UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024

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

For transition period from__________ to___________

Commission file number      001-39043

BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
95-4547287
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150
Los Angeles, California
 
90010
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(323) 634-1700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class:
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(including attached preferred stock purchase rights)
 
BYFC
 
Nasdaq Capital Market

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
       
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company

   
Emerging growth company


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

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

As of April 30, 2024, 6,033,212 shares of the registrant’s Class A voting common stock, 1,425,574 shares of the registrant’s Class B non-voting common stock and 1,672,562 shares of the registrant’s Class C non-voting common stock were outstanding.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
       
 
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
       
   
1
       
   
2
       
   
3
       
   
4
       
   
5
       
 
Item 2.
21
       
 
Item 3.
32
       
 
Item 4.
32
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
 
Item 1.
33
       
 
Item 1A.
33
       
 
Item 2.
33
       
 
Item 3.
33
       
 
Item 4.
33
       
 
Item 5.
33
       
 
Item 6.
33
       
 
34


BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   
March 31, 2024
   
December 31, 2023
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets:
           
Cash and due from banks
 
$
6,037
   
$
5,460
 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
61,085
     
99,735
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
67,122
     
105,195
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
   
293,243
     
316,950
 
Loans receivable held for investment, net of allowance of $7,552 and $7,348
   
926,497
     
880,457
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
5,638
     
4,938
 
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock
   
10,292
     
10,156
 
Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock
    3,543
      3,543
 
Office properties and equipment, net
   
9,731
     
9,840
 
Bank owned life insurance, net
   
3,286
     
3,275
 
Deferred tax assets, net
   
9,827
     
9,538
 
Core deposit intangible, net
    2,027
      2,111
 
Goodwill
    25,858
      25,858
 
Other assets
   
13,400
     
3,543
 
Total assets
 
$
1,370,464
   
$
1,375,404
 
                 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits
 
$
695,494
   
$
682,635
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    71,681       73,475  
FHLB advances
   
209,280
     
209,319
 
Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) borrowing
    100,000       100,000  
Notes payable
   
      14,000
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
12,542
     
13,878
 
Total liabilities
   
1,088,997
     
1,093,307
 
Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred stock, Series C; authorized 150,000 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; issued and outstanding 150,000 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; liquidation value $1,000 per share
    150,000       150,000  
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value, voting; authorized 75,000,000 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; issued 6,230,705 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; outstanding 6,009,274 shares at March 31, 2024 and 5,914,861 shares at December 31, 2023
   
62
     
62
 
Common stock, Class B, $0.01 par value, non-voting; authorized 15,000,000 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; issued and outstanding 1,425,574 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
    14
      14
 
Common stock, Class C, $0.01 par value, non-voting; authorized 25,000,000 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; issued and outstanding 1,672,562 at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
   
17
     
17
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
142,653
     
142,601
 
Retained earnings
   
12,388
     
12,552
 
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares    
(4,420
)
   
(4,492
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
(14,096
)
   
(13,525
)
Treasury stock-at cost, 327,228 shares at March 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023
   
(5,326
)
   
(5,326
)
Total Broadway Financial Corporation and Subsidiary stockholders’ equity
   
281,292
     
281,903
 
Non-controlling interest
    175       194  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,370,464
   
$
1,375,404
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 (Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2024
   
2023
 
Interest income:
           
Interest and fees on loans receivable
 
$
11,129
   
$
8,666
 
Interest on available-for-sale securities
   
2,075
     
2,180
 
Other interest income
   
1,589
     
328
 
Total interest income
   
14,793
     
11,174
 
 
               
Interest expense:
               
Interest on deposits
   
2,799
     
1,303
 
Interest on borrowings
   
4,470
     
1,597
 
Total interest expense
   
7,269
     
2,900
 
 
               
Net interest income
   
7,524
     
8,274
 
Provision for credit losses
   
260
     
88
 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
   
7,264
     
8,186
 
 
               
Non-interest income:
               
Service charges
   
40
     
61
 
Other
   
266
     
228
 
Total non-interest income
   
306
     
289
 
 
               
Non-interest expense:
               
Compensation and benefits
   
4,397
     
3,749
 
Occupancy expense
   
435
     
303
 
Information services
   
707
     
715
 
Professional services
   
1,410
     
505
 
Supervisory costs
   
177
     
94
 
Office services and supplies
   
34
     
22
 
Advertising and promotional expense     28       68  
Corporate insurance
   
61
     
62
 
Appraisal and other loan expense
          43  
Amortization of core deposit intangible
   
84
     
98
 
Travel expense
    79       78  
Other expense
   
398
     
469
 
Total non-interest expense
   
7,810
     
6,206
 
 
               
(Loss) income before income taxes
   
(240
)
   
2,269
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(57
)
   
674
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(183
)
 
$
1,595
 
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
(19
)
   
22
 
Net (loss) income attributable to Broadway Financial Corporation
 
$
(164
)
 
$
1,573
 
 
               
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized (losses) income on securities available-for-sale arising during the period
 
$
(803
)
 
$
3,433
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(232
)
   
988
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
   
(571
)
   
2,445
 
 
               
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(735
)
 
$
4,018
 
 
               
(Loss) earnings per common share-basic(1)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.18
 
(Loss) earnings per common share-diluted(1)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.17
 

(1)  Retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023 - see Note 1

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net (loss) income
 
$
(183
)
 
$
1,595
 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for credit losses
   
260
     
88
 
Depreciation
   
164
     
172
 
Net change of deferred loan origination costs
   
137
     
(223
)
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale securities
   
(253
)
   
(253
)
Accretion of purchase accounting marks on loans
   
(32
)
   
 
Amortization of core deposit intangible
   
84
     
98
 
Director compensation expense-common stock
   
     
96
 
(Accretion) amortization of premium on FHLB advances
   
(4
)
   
1
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
77
     
38
 
ESOP compensation expense
   
47
     
(202
)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
(11
)
   
(9
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Net change in deferred taxes
   
(57
)
   
569
 
Net change in accrued interest receivable
    (700 )     (246 )
Net change in other assets
   
(9,857
)
   
42
 
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
(1,336
)
   
2,035
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(11,664
)
   
3,801
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Net change in loans receivable held for investment
   
(46,405
)
   
(9,681
)
Principal payments on available-for-sale securities
   
23,157
     
3,409
 
Purchase of FHLB stock
   
(136
)
   
(1,765
)
Proceeds from redemption of FRB stock
          1,721  
Purchase of office properties and equipment
   
(55
)
   
(3
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(23,439
)
   
(6,319
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net change in deposits
   
12,859
     
(29,374
)
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(1,794
)
   
7,470
 
Purchase of unreleased ESOP shares
   
     
(2,500
)
Repayment of notes payable
   
(14,000
)
   

 
Proceeds from FHLB advances
   
     
40,500
 
Repayments of FHLB advances
   
(35
)
   
(35
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(2,970
)
   
16,061
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(38,073
)
   
13,543
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
   
105,195
     
16,105
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
67,122
   
$
29,648
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
 
$
5,913
   
$
2,882
 
Cash paid for income taxes
   
48
     
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
 
 
 
Preferred Stock Non-
Voting
   
Common
Stock
Voting
   
Common
Stock Non-
Voting
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
Retained Earnings
   
Unearned
ESOP Shares
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Non-
Controlling Interest
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2023
 
$
150,000
   
$
62
   
$
31
   
$
142,601
   
$
(13,525
)
 
$
12,552
   
$
(4,492
)
 
$
(5,326
)
 
$
194
   
$
282,097
 
Net loss
   
     
     
     
     
     
(164
)
   
     
     
(19
)
   
(183
)
Release of unearned ESOP shares
   
     
     
     
(25
)
   
     
     
72
     
     
     
47
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   

     

     

     
77
     

     

     
     

     

     
77
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
     
     
     
     
(571
)
   
     
     
     
     
(571
)
Balance at March 31, 2024
 
$
150,000
   
$
62
   
$
31
   
$
142,653
   
$
(14,096
)
 
$
12,388
   
$
(4,420
)
 
$
(5,326
)
 
$
175
   
$
281,467
 
 
                                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2022
 
$
150,000
   
$
64
   
$
31
   
$
144,157
   
$
(17,473
)
 
$
9,294
   
$
(1,265
)
 
$
(5,326
)
 
$
170
   
$
279,652
 
Cumulative effect of change related to adoption of ASU 2016-13
                                  (1,256 )                       (1,256 )
Adjusted balance, January 1, 2023
    150,000       64       31       144,157       (17,473 )     8,038       (1,265 )     (5,326 )     170       278,396  
Net income
   
     
     
     
     
     
1,573
     
     
     
22
     
1,595
 
Release of unearned ESOP shares
                      (4 )                 (198 )                 (202 )
Increase in unreleased shares
                                        (2,500 )                 (2,500 )
Stock-based compensation expense
   
     
     
     
38
     
     
     
     
     
     
38
 
Director stock compensation expense
          1             95                                     96  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
     
     
     
     
2,445
     
     
     
     
     
2,445
 
Balance at March 31, 2023
 
$
150,000
   
$
65
   
$
31
   
$
144,286
   
$
(15,028
)
 
$
9,611
   
$
(3,963
)
 
$
(5,326
)
 
$
192
   
$
279,868
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

BROADWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 – Basis of Financial Statement Presentation


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include Broadway Financial Corporation (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, City First Bank, National Association (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “City First Broadway”). Also included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements are the following subsidiaries of City First Bank: 1432 U Street LLC, Broadway Service Corporation, City First Real Estate LLC, City First Real Estate II LLC, City First Real Estate III LLC, City First Real Estate IV LLC, and CF New Markets Advisors, LLC (“CFNMA”). In addition, CFNMA also consolidates CFC Fund Manager II, LLC; City First New Markets Fund II, LLC; City First Capital IX, LLC; and City First Capital 45, LLC (“CFC 45”) into its financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”) and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with such audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring in nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024.

