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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K/A

CURRENT REPORT

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 21, 2024

 

BANCORP 34, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         
Maryland   333-273901   74-2819148
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
         

8777 E. Hartford Drive, Suite 100

Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (623) 334-6064

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR § 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR § 240.12b-2).

 

Emerging growth company

 

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

 

 

Explanatory Note

As previously disclosed, on March 19, 2024, the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 27, 2023, by and between CBOA Financial, Inc. (“CBOA”), and Bancorp 34, Inc. (“Bancorp 34”) were completed, including the merger of CBOA with and into Bancorp 34 (the “Merger”), with Bancorp 34 as the surviving corporation in the Merger.

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A is being filed to amend Item 9.01(a) and (b) of the Current Report on Form 8-K that Bancorp 34 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2024 regarding the completion of its acquisition of CBOA to include the historical financial statements of CBOA required by Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K and the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K.

Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired

The audited consolidated financial statements of CBOA as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, together with the notes related thereto and the Independent Auditor’s Report thereon, are filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K/A and incorporated by reference herein.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of financial condition of Bancorp 34 as of December 31, 2023, and the unaudited condensed combined pro forma operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, after giving effect to the merger of CBOA and adjustments described in such pro forma financial statements, is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2, and incorporated by reference herein.

(d) Exhibits

Index of Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
23.1   Consent of Eide Bailly LLP. 
     
99.1   Audited consolidated financial statements of CBOA Financial, Inc. as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, and for the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, together with the notes related thereto and the Independent Auditor’s Report thereon. 
     
99.2   Unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2023, and the unaudited condensed combined pro forma operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, giving effect to the merger of CBOA Financial, Inc. 
     
104   The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  BANCORP 34, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Kevin Vaughn
    Kevin Vaughn
    SVP, Chief Financial Officer
     
  Dated: May 31, 2024

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

 

 

Consent of Independent Auditors

 

 

The consolidated financial statements of CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years then ended, included in Item 9.01, Financial Statements and Exhibits, of the Form 8-K/A for Bancorp 34, Inc., have been audited by Eide Bailly LLP, independent auditors, as stated in our report appearing herein.

 

We consent to the inclusion in the Item 9.01, Financial Statements and Exhibits, of the Form 8-K/A for Bancorp 34, Inc. of our report, dated May 24, 2024, on our audit of the consolidated financial statements of CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary.

 

 

/s/ Eide Bailly LLP

 

Phoenix, Arizona

May 31, 2024

 

 

 

What inspires you, inspires us. | eidebailly.com

 

2355 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 900 | Phoenix, AZ 85016-9065 | T 480.315.1040 | F 480.315.1041 | EOE

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2023 and 2022

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

 
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Table of Contents

December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

Independent Auditor’s Report 1
   
Consolidated Financial Statements  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Consolidated Statements of Income 5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 6
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
 
 

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Tucson, Arizona

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for years then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company, and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as of January 1, 2023, using the modified retrospective approach with an adjustment at the beginning of the adoption period. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

What inspires you, inspires us. | eidebailly.com

2355 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 900 | Phoenix, AZ 85016-9065 | T 480.315.1040 | F 480.315.1041 | EOE

1
 

Responsibilities of Management for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:

·Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
·Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
·Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
·Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
·Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
2
 

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control–related matters that we identified during the audit.

Phoenix, Arizona

May 24, 2024

3
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

   2023   2022 
Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $45,336,008   $16,692,323 
Securities available for sale “AFS” at amortized cost of $64,469,115, as of December 31, 2023, net of allowance for credit losses of $0 as of December 31, 2023   57,697,627    65,496,532 
Federal Home Loan Bank “FHLB” stock, at cost   1,695,000    1,269,200 
Loans   324,629,202    281,019,715 
Allowance for credit losses   (3,854,713)   (3,716,207)
Loans, net   320,774,489    277,303,508 
Leasehold improvements and equipment, net   1,704,541    1,927,873 
Operating right-of-use assets   3,005,434    3,515,010 
Deferred income taxes   2,585,554    2,611,630 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets, net       3,122 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   1,982,885    2,106,951 
TOTAL ASSETS  $434,781,538   $370,926,149 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Deposits          
Non-interest bearing  $95,730,127   $117,924,860 
Interest-bearing   244,035,293    187,518,037 
Total deposits   339,765,420    305,442,897 
Federal Home Loan Bank “FHLB” advances   15,000,000    26,050,000 
Federal Reserve Bank “FRB” advances   35,938,028     
Operating lease liabilities   3,432,779    3,981,005 
Subordinated debentures   5,155,000    5,155,000 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   2,829,560    1,284,896 
Total liabilities   402,120,787    341,913,798 
           
Stockholders’ Equity          
Common stock - $0.00 par value, authorized 50,000,000; 10,344,660 and 10,213,793 shares issued and outstanding, respectively        
Additional paid-in capital   31,921,509    31,622,301 
Retained earnings   5,907,675    3,481,532 
Treasury stock   (166,050)   (166,050)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (5,002,383)   (5,925,432)
Total stockholders’ equity   32,660,751    29,012,351 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $434,781,538   $370,926,149 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

4
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

   2023   2022 
Interest Income          
Loans, including fees  $19,441,012   $13,832,848 
Investment securities   1,414,232    1,293,635 
Federal funds sold and other cash equivalents   985,381    571,076 
    21,840,625    15,697,559 
Interest expense:          
Deposits   3,431,759    563,480 
Subordinated debentures   364,014    181,200 
Borrowings   1,716,719    85,611 
Total interest expense   5,512,492    830,291 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses   16,328,133    14,867,268 
Provision for credit losses       37,199 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses   16,328,133    14,830,069 
Non-interest income:          
Loan sale income   59,352    444,319 
Service charges on deposit accounts   111,286    112,087 
Write-down of other real estate and net loss of foreclosed assets   (690)    
Other   162,135    302,968 
Total non-interest income   332,083    859,374 
Non-interest expense:          
Compensation and related benefits   7,806,890    6,559,591 
Occupancy and equipment   1,348,746    1,383,174 
Data processing   1,424,056    1,228,201 
Advertising   369,346    256,304 
FDIC insurance   207,106    218,995 
Loan collection and other real estate owned   11,259    35,014 
Insurance   161,532    121,715 
Other   2,056,703    1,214,011 
Total non-interest expense   13,385,638    11,017,005 
Net Income before Income Taxes   3,274,578    4,672,438 
Income Tax Provision   848,435    1,210,198 
Net Income  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
Earnings per Share          
Basic  $0.23   $0.36 
Diluted  $0.23   $0.35 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

