Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Notes to Financial Statements

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

$ in thousands, except per share data.

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Bankshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the National Bank of Blacksburg, and National Bankshares Financial Services, Inc. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to GAAP and to general practices within the banking industry. Subsequent events have been considered through the filing date of this Form 10-K. The following summarizes significant accounting policies.

Use of Estimates

In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, evaluation of impairment of goodwill, and pension obligations.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s net income or stockholders’ equity.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks and interest-bearing deposits. The Company invests over-night funds in interest-bearing deposits at other banks, including the FHLB, the Federal Reserve and other entities. Interest-bearing deposits are carried at cost.

Securities

Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity may be classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings. Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The Company uses the interest method to recognize purchase premiums and discounts in interest income over the term of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Available for Sale Securities

For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Both the ACL and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company intends to sell an impaired available for sale debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount must be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to fair value, there is no ACL in such a situation.

In evaluating available for sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions for impairment and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuers’ financial condition, among other factors.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (recovery of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectability of an available for sale debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on securities of $3,281 as of December 31, 2023 and $3,485 as of December 31, 2022, along with accrued interested receivable on loans, is included in accrued interest receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Equity Securities

Equity securities with readily-determinable fair values are measured at fair value using the “exit price notion”. Changes in fair value are recognized in net income. Equity securities without readily-determinable fair values are recorded as other assets at cost less impairment, if any, and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an individual loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. The Company releases mortgage servicing rights when loans are sold on the secondary market.

Loans

The Company, through its banking subsidiary, provides mortgage, commercial, and consumer loans to customers. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for the allowance for credit losses, any purchase premium or discount, unearned income and deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Unearned income on dealer-originated loans and loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Purchase premium or discount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

The Bank’s loan policy is updated and approved by the Board of Directors annually and disseminated to lending and loan portfolio management personnel to ensure consistent lending practices. The policy communicates the Company’s risk tolerance by prescribing underwriting guidelines and procedures, including approval limits and hierarchy, documentation standards, requirements for collateral and loan-to-value limits, debt coverage, overall creditworthiness and guarantor support. Of primary consideration is the repayment ability of the borrowers and (if secured) the collateral value in relation to the principal balance. Collateral lowers risk and may be used as a secondary source of repayment. The credit decision must be supported by documentation appropriate to the type of loan, including current financial information, income verification, cash flow analysis, tax returns, credit reports, collateral information, guarantor verification, title reports, appraisals (where appropriate) and other documents.

The Company’s loans are grouped into six segments: real estate construction, consumer real estate, commercial real estate, commercial non-real estate, public sector and IDA, and consumer non-real estate. Each segment is subject to certain risks that influence pricing, loan structures, approval requirements, reserves, and ongoing credit management.

Real Estate Construction Loans. Real estate construction loans are subject to general risks from changing commercial building and housing market trends and economic conditions that may impact demand for completed properties and the costs of completion. Completed properties that do not sell or become leased within originally expected timeframes may impact the borrower’s ability to service the debt. Construction loans are underwritten against projected cash flows from rental income, business and/or personal income from an owner-occupant or the sale of the property to an end-user. Associated risks may be mitigated by requiring fixed-price construction contracts, performance and payment bonding, controlled disbursements, and pre-sale contracts or pre-lease agreements. Risks specific to the borrower are also evaluated, including previous repayment history, debt service ability, and current and projected loan-to value ratios for the collateral.

Consumer Real Estate Loans. The Bank offers a variety of first mortgage and junior lien loans secured by primary residences within our markets. The credit quality of consumer real estate is subject to risks associated with the borrower’s repayment ability and collateral value. Credit decisions are primarily based on loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios, debt-to-income (“DTI”) ratios, liquidity and net worth. Income and financial information is obtained from personal tax returns, personal financial statements and employment documentation. A maximum LTV ratio of 80% is generally required. The DTI ratio is limited to 43% of gross income.

Consumer real estate mortgages may have fixed interest rates for the entire term of the loan or variable interest rates subject to change after the first, third, or fifth year. Variable rates are based on the weekly average yield of United States Treasury Securities and are underwritten at fully-indexed rates.         

Home equity loans are secured primarily by second mortgages on residential property. The underwriting policy for home equity loans generally permits aggregate (the total of all liens secured by the collateral property) borrowing availability up to 80% of the appraised value of the collateral. We offer both fixed rate and variable rate home equity loans, with variable rate loans underwritten at fully-indexed rates. Decisions are primarily based on LTV ratios, DTI ratios, liquidity and credit history. We do not offer home equity loan products with reduced documentation.

