SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Catalyst Bancorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated by St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank (“St. Landry Homestead” or the “Bank”) in February 2021 as part of the conversion of St. Landry Homestead from the mutual to the stock-form of organization (the “Conversion). The Conversion was completed on October 12, 2021, at which time the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank and became the holding company for the Bank. In June 2022, St. Landry Homestead changed its name to Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”). Catalyst Bank, which is the sole subsidiary of the Company, provides a variety of banking services to individuals and corporate customers within its principal market area consisting of St. Landry Parish, Evangeline Parish, Acadia Parish and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, and is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Bank is a federal savings association subject to examination and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and is also subject to examination by the FDIC as deposit insurer. Effective October 16, 2019, the Bank elected to be a “covered association” pursuant to a provision of the Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA), that permits a federal savings association to elect to exercise national bank powers without converting to a national bank charter. The Bank’s primary deposit products are demand and NOW accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products are single family residential loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. The Bank is also subject to the regulations of certain federal agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those agencies. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to predominant accounting practices within the banking industry. The more significant accounting and reporting policies are as follows: Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the fair value of available-for-sale securities, the determination of the allowance for losses on loans and the valuation for foreclosed assets. While management uses its best judgement and reviews estimates and related assumptions periodically, actual results could differ from those estimates. A large majority of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in other comprehensive income. The fair value of investment securities are highly sensitive to changes in market interest rates and the current and projected financial condition of the related issuer. Declines in fair value of available-for-sale securities may be realized as losses in the income statement if they are deemed to be other-than-temporary based on management’s analysis of the individual securities. A substantial portion of the Company’s loans and foreclosed assets are secured by real estate in local markets which are largely rural and rely heavily upon agriculture and the oil and gas industry. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio and the recovery of the carrying amount of foreclosed assets are susceptible to changes in local market conditions. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and foreclosed assets, further reductions in the carrying amount of loans and foreclosed assets may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for loan losses and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for loan losses, as a result of such regulatory reviews management may determine that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for loan losses may be necessary. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets may change materially in the near-term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated. Adjustment of Prior Period Financial Statements In the fourth quarter of 2022, management corrected an error related to the recognition of income on financed sales of foreclosed assets, which is netted with foreclosed assets expense on the income statement. The impact to the financial statements for the periods prior to January 1, 2022 was immaterial, though 2021 financial statements were re-stated to conform to the current period presentation. The adjustment to the 2021 financial statements resulted in an increase to beginning retained earnings of $219,000 and a decrease in 2021 net income of $12,000. The Company no longer finances sales of foreclosed assets. Reclassifications Certain amounts reported in prior periods, other than those related to the restatement mentioned in the previous paragraph, may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported equity or net income. Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, interest-bearing deposits in other institutions, certificates of deposit purchased with original maturities of three months or less and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities when purchased for three months or less. Investment Securities Investment securities that are acquired with the intention of being resold in the near term are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses recognized in current earnings. The Company did not hold any securities for trading purposes at or during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021. Government, federal agency and corporate debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts that are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity. Available-for-sale securities consist of investment securities not classified as trading securities or held-to-maturity securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method or the straight-line method when appropriate. The use of the straight-line method approximates the interest method and does not result in a material difference. Interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are included in earnings and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific-identification method. The amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period of maturity. Declines in the estimated fair value of individual investment securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses in the statement of income. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include, among other things, (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) that the Company does not intend to sell these securities, and (4) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell before a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Loans Receivable Loans receivable are carried at the amount of unpaid principal balances, net of deferred loan-origination fees and discounts and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans receivable is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance. The accrual of interest is discontinued (“nonaccrual status”) when management determines doubt exists as to the collectability of the asset due to the borrower’s failure to meet repayment terms, the borrower’s deteriorating or deteriorated financial condition, or the depreciation of underlying collateral. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest income on loans. