Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Caution
About Forward-Looking Statements
We
make forward-looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking
statements include statements regarding expectations, intentions, projections and beliefs concerning our profitability, liquidity, and
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;
changes
in the level of our nonperforming assets and charge-offs;
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 current or future legislation or regulations or policies of state and federal regulators;
the
successful management of interest rate risk;
the
successful management of liquidity;
changes
in general economic and business conditions in our market area and the United States in general;
credit
risks inherent in making loans such as changes in a borrower’s ability to repay and our management of such risks;
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;
the
effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, inflation,
interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
the
occurrence of significant natural disasters, including severe weather conditions, floods, health related issues (including the ongoing
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the associated efforts to limit the spread of the disease), and other catastrophic events;
technology
utilized by us;
our
ability to successfully manage cybersecurity;
our
reliance on third-party vendors and correspondent banks;
changes
in generally accepted accounting principles;
changes
in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; and,
other
risks, which may be described, from time to time, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.
25
Critical
Accounting Policies
For
discussion of our significant accounting policies, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the 2021
Form 10-K). 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.
The
allowance represents an amount that, in the Company's judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable and estimable losses inherent in
the loan portfolio. The judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans while
taking into consideration such factors as trends in delinquencies and charge-offs for relevant periods of time, changes in the nature
and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect a borrower's ability to repay and the value of collateral,
overall portfolio quality and review of specific potential losses. This evaluation is inherently subjective because it requires estimates
that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
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. In the past, the Company provided a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets where it
was deemed more likely than not such assets would not be realized. At June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 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 position 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 Asset and Income
Taxes” below.
Overview
and Highlights
On
June 15, 2022, we became aware of a cybersecurity incident that temporarily interrupted the operability of our computer systems. As
a result of this incident branch services could not be provided for two and one-half days, however, customers had access to our
Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) network and credit and debit card activity was available. Limited branch operations resumed on June
17, 2022, and full operations were restored on June 21, 2022. On June 29, 2022, we issued a press release outlining the timeline,
restoration efforts and communications, services and safeguards being offered to our customers in response to this incident, and
filed a Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the incident. During the three months ended June 30, 2022, expenses related to the
cybersecurity incident were recorded for insurance deductibles along with costs for onsite security provided during the first few
days that lobby service was restarted. Certain other direct costs for forensic, legal and recovery services, along with
communication management, will be disbursed during the third quarter and are expected to be recovered through insurance
coverage.
To
minimize the inconvenience to our customers, we increased ITM withdrawal, and debit card transaction limits for all customers and temporarily
eliminated overdraft fees. These actions resulted in an increase in overdrawn deposit accounts and a reduction of overdraft revenue that
impacted the second quarter of 2022, and is expected to have ongoing impact into the third quarter of 2022.
For
the three months ended June 30, 2022, we earned net income of $1.9 million, which equates to $0.08 per share, and is $260 thousand higher
than the $1.7 million net income during the same period in 2021. All major components of the income statement improved, with the exception
of noninterest income, which was impacted by the cybersecurity incident. Net interest income grew $193 thousand, provision for loan losses
decreased $111 thousand, non-interest income decreased $30 thousand, and non-interest expense decreased $66 thousand. Consequently, income
tax expense increased $80 thousand due to the increase in income before income taxes.
For
the six months ended June 30, 2022, net income totaled $3.8 million or $0.16 per share compared to $3.2 million or $0.14 per share for
the same six-month period in 2021. All major components of the income statement improved, with the exception of noninterest expense.
Net interest income grew $401 thousand, provision for loan losses decreased $197 thousand, non-interest income increased $210 thousand,
and non-interest expense increased $24 thousand. Consequently, income tax expense increased $188 thousand due to the increase in net
income before income taxes.
26
The
balance sheet grew to $847.0 million as of June 30, 2022, from $794.6 million as of December 31, 2021, due to Federal Home Loan Bank
advances taken as a precautionary measure in response to the cybersecurity incident. Total deposits decreased $449 thousand to $707.1
million at June 30, 2022 from $707.5 million at December 31, 2021. Loans decreased $8.1 million to $585.6 million during the first six
months of 2022, due to repayments of several large commercial real estate loans combined with PPP loan repayments of approximately $5.6
million.
During
the second quarter of 2022, plans were announced for the closure of branch offices in Big Stone Gap and Chilhowie, Virginia in mid-August
2022. Affected personnel will be reassigned, and customer accounts will be transferred to nearby offices.
During
the second quarter of 2022, we initiated a previously announced stock repurchase program. Through June 30, 2022, 16,510 shares have been
repurchased at an average price of $2.28 per share.