   2023   2022 
Net Income attributable to common stockholders  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
           
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale   1,245,679    (7,410,668)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax   1,245,679    (7,410,668)
           
Tax effect   (322,631)   1,919,363 
           
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   923,048    (5,491,305)
           
Comprehensive Income (Loss)  $3,349,191   $(2,029,065)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

                  Accumulated     
       Additional           Other   Total 
   Common Stock   Paid-In   Retained   Treasury   Comprehensive   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Par Value   Capital   Earnings   Stock   Income (Loss)   Equity 
Balance, December 31, 2021   9,356,264   $   $29,777,580   $19,292   $(166,050)  $(434,127)  $29,196,695 
Stock warrants exercised   810,819        1,702,721                1,702,721 
Stock compensation   46,710        142,000                142,000 
Net income               3,462,240            3,462,240 
Other comprehensive loss                       (5,491,305)   (5,491,305)
Balance, December 31, 2022   10,213,793        31,622,301    3,481,532    (166,050)   (5,925,432)   29,012,351 
Stock warrants exercised   102,485        215,219                215,219 
Stock compensation   28,382        83,989                83,989 
Net income               2,426,143            2,426,143 
Other comprehensive income                       923,048    923,048 
Balance, December 31, 2023   10,344,660   $   $31,921,509   $5,907,675   $(166,050)  $(5,002,383)  $32,660,751 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

   2023   2022 
Cash Flow from Operating Activities          
Net income attributable to common stockholders  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities          
Provision for credit losses       37,199 
Depreciation and amortization   409,044    393,133 
Realized (loss) on securities sold during the period   (788)    
Net amortization of discounts and premiums on securities   594,077    1,121,607 
Deferred income tax   (298,142)   1,007,225 
Net of amortization on covered loans   93,148    (453,674)
Loss on sale/write-down of other real estate   690     
Stock-based compensation expense   83,990    142,000 
Net change in          
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   124,062    (360,360)
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   1,544,664    469,239 
Operating lease liabilities   (38,650)   (312,476)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   4,938,238    5,506,133 
           
Cash Flow from Investing Activities          
           
Loan originations and payments, net   (43,564,129)   (49,506,554)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (3,831,213)   (29,525,785)
Proceeds from the sale, prepayments and maturities of available-for-sale securities   12,284,099    10,096,319 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate   2,432    1,378 
Purchase of FHLB stock   (425,800)   (158,100)
Purchases of leasehold improvements and equipment   (185,712)   (206,307)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities   (35,720,323)   (69,299,049)
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities          
           
Net change in deposits   34,322,523    168,860 
Proceeds from exercise of stock warrants   215,219    1,702,721 
Proceeds of borrowing from Federal Reserve Bank   35,938,028     
Proceeds of (payments on) borrowing from Federal Home Loan Bank   (11,050,000)   26,050,000 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   59,425,770    27,921,401 
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents   28,643,685    (35,871,515)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year   16,692,323    52,563,838 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year  $45,336,008   $16,692,323 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information          
Cash payments for interest  $3,967,829   $774,103 
Cash paid for income taxes  $878,089   $70,000 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8
 

CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CBOA Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary (“CBOA” or the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Commerce Bank of Arizona, Inc. (the “Bank”), an Arizona state-chartered bank incorporated in 2001.

The Bank provides financial services through its offices in Pima and Maricopa counties. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, and its primary lending products are commercial and commercial real estate loans. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of businesses; construction loans are expected to be repaid from permanent financing on the completed property.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CBOA Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Commerce Bank of Arizona, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

To prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan/credit losses is particularly subject to change.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s loans are with customers within the state of Arizona. Concentrations of credit are present in commercial and commercial real estate. Loans for commercial and commercial real estate comprise approximately 28% and 63% of total loans for December 31, 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, loans for commercial and commercial real estate comprise approximately 27% and 59% of total loans, respectively. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their obligations is dependent on the real estate and general economic condition in Arizona. Management is monitoring these concentrations on an on-going basis.

Cash and Due from Financial Institutions

For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks and federal funds sold, all of which have original maturities of 90 days or less.

Balances in transaction accounts at other financial institutions may exceed amounts covered by federal deposit insurance. Management regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with other financial institutions and believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risks on cash and cash equivalents.

9
 

Investment Securities

The Company classifies its debt securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. Equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at amortized cost and evaluated periodically for impairment.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms 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 debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available-for-sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

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

Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities totaling $243,486 at December 31, 2023 is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company determined the fair value of certain assets in accordance with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements, which provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It is required that valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Standard also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the valuation inputs into three broad levels.

10
 

Level 1 inputs consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the related asset. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs related to the asset.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan/credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well- secured and in process of collection for all classes of loans. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified evaluated loans.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated (PCD) Loans

The Company has purchased loans, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. The company considers the following characteristics of a loan that has experienced “more than insignificant credit deterioration”: 1) Financial assets that are delinquent as of the acquisition date. 2) Financial assets that have been downgraded since origination. 3) Financial assets that have been placed on nonaccrual status. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for credit losses is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment. The initial allowance for credit losses determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through credit loss expense.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is a valuation allowance for current expected credit losses in the Company’s loan portfolio. Prior to January 1, 2023, the valuation allowance was established for probable and inherent credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the ACL when management believes that the collectability of a loan balance is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL. In determining the allowance, the company estimates credit losses over the loan’s entire contractual term, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The allowance estimate considers relevant available information from internal and external sources relating to historical loss experience; known and inherent risks in our portfolio; information about specific borrowers’ ability to repay; estimated collateral values; current economic conditions; reasonable and supportable forecasts for future conditions; and other relevant factors determined by management. To ensure that the ACL is maintained at an adequate level, a detailed analysis is performed on a quarterly basis and an appropriate provision is made to adjust the allowance. The entire ACL balance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off.