We do not offer certain high risk loan products such as interest-only consumer mortgage loans, hybrid loans, payment option adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”), reverse mortgage loans, loans with initial teaser rates or any product with negative amortization. A hybrid loan begins as a fixed rate mortgage and after a set number of years, automatically adjusts to an ARM. Payment option ARMs usually have adjustable rates, for which borrowers choose their monthly payment of either a full payment, interest only, or a minimum payment which may be lower than the payment required to reduce the balance of the loan in accordance with the originally underwritten amortization.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. Commercial real estate loans generally are secured by first mortgages on real estate, including multifamily residential real estate, commercial real estate occupied by the owner/borrower, and commercial real estate leased to non-owners. Properties financed include retail centers, office space, hotels and motels, apartments, and industrial properties. Loans in the commercial real estate segment are impacted by economic risks from changing commercial real estate markets, rental markets for multi-family housing and commercial buildings, and economic factors that would impact the businesses housed by the commercial real estate. Underwriting decisions are based upon an analysis of the economic viability of the collateral and creditworthiness of the borrower. The Bank obtains appraisals from qualified certified independent appraisers to establish the value of collateral properties. The loan amount is generally limited to 80% of the lower of cost or appraised value and is individually determined based on the property type, quality, location and financial strength of any guarantors. The property’s projected net cash flows compared to the debt service (often referred to as the “debt service coverage ratio”) is required to be 115% or greater and is computed after deduction for a vacancy factor and property expenses, as appropriate. Borrower cash flow may be supplemented by a personal guarantee from the principal(s) of the borrower and guarantees from other parties. The Bank may employ stress testing techniques on higher balance loans to determine repayment ability in a changing rate environment before granting loan approval. The Bank requires title insurance, fire, extended coverage casualty insurance and flood insurance, if appropriate, in order to protect the security interest in the underlying property.

Commercial Non-Real Estate Loans. Commercial non-real estate loans are secured by collateral other than real estate, or are unsecured. Credit risk for commercial non-real estate loans is subject to economic conditions, borrower repayment ability and collateral value (if secured). Commercial and agricultural loans primarily finance equipment acquisition, expansion, working capital, and other general business purposes. Because these loans have a higher degree of risk, the Bank generally obtains collateral such as inventory, accounts receivables or equipment and personal guarantees from the borrowing entity’s principal owners. The Bank’s policy limits lending up to 60% of the appraised value for inventory, up to 90% of the lower of cost of market value of equipment and up to 70% for accounts receivables less than 90 days old. Credit decisions are based upon an assessment of the financial capacity of the applicant, including the primary borrower’s ability to repay within proposed terms, a risk assessment, financial strength of guarantors and adequacy of collateral. Credit agency reports of individual owners’ credit history supplement the analysis.

Public Sector and IDA Loans. Public sector and IDA loans are extended to municipalities and related entities within the Bank’s geographical footprint. Borrowers include general taxing authorities such as a city or county, industrial/economic development authorities or utility authorities. Credit risk stems from the entity’s ability to repay through either a direct obligation or assignment of specific revenues from an enterprise or other economic activity. Repayment sources are derived from taxation, such as property taxes and sales taxes, or revenue from the project financed with the loan. The Company’s underwriting considers economic and population trends of the municipality and the municipality’s reserves, pension liabilities and other liabilities.

Consumer Non-Real Estate Loans. Consumer non-real estate includes credit cards, automobile and other consumer loans. Credit cards and certain other consumer loans are unsecured, while collateral is obtained for automobile loans and other consumer loans. Credit risk stems primarily from the borrower’s ability to repay. Our procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of an applicant’s overall financial capacity, including credit history and the ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. If the loan is secured by an automobile or other collateral, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral security to the proposed loan amount. We require borrowers to maintain collision insurance on loans secured by automobiles.

Past due status and nonaccrual designation

A loan is considered past due when a payment of principal and/or interest is due but not paid. Credit card payments not received within 30 days after the statement date, real estate loan payments not received within the payment cycle and all other non-real estate secured loans for which payment is not made within the required payment cycle are considered 30 days past due. Management closely monitors loans past due 30-89 days and loans past due 90 or more days.