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the principal balance. The allowance for the loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off against the allowance in the period that such loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis for loans specifically identified for individual evaluation. Factors considered by management in identifying loans for evaluation include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not individually evaluated for impairment. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment on loans that are individually considered impaired is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. An allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings in the period in which management determines loan losses are probable and reasonably estimable. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually evaluated and considered impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers loans collectively evaluated for impairment. Loan collectively evaluated for impairment are segregated into large groups of homogenous loans to determine the allowance for loan losses for each group, which is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. Foreclosed Assets Foreclosed assets include real property and other assets that have been acquired as a result of foreclosure. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at fair value, less cost to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed and losses are recognized through a charge to earnings when the carrying amount of the foreclosed asset exceeds its fair value, less costs to sell. Costs incurred in maintaining foreclosed assets and subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of the assets are included in foreclosed assets expense. At December 31, 2022, loans secured by residential and commercial real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process totaled $331,000 and $50,000, respectively. Premises and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the declining balance and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for equipment, fixtures and automobiles. Stock in Correspondent Banks As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and as client of First National Bankers Bank (“FNBB”), the Bank purchased and holds shares of capital stock in the FHLB and FNBB. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair value are assessed for impairment and any impairment losses are included in net income. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no impairment had been recognized. Bank-owned Life Insurance The Bank purchased single-premium life insurance on certain employees of the Bank. The investments in bank-owned life insurance are reported at their cash surrender and changes in the cash surrender value are classified as non-interest income. The insurance policies can be surrendered without penalties or charges imposed by the insurance carriers. Upon any surrender, a gain would be recognized as ordinary income. Government Grants The Bank applies for and receives grant proceeds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) Fund. The CDFI Fund helps promote access to capital and local economic growth in urban and rural low-income communities across the nation through monetary awards and the allocation of tax credits. Current GAAP has no specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for government assistance received by business entities. However, Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 105 describes the decision-making framework for determining the guidance to apply when guidance is not specified by GAAP. ASC 105 points to IAS 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and ASC 958-605, Not-for-Profit Entities – Revenue Recognition, that require conditions of the grant to be met in order to recognize the income. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Bank received and recognized into income a $171,000 grant from the CDFI Bank Enterprise Award Program. The Bank met the conditions of the grant by providing loans and financial services directly to residents and businesses located in distressed communities. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Bank received and recognized into income a $1.8 million grant from the CDFI Rapid Response Program. The Bank met the conditions of the grant by deploying the proceeds to capital through income recognition and by originating the required amount of qualifying loans in its target markets. Income from the federal community development grants are reported in non-interest income. Income Taxes Deferred taxes are provided for accumulated temporary differences due to basis differences for assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The Company’s temporary differences relate primarily to differences between the basis of available-for-sale securities, depreciation and deferred fees and discount on restructuring of FHLB borrowings. ASC 740 requires that a tax position be recognized or derecognized based on a “more likely than not” threshold. This applies to positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return where there is uncertainty about whether a tax position will ultimately be sustained upon examination. The Company has evaluated its tax position and determined that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that meet criteria under ASC 740. The Company’s management believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to December 31, 2018. Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered in off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded. Fair Values of Financial Instruments The Company follows the guidance of ASC 825, Financial Instruments, and ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. This guidance permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. No assets have been elected to be reported at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing the Company with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under this guidance, fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. This guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quotes priced in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accounting Standards Codification 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments of which it is practicable to estimate that value: Cash and Cash Equivalents The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Investment Securities The fair market values of investment securities are obtained from a third party service provider, whose prices are based on a combination of observed market prices for identical or similar instruments and various matrix pricing programs. The fair market values of investment securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Loans Receivable, net Loans are valued using the methodology developed for Economic Value of Equity pricing, with a build-up for loans based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve, a credit risk spread and an overhead coverage rate. Loans receivable are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Impaired Loans The fair value of impaired loans is measured by the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation. Impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Bank-owned Life Insurance The cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance approximates its fair value and is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Non-maturity Deposit Liabilities Under ASC 825-10, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market, savings and checking accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. These non-maturity deposit liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Certificates of Deposit All certificates are assumed to remain on the Company’s books until maturity without any change in coupon. Fair values are estimated using market pricing data for new CDs of similar structure and remaining maturity. Certificates of deposit are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings Data is taken from the Company’s FHLB Customer Profile report. All borrowings are priced using current advance pricing data from the FHLB’s website for new borrowings of similar structure and remaining maturity. FHLB borrowings are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Stock-Based Compensation In March 2022, the Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option Plan and the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement, which were approved by shareholders at our annual meeting on May 17, 2022. Under the terms of both plans, officers, employees and directors selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive benefits. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the Company measures stock compensation expense based on the fair market value of the instrument as of the grant date and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures of stock awards as they occur and reverses compensation expense previously recognized in the period the award is forfeited. Advertising Costs The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. There were no direct response advertising costs capitalized as of December 31, 2022 or 2021. Comprehensive Income Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expense, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the statement of financial condition. Such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) represents income available or loss attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. No dilution for any potentially convertible shares is included in the calculation of basic EPS. Diluted EPS reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares, in the form of stock options or restricted stock shares, had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive. Unallocated common shares held by the ESOP are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating EPS until they are committed to be released. Unallocated restricted shares are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic EPS until the awards vest, however these shares are included in the computation of the denominator of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method, if dilutive. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments introduce an impairment model that is based on current expected credit losses (“CECL”), rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including loans, held-to-maturity securities and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments. The CECL should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments, over the contractual term. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. Financial instruments with similar risk characteristics may be grouped together when estimating the CECL. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial estimate of expected credit loss would be recognized through an allowance for credit losses with an offset to the purchase price at acquisition. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. The ASU also amends the current available-for-sale security impairment model for debt securities whereby credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The amendments will be applied through a modified retrospective approach, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. On October 18, 2019, FASB approved an effective date delay applicable to smaller reporting companies and non-public business entities until January 2023. The Company has elected to delay implementation of the standard until January 2023. The Company has performed the parallel testing of several CECL estimation methodologies for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the testing phase, management analyzed and validated several aspects of the CECL process, including appropriateness of portfolio segmentation, forecast methodology, model assumptions, operational procedures and internal controls. The Company expects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in a 10% to 20% increase in the allowance for loan losses and an increase in total liabilities of $200,000 to $250,000 due to the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments. The estimated impacts to the statement of financial condition are due primarily to the addition of forecasted credit losses under the CECL method. The extent of the impact at subsequent reporting periods will depend on the characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio and economic conditions at such dates as well as forecasted conditions thereafter. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company expects to further refine our CECL process, assumptions, qualitative adjustments and financial reporting disclosures. In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU respond to feedback received by the FASB during the post-implementation review of the amendments included in ASU 2016-13. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in ASC 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and enhance disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Stakeholders have observed that the additional designation of a loan modification as a TDR and the related accounting under current GAAP are unnecessarily complex and do not provide decision-useful information after the adoption of ASU 2016-13 since credit losses from TDRs are incorporated under the CECL model. Under the amendments in ASU 2022-02, an entity must apply the guidance under ASC 310-20 to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan rather than applying the guidance for TDRs. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2022-02 also require an entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC 326-20. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective at the time of adoption of the amendments in ASU 2016-13. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2022-02 will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Catalyst Bancorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated by St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank (“St. Landry Homestead” or the “Bank”) in February 2021 as part of the conversion of St. Landry Homestead from the mutual to the stock-form of organization (the “Conversion). The Conversion was completed on October 12, 2021, at which time the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank and became the holding company for the Bank. In June 2022, St. Landry Homestead changed its name to Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”).