11
 

The determination of the ACL requires significant judgement to estimate credit losses. The ACL on loans is measured collectively on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist, and on an individual basis when management determines that the loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans. The ACL on loans collectively evaluated is measured using the loss rate model. The Company has identified the following loan pools: commercial, commercial real estate, construction, consumer, residential real estate, land and lot, and home equity. Relevant risk characteristics for commercial, commercial real estate, construction, and land and lot loan pools include debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios and financial performance. Relevant risk characteristics for residential real estate and consumer loan pools include credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, collateral type and loan-to-value ratios. A loss rate is calculated and applied to the pool utilizing a model that combines historical loss experience, and reasonable and supportable future economic forecasts to project lifetime losses. The loss rate is then combined with the loans balance and contractual maturity, adjusted for expected prepayments, to determine expected future losses. Future and supportable economic forecasts are based on national economic conditions and their reversion to the mean is implicit in the model and generally occurs over a period of two years.

Qualitative adjustments are made to the allowance calculated on collectively evaluated loans to incorporate factors not included in the model. Qualitative factors include but are not limited to, lending policies and procedures, the experience and ability of lending and other staff, the volume and severity of problem credits, quality of the loan review system, and other external factors.

Loans that exhibit different risk characteristics from the pool are individually evaluated for impairment. Loans can be identified for individual evaluation for a variety of reasons including delinquency, nonaccrual status, risk rating and loan modification. Accruing loans that exhibit different risk characteristics from their pool may also be within scope. On these loans, an allowance may be established so that the loan is reported, net, at the lower of (a) its amortized cost; (b) the present value of the loan’s estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate; or (c) at the fair value of any loan collateral, less estimated disposal costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. Collateral dependency is determined using the practical expedient when: 1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty; and 2) repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral.

The Company has elected to not measure an ACL on accrued interest as it writes off accrued interest in a timely manner. Accrued interest on loans totaled $1.2 million at December 31, 2023 and are included in “Accrued interest receivable and other assets” on the balance sheet.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments

The ACL on unfunded commitments is a liability for credit losses on commitments to originate or fund loans, and standby letters of credit. It is included in “Accrued interest payable and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a commitment that cannot be unconditionally canceled, adjusted for projected prepayments when appropriate. In addition, the estimate of the liability considers the likelihood that funding will occur. The ACL on unfunded commitments is adjusted through provision for credit losses on consolidated statements of income. Because the business processes and risks associated with unfunded commitments are essentially the same as loans, the Company uses the same process to estimate the liability.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished.

12
 

Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock

The FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Leasehold Improvements and Equipment

Leasehold improvements and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated using the straight-line method, with useful lives ranging from 5 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term plus lease extensions or useful life of the improvement.

Leases

Leases are classified as operating or finance leases at the lease commencement date. The Company leases certain locations and records the leases on the balance sheet in the form of a lease liability for the present value of future minimum payments under the lease terms, and a right-of-use asset equal to the lease liability adjusted for items such as deferred rent, lease incentives, and any impairment of the right-of-use asset. The discount rate used in determining the lease liability is based upon the incremental borrowing rates the Company could obtain for similar loans as of the date of commencement or renewal.

Other Real Estate Owned

Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant vesting period. Compensation expense is based on the value of the award as measured on the grant date.

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs totaled $369,346 for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $256,304 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

13
 

Retirement Plan

Employee 401(k) expense is the amount of matching contributions. The Company has a discretionary matching policy and the matching percentage is approved annually by the Company’s Compensation Committee. In 2023, the Company matched 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s salary, resulting in expense of $242,341 for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2022, the Company matched 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 4% of the employee’s salary, resulting in expense of $132,743 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of receivables, property and equipment, intangible assets, and accrued expenses for financial and income tax reporting. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company evaluates its tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken on income tax returns to determine if an accrual is necessary for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the unrecognized tax benefit accrual was zero. The Company will recognize future accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, if incurred.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock warrants and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale. Other comprehensive income (loss) is recognized as a separate component of equity.

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 an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Restrictions on Cash

Effective March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced the reduction of the reserve requirement ratio to zero percent across all deposit tiers. Depository institutions that were required to maintain deposits in a Federal Reserve Bank account to satisfy reserve requirements will no longer be required to do so and can use the additional liquidity to lend to individuals and businesses. It is the understanding of the Company that the Federal Reserve has no current plans to reinstate the reserve requirement; however, the Federal Reserve may adjust reserve requirement ratios in the future if conditions warrant.

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Revenue Recognition

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts consist of various fees charged to customers who hold deposit accounts at the Bank, such as monthly service charges and NSF fees. Service charges are recognized at a point in time, as they are earned at the point a triggering event occurs. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction occurs and fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to a customer.

Interchange Income

The Bank earns interchange fees from debt card holder transactions through a payment network, Interchange fees represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value. The performance obligation is satisfied at the date of the transaction. Interchange income is included in other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income. For the year ended December 31, 2023, interchange income was $132,781 and $140,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Gains/ Losses on Sales of Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

The Bank records a gain or loss from the sale of OREO when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Bank finances the sale of OREO to the buyer, the Bank assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the OREO asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Bank adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. Gains and losses on OREO are included in other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, losses on OREO were $690 and $0, respectively.

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments--The ASU changes accounting for credit losses on loans receivable and debt securities from an incurred loss methodology to an expected credit loss methodology. Among other things, ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accordingly, ASU 2016-13 requires the use of forward-looking information to form credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, though the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In November, 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which delayed the effective date for ASU 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies, resulting in ASU 2016-13 becoming effective in the first quarter of 2023 for the Company. Earlier adoption was permitted; however, the Company elected not to adopt the ASU early.