Comparison
of the Three Months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021
While
the cybersecurity incident impacted branch operations and limited our abilities for loan and financial services production, the results
for the three months ended June 30, 2022 are favorable before considering the effect of the cybersecurity incident.
Quarter-to-date
highlights include:
· Returns
on average assets and equity of 0.94% and 13.45 % for the second quarter of 2022, compared
to 0.82% and 11.15% for the second quarter of 2021, respectively;
· Net
interest income was $6.8 million for the second quarter of 2022, an improvement of $193 thousand,
or 2.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2021;
· Provision
for loans losses was $75 thousand for the second quarter of 2022, a reduction of $111 thousand,
or 59.7%, compared to the second quarter of 2021;
· Noninterest
income was $2.3 million, a decrease of $30 thousand, or 1.3%, during the second quarter of
2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021; and
· Noninterest
expense was $6.7 million, a decrease of $66 thousand, or 1.0%, for the second quarter of
2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021.
The
Company’s primary source of income is net interest income, which increased by $193 thousand, or 2.9%, to $6.8 million for the second
quarter of 2022 compared to $6.7 million for the second quarter of 2021. Interest income increased $112 thousand due to a $26 million
increase in the average balance of earning assets, a shift of funds from interest bearing deposit balances at other banks to higher-yielding
investment securities, and the 2022 increases in the fed funds rate partially offset by a decline in accelerated fee recognition when
PPP loans are forgiven. Additionally, total interest expense decreased $81 thousand driven primarily by a $171 thousand decrease in interest
on deposits, a result of growth in noninterest bearing deposits. This decrease in deposit interest expense offset increases for borrowed
funds, resulting from FHLB advances taken during the second quarter of 2022, and increases to the interest rates associated with trust
preferred securities. Overall there was a 13 basis-point decrease in the cost of funds to 33 bps, while the net interest margin decreased
2 bps to 3.50%. During the second quarter of 2022, the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) increased the discount rate
two times for a total of 125 bps. The Company experienced some benefit of the rate increases during the second quarter, but the full
impact will be somewhat lagging as certain loans, investments, and trust preferred securities will not reprice until the individual instruments
next interest rate repricing date. Deposit rates were not immediately impacted by the rate increases, and the Company will continue to
evaluate rate adjustments for factors, including competitive pressure within the local markets, funding needs to support growth and other
needs.
27
The
following table shows the rates paid on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated:
Net
Interest Margin Analysis
Average
Balances, Income and Expense, and Yields and Rates
(Dollars
in thousands)
Three
Months Ended June 30,
2022
2021
Average
Income/
Yields/
Average
Income/
Yields/
Balance
Expense
Rates
Balance
Expense
Rates
ASSETS
Loans
(1) (2)
$
597,570
$
6,791
4.56%
$
595,870
$
6,958
4.69%
Mortgage
loans held for sale
124
1
4.17%
187
2
4.40%
Federal
funds sold
189
1
0.87%
188
-
0.08%
Interest
bearing deposits in other banks
68,298
158
0.93%
89,540
22
0.10%
Taxable
investment securities
117,905
509
1.73%
72,540
366
2.02%
Total
earning assets
784,086
7,460
3.82%
758,325
7,348
3.89%
Less: Allowance
for loans losses
(6,887)
(7,355)
Non-earning
assets
43,371
61,054
Total
Assets
$
820,570
$
812,024
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing
demand deposits
$
71,805
$
19
0.10%
$
59,449
$
16
0.11%
Savings
and money market deposits
197,346
40
0.08%
178,369
36
0.08%
Time
deposits
187,891
345
0.74%
221,131
523
0.95%
Short-term
borrowings
12,692
71
2.21%
4,979
17
1.35%
Trust
preferred securities
16,496
141
3.38%
16,496
105
2.52%
Total
interest-bearing liabilities
486,230
616
0.51%
480,424
697
0.69%
Non-interest-bearing
deposits
268,802
-
-%
263,023
-
-
%
Total
deposit liabilities and cost of funds
755,032
616
0.33%
743,447
697
0.46%
Other
liabilities
8,213
8,755
Total
Liabilities
763,245
752,202
Shareholders’
Equity
57,325
59,822
Total
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
820,570
$
812,024
Net
Interest Income
$
6,844
$
6,651
Net
Interest Margin
3.50%
3.52%
Net
Interest Spread
3.31%
3.31%
(1) Nonaccrual
loans and loans held for sale have been included in average loan balances.
(2) Tax
exempt income is not significant and has been treated as fully taxable.
