 thousand. The $73 thousand was determined by calculating the present value of the annual cash lease payments using a discount rate of 2.17%. The 2.17% discount rate was determined to be our three (3) year incremental borrowing rate as of December 1, 2017.

 

The Company’s operating lease cost for the year ended December 31, 2017 as a result of the transactions discussed above was $265 thousand.

 

All other operating leases the Company has were evaluated and determined that they are immaterial to the financial statements. At December 31, 2017, future minimum rental commitments under the non-cancellable operating leases discussed above are as follows (dollars are in thousands):

 

2018 $ 441
2019   442
2020   440
2021   492
2022   436
Thereafter   4,415
Total $ 6,666

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NOTE 18 AVAILABLE LINES OF CREDIT AND FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

 

The following table presents the Bank’s Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances:

 

   December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)  2017  2016
Advances from FHLB – short-term  $558   $5,000 
Advances from FHLB – long-term   7,000    8,758 
Total Advances from FHLB  $7,558   $13,758 

 

Additional information on the Bank’s short-term FHLB advances:

 

    Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2017   2016
Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the year $ 6,200 $ 10,000
Average outstanding balance   1,981   2,477
Average interest rate for the year   1.82%   0.46%
Average interest rate at year end   4.07%   0.69%

 

The Bank has the ability to borrow up to an additional $122.5 million from the FHLB under a line of credit which is secured by a blanket lien on residential real estate loans. The Bank had no overnight borrowings subject to daily rate changes from the Federal Home Loan Bank at December 31, 2017 or 2016.

 

At December 31, 2017 long-term FHLB advances consisted of $2.0 million at a rate of 0.99% due in 2019 and $5.0 million at a rate of 1.38% due in 2021. At December 31, 2016 long-term FHLB advances consisted of $708 thousand at a rate of 4.10% due in 2018, $1.05 million at a rate of 4.045% due in 2018, $2.0 million at a rate of .99% due in 2019 and $5.0 million at a rate of 1.38% due in 2021. Each of these borrowings is at fixed interest rates.

 

We have used our line of credit with FHLB to issue letters of credit totaling $17.0 million to the Treasury Board of Virginia for collateral on public funds. No draws on the letters of credit have been issued. The letters of credit are considered draws on our Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit.

 

We also had the ability to borrow $10.0 million in unsecured federal funds line of credit facilities with correspondent banks as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, no balances were outstanding on these unsecured federal funds line of credit facilities. Additional information on unsecured federal funds line of credit facilities is as follows:

 

    Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2017   2016
Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the year $ 1,227 $ -
Average outstanding balance   253   117
Average interest rate for the year   2.10%   1.36%
Average interest rate at year end   -%   -%

 

 

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NOTE 19 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

 

In the normal course of business, the Bank has outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments as it does for instruments that are included in the balance sheet.

 

Financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk at December 31 were as follows:

 

         
    2017   2016
(Dollars are in thousands)        
Commitments to extend credit $ 38,540 $ 34,770
Standby letters of credit   2,519   2,019

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at either a fixed or variable interest rate as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank’s policy for obtaining collateral, and the nature of such collateral, is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to extend credit.

 

NOTE 20 LEGAL CONTINGENCIES

 

In the course of operations, we may become a party to legal proceedings. There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject that, in the opinion of management, may materially impact the financial condition of the Company, except for the following:

 

On June 24, 2015 New Peoples Bank filed an Amended Complaint in the Circuit Court of Russell County Virginia against Arthur Wayne Bostic, Michael W. Bostic, Sr. and Jeffrey C. Bostic to enforce guarantees of loans made to Bostic Ford Sales, Inc. and seeking judgment against the guarantors for $1,427,709.76 with interest and legal fees.  On July 24, 2015 Arthur Bostic filed a counterclaim against New Peoples Bank asserting lender liability theories of recovery.  On March 8, 2016 Michael Bostic, Sr. and Jeffrey Bostic filed similar counterclaims against New Peoples Bank.  In January 2018, the parties reached a settlement in the matter resolving all claims asserted by New Peoples against the guarantors and all claims asserted against New Peoples by the guarantors.  An order dismissing all claims with prejudice was entered on February 7, 2018. This settlement had no material financial impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In 2015, New Peoples Bank filed suit in the Circuit Court for Washington County, Virginia, seeking payment from Ms. Sandra Campbell due to breach of a promissory note executed in 2013. Ms. Campbell asserted a Counterclaim alleging that the Bank’s requirement that she provide her personal guaranty on a loan sought by her husband’s company was a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The counterclaim seeks damages in the amount of $825,000. The Bank filed a motion for summary judgment in its favor on its Complaint and as to Defendant’s Counterclaim in May 2016. A hearing has not yet been held on this motion. If the matter is not dismissed, the Bank plans a vigorous defense and does not believe that Ms. Campbell’s claims will be successful.