The Company considers multiple factors when determining whether to discontinue accrual of interest on individual loans. Generally loans are placed in nonaccrual status when collection of interest and/or full principal is considered doubtful. Interest accrual is discontinued at the time a commercial real estate loan or commercial non-real estate loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans modified to provide relief from payments of interest or principle for more than 90 days are designated nonaccrual. Accrued interest is reversed against income when a loan is placed in nonaccrual status. Any interest payments received during a loan’s nonaccrual period are credited to the principal balance of the loan.

Loans in nonaccrual are reviewed on an individual loan basis to determine whether they may return to accrual status. To return to accrual status, the Company’s evaluation must determine that the underlying cause of the original delinquency or weakness has been resolved, such as receipt of new guarantees and/or increased cash flows that cover the debt service, and that future payments are reasonably assured.

Charge-off policy

The Company’s charge-off policy meets or is more stringent than the minimum standards required by regulators. When available information confirms that a specific loan or a portion thereof, within any loan class, is uncollectible the amount is charged off against the allowance for credit losses. Additionally, losses on consumer real estate and consumer non-real estate loans are typically charged off no later than when the loans are 120-180 days past due, and losses on loans secured by residential real estate or by commercial real estate are charged off by the time the loans reach 180 days past due, in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Accordingly, secured loans may be charged down to the estimated value of the collateral, with previously accrued unpaid interest reversed. Subsequent charge-offs may be required as a result of changes in the market value of collateral or other repayment prospects.

Credit quality indicators

Credit quality indicators, which the Company terms risk grades, are assigned through the Company’s credit review function for larger loans and selective review of loans that fall below credit review thresholds. Credit quality is rated based on the loan’s payment history, the borrower’s current financial situation and value of the underlying collateral.

Loans that do not indicate heightened risk are graded as “pass.” Loans that appear to have elevated credit risk because of frequent or persistent past due status, which is less than 75 days, or that show weakness in the borrower’s financial condition are risk graded “special mention.” Loans with frequent or persistent delinquency exceeding 75 days or that have a higher level of weakness in the borrower’s financial condition are graded “classified.” Classified loans have regulatory risk ratings of “substandard” and “doubtful.”

Sales, purchases and reclassification of loans

The Company finances consumer real estate mortgages under “best efforts” contracts with mortgage purchasers. The mortgages are designated as held for sale upon initiation. There have been no major reclassifications from portfolio loans to held for sale. Mortgages held for sale are not included in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses.

Occasionally, the Company purchases or sells participations in loans. All participation loans purchased met the Company’s normal underwriting standards at the time the participation was entered. Participation loans are included in the appropriate portfolio balances to which the allowance methodology is applied.

Modified Loans

Prior to January 1, 2023, a loan that had been modified or renewed was considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when two conditions were met: 1) the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty and 2) concessions were made for the borrower's benefit that would not otherwise have been considered for a borrower or transaction with similar credit risk characteristics. TDRs were evaluated individually to determine the required ACL.

Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the TDR concept, and its impact on the ACL calculation, was eliminated in favor of disclosure of loan modifications made to troubled borrowers. Modified loans to troubled borrowers are evaluated and risk rated according to credit quality indicators as discussed above, and are subject to the Company's standard ACL process as discussed below.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans (“ACLL”)

The Company estimates the ACLL based on amortized cost basis, which is the amount at which the loan is originated, adjusted for net deferred fees or costs, collection of cash, and charge-offs. In the event that collection of principal becomes uncertain, the Company has policies in place to reverse accrued interest in a timely manner. Therefore, the Company has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the measurement of the ACLL. Accrued interest receivable on loans of $3,032 as of December 31, 2023 and $2,516 as of December 31, 2022, along with accrued interested receivable on securities, is included in accrued interest receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Intrinsic to the Company’s policy on estimating the ACLL are policies regarding loan pools, nonaccruals, past due status, collateral valuation, charge-offs and risk ratings. The Company measures expected credit losses on loans on a collective (pool) basis, when the loans share similar risk characteristics, such as collateral type and intended use, repayment source, and (if applicable) the borrower’s business model. The Company has identified the following pools of loans with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses:

Real Estate Construction Construction, residential Construction, other   Consumer Real Estate Equity lines Residential closed-end first liens Residential closed-end junior liens Investor-owned residential real estate   Commercial Real Estate Multifamily residential real estate Commercial real estate, owner occupied Commercial real estate, other Commercial Non-Real Estate Commercial and industrial   Public Sector and IDA Public sector and IDA   Consumer Non-Real Estate Credit cards Automobile Other consumer loans

The Company’s methodologies for estimating the ACLL consider available relevant information about the collectability of cash flows, including historical losses, reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions, and current economic and portfolio conditions. The difference between cash flow estimates and amortized cost is the ACLL.        