Net
interest income is affected by changes in both average interest rates and average volumes (balances) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities. The following table sets forth the amounts of the total changes in interest income and interest expense which can be attributed
to rates and volume for the three months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2021.
28
Volume and Rate Analysis
Increase (decrease)
Three Months Ended June 30,
2022 versus 2021
(Dollars in thousands)
Volume Effect
Rate Effect
Change in Interest Income/ Expense
Interest Income:
Loans
$ (249 )
$ 82
$ (167 )
Mortgage loans held for sale
(1 )
—
(1 )
Federal funds sold
—
1
1
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
(6 )
142
136
Taxable investment securities
172
(29 )
143
Total Earning Assets
(84 )
196
112
Interest Expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
4
(1 )
3
Savings and money market deposits
4
—
4
Time deposits
(73 )
(105 )
(178 )
Short-term borrowings
41
13
54
Trust preferred securities
—
36
36
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities
(24 )
(57 )
(81 )
Change in Net Interest Income
$ (60 )
$ 253
$ 193
Based
on our current assessment of the loan portfolio, a lower provision of $75 thousand was made in the second quarter of 2022, after considering
the overall loan quality, despite increases to past due and nonaccrual loans during the three months ended June 30, 2022. These increases
appear to be attributable to delays in providing account notices during the latter portion of June 2022. Although the provision declined
from the same period of 2021, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans increased from 1.13% at December 31, 2021 to 1.16%
as of June 30, 2022. For a discussion of the factors affecting the allowance for loan losses, including provision expense, refer to Note
7, Allowance for Loan Losses, in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Noninterest
income for the second quarter of 2022 was $2.3 million, a decrease of $30 thousand, or 1.3%, when compared to the same period in 2021.
During the period immediately after the cybersecurity incident, we temporarily stopped assessing overdraft and certain other service
charges. While service charges for the three months ended June 30, 2022, exceeded the same three-month period in 2021 by $56 thousand,
we estimate that additional normalized charges of approximately $125 thousand would have been realized during this period. Card processing
and interchange revenue decreased $45 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to the same period in 2021, due
to a decline in transaction volume. Revenue from financial services activities decreased $33 thousand, or 12.0%, as we were limited in
executing client transactions, especially new account activity during the disruption to our computer systems.
Total
non-interest expense decreased $66 thousand, year-over-year for the three-month period ended June 30, 2022. Increases to salaries and
benefits expenses of $283 thousand were largely offset by reduced occupancy expenses, data processing and other noninterest expenses
which decreased $167 thousand, $52 thousand and $130 thousand, respectively. The increase to salaries and benefits was due to the impact
of overall salary adjustments implemented during the fourth quarter of 2021 and accruals for performance related payments in 2022 that
had not yet been implemented in 2021. These changes accounted for $91 thousand and $72 thousand of the overall increase to salaries and
benefits. Occupancy expense benefitted from reduced depreciation and property tax expenses, which decreased $113 thousand and $15 thousand,
respectively, due to the disposals of real estate and equipment over the past year. The decrease in other nonoperating expenses was due
largely to reduced costs associated with loan collections and costs associated with the foreclosure and holding of other real estate
owned. In addition, certain costs associated with the recovery from the cyber security incident, including insurance deductibles, were
recorded during the second quarter of 2022.
The
efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, which is defined as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest
income, improved to 72.4% for second quarter of 2022 from 74.5% for the second quarter of 2021. We continue to assess our operational
procedures and structure to improve efficiencies and contain costs. A review of deposit operations is scheduled for the third quarter
of 2022
29
On
April 29, 2022, the Bank notified its principal regulators that it will be closing branch offices in Big Stone Gap and Chilhowie, Virginia,
on August 12, 2022. Accounts serviced at these offices will be transferred to nearby branches, and employees will be reassigned to other
positions or offices, as available. Interactive teller machines at these locations will remain in service for the foreseeable future.
This restructuring of the branch network should improve the efficiency of services to the customers of these communities.
Income
tax expense for the second quarter of 2022 totaled $536 thousand, an increase of $80 thousand, or 17.5% from the $456 thousand recorded
during the same period in 2021. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022, was 21.8%, compared to 21.5% for the
same period in 2021. The year-over-year, quarterly increase approximates the percentage increase of pre-tax earnings.
Comparison
of the Six Months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021
While
the cybersecurity incident impacted branch operations and limited our abilities for loan and financial services production, the results
for the six months ended June 30, 2022 are favorable to the six-month period ended June 30, 2021.