 62 

 

 

In conjunction with the departure of Mr. Kenneth Hart, New Peoples’ former Chief Executive Officer, New Peoples entered into a separation agreement with him. Mr. Hart originally filed suit alleging various breaches by the Company and the Bank related to this and earlier agreements between the parties, which action was dismissed in April 2016 for failure to serve. He then refiled the suit on October 7, 2016, providing him another 12 months to have the Company and the Bank served. On October 3, 2017, the Company and Bank were served with the current complaint for breach of contract which is substantially the same as his original suit. Mr. Hart is asking the Court for an award of $1.5 million plus interest alleging a breach by the Company and the Bank of these various agreements with Mr. Hart. New Peoples filed a “demurrer” to the complaint, asking that the suit be dismissed, on October 23, 2017. New Peoples believes there is no merit to this suit or these claims which are based on conduct that occurred in 2010, and that the suit is a reaction to a judgment of over a million dollars awarded in favor of the Bank and against Mr. Hart in a separate matter. The Court has not yet ruled on this motion to dismiss. Should this suit not be dismissed, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion and does not believe Mr. Hart’s claims will be successful.

 

Jonathan Mullins, is a former President and Chief Executive Officer of New Peoples who departed in December 2014. In 2017 he filed a Complaint in the Circuit Court of Russell County, Virginia against New Peoples Bank. This is his second lawsuit against the Bank (the first was dismissed), and he seeks payment of deferred compensation pursuant to a 2009 agreement made with the Board of Directors, in which he alleges it agreed to payments of $50,000/year for 15 years beginning at age 65. At the time Mullins’ severance agreement was negotiated, the Bank determined that the accrued value of the deferred compensation at that time was $144,445. Mullins seeks either the $50,000 annual payments when he reaches age 65 or a lump sum payment of $144,445 with prejudgment interest from December 2014, along with $20,000 in severance pay and accrued leave. New Peoples filed its “demurrer” to this lawsuit in January 2018, requesting dismissal. The demurrer argues that the Bank cannot make these payments to Plaintiff in compliance with federal law, and therefore, Mullins’ case must be dismissed. A hearing has not been set on this motion. If the matter is not dismissed, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion and does not believe that Mr. Mullin’s claims will be successful.

 

In November 2017, Keith Carroll filed a complaint against New Peoples Bank in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). He has filed essentially the same lawsuit in multiple Virginia federal court divisions, alleging violations of the ADA against various banks and credit unions. Mr. Carroll is a blind individual and asserts that he attempted to do business with the Bank through its website, which he claims was inaccessible to him due to his disability. Mr. Carroll seeks injunctive relief and unspecified monetary damages, to include costs and attorneys’ fees. The Bank filed a Motion to Dismiss these claims. One of Mr. Carroll’s cases filed in the Eastern District of Virginia was recently dismissed on numerous grounds, including the ground that websites are not “places of public accommodation under the ADA,” and that even if they were, no regulations currently exist to govern them as such. The Bank has requested dismissal of this case for the same reason, among others. A hearing on the Bank’s motion is set for March 21, 2018. If the matter is not resolved on motions, New Peoples intends to defend the matter vigorously to its conclusion.