The Company formed a cross-functional team to implement ASU 2016-13. Key objectives of the team included selecting a loss estimation methodology, establishing processes and controls, data validation, creation of supporting analytics, documentation of policies and procedures, and developing disclosures. As previously disclosed, the Company is utilizing a third-party model to assist in loss estimation including pooling loans with similar risk characteristics and modeling methodologies.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2023.

15
 

Results for the periods beginning on and after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASU 2016-13 while prior period amounts are reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards. There was no cumulative effect change as a result of adopting ASC 326/ASU 2016-13.

ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures - The ASU addresses and amends areas identified by the FASB as part of its post- implementation review of the accounting standard that introduced the current expected credit losses model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the current expected credit losses model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. The company adopted ASU 2022-02 in conjunction with ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023 using the prospective approach.

Business Combination

The Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bancorp 34, Inc. on April 26, 2023, which was executed and finalized March 19, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, CBOA Financial, Inc. shareholders received 0.2628 shares of Bancorp 34, Inc. common stock for each share of CBOA Financial, Inc. common stock they own, and the deal had an aggregate deal value of approximately $28 million. Bancorp 34, Inc. shareholders own approximately 65% of the proforma company, and CBOA Financial, Inc. shareholders own approximately 35% of the proforma company.

16
 

Note 2 - Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for available-for-sale securities:

December 31, 2023  Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Allowance for
Credit Losses
 
Available-for-Sale                         
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $24,730,159   $   $(2,619,407)  $22,110,752   $ 
Residential mortgage backed securities   28,851,678    4,282    (3,089,605)   25,766,355     
U.S. Government and federal agency   9,387,278    42,947    (881,435)   8,548,790     
Corporate bonds   1,500,000        (228,270)   1,271,730     
                          
   $64,469,115   $47,229   $(6,818,717)  $57,697,627   $ 
                          
December 31, 2022                         
Available-for-Sale                         
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $23,984,315   $   $(2,887,968)  $21,096,347     
Residential mortgage backed securities   40,374,106    48,544    (3,944,152)   36,478,498     
U.S. Government and federal agency   7,655,281        (1,065,853)   6,589,428     
Corporate bonds   1,500,000        (167,741)   1,332,259     
                          
   $73,513,702   $48,544   $(8,065,714)  $65,496,532     

The amortized cost and fair value of commercial and residential mortgage backed securities maturity is estimated using an average life with expected prepayment speeds and all other debt securities are based on contractual maturity at December 31, 2023 and 2022 follows:

 

   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2022 
   Amortized
 Cost
   Fair Value   Amortized
 Cost
   Fair Value 
Available-for-Sale                    
Due in less than one year  $   $   $   $ 
Due one to five years   15,430,760    14,103,207    36,121,288    33,023,758 
Due five through ten years   31,499,974    28,243,207    33,502,397    29,191,365 
Due after ten years   17,538,381    15,351,213    3,890,017    3,281,409 
   $64,469,115   $57,697,627   $73,513,702   $65,496,532 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale amount to approximately $5,690,334 and $0, respectively. Realized losses were approximately $788 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

17
 

The following table summarizes the investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2023 and 2022, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

   Less than 12 Months   Over 12 Months     
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Total
Unrealized
Losses
 

December 31, 2023

                         
Available-for-Sale                         
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $   $   $(2,619,407)  $22,110,755   $(2,619,407)
Residential mortgage backed securities           (3,089,605)   24,560,448    (3,089,605)
U.S. Government and federal agency           (881,435)   7,026,384    (881,435)
Corporate bonds           (228,270)   1,271,730    (228,270)
   $   $   $(6,818,717)  $54,969,317   $(6,818,717)
                          
December 31, 2022                         
Available-for-Sale                         
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $(681,223)  $6,219,712   $(2,206,745)  $14,876,635   $(2,887,968)
Residential mortgage backed securities   (1,794,348)   22,288,272    (2,149,804)   10,305,042    (3,944,152)
U.S. Government and federal agency   (208,189)   1,196,953    (857,664)   5,392,475    (1,065,853)
Corporate bonds           (167,741)   1,332,259    (167,741)
   $(2,683,760)  $29,704,937   $(5,381,954)  $31,906,411   $(8,065,714)

 

Unrealized losses on bonds have not been recognized into income because the bonds are of high credit quality (rated A or higher), management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that management will be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or re-pricing date. At December 31, 2023, no ACL was established for Available-For-Sale securities.

Securities are sometimes pledged to secure repurchase agreements and borrowing lines of credit. Securities totaling $36,880,385 and $0 pledged to the Fed Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 respectively.

18
 

Note 3 - Loans  

 

Loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

 

   2023   2022 
Commercial  $91,815,782   $76,649,512 
Commercial real estate   206,010,203    166,878,498 
Construction   21,842,884    31,777,113 
Consumer   14,840    12,606 
Residential real estate   581,318    972,916 
Land and lot   3,733,817    3,505,482 
Home equity   1,703,949    2,354,182 
           
Total loans   325,702,793    282,150,309 
           
Less           
Deferred loan fees, net   (1,073,591)   (1,130,594)
Allowance for credit/loan losses   (3,854,713)   (3,716,207)
           
Loans, net  $320,774,490   $277,303,508 

 

Overdraft deposits of $1,001 and $381 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been classified from deposits and included in consumer loans.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes all loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all loans and is performed at origination and updated at renewal or whenever the loan is contractually past due or out of compliance with any loan terms. This risk category was added to better assess the quality of the loan portfolio. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Pass – Loans classified as pass represent loans that are evaluated and are performing under the stated terms. Pass rated assets are analyzed by the paying capacity, the current net worth, and the value of the loan collateral of the obligor.

Watch – Loans classified as watch are pass grade loans, which for one reason or another may require the attention of management. Reasons may include, but are not limited to, weakening repayment sources, adverse industry trends, concerns regarding concentrations of credit, or weakened evaluations by account officers. While the status of a loan put on this list may not technically trigger their classification as Substandard, it is considered a proactive way to identify potential issues and address them before the situation deteriorates further and does result in a loss for the Company.