Year-to-date
highlights include:
· Net
interest income improved to $13.5 million for the first half of 2022, an improvement of $401
thousand, or 3.1%, compared to the first half of 2021;
· Net
interest margin was 3.52% for the first half of 2022, a decrease of 3 bps compared to 3.55%
for the first half of 2021;
· Provision
for loans losses was $175 thousand for the first half of 2022, a reduction of $197 thousand,
or 53.0%, compared to the first half of 2021;
· Noninterest
income was $4.7 million, an increase of $210 thousand, or 4.7%, compared to the first half
of 2021;
· Salaries
and employee benefits expense was $6.7 million, an increase of $479 thousand, or 7.8%, compared
to the first half of 2021; and
· Total
noninterest expense was $13.1 million, a decrease of $24 thousand, or 0.18%, compared to
the first half of 2021.
Overall,
during the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, net income improved 18.4% to $3.8 million from $3.2 million.
Although interest income was virtually unchanged, increasing $50 thousand, reduced interest expense of $351 thousand contributed to an
improvement of $401 thousand in net interest income. The following table presents the rates earned on earning assets and paid on interest-bearing
liabilities for the periods indicated.
30
Net Interest Margin Analysis Average Balances, Income and Expense, and Yields and Rates
(Dollars
in thousands)
Six
Months Ended June 30,
2022
2021
Average
Income/
Yields/
Average
Income/
Yields/
Balance
Expense
Rates
Balance
Expense
Rates
ASSETS
Loans
(1) (2)
$
596,813
$
13,465
4.55%
$
591,066
$
13,877
4.74%
Mortgage
loans held for sale
69
1
4.33%
355
4
2.40%
Federal
funds sold
203
1
0.49%
207
-
0.07%
Interest
bearing deposits in other banks
61,094
179
0.59%
88,543
41
0.09%
Taxable
investment securities
114,190
971
1.70%
61,177
645
2.11%
Total
earning assets
772,369
14,617
3.82%
741,348
14,567
3.96%
Less: Allowance
for loans losses
(6,867)
(7,329)
Non-earning
assets
46,335
60,499
Total
Assets
$
811,837
$
794,518
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing
demand deposits
$
69,523
$
35
0.10%
$
56,242
$
30
0.11%
Savings
and money market deposits
195,780
78
0.08%
171,353
73
0.09%
Time
deposits
192,064
720
0.76%
227,002
1,155
1.03%
Short-term
borrowings
6,381
71
2.21%
4,989
33
1.35%
Trust
preferred securities
16,496
248
2.98%
16,496
212
2.55%
Total
interest-bearing liabilities
480,244
1,152
0.48%
476,082
1,503
0.64%
Non-interest-bearing
deposits
263,509
-
-%
250,309
-
-
%
Total
deposit liabilities and cost of funds
743,753
1,152
0.31%
726,391
1,503
0.42%
Other
liabilities
7,773
8,898
Total
Liabilities
751,526
794,523
Shareholders’
Equity
60,188
59,234
Total
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
811,714
$
794,523
Net
Interest Income
$
13,465
$
13,064
Net
Interest Margin
3.52%
3.55%
Net
Interest Spread
3.33%
3.32%
(1) Nonaccrual
loans and loans held for sale have been included in average loan balances.
(2) Tax
exempt income is not significant and has been treated as fully taxable.
Net
interest income is affected by changes in both average interest rates and average volumes (balances) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities. The following table sets forth the amounts of the total changes in interest income and interest expense which can be attributed
to rates and volume for the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021.
31
Volume and Rate Analysis
Increase (decrease)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 versus 2021
(Dollars in thousands)
Volume Effect
Rate Effect
Change in Interest Income/ Expense
Interest Income:
Loans
$ (408 )
$ (4 )
$ (412 )
Mortgage loans held for sale
(3 )
—
(3 )
Federal funds sold
—
1
1
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
(16 )
154
138
Taxable investment securities
385
(59 )
326
Total Earning Assets
(42 )
92
50
Interest Expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
8
(3 )
5
Savings and money market deposits
10
(5 )
5
Time deposits
(161 )
(273 )
(435 )
Short-term borrowings
15
22
37
Trust preferred securities
—
36
36
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities
(128 )
(223 )
(351 )
Change in Net Interest Income
$ 86
$ 315
$ 401
During
the first six months of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021, net interest income increased $401 thousand primarily due to a reduction
in interest expense on deposits of $424 thousand, partially offset by increases to the cost of borrowed funds of $73 thousand. The increase
in expense for borrowed funds was due to $95 million of FHLB advances taken during the second quarter, combined with rate increases on
trust preferred securities. The reduction in interest expense on deposits was driven mainly by a reduction in the average cost of retail
time deposits, which declined 27 basis points, to 0.76% from 1.03%, plus a decrease in average balances of $34.9 million. There was a
modest increase in interest income of $50 thousand due to increases to the investment portfolio and increased rates paid on deposits
with other banks. These improvements offset reductions in loan interest and fees due principally to the reduction in fees from PPP loan
repayments as these fees fell $535 thousand during the comparative six-month periods. As a result, the net interest margin for the first
half of 2022 was 3.52%, a reduction of 3 bps compared to 3.55% for the first half of 2021.