 

NOTE 21 TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES

 

The following table details the subordinated debt transactions outstanding:

 

                  December 31,
  Shares   12/31/2017       Maturity        
  Issued   Interest Rate   Interest Rate (1)   Date   2017   2016
                  (Dollars in thousands)
NPB Capital Trust I 341   3.96%   3 Month LIBOR plus 2.60%   7/7/2034 $ 11,341 $ 11,341
NPB Capital Trust 2 155   3.13%   3 Month LIBOR plus 1.77%   10/7/2036   5,155   5,155
                $ 16,496 $ 16,496

 

(1)Interest rate on both NPB Capital Trust I and NPB Capital Trust 2 are a floating rate, which resets quarterly.

 

Under the terms of the subordinated debt transactions, the securities have a 30-year maturity and are redeemable, in whole or in part, without penalty, at the option of the Company after five years of the issuance date. Due to the ability to defer interest and principal payments for 60 months without being considered in default, the regulatory agencies consider the trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital up to certain limits. The Company is currently not deferring the quarterly interest payments on the trust preferred securities.

 

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NOTE 22 CAPITAL

 

Capital Requirements and Ratios

 

The Bank is subject to various capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and, possibly, additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined), and Common Equity Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined). As of December 31, 2017, the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

 

The Company meets eligibility criteria of a small bank holding company in accordance with the Federal Reserve Board’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement issued in February 2015, and is no longer obligated to report consolidated regulatory capital. The Bank continues to be subject to various capital requirements administered by banking agencies. The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These ratios comply with Federal Reserve rules to align with the Basel III Capital requirements effective January 1, 2015.

                 
    Actual Minimum Capital Requirement Minimum to Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
(Dollars are in thousands) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio   Amount Ratio
December 31, 2017:
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets $ 68,787 15.30% $  35,970 8.0% $ 44,962 10.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets   63,160 14.05% 26,977 6.0%   35,970 8.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets   63,160 9.56% 26,422 4.0%   33,028 5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
      to Risk Weighted Assets   63,160 14.05% 20,233 4.5%   29,225 6.5%
 

 

December 31, 2016:

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets $ 67,549 16.64% $              32,476 8.0% $ 40,595 10.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets   62,462 15.39% 24,357 6.0%   32,476 8.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets   62,462 9.93% 25,149 4.0%   31,436 5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
      to Risk Weighted Assets   62,462 15.39% 18,268 4.5%   26,386 6.5%

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank was well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 leverage, and Common Equity Tier 1 ratios as set forth in the above tables. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 

Under Basel III Capital requirements, beginning January 1, 2016, a capital conservation buffer of 0.625% became effective. The capital conservation buffer is 1.25% as of December 31, 2017 and the Bank met that requirement with a buffer of 7.30%. The capital conservation buffer will be gradually increased through January 1, 2019 to 2.5%. Banks will be required to maintain levels that meet the required minimum plus the capital conservation buffer in order to make distributions, such as dividends, or discretionary bonus payments.

 64 

 


Common Stock Warrants

 

The company issued common stock warrants as a result of the completion of its common stock offering in 2012. The warrants were immediately exercisable to purchase common stock over the next five years at a price of $1.75 per share with an expiration date of December 20, 2017. A summary of the activity in the common stock warrants as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

   2017  2016
  

Number of

Warrants

 

Exercise

Price

 

Number of

Warrants

  Exercise Price
             

Outstanding and exercisable,

beginning of year

   881,978   $1.75    882,353   $1.75 
Exercised   (636,364)   1.75    (375)   1.75 
Expired   (245,614)   1.75    —      —   

Outstanding and exercisable,

end of year

   —     $—      881,978   $1.75 

 

As a result of the exercises shown above an additional $1.1 million of capital was raised by the Company during 2017. The additional liquidity provided by the funds will be used by the Company to pay its operating expenses and trust preferred interest payments.

 

Payment of Dividend to Company and Retirement of Stock

 

On October 23, 2017, the Board of Directors approved for the Bank to pay the Company a dividend of $111 thousand using 68,735 shares of the Company’s common stock that had been repossessed by the Bank as a result of collection activities on loans. The Board of Directors then approved for the Company to retire the 68,735 shares of the Company’s common stock. By law the 68,735 shares of the Company’s common stock became part of the Company’s authorized and unissued shares and would be available for reissuance in the future.