Special Mention – Loans classified as special mention exhibit deficiencies that may be enough to constitute a credit risk but are protected to the degree that no loss is anticipated. Assets in this category are currently protected but are potentially weak. While the status of a loan put on this list may not technically trigger their classification as Substandard, it is considered a proactive way to identify potential issues and address them before the situation deteriorates further and does result in a loss for the Company.

19
 

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

Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

   Amortized Cost by Origination Year             
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019   Prior   Revolving   Revolving
to Term
   Total 
Commercial                                             
Pass  $17,981,710   $20,244,598   $8,414,876   $3,810,087   $925,332   $4,611,346   $26,132,942   $   $82,120,891 
Watch   511,852    2,831,587    529,910    39,687        297,328    1,870,066        6,080,430 
Special Mention           842,992                90,000        932,992 
Substandard       2,681,469                            2,681,469 
Doubtful                                    
Total   18,493,562    25,757,654    9,787,778    3,849,774    925,332    4,908,674    28,093,008        91,815,782 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
                                              
Commercial real estate                                             
Pass   47,118,211    44,383,436    47,681,350    21,069,293    9,229,701    35,633,837    318,791        205,434,619 
Watch                                    
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                       575,584            575,584 
Doubtful                                    
Total   47,118,211    44,383,436    47,681,350    21,069,293    9,229,701    36,209,421    318,791        206,010,203 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
                                              
Construction                                              
Pass   6,114,162    7,285,467    3,522,841    1,082,470            1,654,360        19,659,300 
Watch   2,183,584                                2,183,584 
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                                    
Doubtful                                    
Total   8,297,746    7,285,467    3,522,841    1,082,470            1,654,360        21,842,884 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
                                              
Consumer                                             
Pass   1,021                1,717        12,102        

14,840

 
Watch                                    
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                                    
Doubtful                                    
Total   1,021                1,717        12,102        

14,840

 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
20
 
   Amortized Cost by Origination Year             
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019   Prior   Revolving   Revolving
to Term
   Total 
Residential real estate                                             
Pass                      $581,318           $581,318 
Watch                                    
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                                    
Doubtful                                    
Total                       581,318            581,318 
Current period
gross chargeoffs
                                    
                                              
Land and lot                                             
Pass   504,983    1,236,122    619,910            154,808            2,515,823 
Watch                                    
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                       1,217,994            1,217,994 
Doubtful                                    
Total   504,983    1,236,122    619,910            1,372,802            3,733,817 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
                                              
Home equity                                             
Pass                       211,941    1,492,008        1,703,949 
Watch                                    
Special Mention                                    
Substandard                                    
Doubtful                                    
Total                       211,941    1,492,008        1,703,949 
Current period gross chargeoffs                                    
                                              
Total Loans  $74,415,523   $78,662,679   $61,611,879   $26,001,537   $10,156,750   $43,284,156   $31,570,269   $   $325,702,793 
Total current period gross chargeoffs                                    

 

Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

December 31, 2022  Pass   Watch   Special
Mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
Commercial  $72,087,746   $2,261,130   $2,300,636   $   $   $76,649,512 
Commercial real estate   166,878,498                    166,878,498 
Construction   31,777,113                    31,777,113 
Consumer   12,606                    12,606 
Residential real estate   972,916                    972,916 
Land and lot   2,259,288    1,246,194                3,505,482 
Home equity   2,354,182                    2,354,182 
   $276,342,349   $3,507,324   $2,300,636   $   $   $282,150,309 

21
 

Allowance for Credit Losses - On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial instruments and transitioned to the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model to estimate losses based on the lifetime of the loan. Under the new methodology, the ACL is comprised of collectively evaluated and individually evaluated components. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) represents the Company’s best estimate of the reserve necessary to adequately account for probable losses expected over the remaining life of the assets. The provision for credit losses is the charge against current earnings that is determined by the Company as the amount needed to maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, and therefore the provision to be charged to current earnings, the Company relies predominantly on a disciplined credit review and approval process that extends to the full range of the Company’s credit exposure. The review process is directed by the overall lending policy and is intended to identify, at the earliest possible stage, the borrowers who might be facing financial difficulty. Factors considered by the company in evaluating the overall adequacy of the allowance include historical net loan losses, the level and composition of nonaccrual, past due and modifications, trends in volumes and terms of loans, effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards or lending practices, lending staff changes, concentrations of credit, industry conditions and the current economic conditions in the region where the Company operates. The Company estimates the appropriate level of allowance for credit losses by evaluating loans collectively on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist, and on an individual basis when management determines that a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans.

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) - loans by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2023:

       Commercial            Residential    Land    Home     
   Commercial   Real Estate   Construction   Consumer   Real Estate   and Lot   Equity   Total 
Allowance for credit losses - Loans:                                        
ACL - Loans, at beginning of year  $728,695   $2,449,412   $482,314   $74   $8,269   $27,433   $20,010   $3,716,207 
Cumulative effect of ASU 2016-13 adoption                                
Chargeoffs                                
Recoveries   6                        138,500    138,506 
Additions to ACL - Loans via provision for credit losses charged to operations                                
ACL - Loans, at end of year  $728,701   $2,449,412   $482,314   $74   $8,269   $27,433   $158,510   $3,854,713 
                                         

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments:

In addition to the ACL - Loans, the Company had an ACL - Unfunded Commitments of $142,000 at December 31, 2023 and $142,000 at December 31, 2022, classified in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL – Unfunded Commitments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
 
ACL - Unfunded commitments - beginning of period  $142,000   $142,000 
Cumulative effect of ASU 2016-13 adoption        
Additions to ACL - Unfunded commitments via
provision for credit losses charged to operations
        
ACL - Unfunded commitments - end of period  $142,000   $142,000 
22
 

Provision for credit losses - The provision for credit/loan losses is determined by the Company as the amount to be added to the ACL/ALLL loss accounts for various types of financial instruments (including loans and off- balance sheet credit exposures) after net charge-offs have been deducted to bring the ACL/ALLL to a level that, in managements judgement, is necessary to absorb expected credit losses over the lives of the respective financial instruments. The following table presents the components of the provision for credit/loan losses.