During
the first six months of 2022, the FOMC increased the discount rate three times for a total of 150 bps. This increased interest rate environment
has improved returns on certain assets that immediately adjust as these changes are made, such as interest-bearing deposits in other
banks, credit cards, home equity lines of credit and certain commercial and commercial real estate loans. It is anticipated that yields
on these assets will improve moving forward. Conversely, it is expected that there will be a need to adjust, upward, rates paid on deposit
accounts, which will increase our overall cost of funds. Additionally, in response to the cybersecurity incident, in early August 2022,
we began offering a customer appreciation time deposit product to recognize the patience and loyalty of our customers. This product pays
a higher rate than is currently offered on similar non-promotional products and is expected to contribute to an increased cost of funds
going forward.
Based
on our current assessment of the loan portfolio, $175 thousand was provided to the allowance for loan losses during the first six months
of 2022 compared to $372 thousand provided during the same period in 2021. For more information on the factors affecting the allowance
for loan losses, including provision expense, refer to Note 7, Allowance for loan Losses, in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. Depending on changes
to economic conditions and the impact those changes may have on individual borrowers, it is possible that additional provisions may be
needed beyond those necessary to support organic growth of the loan portfolio.
Total
non-interest income for the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 grew by $210 thousand to $4.7 million. This improvement
was driven by increases in service charges and fees which increased $231 thousand or 13.8%, despite the negative impact during the second
quarter resulting from foregoing certain charges during the cybersecurity incident, as previously discussed. Card processing and interchange
income showed a slight increase of $7 thousand, as transaction volume has plateaued, as consumers respond to the cessation of stimulus
payments and the effects of historic inflation. Financial services revenues of $483 thousand represent a decrease of $18 thousand or
3.6%. As previously discussed, our ability to provide certain services was hampered during the latter portion of June 2022, and it is
uncertain whether those lost opportunities can be recovered.
32
For
the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, total non-interest expense increased $24 thousand, to $13.1
million. The modest increase was due to reductions to occupancy, data processing and other noninterest expenses of $337 thousand, $71
thousand and $47 thousand, respectively which offset increases to salaries and benefits of $479 thousand. As discussed previously, salaries
and benefits increased year-over-year due to the impact of overall salary adjustments implemented during the fourth quarter of 2021 and
accruals for performance related payments in 2022 that had not yet been fully initiated in 2021. Also, as discussed, occupancy costs
decreased due to the reduction of depreciation and property tax costs from the reduction and disposition of branches and equipment, which
decreased year-over-year $208 thousand and $28 thousand, respectively. It is anticipated that the branch closings scheduled for August
12, 2022 will serve to further reduce occupancy and related costs. Data processing and telecommunication costs decreased due to negotiated
reductions for the cost, or elimination, of certain services, as local phone and data line costs decreased $30 thousand and data processing
costs decreased $37 thousand for the comparative year-to-date periods. Other noninterest expenses benefited from reduced costs associated
with loan collection efforts which decreased $50 thousand for the first six months of 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021.
The
efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, improved to 72.0% for the first half of 2022 from 74.4% for the first half of 2021.
Balance
Sheet
Balance
sheet growth in 2022, specifically activity during the second quarter, was impacted by efforts to address any possible adverse impact
from the cybersecurity incident. As a preventative measure against a possible surge in deposit withdrawal activity, we obtained FHLB
advances totaling $95 million, transferred additional funds to our account at the Federal Reserve Bank and temporarily increased cash
on hand at various branch locations. As we moved from the immediate aftermath of the incident, we repaid $35 million of FHLB advances
prior to June 30, 2022.
Total
assets increased $52.4 million, or 6.6%, to $847.0 million at June 30, 2022 from $794.6 million at December 31, 2021. This growth was
primarily driven by the FHLB advances as total deposits decreased $449 thousand, as noninterest-bearing deposits increased $8.7 million
while interest-bearing deposits decreased $9.2 million. The year-to-date deposit activity is due to a combination of factors including
customer reaction to the cybersecurity incident, time deposit customers seeking higher interest rates and actions taken by customers
at the two branch locations scheduled for closure in August 2022. The FHLB advance funds were transferred to interest bearing deposits
with other banks which increased $60.0 million year-to-date.