Reverse Stock Split


On October 30, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share at a ratio of 1-for-8 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The shares of Class A common stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis at the open of business on November 1, 2023.  As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split was reduced such that every 8 shares of common stock held by a stockholder immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split were combined and reclassified into one share of common stock.  All common stock share amounts and per share numbers discussed herein have been retroactively adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split.


Except as discussed below, our accounting policies are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2023 Form 10-K.

NOTE 2 Earnings Per Share of Common Stock


Basic earnings per share of common stock is computed pursuant to the two-class method by dividing net income available to common stockholders less dividends paid on participating securities (unvested shares of restricted common stock) and any undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average common shares outstanding includes the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding less the weighted average number of unvested shares of restricted common stock. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned. Diluted earnings per share of common stock includes the dilutive effect of unvested stock awards and additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Unvested restricted awards are considered outstanding for this calculation.



The following table shows how the Company computed basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except
per share data)
 
Net (loss) income attributable to Broadway Financial Corporation
 
$
(164
)
 
$
1,573
 
Less net income attributable to participating securities
   
4
     
7
 
(Loss) income available to common stockholders
 
$
(168
)
 
$
1,566
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share(1)
   
8,229,774
     
8,930,270
 
Add: dilutive effects of unvested restricted stock awards(1)     182,998       40,378  
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share(1)
   
8,412,772
     
8,970,648
 
                 
(Loss) earnings per common share - basic(1)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.18
 
(Loss) earnings per common share - diluted(1)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.17
 
(1) Retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023 - see Note 1

NOTE 3 – Securities


The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolios as of the dates indicated and the corresponding amounts of unrealized gains and losses which were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:


   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2024:
     
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
74,240
   
$
2
   
$
(10,212
)
 
$
64,030
 
Federal agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”)
    23,977       7       (1,455 )     22,529  
Federal agency debt
   
50,945
     
     
(3,099
)
   
47,846
 
Municipal bonds
   
4,824
     
     
(473
)
   
4,351
 
U. S. Treasuries
   
147,305
     
     
(2,861
)
   
144,444
 
U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) pools
   
11,783
     
3
     
(1,743
)
   
10,043
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
313,074
   
$
12
   
$
(19,843
)
 
$
293,243
 
December 31, 2023:
 
 
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
76,091
   
$
3
   
$
(9,316
)
 
$
66,778
 
Federal agency CMOs
    24,720             (1,381 )     23,339  
Federal agency debt
   
50,893
     
     
(3,057
)
   
47,836
 
Municipal bonds
   
4,833
     
     
(460
)
   
4,373
 
U. S. Treasuries
    167,055             (3,175 )     163,880  
SBA pools
    12,386       4       (1,646 )     10,744  
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
335,978
   
$
7
   
$
(19,035
)
 
$
316,950
 


As of March 31, 2024, investment securities with a fair value of $78.6 million were pledged as collateral for securities sold under agreements to repurchase and included $37.9 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.3 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities, and $10.4 million of federal agency debt securities. As of December 31, 2023, investment securities with a fair value of $89.0 million were pledged as collateral for securities sold under agreements to repurchase and included $47.8 million of U.S. Treasuries, $30.2 million of federal agency mortgage-backed securities, and $11.0 million of federal agency debt securities (See Note 6 – Borrowings). There were no securities pledged to secure public deposits at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.  Accrued interest receivable on securities was $1.4 million and $1.2 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in the consolidated statements of financial condition under accrued interest receivable.


At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were no holdings of securities by any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.



The amortized cost and estimated fair value of all investment securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2024, by contractual maturities are shown below. Contractual maturities may differ from expected maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
100,551
   
$
   
$
(1,115
)
 
$
99,436
 
Due after one year through five years
   
102,864
     
     
(4,993
)
   
97,871
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
27,891
     
9
     
(1,820
)
   
26,080
 
Due after ten years (1)
   
81,768
     
3
     
(11,915
)
   
69,856
 
   
$
313,074
   
$
12
   
$
(19,843
)
 
$
293,243
 

(1)
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and SBA pools do not have a single stated maturity date and therefore have been included in the “Due after ten years” category.


The table below indicates the length of time individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   

Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2024:
                                   
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
   
$
 
$
63,839
   
$
(10,212
)
 
$
63,839
   
$
(10,212
)
Federal agency CMOs
   
     
   
21,753
     
(1,455
)
   
21,753
     
(1,455
)
Federal agency debt
   
     
   
47,846
     
(3,099
)
   
47,846
     
(3,099
)
Municipal bonds
   
     
   
4,351
     
(473
)
   
4,351
     
(473
)
U. S. Treasuries
   
53,568
     
(1,057
)
   
90,875
     
(1,804
)
   
144,443
     
(2,861
)
SBA pools
   
284
     
(1
)
   
8,815
     
(1,742
)
   
9,099
     
(1,743
)
Total unrealized loss position investment securities
 
$
53,852
   
$
(1,058
)
 
$
237,479
   
$
(18,785
)
 
$
291,331
   
$
(19,843
)
                                                 
December 31, 2023:
                                               
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
   
$
 
$
66,575
   
$
(9,316
)
 
$
66,575
   
$
(9,316
)
Federal agency CMOs
              23,339       (1,381 )     23,339       (1,381 )
Federal agency debt
   
3,018
     
(37
)
   
44,818
     
(3,020
)
   
47,836
     
(3,057
)
Municipal bonds
   
     
   
4,373
     
(460
)
   
4,373
     
(460
)
U. S. Treasuries
   
     
   
163,880
     
(3,175
)
   
163,880
     
(3,175
)
SBA pools
    286       (1 )     9,439       (1,645 )     9,725       (1,646 )
Total unrealized loss position investment securities
 
$
3,304
   
$
(38
)
 
$
312,424
   
$
(18,997
)
 
$
315,728
   
$
(19,035
)


At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were no securities in nonaccrual status. All securities in the portfolio were current with their contractual principal and interest payments. At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were no securities purchased with deterioration in credit quality since their origination. At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were no collateral dependent securities.



The Company’s assessment of available-for-sale investment securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, indicated that an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was not required. The Company analyzed available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position and determined the decline in fair value for those securities was not related to credit, but rather related to changes in interest rates and general market conditions. As such, no ACL was recorded for available-for-sale securities as of  March 31, 2024.

NOTE 4 Loans Receivable Held for Investment


Loans receivable held for investment were as follows as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2024
   
December 31,
2023
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate:
           
Single-family
 
$
28,184
   
$
24,702
 
Multi-family
   
601,126
     
561,447
 
Commercial real estate
   
124,717
     
119,436
 
Church
   
12,573
     
12,717
 
Construction
   
90,333
     
89,887
 
Commercial – other
   
63,538
     
63,450
 
SBA loans (1)
    12,475       14,954  
Consumer
   
14
     
13
 
Gross loans receivable before deferred loan costs and premiums
   
932,960
     
886,606
 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs and premiums
   
1,828
     
1,971
 
Gross loans receivable
   
934,788
     
888,577
 
Credit and interest marks on purchased loans, net
    (739 )     (772 )
Allowance for credit losses
   
(7,552
)
   
(7,348
)
Loans receivable, net
 
$
926,497
   
$
880,457
 

(1)
Including Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans.


As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the SBA loan category above included $15 thousand and $2.5 million, respectively, of loans issued under the SBA’s PPP. PPP loans have terms of two to five years and earn interest at 1%. PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA and have virtually no risk of loss. The bank expects the vast majority of the PPP loans to be fully forgiven by the SBA.


Following the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 326 – Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, on January 1, 2023, the Company analyzes all acquired loans at the time of acquisition for more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination date. Such loans are classified as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. Acquired loans classified as PCD are recorded at an initial amortized cost, which is comprised of the purchase price of the loans and the initial ACL determined for the loans, which is added to the purchase price, and any resulting discount or premium related to factors other than credit. PCI loans were considered to be PCD loans at the date of adoption of ASC 326. The Company accounts for interest income on PCD loans using the interest method, whereby any purchase discounts or premiums are accreted or amortized into interest income as an adjustment of the loan’s yield. An accretable yield is not determined for PCD loans.



As part of the CFBanc merger, the Company acquired PCI loans. Prior to the CFBanc merger, there were no such acquired loans. The carrying amount of those loans was as follows:


 
March 31, 2024
   
December 31, 2023
 
Real estate:
  (In thousands)
 
Single-family
  $    
$
 
Commercial – other
    47      
47
 
    $ 47    
$
47
 


The following tables summarizes the discount on the PCI loans for the three months ended:

   
March 31, 2024
   
March 31, 2023
 
    (In thousands)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
  $ 2    
$
27
 
Deduction due to payoffs
         
(12
)
Accretion
    (2 )    
(4
)
Balance at the end of the period
  $    
$
11
 


The Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326 – Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, to determine the ACL. ASC 326 requires the Company to recognize estimates for lifetime losses on loans and off-balance sheet loan commitments at the time of origination or acquisition. The recognition of losses at origination or acquisition represents the Company’s best estimate of the lifetime expected credit loss associated with a loan given the facts and circumstances associated with the particular loan, and involves the use of significant management judgement and estimates, which are subject to change based on management’s on-going assessment of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and changes in economic forecasts used in the model. The Company uses the WARM method when determining estimates for the ACL for each of its portfolio segments. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.


The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Qualitative adjustments may be related to and include, but are not limited to, factors such as: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge offs, and recovery practices; (ii) changes in international, national, regional, and local conditions; (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; (iv) changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management; (v) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar conditions; (vi) changes in the quality of the organization’s loan review system; (vii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; (viii) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (ix) the effect of other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. These qualitative factors incorporate the concept of reasonable and supportable forecasts, as required by ASC 326.