   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
 
Provision for credit/loan losses on:          
Loans  $   $37,199 
Unfunded commitments        
ACL - Unfunded commitments - end of period  $   $37,199 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses - Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALL”) represented management’s estimate of probable and inherent credit losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Estimating the amount of the ALL required the exercise of significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of other qualitative factors such as current economic trends and conditions, all of which may have been susceptible to significant change.

There were many factors affecting the ALL; some were quantitative, while others required qualitative judgment. The process for determining the ALL (which management believed adequately considered potential factors which resulted in probable credit losses), included subjective elements and, therefore, may have been susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differed from management estimates, additional provision for loan losses could have been required that could have adversely affected the Company’s earnings or financial position in future periods. Allocations of the ALL may have been made for specific loans but the entire ALL was available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should have been charged-off or for which an actual loss was realized.

As an integral part of their examination process, various regulatory agencies also reviewed the Bank’s ALL. Such agencies may have required that changes in the ALL be recognized when such regulators’ credit evaluations differed from those of our management based on information available to the regulators at the time of their examinations.

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and the balance in the allowance of loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based on impairment method as of December 31, 2022:

23
 

       Commercial            Residential        Home     
   Commercial   Real Estate   Construction   Consumer   Real Estate   Land and Lot   Equity   Total 
Allowance for credit losses                                        
Beginning balance  $809,561   $1,892,496   $554,879   $586   $20,826   $31,531   $10,121   $3,320,000 
Provision for (reduction in) credit losses   (205,064)   366,655    (72,565)   (512)   (55,600)   (5,604)   9,889    37,199 
Loans charged-off   (27,957)                           (27,957)
Recoveries   152,155    190,261            43,043    1,506        386,965 
                                         
Total ending allowance balance  $728,695   $2,449,412   $482,314   $74   $8,269   $27,433   $20,010   $3,716,207 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $28,000   $26,000   $   $   $   $   $   $54,000 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   700,695    2,415,856    482,314    74    8,269    25,671    20,010    3,652,889 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality       7,556                1,762        9,318 
                                         
Total ending allowance balance  $728,695   $2,449,412   $482,314   $74   $8,269   $27,433   $20,010   $3,716,207 
                                         
Loans receivables                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment  $508,896   $542,617   $   $   $   $1,246,194   $   $2,297,707 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   76,140,616    165,706,212    31,777,113    12,606    972,916    2,083,106    2,354,182    279,046,751 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality       629,669                176,182        805,851 
                                         
Total ending loan balance  $76,649,512   $166,878,498   $31,777,113   $12,606   $972,916   $3,505,482   $2,354,182   $282,150,309 
24
 

The following table summarizes the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 by class of loans. It is inclusive of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans measured from their contractual due date:

 

   30 - 59 Days   60 - 89 Days   Greater than 90   Total   Loans Not     
December 31, 2023  Past Due   Past Due   Days Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Total 
Commercial  $   $   $   $   $91,815,782   $91,815,782 
Commercial real estate                   206,010,203    206,010,203 
Construction                   21,842,884    21,842,884 
Consumer                   14,840    14,840 
Residential real estate                   581,318    581,318 
Land and lot                   3,733,817    3,733,817 
Home equity                   1,703,949    1,703,949 
   $   $   $   $   $325,702,793   $325,702,793 
                         
   30 - 59 Days   60 - 89 Days   Greater than 90   Total   Loans Not     
December 31, 2022  Past Due   Past Due   Days Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Total 
Commercial  $   $   $   $   $76,649,512   $76,649,512 
Commercial real estate                   166,878,498    166,878,498 
Construction                   31,777,113    31,777,113 
Consumer                   12,606    12,606 
Residential real estate                   972,916    972,916 
Land and lot                   3,505,482    3,505,482 
Home equity                   2,354,182    2,354,182 
   $   $   $   $   $282,150,309   $282,150,309 
                               

Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

 

The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans, inclusive of purchased credit impaired loans, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

   Nonaccrual   Loans Past Due Over 90 Days Still Accruing 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Commercial  $1,152,624   $   $   $ 
Commercial real estate   575,584             
Construction                
Consumer                
Residential real estate                
Land and lot                
Home equity                
   $1,728,208   $   $   $ 
25
 

As of December 31, 2023 there were four nonaccrual loans, none of which was past due 90 days, and there were no nonaccrual loans or loans past due 90 days as of December 31, 2022. Interest income on nonaccrual loans for the years December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $19,000 and $0, respectively. All nonaccrual loans have an ACL reserve.

Collateral Dependent Loans - A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when, based upon management’s assessment, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. For collateral dependent loans, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the balance sheet date, with consideration for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends on the sale of the collateral.

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans by portfolio segment and collateral type that were individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses and the related allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023.

   Collateral Type             
December 31, 2023  Real Estate   Other Assets   Total   Without an
Allowance
   With an
Allowance
   Allowance
Allocation
 
Commercial  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
Commercial real estate                        
Construction                        
Consumer                        
Residential real estate                        
Land and lot   1,217,994        1,217,994    1,217,994         
Home equity                        
Total  $1,217,994   $   $1,217,994   $1,217,994   $   $ 
26
 

The following tables present information related to impaired loans excluding net deferred loan fees by class of loans as of and for the year ended:

December 31, 2022  Unpaid
Principal
Balance (1)
   Recorded
Investment
   Allowance
for Loan Losses
Allocated
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded                         
Commercial  $   $   $   $   $ 
Commercial real estate   56,730    53,185        53,160    3,021 
Construction                    
Consumer                    
Residential real estate                    
Land and lot   1,246,194    1,246,194        1,098,662    64,832 
Home equity                    
    1,302,924    1,299,379        1,151,822    67,853 
With an allowance recorded                         
Commercial   508,896    508,896    28,000    549,303    25,062 
Commercial real estate   529,039    489,432    26,000    489,433    28,195 
Construction                    
Consumer                    
Residential real estate                    
Land and lot                    
Home equity                    
   $1,037,935   $998,328    54,000    1,038,736    53,257 
                          
   $2,340,859   $2,297,707   $54,000   $2,190,558   $121,110 

(1) Represents the borrower’s loan obligation, gross of any previously charged-off amounts.