 

NOTE 23 FAIR VALUES

 

The financial reporting standard, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available for sale investment securities) or on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans and other real estate acquired through foreclosure).

 

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures also establishes fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

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

 

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

 65 

 

 

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

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale – Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices. The Company’s available for sale securities, totaling $71.1 million and $70.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are the only assets whose fair values are measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs from an independent pricing service.

 

Loans - The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. Real estate serves as collateral on a substantial majority of the Company’s loans. From time to time a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans which are deemed to be impaired and require a reserve are primarily valued on a non-recurring basis at the fair values of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which management evaluates and determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, or an appraised value does not include estimated costs of disposition and management must make an estimate, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3. The aggregate carrying amount of impaired loans carried at fair value were $11.4 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Foreclosed Assets Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed assets.  Foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of the carrying value or fair value.  Fair value is based upon independent observable market prices or appraised values of the collateral with a third party estimate of disposition costs, which the Company considers to be nonrecurring level 2 inputs. When the appraised value is not available, management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, or an appraised value does not include estimated costs of disposition and management must make an estimate, the Company records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3. The aggregate carrying amounts of foreclosed assets were $6.9 million and $10.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows as of December 31, 2017 (for purpose of this table the impaired loans are shown net of the related allowance):

          

 

 

 

 

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

Quoted market price in active markets

(Level 1)

 

 

 

Significant other observable inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

(On a recurring basis)

Available for sale investments

               
    U.S. Government Agencies  $—     $23,844   $—   
    Taxable municipals   —      4,397    —   
    Corporate bonds   —      5,579    —   
    Mortgage backed securities   —      37,268    —   
                

(On a non-recurring basis)

Other real estate owned

   —      —      6,859 
Impaired loans:               
  Real estate secured:               
      Commercial   —      —      4,650 
      Construction and land development   —      —      424 
      Residential 1-4 family   —      —      3,916 
      Multifamily   —      —      281 
      Farmland   —      —      1,399 
  Commercial   —      —      704 
  Agriculture   —      —      12 
  Consumer installment loans   —      —      8 
  All other loans   —      —      —   
Total  $—     $71,088   $18,253 

 

 66 

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows as of December 31, 2016 (for purpose of this table the impaired loans are shown net of the related allowance):

          
          

 

 

 

 

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

Quoted market price in active markets

(Level 1)

 

 

 

Significant other observable inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

(On a recurring basis)

Available for sale investments

               
    U.S. Government Agencies  $—     $24,632   $—   
    Taxable municipals   —      2,292    —   
    Corporate bonds   —      3,749    —   
    Mortgage backed securities   —      39,338    —   
                

(On a non-recurring basis)

Other real estate owned

   —      —      10,655 
Impaired loans:               
  Real estate secured:               
      Commercial   —      —      4,762 
      Construction and land development   —      —      139 
      Residential 1-4 family   —      —      4,360 
      Multifamily   —      —      301 
      Farmland   —      —      4,187 
  Commercial   —      —      49 
  Agriculture   —      —      19 
  Consumer installment loans   —      —      32 
  All other loans   —      —      —   
Total  $—     $70,011   $24,504 

 

For Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

                     
                     

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Fair Value at

December 31,

2016

 

 

 

 

Valuation Technique

 

 

 

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

 

General Range of Significant Unobservable Input Values

                     
Impaired Loans $ 11,394 $ 13,849   Appraised Value/Discounted Cash Flows/Market Value of Note   Discounts to reflect current market conditions, ultimate collectability, and estimated costs to sell   0 – 18%
                     
Other Real Estate Owned $ 6,859 $ 10,655   Appraised Value/Comparable Sales/Other Estimates from Independent Sources   Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell   0 – 18%

 

 

 67 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practical to estimate the value is based upon the characteristics of the instruments and relevant market information. Financial instruments include cash, evidence of ownership in an entity, or contracts that convey or impose on an entity that contractual right or obligation to either receive or deliver cash for another financial instrument.