Catalyst Bank, which is the sole subsidiary of the Company, provides a variety of banking services to individuals and corporate customers within its principal market area consisting of St. Landry Parish, Evangeline Parish, Acadia Parish and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, and is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Bank is a federal savings association subject to examination and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and is also subject to examination by the FDIC as deposit insurer. Effective October 16, 2019, the Bank elected to be a “covered association” pursuant to a provision of the Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA), that permits a federal savings association to elect to exercise national bank powers without converting to a national bank charter. The Bank’s primary deposit products are demand and NOW accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products are single family residential loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. The Bank is also subject to the regulations of certain federal agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those agencies.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to predominant accounting practices within the banking industry. The more significant accounting and reporting policies are as follows:

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the fair value of available-for-sale securities, the determination of the allowance for losses on loans and the valuation for foreclosed assets. While management uses its best judgement and reviews estimates and related assumptions periodically, actual results could differ from those estimates.

A large majority of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in other comprehensive income. The fair value of investment securities are highly sensitive to changes in market interest rates and the current and projected financial condition of the related issuer. Declines in fair value of available-for-sale securities may be realized as losses in the income statement if they are deemed to be other-than-temporary based on management’s analysis of the individual securities.

A substantial portion of the Company’s loans and foreclosed assets are secured by real estate in local markets which are largely rural and rely heavily upon agriculture and the oil and gas industry. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio and the recovery of the carrying amount of foreclosed assets are susceptible to changes in local market conditions. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and foreclosed assets, further reductions in the carrying amount of loans and foreclosed assets may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for loan losses and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for loan losses, as a result of such regulatory reviews management may determine that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for loan losses may be necessary. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets may change materially in the near-term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Adjustment of Prior Period Financial Statements

In the fourth quarter of 2022, management corrected an error related to the recognition of income on financed sales of foreclosed assets, which is netted with foreclosed assets expense on the income statement. The impact to the financial statements for the periods prior to January 1, 2022 was immaterial, though 2021 financial statements were re-stated to conform to the current period presentation. The adjustment to the 2021 financial statements resulted in an increase to beginning retained earnings of $219,000 and a decrease in 2021 net income of $12,000. The Company no longer finances sales of foreclosed assets.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in prior periods, other than those related to the restatement mentioned in the previous paragraph, may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported equity or net income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, interest-bearing deposits in other institutions, certificates of deposit purchased with original maturities of three months or less and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities when purchased for three months or less.

Investment Securities

Investment securities that are acquired with the intention of being resold in the near term are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses recognized in current earnings. The Company did not hold any securities for trading purposes at or during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.

Government, federal agency and corporate debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts that are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity. Available-for-sale securities consist of investment securities not classified as trading securities or held-to-maturity securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income.

Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method or the straight-line method when appropriate. The use of the straight-line method approximates the interest method and does not result in a material difference. Interest income is recognized when earned.

Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are included in earnings and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are

determined using the specific-identification method. The amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period of maturity.

Declines in the estimated fair value of individual investment securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses in the statement of income. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include, among other things, (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) that the Company does not intend to sell these securities, and (4) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell before a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are carried at the amount of unpaid principal balances, net of deferred loan-origination fees and discounts and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans receivable is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance.

The accrual of interest is discontinued (“nonaccrual status”) when management determines doubt exists as to the collectability of the asset due to the borrower’s failure to meet repayment terms, the borrower’s deteriorating or deteriorated financial condition, or the depreciation of underlying collateral. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest income on loans. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the principal balance.

The allowance for the loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off against the allowance in the period that such loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

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

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

An allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings in the period in which management determines loan losses are probable and reasonably estimable. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually evaluated and considered impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The

general component covers loans collectively evaluated for impairment. Loan collectively evaluated for impairment are segregated into large groups of homogenous loans to determine the allowance for loan losses for each group, which is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets include real property and other assets that have been acquired as a result of foreclosure. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at fair value, less cost to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed and losses are recognized through a charge to earnings when the carrying amount of the foreclosed asset exceeds its fair value, less costs to sell. Costs incurred in maintaining foreclosed assets and subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of the assets are included in foreclosed assets expense. At December 31, 2022, loans secured by residential and commercial real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process totaled $331,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the declining balance and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for equipment, fixtures and automobiles.

Stock in Correspondent Banks

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and as client of First National Bankers Bank (“FNBB”), the Bank purchased and holds shares of capital stock in the FHLB and FNBB. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair value are assessed for impairment and any impairment losses are included in net income. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, no impairment had been recognized.

Bank-owned Life Insurance

The Bank purchased single-premium life insurance on certain employees of the Bank. The investments in bank-owned life insurance are reported at their cash surrender and changes in the cash surrender value are classified as non-interest income. The insurance policies can be surrendered without penalties or charges imposed by the insurance carriers. Upon any surrender, a gain would be recognized as ordinary income.

Government Grants

The Bank applies for and receives grant proceeds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) Fund. The CDFI Fund helps promote access to capital and local economic growth in urban and rural low-income communities across the nation through monetary awards and the allocation of tax credits. Current GAAP has no specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for government assistance received by business entities. However, Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 105 describes the decision-making framework for determining the guidance to apply when guidance is not specified by GAAP. ASC 105 points to IAS 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and ASC 958-605, Not-for-Profit Entities – Revenue Recognition, that require conditions of the grant to be met in order to recognize the income.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Bank received and recognized into income a $171,000 grant from the CDFI Bank Enterprise Award Program. The Bank met the conditions of the grant by providing loans and financial services directly to residents and businesses located in distressed communities. During the year ended December 31,

2021, the Bank received and recognized into income a $1.8 million grant from the CDFI Rapid Response Program. The Bank met the conditions of the grant by deploying the proceeds to capital through income recognition and by originating the required amount of qualifying loans in its target markets. Income from the federal community development grants are reported in non-interest income.

Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are provided for accumulated temporary differences due to basis differences for assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The Company’s temporary differences relate primarily to differences between the basis of available-for-sale securities, depreciation and deferred fees and discount on restructuring of FHLB borrowings.