 

Related Party Loans

During the normal course of business, the Bank enters into loans with related parties, including executive officers and directors. These loans are made with substantially the same terms, including rates and collateral, as loans to unrelated parties. The following is a summary of the aggregate activity involving related party borrowers:

   Years ended December 31, 
   2023   2022 
Balance, beginning of period  $2,603,206   $2,794,017 
Disbursements       10,000 
Amounts repaid   (270,686)   (180,811)
Effect of changes in composition of related parties        
Balance, end of period  $2,332,520   $2,603,206 
Undisbursed commitments to related parties  $600,000   $540,000 

 

None of these loans are past-due, on non-accrual status, or have been restructured to provide a reduction of deferred fees or interest or principal because of deterioration of the financial position of the borrower. There were no loans to the related party that were considered classified loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

27
 

Loan Modifications

The Company adopted ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures on January 1, 2023. The amendments in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The amendments in this ASU were applied prospectively, and therefore, loan modification and charge off information is provided for only those items occurring after the January 1, 2023 adoption date.

Based on the guidance in ASU 2022-02, a loan modification or refinancing results in a new loan if the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms with customers with similar collection risks that are not refinancing or restructuring their loans and the modification to the terms of the loan are more than minor. If a loan modification or refinancing does not result in a new loan, it is classified as a loan modification.

There are additional disclosures for modification of loans with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The disclosures are applicable to situations where there is interest rate reduction, term extensions, principal forgiveness, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or a combination of any of these items. The Company had two loan modification to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in the year ended December 31, 2023 with a book balance of $1,152,624. The first loan modification included in commercial loans had a forbearance agreement that will allow interest only payments through the end of 2023 with scheduled P&I payments to resume in January 2024. The first loan modification has not been past due over the last twelve months and made up 0.8% of commercial loans. The second loan modification included in commercial loans had a deferment which allowed three months of payment deferment until January 2024, then three months of interest only payments with regular payments to resume May 1, 2024. The second loan modification has not been past due over the last twelve months and made up 0.4% of commercial loans. There were no payment defaults on modified loans that occurred during 2023.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)

Loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings totaled $508,896 as of December 31, 2022. The Company allocated $28,000 of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2022.

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s internal underwriting policy.

Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan were for periods ranging from 12 months to 20 years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from 12 months to 20 years.

There were no troubled debt restructurings during the years ended December 31, 2022.

There were no payment defaults for any TDR loans during December 31, 2022.

A TDR loan is deemed to have a payment in default when it becomes 90 days past due, goes on non-accrual, or is restructured again. Payment defaults, along with other qualitative indicators are considered by management in the determination of the allowance for credit losses.

28
 

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

The Company has purchased loans, for which there was, at acquisition, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The carrying amount as of December 31 of those loans is as follows:

   2023   2022 
Commercial real estate  $539,068   $629,669 
Land and lot   82,863    176,182 
           
Outstanding balance  $621,931   $805,851 
           
Carrying amount, net allowance of $5,475 and $9,318  $616,456   $796,533 

 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company decreased the allowance for credit/loan losses by $3,843 and $7,126 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table presents loans purchased and sold during the year ended December 31, 2023 by portfolio segment:

   Commercial   Commercial
Real Estate
   Construction   Consumer   Residential
Real Estate
   Land and Lot   Home
Equity
   Total 
Purchases  $6,566,541   $2,043,453   $2,183,584   $   $   $491,546   $   $11,285,124 
Sales   26,980,326    8,685,669                        35,665,995 
                                         

Note 4 - Leasehold Improvements and Equipment, Net

Leasehold improvements and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

   2023   2022 
Leasehold improvements  $1,509,543   $1,504,072 
Furniture and equipment   1,805,808    1,625,567 
Outstanding balance   3,315,351    3,129,639 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (1,610,810)   (1,201,766)
           
   $1,704,541   $1,927,873 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $409,044 and $393,133 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 5 - Leases

The Company leases certain branch locations for various terms under long-term, non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The leases expire at various dates through 2032 and generally include renewal options. All other leases include increases in future minimum annual rental payments based on fixed rates or fixed percentages. Also, the agreements generally require the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance, and repairs.

29
 

The weighted-average discount rate is based on the discount rate implicit in the lease, or if the implicit rate is not readily determinable from the lease, then the Company estimates an applicable incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated using the Company’s applicable borrowing rates and the contractual lease term.

The Company has elected the short-term lease exemption for all leases with a term of 12 months or less for both existing and ongoing operating leases to not recognize the asset and liability for these leases. Lease payments for short-term leases are recognized on a straight-line basis.

The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for its branch locations.

The total operating lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $694,586 and $653,770, respectively.

The following table summarizes the supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

   2023   2022 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities          
Operating cash flows for operating leases  $693,771   $783,919 
           

The following summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate:

 

   2023   2022 
Weighted-average remaining lease term Operating leases   5.88 years    6.87 years 
           
Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases   1.77%   1.73%
30
 

The future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with terms greater than one year are listed below as of December 31, 2023:

Years ended December 31    
2024  $688,521 
2025   646,908 
2026   565,758 
2027   428,104 
2028   284,909 
Thereafter   728,414 
      
Total lease payments   3,342,614 
Less interest   90,166 
      
Present value of lease liabilities  $3,432,780 

 

Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned  

 

Other real estate owned activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

   2023   2022 
Beginning balance  $3,122   $4,500 
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned   (2,432)   (1,378)
Direct write-downs and gains (losses) on sales   (690)    
           
End of year  $   $3,122 
           

There was no valuation allowance on other real estate owned as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Note 7 - Interest Bearing Deposits

A summary of interest-bearing deposits follows:    
     