 

The following summary presents the methodologies and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments presented below. The information used to determine fair value is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and, therefore, the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimates of cash flows, risk characteristics, credit quality, and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. Since the fair value is estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid upon settlement or maturity on these various instruments could be significantly different.

 

The following presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. The carrying value of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits, deposits with no stated maturities, trust preferred securities and accrued interest approximates fair value. The remaining financial instruments were valued based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at various rates in effect for similar instruments during the months of December 2017 and 2016.

 

                     
                     
            Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

 

(Dollars are in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Carrying

Amount

 

 

 

 

Fair

Value

 

Quoted market price in active markets

(Level 1)

 

Significant other observable inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

                     
December 31, 2017                    
Financial Instruments – Assets                    
   Net Loans $ 506,812 $ 506,608 $ - $ 495,214 $ 11,394
                     
Financial Instruments – Liabilities                    
   Time Deposits   272,330   272,352   -   272,352   -
   FHLB Advances   7,558   7,794   -   7,794   -
                     
December 31, 2016                    
Financial Instruments – Assets                    
   Net Loans $ 462,557 $ 467,707 $ - $ 453,858 $ 13,849
                     
Financial Instruments – Liabilities                    
   Time Deposits   247,819   247,258   -   247,258   -
   FHLB Advances   13,758   13,993   -   13,993   -

 

 

 68 

 

 

NOTE 24 RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

 

The following is a summary of recent authoritative announcements:

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

 

The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. The Company’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes net interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities including loans, leases, securities, and derivatives. Accordingly, the majority of our revenues will not be affected. The Company is currently assessing our revenue contracts related to revenue streams that are within the scope of the standard. Our accounting policies will not change materially since the principles of revenue recognition from the ASU are largely consistent with existing guidance and current practices applied by our businesses. We have not identified material changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. Based on the updated guidance, we do anticipate changes in our disclosures associated with our revenues. We will provide qualitative disclosures of our performance obligations related to our revenue recognition and we continue to evaluate disaggregation for significant categories of revenue in the scope of the guidance.

 

In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. As a result of the deferral the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB amended the Financial Instruments topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the guidance by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values will be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the amendments. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB amended the Leases topic of the ASC to revise certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As discussed in Note 17, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842).

 

In March 2016, the FASB amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers topic of the ASC to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and address how an entity should assess whether it is the principal or the agent in contracts that include three or more parties. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to change the accounting for credit losses and modify the impairment model for certain debt securities. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all organizations for periods beginning after December 15, 2018.

 

The Company will apply the amendments to the ASU through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. While early adoption is permitted beginning in first quarter 2019, we do not expect to elect that option. We are evaluating the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition to our allowance for loan losses, we will also record an allowance for credit losses on debt securities instead of applying the impairment model currently utilized. The amount of the adjustments will be impacted by each portfolio’s composition and credit quality at the adoption date as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time.

 69 

 

 

In December 2016, the FASB issued technical corrections and improvements to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic. These corrections make a limited number of revisions to several pieces of the revenue recognition standard issued in 2014. The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2017, the FASB updated the Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and the Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topics of the Accounting Standards Codification. The ASU incorporates into the Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance about disclosing, under SEC SAB Topic 11.M, the effect on financial statements of adopting the revenue, leases, and credit losses standards. The ASU was effective upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on additional disclosure requirements as each of the standards is adopted, however it does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In February 2017, the FASB amended the Other Income Topic of the ASC to clarify the scope of the guidance on nonfinancial asset derecognition as well as the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The amendments conform the derecognition guidance on nonfinancial assets with the model for transactions in the new revenue standard. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In February 2018, the FASB Issued (ASU 2018-02), Income Statement (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires Companies to reclassify the stranded effects in other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of the change in the tax rates under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company has opted to early adopt this pronouncement by retrospective application to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The impact of the reclassification from other comprehensive income to retained earnings is $98 thousand as of December 31, 2017.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

NOTE 25 PARENT CORPORATION ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

(Dollars in Thousands)

       
ASSETS  2017  2016
       
Due from banks  $1,220   $813 
Investment in subsidiaries   65,057    62,158 
Other assets   1,360    587 
Total Assets  $67,637   $63,558 
           