The following tables summarize the activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans for the periods indicated:

   
March 31, 2024
 
   
Beginning
Balance
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
(recapture)
   
Ending
Balance
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
                             
Single-family
 
$
260
    $
    $
    $
38
    $
298
 
Multi-family
   
4,413
     
     
     
(88
)
   
4,325
 
Commercial real estate
   
1,094
     
     
     
15
     
1,109
 
Church
   
72
     
     
     
18
     
90
 
Construction
   
932
     
     
     
24
     
956
 
Commercial - other
   
529
     
     
     
193
     
722
 
SBA loans
   
48
     
     
     
4
     
52
 
Consumer
   
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
7,348
    $
    $
    $
204
    $
7,552
 

   
March 31, 2023
 
   
Beginning
Balance
   
Impact of
CECL
Adoption
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
(benefit)
   
Ending Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
                                   
Single-family
 
$
109
   
$
214
   
$
   
$
   
$
(62
)
 
$
261
 
Multi-family
   
3,273
     
603
     
     
     
56
     
3,932
 
Commercial real estate
   
449
     
466
     
     
     
97
     
1,012
 
Church
   
65
     
37
     
     
     
(10
)
   
92
 
Construction
   
313
     
219
     
     
     
61
     
593
 
Commercial - other
   
175
     
254
     
     
     
(72
)
   
357
 
SBA loans
   
     
20
     
     
     
18
     
38
 
Consumer
   
4
     
(4
)
   
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
4,388
   
$
1,809
   
$
   
$
   
$
88
   
$
6,285
 


The ACL increased from March 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 due to growth in the loan portfolio. Since the Company has no historical loss rates of its own, it uses peer historical loss rates, which decreased during the first quarter of 2024 and caused the Company to decrease the factor for historical losses in its computation, causing a decrease in the reserve on certain loan categories.



The Company evaluates loans collectively for purposes of determining the ACL in accordance with ASC 326. Collective evaluation is based on aggregating loans deemed to possess similar risk characteristics. In certain instances, the Company may identify loans that it believes no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio. These loans are typically identified from those that have exhibited deterioration in credit quality, since the specific attributes and risks associated with such loans tend to become unique as the credit deteriorates. Such loans are typically nonperforming, downgraded to substandard or worse, and/or are deemed collateral dependent, where the ultimate repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of or eventual sale of the collateral. Loans that are deemed by management to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the portfolio, or that have been identified as collateral dependent, are evaluated individually for purposes of determining an appropriate lifetime ACL. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach, using the loan’s effective interest rate, for determining the ACL on individually evaluated loans, unless the loan is deemed collateral dependent, which requires evaluation based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. The Company may increase or decrease the ACL for collateral dependent loans based on changes in the estimated fair value of the collateral.



The following table presents collateral dependent loans by collateral type as of the date indicated:
 
   
March 31, 2024
 
 
 
Single-Family
   
Multi-Family
Residential
   
Church
   
Business
Assets
   
Total
 
Real estate:
 
(In thousands)
 
Single-family
 
$
42
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
42
 
Multi-family
          401                   401  
Commercial real estate
   
     
     
58
     
     
58
 
Church
   
     
     
388
     
     
388
 
Commercial – other
   
     
     
     
267
     
267
 
Total
 
$
42
   
$
401
   
$
446
   
$
267
   
$
1,156
 

   
December 31, 2023
 
   
Single-Family
   
Multi-Family
Residential
   
Church
   
Business
Assets
   
Total
 
Real estate:
 
(In thousands)
 
Single-family
 
$
45
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
45
 
Multi-family
   
     
5,672
     
     
     
5,672
 
Commercial real estate
   
     
     
65
     
     
65
 
Church
   
     
     
391
     
     
391
 
Commercial – other
   
     
     
     
268
     
268
 
Total
 
$
45
   
$
5,672
   
$
456
   
$
268
   
$
6,441
 


At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $1.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively of individually evaluated loans were evaluated based on the underlying value of the collateral and no individually evaluated loans were evaluated using a discounted cash flow approach. These loans had an associated ACL of $111 thousand and $112 thousand as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company had one $410 thousand individually evaluated loan on nonaccrual status at March 31, 2024.


Past Due Loans



The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by loan type as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2024
 
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater than
90 Days Past
Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
                                   
Single-family
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
28,184
   
$
28,184
 
Multi-family
   
     
     
401
     
401
     
602,553
     
602,954
 
Commercial real estate
   
     
     
     
     
124,717
     
124,717
 
Church
   
     
     
     
     
12,573
     
12,573
 
Construction
   
     
     
     
     
90,333
     
90,333
 
Commercial - other
   
     
     
     
     
63,538
     
63,538
 
SBA loans
    9       360             369       12,106       12,475  
Consumer
   
     
     
     
     
14
     
14
 
Total
 
$
9
   
$
360
   
$
401
   
$
770
   
$
934,018
   
$
934,788
 

   
December 31, 2023
 
   
30-59 Days
Past Due
   
60-89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater than
90 Days Past
Due
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
                                   
Single-family
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
24,702
   
$
24,702
 
Multi-family
   
     
401
     
     
401
     
563,017
     
563,418
 
Commercial real estate
   
     
     
     
     
119,436
     
119,436
 
Church
   
     
     
     
     
12,717
     
12,717
 
Construction
   
     
     
     
     
89,887
     
89,887
 
Commercial - other
   
     
     
     
     
63,450
     
63,450
 
SBA loans
    379                   379       14,575       14,954  
Consumer    

     

     

     

     
13
     
13
 
Total
 
$
379
   
$
401
   
$
   
$
780
   
$
887,797
   
$
888,577
 


The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans by loan type as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2024
   
December 31,
2023
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
           
Multi-family
 
$
401
   
$
 
Total non-accrual loans
 
$
401
   
$
 



The non-accrual loan above had no related ACL at March 31, 2024. There were no loans 90 days or more delinquent that were accruing interest as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Modified Loans to Troubled Borrowers



GAAP requires that certain types of modifications of loans in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty be reported, which consist of the following: (i) principal forgiveness, (ii) interest rate reduction, (iii) other-than-insignificant payment delay, (iv) term extension, or (v) any combination of the foregoing. The ACL for loans that were modified in response to a borrower’s financial difficulty is measured on a collective basis, as with other loans in the loan portfolio, unless management determines that such loans no longer possess risk characteristics similar to others in the loan portfolio. In those instances, the ACL for such loans is determined through individual evaluation. There were no loan modifications to borrowers that were experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Credit Quality Indicators


The Company categorizes loans 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.  For single-family residential, consumer, and other smaller balance homogenous loans, a credit grade is established at inception, and generally only adjusted based on performance.  Information about payment status is disclosed elsewhere herein. The Company analyzes all other loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed at least on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:


Watch. Loans classified as watch exhibit weaknesses that could threaten the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors. Watch graded loans are generally performing and are not more than 59 days past due. A watch rating is used when a material deficiency exists, but correction is anticipated within an acceptable time frame.


Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.


Substandard. Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified 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 as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with 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.


Loss. Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that to continue to carry the loan as an active asset is no longer warranted.


Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above-described process are considered to be pass rated loans.  Pass rated loans are generally well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor and/or by the value of the underlying collateral.  Pass rated loans are not more than 59 days past due and are generally performing in accordance with the loan terms.



The following table stratifies the loans held for investment portfolio by the Company’s internal risk grading, and by year of origination as of the date indicated:


   
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year - As of March 31, 2024
             
 
 
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
   
Prior
   
Revolving
Loans
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Single-family:
                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
551
   
$
4,135
   
$
3,039
   
$
2,050
   
$
14,612
   
$
   
$
24,387
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
745
     
869
     
714
     
     
2,328
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
115
     
     
115
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
1,354
     
     
     
1,354
 
Total
 
$
   
$
551
   
$
4,135
   
$
3,784
   
$
4,273
   
$
15,441
   
$
   
$
28,184
 
 
                                                               
Multi-family:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
39,797
   
$
86,356
   
$
182,415
   
$
144,826
   
$
27,195
   
$
92,345
   
$
   
$
572,934
 
Watch
   
     
     
4,667
     
6,168
     
     
4,377
     
     
15,212
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
2,039
     
     
2,039
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
894
     
     
11,875
     
     
12,769
 
Total
 
$
39,797
   
$
86,356
   
$
187,082
   
$
151,888
   
$
27,195
   
$
110,636
   
$
   
$
602,954
 
 
                                                               
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
15,000
   
$
1,751
   
$
21,406
   
$
25,877
   
$
24,477
   
$
22,487
   
$
   
$
110,998
 
Watch
   
     
     
440
     
     
5,256
     
2,579
     
     
8,275
 
Special Mention
   
     
884
     
     
     
     
     
     
884
 
Substandard
   
     
     
   

   

     
4,560
   

   

4,560
 
Total
 
$
15,000
   
$
2,635
   
$
21,846
   
$
25,877
   
$
29,733
   
$
29,626
   
$
   
$
124,717
 
 
                                                               
Church:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
2,892
   
$
   
$
2,196
   
$
1,735
   
$
2,649
   
$
   
$
9,472
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
     
1,490
     
     
1,490
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
648
     
     
648
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
963
     
     
963
 
Total
 
$
   
$
2,892
   
$
   
$
2,196
   
$
1,735
   
$
5,750
   
$
   
$
12,573
 
 
                                                               
Construction:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Watch
   
954
     
43,787
     
31,126
     
8,094
     
     
1,841
     
     
85,802
 
Special Mention
   
     
252
     
4,279
     
     
     
     
     
4,531
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
954
   
$
44,039
   
$
35,405
   
$
8,094
   
$
   
$
1,841
   
$
   
$
90,333
 
 
                                                               