The Company uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method for all of its pools except for bankcards, which are measured using the historical loss rate adjusted for the forecast. For loans using the DCF method, cash flows are projected at the instrument level and discounted using the loan’s effective interest rate. Cash flows are generated using each loan’s payment attributes, adjusted for pool-level information on the probability of default (“PD”), loss given default and prepayment speeds. Default is defined as full or partial charge-off, nonaccrual status or past due 90 days or more. PDs for each pool are calculated using the Company’s historical data, modified by peer data, to ensure a full economic cycle is reflected in the estimate. PDs are then adjusted for the forecast.

The Company designated national unemployment as its forecast variable. Multiple forecasts from reputable and independent third parties are sourced to inform the Company’s reasonable and supportable forecasting of current expected credit losses. The forecast is applied over a horizon selected by the Company’s management at each reporting date, typically of one year and not to exceed two years, after which loss rates revert to long-term historical loss experience on a straight line basis over a period determined by management, of up to three years. The forecast horizon and reversion period are applied consistently to the entire portfolio.

The results of DCF calculations are modified by allocations for qualitative factors to account for changes in variables that may affect credit risk. The Company considers and allocates for changes in lending policies, management experience, economic conditions, loans past due, competitive, legal and regulatory environments and other factors. Qualitative factors are benchmarked to historical data and are adjusted based upon quantitative analysis.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. The Company designates loans that have been determined to meet the regulatory definitions of “special mention” or “classified” (together known as “criticized”) as individually evaluated. The fair value of individually evaluated loans is measured using the fair value of collateral (“collateral method”) or the DCF method.

The collateral method is applied to individually evaluated loans for which foreclosure is probable. The collateral method is also applied to individually evaluated loans when borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral (“collateral dependent”). The ACLL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, the ACLL is calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the loan exceeds the present value of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, the ACLL is calculated as the amount by which the loan’s amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The ACLL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the loan.

The DCF method is applied to individually evaluated loans that do not meet the criteria for collateral method measurement. Cash flows are projected and discounted using the same method as for collectively evaluated loans, but the PD is increased to reflect increased risk, up to 100% for nonaccrual loans.

Expected credit losses are reflected in the ACLL through a charge to provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. When the Company deems all or a portion of a loan to be uncollectible the appropriate amount is written off against the ACLL. The Company applies judgment to determine when a financial asset is deemed uncollectible; however, generally speaking, an asset will be considered uncollectible no later than when all efforts at collection have been exhausted. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACLL when received.

Unallocated surplus

In addition to funding the allowance for credit losses based upon data analysis, the Company has the option to fund an unallocated surplus in excess to the calculated requirement, based upon management judgement. The Company’s policy permits an unallocated surplus of between 0% and 5% of the calculated requirement.

ACL on Unfunded Commitments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as undrawn portions of revolving lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and loan commitments that have not yet been funded. The contractual amount of those instruments represents the Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower. The Company records an ACL on unfunded commitments, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur, which is based on a historical funding study derived from internal information, and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life, which are the same loss rates that are used in computing the ACLL. The ACL on unfunded commitments is recorded as a liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, included in other liabilities, and is adjusted through the provision for credit loss expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Estimation of the allowance for credit losses

The estimation of the allowance involves analysis of internal and external variables, methodologies, assumptions and management’s judgment and experience. Key judgments used in determining the allowance for credit losses include internal risk rating determinations, market and collateral values, discount rates, loss rates, and management’s assessment of current economic conditions. These judgments are inherently subjective and actual losses could be greater or less than the estimate. Future estimates of the allowance could increase or decrease based on changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, concentrations of various types of loans, economic conditions or the markets in which collateral may be sold. The estimate of the allowance accrual determines the amount of provision expense and directly affects our financial results. Please see Note 5 for additional information.

Rate Lock Commitments

The Company enters into commitments to originate mortgage loans in which the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 30 to 60 days. The Company protects itself from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts forward delivery commitments, by committing to sell a loan at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the buyer has assumed interest rate risk on the loan. As a result, the Company is not exposed to losses nor will it realize significant gains related to its rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates. The correlation between the rate lock commitments and the best efforts contracts is very high due to their similarity.