LIABILITIES          
Accrued interest payable  $139   $125 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   29    20 
Trust preferred securities   16,496    16,496 
Total Liabilities   16,664    16,641 
           
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          

Common stock - $2.00 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;

23,922,086 and 23,354,457 shares issued and outstanding at

December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

   47,844    46,709 
Common stock warrants   —      764 
Additional paid capital   14,570    13,965 
Retained deficit   (10,847)   (14,065)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (594)   (456)
Total Stockholders’ Equity   50,973    46,917 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $67,637   $63,558 

 

 70 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

       
       
(Dollars in Thousands)  2017  2016
       
Income          
Miscellaneous income  $17   $15 
Dividends from subsidiaries   111    —   
Undistributed income of subsidiaries   2,939    1,615 
Total income   3,067    1,630 
           
Expenses          
Trust preferred securities interest expense   592    508 
Professional fees   92    105 
Other operating expenses   62    59 
Total Expenses   746    672 
           
Income before Income Taxes   2,321    958 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   (773)   —   
Net Income  $3,094   $958 

 

 71 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

       
(Dollars in Thousands)  2017  2016
       
Cash Flows From Operating Activities          
Net income  $3,094   $958 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in

operating activities:

          
     Income of subsidiaries   (3,050)   (1,615)
     Net change in:          
         Other assets   (773)   2 
         Other liabilities   23    22 
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities   (706)   (633)
           
Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
Exercise of common stock warrants   1,113    1 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   1,113    1 
           
Net increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents   407    (632)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of year   813    1,445 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year  $1,220   $813 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid During the Year for:          
     Interest  $578   $487 
     Taxes  $—     $—   
Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Transactions:          
     Retirement of common stock  $(111)  $—   
     Payment of in-kind dividend to the Company from the Bank  $111   $—   

 

 

 72 

 

 

NOTE 26 SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

                 
    2017 QUARTERS
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)   Fourth   Third   Second   First
                 
Income statement                
Net interest income $ 5,845 $ 5,779 $ 5,791 $ 5,365
Noninterest income   1,905   1,808   4,409   1,714
Provision for loan losses   450   -   -   -
Noninterest expense   7,229   7,098   7,623   6,978
Net income (loss)   (82)   484   2,577   115
Earnings (loss) per share, basic   (0.00)   0.02   0.11   0.00
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted   (0.00)   0.02   0.11   0.00
                 
Period end balance sheet                
Total loans receivable $ 513,008 $ 501,390 $ 488,764 $ 476,490
Total assets   666,700   665,236   659,761   647,594
Total deposits   582,544   581,616   576,346   572,751
Total stockholders’ equity   50,973   50,355   50,013   47,092
     

 

                   
    2016 QUARTERS  
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)   Fourth   Third   Second   First  
                   
Income statement                  
Net interest income $ 5,420 $ 5,453 $ 5,402 $ 5,451  
Noninterest income   1,909   2,043   1,753   1,586  
Provision for loan losses   -   -   (500)   -  
Noninterest expense   8,300   7,155   6,776   6,337  
Net income (loss)   (968)   346   882   698  
Earnings (loss) per share, basic   (0.04)   0.01   0.04   0.03  
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted   (0.04)   0.01   0.04   0.03  
                   
Period end balance sheet                  
Total loans receivable $ 468,629 $ 464,721 $ 459,613 $ 450,309  
Total assets   634,335   633,867   632,311   636,459  
Total deposits   554,438   556,516   555,084   555,216  
Total stockholders’ equity   46,917   48,785   48,485   47,234  
     

 

 73 

 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. New Peoples’ internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

 

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Because of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation, and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of New Peoples’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued in 1992. Based on this assessment management concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that material information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were operating effectively as of December 31, 2017.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

 74 

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information contained under the captions "Election of Directors," “Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors,” “Corporate Governance” and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the 2018 Proxy Statement that is required to be disclosed in this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information contained under the captions "Director Compensation" and “Executive Compensation and Related Party Transactions" in the 2018 Proxy Statement that is required to be disclosed in this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information contained under the captions “Security Ownership of Management" and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in the 2018 Proxy Statement that is required to be disclosed in this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

The information contained under the caption “Executive Compensation and Related Party Transactions" and “Corporate Governance” in the 2018 Proxy Statement that is required to be disclosed in this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information contained under the caption “Audit Information" in the 2018 Proxy Statement that is required to be disclosed in this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 75 

 

 

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) The response to this portion of Item 15 is included in Item 8 above.