Commercial – other:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
15,000
   
$
9,033
   
$
80
   
$
6,196
   
$
7,632
   
$
   
$
37,941
 
Watch
   
17,594
     
     
312
     
     
     
6,549
     
     
24,455
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
972
     
     
     
972
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
170
     
     
     
     
170
 
Total
 
$
17,594
   
$
15,000
   
$
9,345
   
$
250
   
$
7,168
   
$
14,181
   
$
   
$
63,538
 
 
                                                               
SBA:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
9,065
   
$
150
   
$
15
   
$
   
$
1,425
   
$
   
$
10,655
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
446
     
1,374
     
     
1,820
 
Total
 
$
   
$
9,065
   
$
150
   
$
15
   
$
446
   
$
2,799
   
$
   
$
12,475
 
 
                                                               
Consumer:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
14
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
14
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
14
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
14
 
 
                                                               
Total loans:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
54,811
   
$
115,615
   
$
217,139
   
$
176,033
   
$
61,653
   
$
141,150
   
$
   
$
766,401
 
Watch
   
18,548
     
43,787
     
36,545
     
15,007
     
6,125
     
17,550
     
     
137,562
 
Special Mention
   
     
1,136
     
4,279
     
     
972
     
2,802
     
     
9,189
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
1,064
     
1,800
     
18,772
     
     
21,636
 
Total loans
 
$
73,359
   
$
160,538
   
$
257,963
   
$
192,104
   
$
70,550
   
$
180,274
   
$
   
$
934,788
 

   
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year - As of December 31, 2023
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
   
2019
   
Prior
   
Revolving
Loans
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Single-family:
                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
2,474
   
$
1,862
   
$
2,940
   
$
1,485
   
$
12,374
   
$
   
$
21,135
 
Watch
   
     
     
750
     
     
     
999
     
     
1,749
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
116
     
     
116
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
1,365
     
     
337
     
     
1,702
 
Total
 
$
   
$
2,474
   
$
2,612
   
$
4,305
   
$
1,485
   
$
13,826
   
$
   
$
24,702
 
                                                                 
Multi-family:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
81,927
   
$
183,295
   
$
145,652
   
$
27,356
   
$
44,511
   
$
47,119
   
$
   
$
529,860
 
Watch
   
     
4,686
     
6,203
     
     
1,186
     
6,474
     
     
18,549
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
899
     
     
     
1,344
     
     
2,243
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
363
     
12,403
     
     
12,766
 
Total
 
$
81,927
   
$
187,981
   
$
152,754
   
$
27,356
   
$
46,060
   
$
67,340
   
$
   
$
563,418
 
                                                                 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
9,881
   
$
22,131
   
$
26,019
   
$
24,684
   
$
6,718
   
$
15,106
   
$
   
$
104,539
 
Watch
   
     
442
     
     
5,286
     
     
2,599
     
     
8,327
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
325
     
     
     
325
 
Substandard
   
     
     
   
$
   
$
     
6,245
   
$
   
$
6,245
 
Total
 
$
9,881
   
$
22,573
   
$
26,019
   
$
29,970
   
$
7,043
   
$
23,950
   
$
   
$
119,436
 
                                                                 
Church:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
2,923
   
$
   
$
2,210
   
$
1,748
   
$
   
$
2,704
   
$
   
$
9,585
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
636
     
1,525
     
     
2,161
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
971
     
     
971
 
Total
 
$
2,923
   
$
   
$
2,210
   
$
1,748
   
$
636
   
$
5,200
   
$
   
$
12,717
 
                                                                 
Construction:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
   
$
1,109
   
$
1,198
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,307
 
Watch
   
42,300
     
35,179
     
5,484
     
     
     
2,097
     
     
85,060
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
2,520
     
     
     
     
     
2,520
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
42,300
   
$
36,288
   
$
9,202
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,097
   
$
   
$
89,887
 
                                                                 
Commercial – other:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
15,000
   
$
9,077
   
$
87
   
$
5,600
   
$
   
$
25,154
   
$
   
$
54,918
 
Watch
   
     
312
     
     
1,500
     
6,550
     
     
     
8,362
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
170
     
     
     
     
     
170
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
15,000
   
$
9,389
   
$
257
   
$
7,100
   
$
6,550
   
$
25,154
   
$
   
$
63,450
 
                                                                 
SBA:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
11,809
   
$
109
   
$
2,453
   
$
   
$
16
   
$
100
   
$
   
$
14,487
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
467
     
     
     
     
467
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
11,809
   
$
109
   
$
2,453
   
$
467
   
$
16
   
$
100
   
$
   
$
14,954
 
                                                                 
Consumer:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
13
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
13
 
Watch
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
 
$
13
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
13
 
                                                                 
Total loans:
                                                               
Pass
 
$
121,553
   
$
218,195
   
$
179,481
   
$
62,328
   
$
52,730
   
$
102,557
   
$
   
$
736,844
 
Watch
   
42,300
     
40,619
     
12,437
     
6,786
     
8,372
     
13,694
     
     
124,208
 
Special Mention
   
     
     
3,589
     
467
     
325
     
1,460
     
     
5,841
 
Substandard
   
     
     
     
1,365
     
363
     
19,956
     
     
21,684
 
Total loans
 
$
163,853
   
$
258,814
   
$
195,507
   
$
70,946
   
$
61,790
   
$
137,667
   
$
   
$
888,577
 

Allowance for Credit Losses for Off-Balance Sheet Commitments


The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments related to unfunded loans and lines of credit, which is included in other liabilities of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Upon the Company’s adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2023, the Company applies an expected credit loss estimation methodology for off-balance sheet commitments. This methodology is commensurate with the methodology applied to each respective segment of the loan portfolio in determining the ACL for loans held-for-investment. The loss estimation process includes assumptions for the probability that a loan will fund, as well as the expected amount of funding. These assumptions are based on the Company’s own historical internal loan data.


The allowance for off-balance sheet commitments was $420 thousand and $364 thousand at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.  This amount is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.  The provision for off-balance sheet commitments was $56 thousand for the quarter-ended March 31, 2024.


NOTE 5 Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible



The Company recognized goodwill of $25.9 million and a core deposit intangible of $2.0 million as of March 31, 2024. The following table presents the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and core deposit intangibles for the three months ended March 31, 2024:


    Goodwill
   
Core Deposit
Intangible
 
    (In thousands)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
25,858
   
$
2,111
 
Additions
         
 
Change in deferred tax estimate
         
 
Amortization
         
(84
)
Balance at the end of the period
  $ 25,858    
$
2,027
 


 



The carrying amount of the core deposit intangible consisted of the following at March 31, 2024 (in thousands):

Core deposit intangible acquired
 
$
3,329
 
Less: accumulated amortization     (1,302 )

 
$
2,027
 


The following table outlines the estimated amortization expense for the core deposit intangible during the next five fiscal years (in thousands):


Remainder of 2024
 
$
252
 
2025
   
315
 
2026
   
304
 
2027
   
291
 
2028
   
279
 
Thereafter
   
586
 
   
$
2,027
 

NOTE 6 Borrowings


The Company enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. These agreements mature on a daily basis. As of March 31, 2024 securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $71.7 million at an average rate of 3.62%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $78.6 million as of March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $73.5 million at an average rate of 3.64%. The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023.


 

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding advances from the FHLB totaling $209.3 million. The weighted interest rate was 4.91% as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The weighted average contractual maturity was 2 months as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The advances were collateralized by loans with a fair value of $419.2 million at March 31, 2024 and $435.4 million at December 31, 2023. The Company is currently approved by the FHLB of Atlanta to borrow up to 25% of total assets to the extent the Company provides qualifying collateral and holds sufficient FHLB stock. Based on collateral pledged and FHLB stock held, the Company was eligible to borrow an additional $105.0 million as of March 31, 2024.



On December 27, 2023, the Company borrowed $100 million from the Federal Reserve under the BTFP. As of  both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $100 million was outstanding. The interest rate on this borrowing is fixed at 4.84% and the borrowing matures on December 29, 2024. Investment securities with a fair value of $98.3 million were pledged as collateral for this borrowing as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. There are no prepayment penalties for early payoff. As the BTFP ended on March 11, 2024, no additional borrowings can be made under the program.



In addition, the Company had additional lines of credit of $10.0 million with other financial institutions as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These lines of credit are unsecured, bear interest at the Federal funds rate as of the date of utilization and mature in 30 days.  There were no amounts outstanding under these lines of credit as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.


In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Bank, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. This community development entity (“CDE”) acts in effect as a pass-through for a Merrill Lynch allocation totaling $14.0 million that needed to be deployed. In December 2015, Merrill Lynch made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 passed that loan through to a Qualified Active Low-Income Business (“QALICB”). The loan to the QALICB was secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust that, due to the pass-through, non-recourse structure, was operationally and ultimately for the benefit of Merrill Lynch rather than CFC 45. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB were passed through to Merrill Lynch in return for which CFC 45 received a servicing fee. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Bank and the Company.


There were two notes for CFC 45. Note A was in the amount of $9.9 million with a fixed interest rate of 5.2% per annum. Note B was in the amount of $4.1 million with a fixed interest rate of 0.24% per annum. Quarterly interest only payments commenced in March 2016 and continued through March 2023 for Notes A and B. These notes were paid off during January 2024.

NOTE 7 Fair Value


The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:



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


The fair value of loans that are collateral dependent is generally based upon the fair value of the collateral, which is obtained from recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Collateral dependent loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for additional required calculation adjustments (taken as part of the ACL) and adjusted accordingly.


Assets acquired through or by transfer in lieu of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals which are updated every nine months. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Real estate owned properties are evaluated on a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.



Appraisals for collateral-dependent loans and assets acquired through or by transfer of in lieu of foreclosure are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, an independent third-party licensed appraiser reviews the appraisals for accuracy and reasonableness, reviewing the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics.

Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis


Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

   
Fair Value Measurement
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
At March 31, 2024:
                       
Securities available-for-sale:
                       
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
    $ 64,030    
$
    $ 64,030  
Federal agency CMOs
   
      22,529      
      22,529  
Federal agency debt
   
      47,846      
      47,846  
Municipal bonds
          4,351      
      4,351  
U.S. Treasuries
   
144,444
           
      144,444  
SBA pools
   
      10,043      
      10,043  
                                 
At December 31, 2023:
                               
Securities available-for-sale:
                               
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 
$
   
$
66,778
   
$
   
$
66,778
 
Federal agency CMOs
   
     
23,339
     
     
23,339
 
Federal agency debt
   
     
47,836
     
     
47,836
 
Municipal bonds
   
     
4,373
     
     
4,373
 
U.S. Treasuries
   
163,880
     
     
     
163,880
 
SBA pools
   
     
10,744
     
     
10,744
 



There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.



As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank did not have any assets or liabilities carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.


Fair Values of Financial Instruments



The following tables present the carrying amount, fair value, and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

         
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2024
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financial Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 67,122     $ 67,122     $     $     $ 67,122  
Securities available-for-sale
    293,243
      144,444
      148,799
     
      293,243
 
Loans receivable held for investment
   
926,497
     
     
     
778,813
     
778,813
 
Accrued interest receivable
    5,638
      416
      1,343
      3,879
      5,638
 
Bank owned life insurance
    3,286       3,286                   3,286  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
 
$
695,494
   
$
   
$
608,134
    $      
$
608,134
 
FHLB advances
    209,280             208,213             208,213  
BTFP borrowing     100,000             100,000             100,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
71,681
     
     
70,510
     
     
70,510
 
Accrued interest payable
    2,810
     
      2,810
     
      2,810
 

         
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financial Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
105,195
   
$
105,195
   
$
   
$
   
$
105,195
 
Securities available-for-sale
   
316,950
     
163,880
     
153,070
     
     
316,950
 
Loans receivable held for investment
   
880,457
     
     
     
746,539
     
746,539
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
4,938
     
306
     
1,301
     
3,331
     
4,938
 
Bank owned life insurance
    3,275       3,275                   3,275  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
 
$
682,635
   
$
   
$
536,171
   
$
   
$
536,171
 
FHLB advances
   
209,319
     
     
208,107
     
     
208,107
 
BTFP borrowing
    100,000             100,000             100,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     73,475             72,597             72,597  
Notes payable
   
14,000
     
     
     
14,000
     
14,000
 
Accrued interest payable
    1,420             1,420             1,420  


In accordance with ASU No. 2016-01, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities was measured using an exit price notion. Although the exit price notion represents the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, the actual price received for a sale of assets or paid to transfer liabilities could be different from exit price disclosed.

NOTE 8 – Stock-based Compensation


Prior to June 21, 2023, the Company issued stock-based compensation awards to its directors and officers under the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) which allowed the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, full value awards and cash incentive awards.  The maximum number of shares available to be awarded under the LTIP was 161,638 shares.


During February of 2023, the Company issued 9,230 shares of stock to its directors under the LTIP, which were fully vested.  During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $0 and $96 thousand of director stock compensation expense, respectively, which was determined using the fair value of the stock on the dates of the awards.


During March of 2022, the Company issued 61,907 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the LTIP, of which 17,012 shares have been forfeited as of March 31, 2024. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award. These awarded shares of restricted stock fully vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months from their respective dates of grant.


On June 21, 2023, stockholders approved an Amendment and Restatement of the 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (“Amended and Restated LTIP”) which allows the issuance of 487,500 additional shares and brought the number of shares that may be issued under the Amended and Restated LTIP to 649,138 shares.



On June 21, 2023, the Company issued 92,700 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the Amended and Restated LTIP, of which 11,237 shares have been forfeited as of March 31, 2024. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award. These awarded shares of restricted stock fully vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months from their respective dates of grant.


On March 26, 2024, the Company issued 94,413 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the Amended and Restated LTIP. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award. These awarded shares of restricted stock fully vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months from their respective dates of grant.


Stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $77 thousand and $38 thousand of stock-based compensation expense, respectively.


As of March 31, 2024, 293,681 shares had been awarded under the Amended and Restated LTIP and 355,458 shares were available to be awarded.

No stock options were granted, exercised, forfeited or expired during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or the three months ended March 31, 2023.


Options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2024 were as follows:

Outstanding
   
Exercisable
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   
Number
Outstanding
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
 
31,250
 
1.88 years
 
$
12.96
   
$
     
31,250
   
$
12.96
   
$
 



The Company did not record any stock-based compensation expense related to stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.



All common stock share amounts above have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023.  See Note 1.

NOTE 9 – ESOP Plan


Employees participate in an ESOP after attaining certain age and service requirements. During 2022, the ESOP purchased 58,369 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average cost of $8.57 per share for a total cost of $500 thousand which was funded with a $5 million line of credit from the Company. During 2023, the ESOP purchased 369,958 additional shares of the Company’s common stock at an average cost of $9.19 per share for a total cost of $3.4 million which was funded with the line of credit. Any loans or borrowings under the line of credit will be repaid from the Bank’s discretionary contributions to the ESOP, net of dividends paid, over a period of 20 years. Shares of the Company’s common stock purchased by the ESOP are held in a suspense account until released for allocation to participants. When loan payments are made, shares are allocated to each eligible participant based on the ratio of each such participant’s compensation, as defined in the ESOP, to the total compensation of all eligible plan participants. As the unearned shares are released from the suspense account, the Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the fair value of the ESOP shares during the periods in which they become committed to be released. To the extent that the fair value of the ESOP shares released differs from the cost of such shares, the difference is charged or credited to equity as additional paid-in capital. Dividends on allocated shares increase participant accounts. Dividends on unallocated shares will be used to repay the loan. At the end of employment, participants will receive shares for their vested balance. Compensation expense related to the ESOP was $47 thousand and $12 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

18


Shares held by the ESOP were as follows:

   
March 31, 2024
   
December 31, 2023
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Allocated to participants
  $
148,778
    $
134,444
 
Committed to be released
   
7,509
     
28,669
 
Suspense shares
   
451,320
     
458,829
 
Total ESOP shares
   
607,607
     
621,942
 
Fair value of unearned shares
 
$
2,487
   
$
4,217
 


The value of unearned shares, which are reported as Unearned ESOP shares in the equity section of the consolidated statements of financial condition, were $4.4 million and $4.5 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.



All common stock share amounts above have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023. See Note 1.

NOTE 10 – Regulatory Matters


The Bank’s capital requirements are administered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the OCC. Failure to meet capital requirements can result in regulatory action.


As a result of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the federal banking agencies have developed a “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (the ratio of a bank’s tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A “qualifying community bank” that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered “well capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies have set the Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 9%. Actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of the dates indicated are presented below:

   
Actual
   
Minimum Required to Be
Well Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective Action
Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2024:
                       
Community Bank Leverage Ratio
 
$
185,389
     
13.65
%  
$
122,268
     
9.00
%
December 31, 2023:
                               
Community Bank Leverage Ratio
 
$
185,773
     
14.97
%
 
$
111,696
     
9.00
%


At March 31, 2024, the Company and the Bank met all the capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. In addition, the Bank was “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Management believes that no conditions or events have occurred since March 31, 2024 that would materially adversely change the Bank’s capital classifications. From time to time, the Bank may need to raise additional capital to support its further growth and to maintain its “well capitalized” status.

NOTE 11 – Income Taxes


The Company and its subsidiary are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.



Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluated both positive and negative evidence, including any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry-back years, the forecasts of future income and tax planning strategies.


At March 31, 2024, the Company maintained a $449 thousand valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets because the number of shares sold in the private placements completed on April 6, 2021 triggered limitations on the use of certain tax attributes under the Section 382 of the federal tax code. The ability to use net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset future taxable income will be restricted and these NOLs could expire or otherwise be unavailable. In general, under Section 382 of the Code and corresponding provisions of state law, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs to offset future taxable income. For these purposes, an ownership change generally occurs where the aggregate stock ownership of one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders who owns at least 5% of a corporation’s stock increases its ownership by more than 50 percentage points over its lowest ownership percentage within a specified testing period.

NOTE 12 – Concentration of Credit Risk


The Bank has a significant concentration of deposits with two customers that accounted for approximately 12% of its deposits as of March 31, 2024. The Bank also has a significant concentration of short-term borrowings from one customer that accounted for 86% of the outstanding balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2024. The Company expects to maintain the relationships with these customers for the foreseeable future.

20


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Part I, Item 1 “Financial Statements,” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Certain statements herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements typically include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “poised,” “optimistic,” “prospects,” “ability,” “looking,” “forward,” “invest,” “grow,” “improve,” “deliver” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual future results to differ materially from historical results or from those anticipated or implied by such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates or, if no date is provided, then as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policies are those that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations under different assumptions and conditions. This discussion highlights those accounting policies that management considers critical. All accounting policies are important; therefore, you are encouraged to review each of the policies included in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2023 Form 10-K to gain a better understanding of how our financial performance is measured and reported. Management has identified the Company’s critical accounting policies as follows:

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans

The Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326, which requires the Company to record an estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for loans at the time of origination or acquisition. The ACL is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for expected credit losses in the portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimating expected credit losses requires management to use relevant forward-looking information, including the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. The measurement of the ACL is performed by collectively evaluating loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company measures the ACL for each of its loan segments using the weighted-average remaining maturity (“WARM”) method. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions. The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate.

Certain loans, such as those that are nonperforming or are considered to be collateral dependent, are deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent in which case the ACL is determined using estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the necessity for such impairment tests to be performed. The Company has selected November 30th as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when, based upon the available evidence including historical and projected taxable income, it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry‑back years, forecasts of future income and available tax planning strategies. This analysis is updated quarterly.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (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 values are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 7 “Fair Value” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Overview

Total assets decreased by $4.9 million to $1.4 billion at March 31, 2024 from December 31, 2023, primarily due to decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $38.1 million and securities available-for-sale of $23.7 million, partially offset by growth in loans receivable held for investment of $46.0 million and other assets of $9.9 million.