Total
investments decreased $6.7 million, or 6.3%, to $100.6 million at June 30, 2022 due primarily to an increase of $12.8 million in net
unrealized losses and $8.6 million of repayments and maturities, which more than offset purchases of $14.9 million. Purchases are expected
to continue as we replace security repayments, deploy excess liquidity, and use the investment portfolio in the overall management of
the interest rate risk and liquidity of the balance sheet.
There
were $62 thousand of loans held for sale at June 30, 2022 versus $0 at December 31, 2021. These loans are originated for sale into the
secondary market on a best efforts basis.
Loans
receivable decreased $8.1 million, or 1.4% during the first six months of 2022, due to repayments of commercial real estate and commercial
loans. Commercial real estate loans decreased $9.6 million or 4.6%, to $196.6 million at June 30, 2022, due largely to several borrowers
liquidating properties held as collateral. These repayments were offset by increases in construction and development loans, and loans
secured by multi-family real estate which increased $5.4 million or 16.6% and $4.6 million or 13.8%, respectively. Commercial loans decreased
$7.6 million or 14.0% to $46.7 million at June 30, 2022, due largely to repayments and forgiveness of PPP loans which declined $5.6 million
during the first six months of 2022. At June 30, 2022, PPP loans totaled $845 thousand.
Total deposits decreased $449 thousand or 0.1% to $707.1 million
at June 30, 2022 from $707.5 million at December 31, 2021. While the year-to-date change is modest, during the second quarter of 2022,
deposits decreased $23.9 million from $731.0 million at March 31, 2022. While we have experienced deposit runoff in response to the cybersecurity
incident, other factors have also influenced customers’ activities, including interest rates available for time deposits and the
previously announced closure of two branch offices scheduled for August 2022. Additionally, some of this deposit activity is due to normal
churn of deposit accounts and depositors. The year-to-date decrease in deposits is primarily due to time deposit runoff as total time
deposits decreased $17.1 million or 8.6%. The decrease in time deposits was offset by increases in non-interest bearing and interest-bearing
transaction accounts which increased $8.7 million or 3.5% and $7.9 million or 3.1% during the six months ended June 30, 2022. Another
factor influencing deposit retention is the dissipation of liquidity experienced by depositors, as stimulus and other economic support
funds distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic are spent or otherwise distributed. While it is likely that recent and expected
increases to the federal funds rate will, at some point, impact liquidity, we continue to maintain core deposits through attractive consumer
and commercial deposit products and strong ties with our customer base and communities.
33
At
June 30, 2022, FHLB advances totaling $60 million were outstanding. As previously discussed, these advances were taken in June 2022,
as a precautionary measure related to the cybersecurity incident. The advances have schedule maturities of $20 million in September 2022,
and $40 million in December 2022. On August 1, 2022, $15 million of the $40 million advance was repaid. Trust preferred securities of
$16.5 million at June 30, 2022 were unchanged compared to December 31, 2021.
Total
equity at June 30, 2022 was $56.2 million, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 11.7%, compared to $63.6 million at December 31, 2021. As discussed
previously and in the Capital Resources section below, the primary driver of the decline was the $10.1 million net increase in the other
accumulated comprehensive loss, related to the unrealized loss on available for sale investment securities, along with a cash dividend
payment. The increase in other accumulated comprehensive loss is related to the recent increase in interest rates and is not related
to any deterioration in the credit quality of any investment securities held.
Asset
Quality
Nonperforming
assets include nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO) and loans past due more than 90 days which are still accruing interest.
Our policy is to place loans on nonaccrual status once they reach 90 days past due. The makeup of the nonaccrual loans is primarily those
secured by residential mortgages and commercial real estate. OREO is primarily made up of commercial and single-family residential properties.
Nonperforming
assets decreased $347 thousand, or 8.1%, during the first six months of 2022, driven by a decrease in OREO of $1.0 million, which offset
an increase in nonaccrual loans of $693 thousand. The increase in nonaccrual loans is attributed to a single credit for a commercial
construction loan. This account has been assessed as part of our determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, and
collection efforts are ongoing. No loans 90 days or more past due are accruing interest. As a result, the ratio of nonperforming assets
to total assets decreased to 0.50% at June 30, 2022 compared to 0.54% at December 31, 2021.