(a)(2) The response to this portion of Item 15 is included in Item 8 above.

(a)(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K, and this list includes the exhibit index::

 

Exhibit
Number
   
3.1 Amended Articles of Incorporation of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008 filed on August 11, 2008).
3.2 Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 15, 2004).
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 filed on August 14, 2012).
4.2 Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 filed on August 14, 2012).
4.3 Form of Rights Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 filed on August 14, 2012).
10.1* New Peoples Bank, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.2* Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed November 30, 2004)
10.3* Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed November 30, 2004).
10.4* Salary Continuation Agreement dated December 18, 2002 between New Peoples Bank, Inc. and Frank Sexton, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
10.5* First Amendment dated June 30, 2003 to Salary Continuation Agreement between New Peoples Bank, Inc. and Frank Sexton, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
10.6* Letter Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2009, between the Company and Kenneth D. Hart (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009).
10.7 Written Agreement, effective August 4, 2010, by and among New Peoples Bankshares, Inc., New Peoples Bank, Inc., the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed August 6, 2010).
10.8 Engagement Letters of Scott & Stringfellow, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 filed on August 14, 2012).
10.9 Convertible Note Payable, B. Scott White, dated June 27, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed June 29, 2012).
10.10 Convertible Note Payable, Harold Lynn Keene, dated June 27, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed June 29, 2012).
10.11* Employment Agreement dated December 1, 2016 between New Peoples Bankshares, Inc.,  New Peoples Bank, Inc., and C. Todd Asbury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed December 2, 2016
14 Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003).  
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
24 Powers of Attorney (contained on signature page).
31.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32

 

101

Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

The following materials for the Company’s 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL are being furnished, not filed. (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

____________________________________

* Denotes management contract.

 

(b)       See Item 15(a)(3) above.

(c)       See Items 15(a)(1) and (2) above.

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

 

 

 

By: /s/ C. TODD ASBURY

C. Todd Asbury

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 23, 2018

 

 

 

By: /s/ JOHN J. BOCZAR

John J. Boczar

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 23, 2018

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each of the undersigned hereby appoints C. Todd Asbury and John J. Boczar, and each of them, as attorneys and agents for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, in his name and on his behalf as a director of New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (the “Registrant”), to act and to execute any and all instruments as such attorneys or attorney deem necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any rules, regulations, policies or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in respect thereof, in connection with the preparation and filing with the Commission of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”), and any and all amendments to such Report, together with such other supplements, statements, instruments and documents as such attorneys or attorney deem necessary or appropriate.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature Capacity Date
     
     
/s/ C. TODD ASBURY President and March 23, 2018
C. Todd Asbury Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
/s/ JOHN J. BOCZAR Executive Vice President and March 23, 2018
John J. Boczar Chief Financial Officer  
  (Principal Financial and  
  Accounting Officer)  
     
/s/ TIM BALL Director March 23, 2018
Tim Ball    
     
/s/ J. ROBERT BUCHANAN Director March 23, 2018
J. Robert Buchanan    
     
/s/ JOE CARTER Director March 23, 2018
Joe Carter    
     
/s/ JOHN D. COX Director March 23, 2018
John D. Cox    
     
/s/ CHARLES H. GENT Director March 23, 2018
Charles H. Gent    
     
/s/ EUGENE HEARL Director March 23, 2018
Eugene Hearl    
     
/s/ HAROLD LYNN KEENE Chairman, Director March 23, 2018
Harold Lynn Keene    
     
/s/ MICHAEL G. MCGLOTHLIN Director March 23, 2018
Michael G. McGlothlin    
     
/s/ FRED MEADE Director March 23, 2018
Fred Meade    
     
/s/ B. SCOTT WHITE Director March 23, 2018
B. Scott White    

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