Total liabilities decreased by $4.3 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2024 from December 31, 2023. The decrease in total liabilities primarily consisted of decreases of $14.0 million in notes payable, $1.8 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and $1.3 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities, which were partially offset by an increase in deposits of $12.9 million.

During the first quarter of 2024, net interest income decreased by $750 thousand, or 9.1%, compared to the first quarter of 2023. This decrease resulted from additional interest expense, primarily due to an overall increase of 156 basis points in the average cost of funds, which reflected the higher rates that the Bank paid on deposits and borrowings because of the interest rate increases implemented by the FRB as well as to growth of $165.8 million in average interest-earning liabilities from the quarter ended March 31, 2023.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest income due to a 46 basis point increase in the overall rate earned on interest-earning assets as the Bank earned higher rates on interest-earning deposits, securities and the loan portfolio.

In addition, total non-interest expense increased by $1.6 million during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to increases of $905 thousand in non-recurring professional services and $648 thousand in compensation and benefits. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in income tax expense of $731 thousand, which reflected a decrease of $2.5 million in pre-tax income between the two periods.

For the first quarter of 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $162 thousand compared to net income of $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

Net interest income before provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2024 totaled $7.5 million, representing a decrease of $750 thousand, or 9.1%, from net interest income before loan loss provision of $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2023.  The decrease resulted from additional interest expense, primarily due to an increase in the cost of average borrowings of 1.65% and an increase in the cost of average deposits of 1.05% during the first quarter of 2024, compared to the first quarter of 2023.  In addition, the decrease in net interest income before provision for credit losses was caused by an increase in average borrowings of $165.8 million during the first quarter of 2024, compared to the first quarter of 2023, which was due to the $100.0 million BTFP borrowing in December 2023 and an increase of $64.1 million in average FHLB advances during the first quarter of 2024. The net interest margin decreased to 2.27% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 2.96% for the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to an overall increase of 156 basis points in the average cost of funds, which reflected higher rates paid on deposits and borrowings because of the increases in interest rates implemented by the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve (the “Federal Reserve” or “FRB”) between March 2022 and September 2023.  The impact of the rising cost of funds was partially offset by an increase in the yield on interest-earnings assets of 46 basis points, primarily due to higher rates earned on interest-bearing deposits in other banks, securities and the loan portfolio.

The following tables set forth the average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred loan fees, and discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense. We do not accrue interest on loans on non-accrual status, but the balance of these loans is included in the total average balance of loans receivable, which has the effect of reducing average loan yields.

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2024
   
March 31, 2023
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Average Yield/Cost
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Average Yield/Cost
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
99,103
   
$
1,344
     
5.42
%
 
$
17,044
   
$
119
     
2.79
%
Securities
   
305,615
     
2,075
     
2.72
%
   
328,767
     
2,180
     
2.65
%
Loans receivable (1)
   
909,965
     
11,129
     
4.89
%
   
762,669
     
8,666
     
4.55
%
FRB and FHLB stock
   
13,733
     
245
     
7.14
%
   
10,665
     
209
     
7.84
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,328,416
   
$
14,793
     
4.45
%
   
1,119,145
   
$
11,174
     
3.99
%
Non-interest-earning assets
   
52,561
                     
67,947
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,380,977
                   
$
1,187,092
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Money market deposits
 
$
125,704
   
$
1,444
     
4.59
%
 
$
134,047
   
$
771
     
2.30
%
Savings deposits
   
59,056
     
102
     
0.69
%
   
61,317
     
13
     
0.08
%
Interest checking and other demand deposits
   
227,504
     
143
     
0.25
%
   
239,024
     
77
     
0.13
%
Certificate accounts
   
163,116
     
1,110
     
2.72
%
   
147,260
     
442
     
1.20
%
Total deposits
   
575,380
     
2,799
     
1.95
%
   
581,648
     
1,303
     
0.90
%
FHLB advances
   
209,299
     
2,598
     
4.97
%
   
145,201
     
1,454
     
4.01
%
Bank Term Funding Program borrowing
   
100,000
     
1,203
     
4.81
%
   
     
     
%
Other borrowings
   
77,601
     
669
     
3.45
%
   
69,618
     
143
     
0.82
%
Total borrowings
   
386,900
     
4,470
     
4.62
%
   
214,819
     
1,597
     
2.97
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
962,280
   
$
7,269
     
3.02
%
   
796,467
   
$
2,900
     
1.46
%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
137,035
                     
109,955
                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
281,662
                     
280,670
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,380,977
                   
$
1,187,092
                 
                                                 
Net interest rate spread (2)
         
$
7,524
     
1.43
%
         
$
8,274
     
2.54
%
Net interest rate margin (3)
                   
2.27
%
                   
2.96
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
138.05
%
                   
140.51
%

(1)   Amount is net of deferred loan fees, loan discounts and loans in process, and includes deferred origination costs and loan premiums.
(2)   Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)   Net interest rate margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

Credit Loss Provision

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $260 thousand, compared to a provision for credit losses of $88 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023.  The provision for credit losses during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 increased by $172 thousand compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2023, due to an increase in loan origination volume. Since the Company has no historical loss rates of its own, it uses peer historical loss rates, which decreased during the first quarter of 2024 and caused the Company to decrease the factor for historical losses in its computation, causing a decrease in the provision on certain loan categories. The provision for credit losses during the quarter-ended March 31, 2024, included provisions for off-balance sheet loan commitments of $56 thousand.

The ACL increased to $7.6 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $7.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

The Bank had non-accrual loans of $401 thousand at March 31, 2024, which were greater than 90 days past due.  Loan delinquencies for 30 days or more, but less than 90 days, decreased to $369 thousand at March 31, 2024, compared to $780 thousand at December 31, 2023. There were no loans past due by greater than 90 days at December 31, 2023.  No loan charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2024 totaled $306 thousand, compared to $289 thousand for the first quarter of 2023.

Non-interest Expense

Total non-interest expense was $7.8 million for the first quarter of 2024, representing an increase of $1.6 million, or 25.8%, from $6.2 million for the first quarter of 2023.  The increase was primarily due to higher non-recurring professional services expense of $905 thousand, and compensation and benefits expense of $648 thousand.

The increase in professional services was primarily due to hiring a third party firm to assist with reviewing certain general ledger account reconciliations.  The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to additional full-time employees that the Bank hired over the past twelve months in various production and administrative support positions.  These hires were part of the Company’s overall efforts to expand its operational capabilities to strategically grow its balance sheet and fulfill the intersecting lending objectives of the Company’s mission and the funding received from the Emergency Capital Investment Program of the United States Department of the Treasury.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% and the combined California and Washington, D.C. income tax rate of 9.75% to taxable income.  The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $57 thousand for the first quarter of 2024 and income tax expense of $674 thousand for the first quarter of 2023.  The decrease in tax expense reflected a decrease of $2.5 million in pre-tax income between the two periods.  The effective tax rate was 23.75% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 29.70% for the first quarter of 2023.

Financial Condition

Total Assets

Total assets decreased by $4.9 million at March 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $38.1 million and securities available-for-sale of $23.7 million, partially offset by growth in loans receivable held for investment of $46.0 million and other assets of $9.9 million.

Securities Available-For-Sale

Securities available-for-sale totaled $293.2 million at March 31, 2024, compared with $317.0 million at December 31, 2023. The $23.7 million decrease in securities available-for-sale during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to principal paydowns of $23.2 million.

The table below presents the carrying amount, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of our securities as of March 31, 2024. The table reflects stated final maturities and does not reflect scheduled principal payments or expected payoffs.

   
March 31, 2024
 
   
One Year or Less
   
More Than One Year
to Five Years
   
More Than Five
Years to Ten Years
   
More Than Ten
Years
   
Total
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Available‑for‑sale:
                                                           
Federal agency mortgage‑backed securities
 
$
4,979
     
2.82
%
 
$
1,302
     
1.42
%
 
$
9,025
     
1.54
%
 
$
48,724
     
2.61
%
 
$
64,030
     
2.58
%
Federal agency CMO
   
     
     
505
     
0.91
%
   
10,484
     
4.45
%
   
11,540
     
3.34
%
   
22,529
     
3.86
%
Federal agency debt
   
8,870
     
2.82
%
   
34,292
     
1.83
%
   
4,684
     
4.47
%
   
     
     
47,846
     
2.35
%
Municipal bonds
   
     
     
2,849
     
1.60
%
   
     
     
1,502
     
1.74
%
   
4,351
     
1.73
%
U.S. Treasuries
   
85,587
     
3.00
%
   
58,857
     
2.56
%
   
     
     
     
     
144,444
     
2.81
%
SBA pools
   
     
     
66
     
6.97
%
   
1,887
     
2.77
%
   
8,090
     
2.79
%
   
10,043
     
2.90
%
Total
 
$
99,436
     
2.95
%
 
$
97,871
     
2.53
%
 
$
26,080
     
3.05
%
 
$
69,856
     
2.84
%
 
$
293,243
     
2.75
%

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable held for investment, net of the ACL, increased by $46.0 million to $926.5 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $880.5 million at December 31, 2023.  The increase was primarily due to loan originations of $71.5 million during the first three months of 2024, which consisted of $38.0 million of multi-family loans, $17.5 million of other commercial loans, $15.0 million of commercial real estate loans and $1.0 million of construction loans, offset in part by loan payoffs and repayments of $25.5 million.

The following tables presents loan categories by maturity for the period indicated. Actual repayments historically have, and will likely in the future, differ significantly from contractual maturities because individual borrowers generally have the right to prepay loans, with or without prepayment penalties.