For
detailed information for nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned as of June 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, refer to Note 6 Loans
and Note 9 Other Real Estate Owned in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
At
June 30, 2022, OREO is primarily made up of farmland and land acquired through foreclosure. During the second quarter of 2022, two former
branch sites that had been transferred to OREO in 2021, were sold bringing our OREO balance down to $321 thousand. We continue extensive
and aggressive measures to work through problem credits and liquidate foreclosed properties in an effort to reduce nonperforming assets.
We remain mindful of the impact on earnings and capital as we work to achieve our goal to reduce nonperforming assets. However, we may
recognize some losses and reductions in the allowance for loan loss as we expedite the resolution of these problem assets.
Loans
rated substandard or below totaled $3.6 million at June 30, 2022, an increase of $733 thousand from $2.9 million at December 31, 2021.
Total past due loans increased to $10.0 million at June 30, 2022 from $3.4 million at December 31, 2021. As previously discussed this
increase is, in part, due to delays in providing loan account notices during the disruption to our computer systems.
Our
allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2022 was $6.8 million or 1.16% of total loans as compared to $6.7 million, or 1.13% of total loans
at December 31, 2021. Impaired loans totaled $3.2 million with an estimated related specific allowance of $381 thousand at June 30, 2022,
as compared to $2.8 million of impaired loans with an estimated related allowance of $166 thousand at the end of 2021. A provision of
$175 thousand was recorded for the first six months of 2022 compared to $372 thousand during the first six months of 2021.
In
the first six months of 2022, net charge-offs totaled $94 thousand, or 0.03% of average loans, annualized, as compared to $867 thousand,
or 0.29%, of average loans for the same period in 2021. The allowance for loan losses is 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. Through our quarterly assessment, 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.
During the first six months of 2022, we adjusted our external qualitative factors to reflect positive employment and home sales statistics,
along with adjusting for the impact of historically high inflation. Those changes along with the assessment of the inherent and specific
risks associated with the loan portfolio resulted in a provision to the allowance of $175 thousand for the first six months 2022.
34
The
following table summarizes components of the allowance for loan losses and related loans as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Selected
Credit Ratios
June
30,
December
31,
(Dollars
in thousands)
2022
2021
Allowance
for loan losses
$
6,816
$
6,735
Total
loans
585,631
593,744
Allowance
for loan losses to total loans
1.16%
1.13%
Nonaccrual
loans
$
3,634
$
2,941
Nonaccrual
loans to total loans
0.62%
0.50%
Ratio
of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
1.88X
2.29X
Charge-offs
net of recoveries
$
94
$
828
Average
loans
$
596,813
$
586,963
Net
charge-offs to average loans
0.03%
0.14%
We
are in the process of preparing to implement the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model to replace our legacy loan loss model. While
we had estimated we would be running concurrent models by June 30, 2022, due to the cybersecurity incident, we delayed the start of parallel
runs. We have recovered and the new model has been constructed, initial assumptions have been input and historical loan and loss activity
has been input and validated. Starting in August 2022, the Company will run the new methodology parallel to the current allowance methodology
for several periods before full implementation, beginning with the June 30, 2022 data.
Deferred
Tax Asset and Income Taxes
Due
to timing differences between book and tax treatment of several income and expense items, a net deferred tax asset, excluding the deferred
tax asset on the unrealized loss on securities available for sale, of $813 thousand and $1.5 million existed at June 30, 2022 and December
31, 2021, respectively. Our income tax expense was computed at the corporate income tax rate of 21% of taxable income. We have no significant
nontaxable income or nondeductible expenses.
Capital
Resources
Total
shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2022 was $56.2 million compared to $63.6 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $7.5 million,
or 11.7%. As previously discussed, this decline was driven by the $10.1 million net increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss
related to the unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale. Excluding the impact of the unrealized loss, equity increased
$2.6 million, due to net income of $3.8 million less the cash dividend payment of $1.2 million and $38 thousand used for share repurchases.
The
Company meets the eligibility criteria to be classified as a small bank holding company in accordance with the Federal Reserve’s
Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement issued in February 2015 and is therefore not obligated to report consolidated regulatory
capital. The Bank continues to be subject to various capital requirements administered by banking agencies.
The
Bank’s capital ratios along with the minimum regulatory thresholds to be considered well-capitalized are presented at Note 4 in
Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
At
June 30, 2022, the Bank remains well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The ratios mentioned above
for the Bank comply with the Federal Reserve rules to align with the Basel III Capital requirements.