The market value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts is not readily ascertainable because rate lock commitments and best effort contracts are not actively traded in stand-alone markets. The Company determines the fair value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts by measuring the changes in the value of the underlying assets while taking into consideration the probability that the rate lock commitments will close. Because of the high correlation between rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts, no gain or loss occurs on the rate lock commitments.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets on the straight-line basis. Depreciable lives include 40 years for premises, 3-10 years for furniture and equipment, and 3 years for computer software. Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements are capitalized.

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure is held for sale and is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing the cost basis of the asset. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in net costs of other real estate owned in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Goodwill

The Company records as goodwill the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value based test. For December 31, 2023, the Company performed a qualitative assessment, as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3A, to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of NBB (“reporting unit”) is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The assessment included analysis of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, share price considerations, and other relevant entity-specific events and events affecting the reporting unit. No conditions were identified that would warrant the need for a quantitative impairment analysis, and no impairment was recorded.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key employees. The purchase of these life insurance policies allows the Company to use tax-advantaged rates of return. The cash surrender value of these policies is included as an asset on the consolidated balance sheets, and any increase in cash surrender value is recorded as income from bank owned life insurance on the consolidated statements of income. In the event of the death of an insured individual under these policies, the Company receives a death benefit which is also recorded as income from bank owned life insurance.

Pension Plan

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss). The funded status of a benefit plan is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation. The Company’s actuary determines plan obligations and annual pension expense using a number of key assumptions, including the discount rate, the estimated return on plan assets and the anticipated rate of compensation increases. Changes in these assumptions in the future, if any, or in the method under which benefits are calculated may impact pension assets, liabilities or expense.

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes, if any, as a component of income tax expense.

Trust Assets and Income

Assets (other than cash deposits) held by NBB’s Trust Department in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the consolidated financial statements since such items are not assets of the Company. Trust income is recognized on the accrual basis.

Stock Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock based payment awards issued to employees and directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. The market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used to estimate fair value for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The Company recognizes forfeitures of nonvested awards as they occur.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding nonvested restricted stock awards. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under restricted stock awards that have not yet vested. Please see Note 21 for additional information.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Advertising

The Company charges advertising costs to expenses as incurred. Advertising expenses were $109 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $163 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Revenue Recognition

The Company accounts for revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities via the accrual method. The Company recognizes noninterest income when it satisfies commitments to customers. Please refer to Note 18: Revenue Recognition.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale, net of taxes, which are also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Business Combinations

On  January 23, 2024, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Frontier Community Bank for an estimated aggregate purchase price of $16,822 of cash and stock. The merger is projected to close during the second or third quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approval.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2023-09

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, which is greater than five percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income by the entity’s applicable statutory rate, on an annual basis. Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions that are equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). Lastly, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2023-07

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision mark (“CODM”), an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, all annual disclosures required by FASB ASU Topic 280 in interim periods as well, and the title and position of the CODM and how the CODM uses the reported measures. Additionally, this ASU requires that at least one of the reported segment profit and loss measures should be the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles used in an entity’s consolidated financial statements. Lastly, this ASU requires public business entities with a single reportable segment to provide all disclosures required by these amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2023-06

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” This ASU incorporates certain SEC disclosure requirements into the FASB ASC. The amendments in the ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of ASC Topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the ASC with the SEC’s regulations. For entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements and for entities required to file or furnish financial statements with or to the SEC in preparation for the sale of or for purposes of issuing securities that are not subject to contractual restrictions on transfer, the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC removes that related disclosure from its rules. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years later. However, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations, the amendments will be removed from the ASC and not become effective for any entity. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-06 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2023-03

In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” This ASU amends the FASB ASC for SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280—General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock. ASU 2023-03 is effective upon addition to the FASB ASC. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-03 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2022-03

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions.” ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2022-03 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Developments

ASU 2016-13

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The ASU, as amended, requires an entity to measure expected credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Among other things, the ASU also amended the impairment model for available for sale securities and addressed purchased financial assets with deterioration. ASU 2016-13 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. At adoption, the Company recorded an adjustment of $2,342 to the allowance for credit losses on loans, as well as an adjustment of $207 to the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The adjustment net of tax recorded to shareholders’ equity totaled $2,014. See the Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans above for further details of adoption and changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies.

ASU 2022-02

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.” ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require a public business entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively, except for the transition method related to the recognition and measurement of troubled debt restructurings, an entity has the option to apply a modified retrospective transition method, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASU 2022-02 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023 on a prospective basis. Adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. See Note 5 – Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Nonperforming Assets for new disclosures required by ASU 2022-02.