   
March 31, 2024
 
   
One Year or
Less
   
More Than
One Year to
Five Years
   
More Than
Five Years to
15 Years
   
More Than
15 Years
   
Total
 
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans receivable held for investment:
                             
Single-family
 
$
3,432
   
$
8,984
   
$
5,779
   
$
9,989
   
$
28,184
 
Multi-family
   
14,192
     
12,625
     
7,696
     
566,613
     
601,126
 
Commercial real estate
   
11,031
     
78,153
     
33,770
     
1,763
     
124,717
 
Church
   
4,412
     
3,057
     
5,104
     
     
12,573
 
Construction
   
26,586
     
37,569
     
26,178
     
     
90,333
 
Commercial - other
   
8,515
     
28,461
     
24,140
     
2,422
     
63,538
 
SBA loans
   
12
     
552
     
150
     
11,761
     
12,475
 
Consumer
   
14
     
     
     
     
14
 
   
$
68,194
   
$
169,401
   
$
102,817
   
$
592,548
   
$
932,960
 
                                         
Loans maturities after one year with:
                                       
Fixed rates
                                       
Single-family
         
$
8,627
   
$
3,595
   
$
6,140
   
$
18,362
 
Multi-family
           
8,282
     
4,177
     
     
12,459
 
Commercial real estate
           
73,370
     
22,135
     
     
95,505
 
Church
           
2,423
     
     
     
2,423
 
Construction
           
10,564
     
22,260
     
     
32,824
 
Commercial - other
           
13,461
     
23,076
     
221
     
36,758
 
SBA loans
           
15
     
     
     
15
 
Consumer
           
     
     
     
 
           
$
116,742
   
$
75,243
   
$
6,361
   
$
198,346
 
                                         
Variable rates
                                       
Single-family
         
$
357
   
$
2,184
   
$
3,849
   
$
6,390
 
Multi-family
           
4,343
     
3,519
     
566,613
     
574,475
 
Commercial real estate
           
4,783
     
11,635
     
1,763
     
18,181
 
Church
           
634
     
5,104
     
     
5,738
 
Construction
           
27,005
     
3,918
     
     
30,923
 
Commercial - other
           
15,000
     
1,064
     
2,201
     
18,265
 
SBA loans
           
537
     
150
     
11,761
     
12,448
 
Consumer
           
     
     
     
 
           
$
52,659
   
$
27,574
   
$
586,187
   
$
666,420
 
                                         
Total
         
$
169,401
   
$
102,817
   
$
592,548
   
$
864,766
 

Certain multi-family loans have adjustable-rate features based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate but are fixed for the first five years. Our experience has shown that these loans typically payoff during the first five years and do not reach the adjustable-rate phase. However, in the current high interest rate environment, we have seen more borrowers maintain their loans instead of paying them off due to interest rate caps which make the adjusted interest rate on their existing loan more desirable than getting a new loan at current interest rates. Multi-family loans in their initial fixed period totaled $575.9 million or 61.7% of our loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326 – Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, to determine the ACL. ASC 326 requires the Company to recognize estimates for lifetime losses on loans and off-balance sheet loan commitments at the time of origination or acquisition. The recognition of losses at origination or acquisition represents the Company’s best estimate of the lifetime expected credit loss associated with a loan given the facts and circumstances associated with the particular loan and involves the use of significant management judgment and estimates, which are subject to change based on management’s on-going assessment of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and changes in economic forecasts used in the model. The Company uses the WARM method when determining estimates for the ACL for each of its portfolio segments. The weighted average remaining life, including the effect of estimated prepayments, is calculated for each loan pool on a quarterly basis. The Company then estimates a loss rate for each pool using both its own historical loss experience and the historical losses of a group of peer institutions during the period from 2004 through the most recent quarter.

Since historical information (such as historical net losses) may not always, by itself, provide a sufficient basis for determining future expected credit losses, the Company periodically considers the need for qualitative adjustments to the ACL.

The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans that have recently been modified in response to a borrower’s deteriorating financial condition, loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans, and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio because the specific attributes and risks associated with the loan have likely become unique as the credit quality of the loan deteriorates. As such, these loans may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs.

The estimation of the appropriate level of the ACL requires significant judgment by management. Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Changes in management’s estimates of forecasted net losses could materially change the level of the ACL. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the ACL based on judgments different from those of management.

The ACL was $7.6 million, or 0.81% of gross loans held for investment at March 31, 2024, compared to an ACL of $7.3 million, or .83% of gross loans held for investment, at December 31, 2023.

There were no recoveries or charge-offs recorded during the three month periods ending March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Collateral dependent loans at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 totaled $6.4 million, which had an associated ACL of $112 thousand.

The Bank had non-accrual loans of $401 thousand at March 31, 2024, which were greater than 90 days past due.  Loan delinquencies for 30 days or more, but less than 90 days, decreased to $369 thousand at March 31, 2024, compared to $780 thousand at December 31, 2023. There were no loans past due by greater than 90 days at December 31, 2023.  No loan charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

We believe that the ACL is adequate to cover currently expected losses in the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024, but there can be no assurance that actual losses will not exceed the estimated amounts. The OCC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) periodically review the ACL as an integral part of their examination process. These agencies may require an increase in the ACL based on their judgments of the information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The following table details our allocation of the ACL to the various categories of loans held for investment and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated:


 
March 31, 2024
   
December 31, 2023
   
March 31, 2023
 
 
Amount
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total
Loans
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total
Loans
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total
Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Single-family
 
$
298
     
3.02
%
 
$
260
     
2.79
%
 
$
261
     
3.74
%
Multi‑family
   
4,325
     
64.44
%
   
4,413
     
63.33
%
   
3,932
     
65.17
%
Commercial real estate
   
1,109
     
13.37
%
   
1,094
     
13.47
%
   
1,012
     
16.50
%
Church
   
90
     
1.35
%
   
72
     
1.43
%
   
92
     
1.79
%
Construction
   
956
     
9.68
%
   
932
     
10.14
%
   
593
     
7.56
%
Commercial and SBA
   
774
     
8.15
%
   
577
     
8.84
%
   
395
     
5.24
%
Consumer
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
7,552
     
100.00
%
 
$
7,348
     
100.00
%
 
$
6,285
     
100.00
%

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The core deposit intangible asset is amortized on an accelerated basis reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up. The estimated life of the core deposit intangible is approximately 10 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $84 thousand and $98 thousand, respectively, of amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible.

An assessment of goodwill impairment was performed by a third party as of December 31, 2023, in which no impairment was determined. No impairment charges were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023, for goodwill or the core deposit intangible.

Total Liabilities

Total liabilities decreased by $4.3 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2024 from December 31, 2023, largely due to decreases of $14.0 million in notes payable, $1.8 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and $1.3 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities, which were partially offset by an increase in deposits of $12.9 million.

Deposits

Deposits increased by $12.9 million to $695.5 million at March 31, 2024, from $682.6 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in deposits was attributable to increases of $15.0 million in liquid deposits (demand, interest checking and money market accounts) and $12.4 million in Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) deposits (ICS deposits are the Bank’s money market deposit accounts in excess of FDIC insured limits whereby the Bank makes reciprocal arrangements for insurance with other banks), partially offset by decreases of $12.2 million in Certificate of Deposit Registry Services (“CDARS”) deposits (CDARS deposits are similar to ICS deposits, but involve certificates of deposit, instead of money market accounts), $1.7 million of savings deposits and $596 thousand in other certificates of deposit accountsAs of March 31, 2024, our uninsured deposits, including deposits from affiliates, represented approximately 38% of our total deposits, as compared to approximately 37% as of December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the maturity of time deposits as of the dates indicated:

   
Three
Months or
Less
   
Three to Six
Months
   
Six Months
to One Year
   
Over One
Year
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2024
                             
Time deposits of $250,000 or less
 
$
29,048
   
$
47,743
   
$
46,542
   
$
7,848
   
$
131,181
 
Time deposits of more than $250,000
   
4,314
     
4,877
     
6,979
     
7,857
     
24,027
 
Total
 
$
33,362
   
$
52,620
   
$
53,521
   
$
15,705
   
$
155,208
 
Not covered by deposit insurance
 
$
2,314
   
$
3,127
   
$
4,479
   
$
6,607
   
$
16,527
 
December 31, 2023
                                       
Time deposits of $250,000 or less
 
$
36,212
   
$
26,248
   
$
63,118
   
$
18,202
   
$
143,780
 
Time deposits of more than $250,000
   
4,609
     
3,904
     
6,895
     
8,128
     
23,536
 
Total
 
$
40,821
   
$
30,152
   
$
70,013
   
$
26,330
   
$
167,316
 
Not covered by deposit insurance
 
$
3,109
   
$
2,154
   
$
4,395
   
$
6,628
   
$
16,286
 

Borrowings

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding advances from the FHLB totaling $209.3 million. The weighted interest rate was 4.91% as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The weighted average contractual maturity was 2 months as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.  The advances were collateralized by loans with a fair value of $419.2 million at March 31, 2024 and $435.4 million at December 31, 2023. The Company is currently approved by the FHLB of Atlanta to borrow up to 25% of total assets to the extent the Company provides qualifying collateral and holds sufficient FHLB stock. Based on collateral pledged and FHLB stock as of March 31, 2024, the Company was eligible to borrow an additional $105.0 million as of March 31, 2024.

The Company enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities. Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obliges the Company to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing agreements (i.e., secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. In other words, there is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. These agreements mature on a daily basis. As of March 31, 2024 securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $71.7 million at an average rate of 3.62%.  The fair value of securities pledged totaled $78.6 million as of March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled  $73.5 million at an average rate of 2.60%.  The fair value of securities pledged totaled $89.0 million as of December 31, 2023.