Book
value per common share was $2.35 at June 30, 2022, and $2.66 at December 31, 2021. Excluding the impact of the accumulated other comprehensive
loss, book value per share was $2.80 at June 30, 2022, and $2.69 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Other key performance indicators
are as follows:
35
Three
months ended June 30,
Six
months ended June 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Return
on average assets 1
0.94%
0.82%
0.95%
0.82%
Return
on average equity 1
13.45%
11.15%
12.88%
11.06%
Average
equity to average assets
6.99%
7.37%
7.41
7.46%
1
- Annualized
Under
current economic conditions, we believe it is prudent to continue to retain capital sufficient to support planned asset growth while
being able to absorb potential losses that may occur if asset quality deteriorates, and based upon projections, we believe our current
capital levels will be sufficient.
During
the first quarter of 2022, the Company paid its first cash dividend of $0.05 per common share to our shareholders. Earnings will continue
to be retained to provide capital to support the planned growth and operations of the Company and to continue to pay any future dividends
to shareholders.
On
April 28, 2022 the board of directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding
common stock through March 31, 2023. The actual means and timing of any purchases, number of shares and prices or range of prices will
be determined by the Company in its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s
common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. During the second quarter of
2022, 16,510 shares were purchased at an average price of $2.28 per share; and, during the third quarter 2022, through August 10, 2022
an additional 5,720 shares have been purchased. There is no assurance that the Company will purchase any additional shares under this
program.
Liquidity
As
discussed previously, in response to the cybersecurity incident we took efforts to increase on balance sheet liquidity through a series
of FHLB advances transferred to our account at Federal Reserve Bank and pledging additional investment securities as collateral against
unused funding sources for emergency needs. The deposit runoff since the cybersecurity incident has not been significant. 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 $184.7 million at June 30, 2022, an increase of $25.4 million from $159.3 million at December
31, 2021. A surplus of short-term assets is maintained at levels management deems adequate to meet potential liquidity needs during 2022.
At
June 30, 2022, all of our investment securities were classified as available-for-sale. These investments provide a source of liquidity
in the amount of $70.9 million, which is net of the $29.7 million of securities pledged as collateral. Investment securities available
for sale serve as a source of liquidity while yielding a higher return versus other short-term investment options, such as federal funds
sold and overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank.
Our
loan to deposit ratio was 82.8% at June 30, 2022 and 83.9% at December 31, 2021. We anticipate this ratio to remain at or below 90% for
the foreseeable future.
While
we have experienced some deposit runoff in response to the cybersecurity incident, other factors have also influenced customers’
activities, including interest rates available for time deposits and the previously announced closure of two branch offices scheduled
for August 2022. Additionally, some of this deposit activity is due to normal churn of deposit accounts and depositors.
Available
third-party sources of liquidity at June 30, 2022 include the following: a line of credit with the FHLB, access to brokered certificates
of deposit markets and the discount window at the Federal Reserve Bank. We also have the ability to borrow $30.0 million in unsecured
federal funds through credit facilities extended by correspondent banks.
The
Bank’s line of credit with the FHLB is $203.3 million, with unused availability at June 30, 2022 of $136.3 million. FHLB advances
totaling $60 million were outstanding at June 30, 2022, but the credit line also secures a letter of credit totaling $7.0 million. The
available line and the outstanding letters of credit are secured by a blanket lien on our residential real estate loans which amounted
to $129.2 million at June 30, 2022.
The
Bank also has access to the brokered deposits market and the Certificate of Deposit Registry Service (CDARS). At June 30, 2022, we held
no brokered deposits and $2.8 million in CDARS reciprocal time deposits and $10.6 million in ICS reciprocal interest-bearing demand deposits.
36
Additional
liquidity is available through the Federal Reserve Bank discount window for overnight funding needs. We may collateralize this line with
investment securities and loans at our discretion; however, while we do not anticipate using this as a primary funding source, securities
with an estimated market value of $25.6 million were pledged at June 30, 2022.
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.
The
bank holding company has approximately $523 thousand in cash on deposit at the Bank at June 30, 2022. The holding company receives periodic
dividend payments from the Bank which are used to pay operating expenses, to pay trust preferred interest payments, and to fund dividend
payments to shareholders and repurchase shares. The Company makes quarterly interest payments on the trust preferred securities.
As
discussed in the Capital Resources section, the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding
common stock through March 31, 2023. Payments for any repurchases will be distributed from available funds, or from dividends payments
from the Bank, and are not expected to have a material impact on available liquidity.
Off
Balance Sheet Items and Contractual Obligations
There
have been no material changes during the six months ended June 30, 2022, to the off-balance sheet items and the contractual obligations
disclosed in our 2021 Form 10-K.
Item 3. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not
Applicable.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.