ASC 740 requires that a tax position be recognized or derecognized based on a “more likely than not” threshold. This applies to positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return where there is uncertainty about whether a tax position will ultimately be sustained upon examination. The Company has evaluated its tax position and determined that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that meet criteria under ASC 740. The Company’s management believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to December 31, 2018.

Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered in off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The Company follows the guidance of ASC 825, Financial Instruments, and ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. This guidance permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. No assets have been elected to be reported at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing the Company with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under this guidance, fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. This guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quotes priced in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Accounting Standards Codification 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments of which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investment Securities

The fair market values of investment securities are obtained from a third party service provider, whose prices are based on a combination of observed market prices for identical or similar instruments and various matrix pricing programs. The fair market values of investment securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loans Receivable, net

Loans are valued using the methodology developed for Economic Value of Equity pricing, with a build-up for loans based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve, a credit risk spread and an overhead coverage rate. Loans receivable are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired Loans

The fair value of impaired loans is measured by the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation. Impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Bank-owned Life Insurance

The cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance approximates its fair value and is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Non-maturity Deposit Liabilities

Under ASC 825-10, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market, savings and checking accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. These non-maturity deposit liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Certificates of Deposit

All certificates are assumed to remain on the Company’s books until maturity without any change in coupon. Fair values are estimated using market pricing data for new CDs of similar structure and remaining maturity. Certificates of deposit are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

Data is taken from the Company’s FHLB Customer Profile report. All borrowings are priced using current advance pricing data from the FHLB’s website for new borrowings of similar structure and remaining maturity. FHLB borrowings are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

Stock-Based Compensation

In March 2022, the Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option Plan and the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement, which were approved by shareholders at our annual meeting on May 17, 2022. Under the terms of both plans, officers, employees and directors selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive benefits. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the Company measures stock compensation expense based on the fair market value of the instrument as of the grant date and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures of stock awards as they occur and reverses compensation expense previously recognized in the period the award is forfeited.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. There were no direct response advertising costs capitalized as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.

Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expense, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the statement of financial condition. Such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) represents income available or loss attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. No dilution for any potentially convertible shares is included in the calculation of basic EPS. Diluted EPS reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares, in the form of stock options or restricted stock shares, had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive. Unallocated common shares held by the ESOP are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating EPS until they are committed to be released. Unallocated restricted shares are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic EPS until the awards vest, however these shares are included in the computation of the denominator of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments introduce an impairment model that is based on current expected credit losses (“CECL”), rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including loans, held-to-maturity securities and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments. The CECL should consider historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments, over the contractual term. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. Financial instruments with similar risk characteristics may be grouped together when estimating the CECL. The allowance for credit losses for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination that are measured at amortized cost basis is determined in a similar manner to other financial assets measured at amortized cost basis; however, the initial estimate of expected credit loss would be recognized through an allowance for credit losses with an offset to the purchase price at acquisition. Only subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a credit loss expense for these assets. The ASU also amends the current available-for-sale security impairment model for debt securities whereby credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The amendments will be applied through a modified retrospective approach, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. On October 18, 2019, FASB approved an effective date delay applicable to smaller reporting companies and non-public business entities until January 2023. The Company has elected to delay implementation of the standard until January 2023.

The Company has performed the parallel testing of several CECL estimation methodologies for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the testing phase, management analyzed and validated several aspects of the CECL process, including appropriateness of portfolio segmentation, forecast methodology, model assumptions, operational procedures and internal controls. The Company expects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in a 10% to 20% increase in the allowance for loan losses and an increase in total liabilities of $200,000 to $250,000 due to the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments. The estimated impacts to the statement of financial condition are due primarily to the addition of forecasted credit losses under the CECL method. The extent of the impact at subsequent reporting periods will depend on the characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio and economic conditions at such dates as well as forecasted conditions thereafter. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company expects to further refine our CECL process, assumptions, qualitative adjustments and financial reporting disclosures.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU respond to feedback received by the FASB during the post-implementation review of the amendments included in ASU 2016-13. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in ASC 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and enhance disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Stakeholders have observed that the additional designation of a loan modification as a TDR and the related accounting under current GAAP are unnecessarily complex and do not provide decision-useful information after the adoption of ASU 2016-13 since credit losses from TDRs are incorporated under the CECL model. Under the amendments in ASU 2022-02, an entity must apply the guidance under ASC 310-20 to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan rather than applying the guidance for TDRs. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2022-02 also require an entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC 326-20. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective at the time of adoption of the amendments in ASU 2016-13. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2022-02 will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.