One relationship accounted for 86% of our balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2024. We expect to maintain this relationship for the foreseeable future.

In connection with the New Market Tax Credit activities of the Company, CFC 45 is a partnership whose members include CFNMA and City First New Markets Fund II, LLC. This CDE acts in effect as a pass-through for a Merrill Lynch allocation totaling $14.0 million that needed to be deployed. In December 2015, Merrill Lynch made a $14.0 million non-recourse loan to CFC 45, whereby CFC 45 passed that loan through to a QALICB. The loan to the QALICB was secured by a Leasehold Deed of Trust that, due to the pass-through, non-recourse structure, is operationally and ultimately for the benefit of Merrill Lynch rather than CFC 45. Debt service payments received by CFC 45 from the QALICB are passed through to Merrill Lynch in return for which CFC 45 receives a servicing fee. This loan was paid off on January 18, 2024. The financial statements of CFC 45 are consolidated with those of the Company.

Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ equity was $281.3 million, or 20.5%, of the Company’s total assets, at March 31, 2024, compared to $281.9 million, or 20.5% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2023. Stockholders’ equity decreased primarily due to an increase of $571 thousand in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.  Book value per share was $14.59 at March 31, 2024 and $14.65 at December 31, 2023.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Company issued 92,720 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees based on performance during 2022 under the Amended LTIP.  All the shares issued to officers and employees vest over periods ranging from 36 months to 60 months.

On March 26, 2024, the Company issued 94,413 shares of restricted stock to its officers and employees under the Amended and Restated LTIP. Each restricted stock award was valued based on the fair value of the stock on the date of the award.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Company issued 9,230 shares of stock to its directors which were fully vested.

All common stock share amounts and per share amounts above have been retroactively adjusted, as applicable, for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective November 1, 2023.  See Note 1.

Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP measurement that excludes goodwill and the net unamortized core deposit intangible asset, which were both originally recorded in connection with the CFBanc merger. The Company uses this non-GAAP financial measure to provide supplemental information regarding the Company’s financial condition and operational performance. A reconciliation between common book value and tangible book value per common share is shown as follows:

   
Common Equity
Capital
   
Shares
Outstanding
   
Per Share
Amount
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2024:
                 
Common book value
 
$
131,292
     
9,001,613
   
$
14.59
 
Less:
                       
Goodwill
   
25,858
                 
Net unamortized core deposit intangible
   
2,027
                 
Tangible book value
 
$
103,407
     
9,001,613
   
$
11.49
 
                         
December 31, 2023:
                       
Common book value
 
$
131,903
     
9,001,613
   
$
14.65
 
Less:
                       
Goodwill
   
25,858
                 
Net unamortized core deposit intangible
   
2,111
                 
Tangible book value
 
$
103,934
     
9,001,613
   
$
11.55
 

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that we have the continuing ability to fund operations and meet our obligations on a timely and cost-effective basis. The Bank’s sources of funds include deposits, advances from the FHLB and other borrowings, proceeds from the sale of loans and investment securities, and payments of principal and interest on loans and investment securities. The Bank is currently approved by the FHLB of Atlanta to borrow up to 25% of total assets, or $284.3 million, to the extent the Bank provides qualifying collateral and holds sufficient FHLB stock. Based on FHLB stock held and collateral pledged as of March 31, 2024, the Bank had the ability to borrow an additional $105.0 million from the FHLB of Atlanta. In addition, the Bank had additional lines of credit of $10.0 million with other financial institutions as of March 31, 2024.  The Bank had unpledged securities of $107.5 million as of March 31, 2024 which could be used as collateral for borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank under the BTFP.

The Bank’s primary uses of funds include originations of loans, withdrawals of and interest payments on deposits, purchases of investment securities, and the payment of operating expenses. Also, when the Bank has more funds than required for reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, the Bank invests in federal funds with the Federal Reserve Bank or in money market accounts with other financial institutions. The Bank’s liquid assets at March 31, 2024 consisted of $67.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $107.5 million in securities available-for-sale that were not pledged, compared to $105.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $173.3 million in securities available-for-sale that were not pledged at December 31, 2023. Currently, we believe the Bank has sufficient liquidity to support growth over the next twelve months and in the longer term.

The Bank had commitments to fund $448 thousand in loans that were approved but unfunded as of March 31, 2024.  In addition, the bank had $5.7 million in unfunded line of credit loans and $49.3 million in unfunded construction loans as of March 31, 2024.

The Bank has a significant concentration of deposits with two customers that accounted for approximately 12% of its deposits as of March 31, 2024. The Bank also has a significant concentration of short-term borrowings with one customer that accounted for 86% of the outstanding balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2024. The Bank has long-term relationships with these customers and expects to maintain its relationships with them for the foreseeable future.

The Company’s liquidity, separate from the Bank, is based primarily on the proceeds from financing transactions, such as the private placement completed in June of 2022 and previous private placements. The Bank is currently under no prohibition from paying dividends to the Company but is subject to restrictions as to the amount of the dividends based on normal regulatory guidelines.

The Company recorded consolidated net cash outflows from investing activities of $23.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to consolidated net cash outflows from investing activities of $6.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Net cash outflows from investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily due to the funding of new loans, net of repayments, of $46.4 million, partially offset by proceeds from principal paydowns on available-for-sale securities of $23.2 million. Net cash outflows from investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 were primarily due to funding of new loans, net of repayments, of $9.7 million, partially offset by $3.4 million in proceeds from principal paydowns on available-for-sale securities.

The Company recorded consolidated net cash outflows from financing activities of $3.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to consolidated net cash inflows of $16.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Net cash outflows from financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 were primarily due to the $14.0 million repayment of notes payable, partially offset by a net increase in deposits of $12.9 million. Net cash inflows from financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 were primarily attributable to proceeds from FHLB advances of $40.5 million, partially offset by a net decrease in deposits of $29.4 million.

Capital Resources and Regulatory Capital

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary, actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’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 the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject and meets the qualifications to be considered “well capitalized.” (See Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity and Regulatory Matters.)

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not Applicable

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures, and is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  There is no assurance that our disclosure controls and procedures will operate effectively under all circumstances.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our PEO and PFO, management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2024. Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2024, the PEO and PFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

The Company did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with appropriate levels of knowledge, experience, and training in internal control matters to perform assigned responsibilities and have appropriate accountability for the design and operation of internal control over financial reporting. The lack of sufficient appropriately skilled and trained personnel contributed to the Company’s failure to: (i) design and implement certain internal controls; and (ii) consistently operate its internal controls. This matter was considered to be a material weakness in the Company’s control environment.

The control environment material weaknesses contributed to other material weaknesses within the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting in the following COSO Framework components such that the Company did not design and implement effective controls, including the following:

Risk assessment – The Company did not appropriately identify and analyze risks to achieve its control objectives. This ineffective risk assessment process limited the Company’s ability to identify and remediate the weaknesses in the control activities, as described below.
Control activities – The Company did not design and implement effective controls over the consolidation, financial statement reporting, and the monthly close processes, including the lack of effectively designed and implemented controls related to the preparation and review of account reconciliations with appropriate supporting documentation. Specifically, several general ledger account reconciliations were discovered to have unidentified or stale reconciling items.
Monitoring activities – The Company’s ongoing evaluation of internal controls failed to detect the issues described above, and as a result limited management’s ability to correct and remediate the internal control issues in a timely manner.

Remediation Plan

In response to the material weaknesses that were identified, the Company has hired additional senior personnel with relevant experience and training in finance and accounting that will be able to assist the Company with appropriately assessing the risks of the Company and designing, implementing, and monitoring a system of internal control over financial reporting to address those risks. Related to the control over account reconciliations, the Company engaged a third-party firm to assist with reviewing general ledger account reconciliations to identify the population of account balance differences that were in need of correction. Such corrections were made to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023. Going forward, the Company’s controls over general ledger account reconciliations will be strengthened to require the use of a reconciliation checklist, with a formal signoff by the preparer and reviewer on each reconciliation, as well as by a separate member of management as evidence that every account reconciliation was reviewed each month. In addition, the Company will also request that its internal audit firm perform additional testing on the enhanced controls over general ledger account reconciliation during its audits.

Management is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the material weaknesses. Additional time is required to complete the design and test the operating effectiveness of the applicable controls to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remediation efforts. The material weaknesses cannot be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except for the remediation activities discussed above, there were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions, and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than the risk factor presented below:

Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock, which would negatively impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets.
 
If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, such as the $1.00 minimum closing bid price or timely periodic financial reporting requirements, Nasdaq may take steps to delist the Company’s securities. For example, on May 14, 2024, we received a Staff Delisting Determination letter (the “Staff Determination”) from Nasdaq that it had initiated the delisting process with respect to the Company’s securities. Following the filing of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and Annual Report on From 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq on May 20, 2023, stating that the Company had regained compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirements and the matter was closed. Any delisting of the Company’s securities, or threat of such delisting, would have a negative effect on the price of our common stock, impair the ability to sell or purchase our common stock when persons wish to do so, and any delisting materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital or pursue financing or other transactions on acceptable terms, or at all. Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities. In the event of a delisting, we would attempt to take actions to restore our compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our common stock from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements.

Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

None

Item 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number*
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant effective as of April 1, 2021 (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on April 5, 2021)
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 1, 2023)
Bylaws of Registrant (Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on August 24, 2020)
Certificate of Designations of Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by Registrant on June 8, 2022)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

*
Exhibits followed by a parenthetical reference are incorporated by reference herein from the document filed by the Registrant with the SEC described therein. Except as otherwise indicated, the SEC File No. for each incorporated document is 000-27464.
**
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 24, 2024
By:
/s/ Brian Argrett
   
Brian Argrett
   
Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: May 24, 2024
By:
/s/ Zack Ibrahim
   
Zack Ibrahim
   
Chief Financial Officer


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