   2023   2022 
Interest bearing demand  $40,305,052   $49,901,846 
Savings   8,323,071    14,015,490 
Money market   111,217,826    77,185,209 
Certificates of deposit, $250,000 and over   27,204,585    11,120,505 
Other certificates of deposits   56,984,759    35,294,987 
           
Total interest-bearing deposits  $244,035,293   $187,518,037 
31
 

At December 31, 2023, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:

 

2024  $79,949,844 
2025   1,611,548 
2026   360,883 
2027   458,535 
2028 and thereafter   1,808,534 
      
   $84,189,344 
      

Deposits from directors, executive officers and related companies or individuals totaled $6,947,618 and $3,295,836 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Note 8 - Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Borrowings

 

A summary of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2022 
   Maturity   Amount   Rate Range   Maturity   Amount   Rate Range 
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances   2024   $15,000,000    5.70%   January 1, 2023    $26,050,000    4.65%
Federal Reserve Bank Advances   2024    35,938,028    4.83%-4.96%            
                               

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the Bank had two available federal funds lines of credit. One with Bankers Bank of the West, totaling $5,000,000, and a second with BMO Harris, totaling $8,000,000. Interest rates on these borrowings are based on rates in effect at the time funds are requested. Borrowings under these agreements are unsecured. There were no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022 under either of these agreements.

The Bank has collateralized borrowing arrangements with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Under the first arrangement, qualified loans are pledged, and funds may be borrowed at amounts up to the collateral value at the Federal Reserve Bank’s risk adjusted discount rate. The Bank has pledged loans with a book value of $20,837,570 and collateral value of $13,626,529 as of December 31, 2023. The outstanding balance on this line of credit was $0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Under the second arrangement, qualified securities are pledged, and funds may be borrowed at amounts up to the par value at the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program rate. The Bank has pledged securities with a par value of $36,436,367 as of December 31, 2023. The outstanding balance on this line of credit was $35,938,028 and $0 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Bank is eligible to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco based upon the level of pledged collateral. The Bank pledges certain loan types under a blanket pledge agreement. At December 31, 2023, the Bank pledged $81,700,628 as collateral. At December 31, 2023, the maximum amount the Bank is eligible to borrow is $55,788,305. This line of credit bears an interest rate of 5.70% as of December 31, 2023. The outstanding balance on this line of credit was $15,000,000 and $26,050,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

32
 

Note 9 - Subordinated Debentures

In November 2005, CBOA Financial Statutory Trust #1, a trust formed by the Company, closed a pooled private offering of 5,000 trust preferred securities with a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security. The Company made a required equity contribution of $155,000 to form the trust and the Company issued $5,000,000 of subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for ownership of all the common security of the trust and the proceeds of the preferred securities sold by the trust. The Company is able to redeem the subordinated debentures, in whole or in part, in a principal amount with integral multiples of $1,000, on or after April 7, 2009 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The subordinated debentures mature in 2036. The subordinated debentures are also redeemable in whole or in part from time to time, upon the occurrence of specific events defined within the trust indenture. The Company has the option to defer interest on payments on the subordinated debentures from time to time, for a period not to exceed five consecutive years. The Bank has elected not to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures. The Bank had interest payable of $39,938 and $35,696 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The trust preferred securities may be included in Tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. The trust preferred securities and subordinated debentures had a fixed rate of 6.75% through February 23, 2011, and a variable rate of interest, reset quarterly on the 23rd of each February, May, August, and November, equal to the sum of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.70% thereafter (3 month LIBOR was replaced by 3 month CME term SOFR following June 2023). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, based on the formula previously described, the rate was 7.34% and 6.39%, respectively. CBOA’s investment in the common stock of the trust was $155,000 and is included in other assets.

Note 10 - Income Taxes

Income tax expense were as follows:

   2023   2022 
Current tax payable  $550,293   $202,973 
Deferred   298,142    1,007,225 
           
   $848,435   $1,210,198 
           

Gross deferred tax assets result primarily from the unrealized losses on available for sale securities, accumulated depreciation, stock compensation expense, OREO write-downs, accrued expenses, and net operating losses. Gross deferred tax liabilities result primarily from allowance for credit losses and Section 597 deferred gain on the acquisition from Towne Bank. Deferred taxes include the following amounts of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

   2023   2022 
Deferred tax assets  $4,425,357   $3,635,126 
Deferred tax liabilities   (1,840,803)   (1,023,496)
Net deferred tax asset  $2,584,554   $2,611,630 

 

The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the valuation allowance and valuation allowance reversal.

33
 

A valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets is required when it is considered more likely than not that all or part of the benefit related to such assets will not be realized. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, management believes that it is more likely than not that it will realize the above deferred tax assets in future years; therefore, no valuation allowance has been provided against its deferred tax assets.

Note 11 - Regulatory Matters

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

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total, Tier 1 and CET1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action (there are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category).

In 2019, the federal banking agencies jointly issued a final rule that provides for an optional, simplified measure of capital adequacy, the Community Bank Leverage Ratio framework (“CBLR framework”), for qualifying community banking organizations, consistent with Section 201 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. The final rule became effective on January 1, 2020, and was elected by the Bank as of December 31, 2021. In April 2020, the federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that makes temporary changes to the CBLR framework, pursuant to Section 4012 of the CARES Act, and a second interim final rule that provides graduated increases in the CBLR requirement after the expiration of the temporary changes implemented pursuant to Section 4012 of the CARES Act.

The CBLR removes the requirement for qualifying banking organizations to calculate and report risk-based capital but rather only requires a Tier 1 to average assets (leverage) ratio. Qualifying banking organizations that elect to use the CBLR framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than required minimums will be considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk based and leverage capital requirements in the agencies’ capital rules and, if applicable, will be considered to have met the well capitalized ratio requirements for purposes of Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Under the interim final rules, the CBLR minimum requirement is 8% as of December 31, 2020, 8.5% as of December 31, 2021, and 9% for calendar year 2022 and beyond. The interim rule allows for a two-quarter grace period to correct a ratio that falls below the required amount, provided that a bank maintains a leverage ratio of 7% as of December 31, 2020, 7.5% as of December 31, 2021, calendar year 2021, and 8% for calendar year 2022 and beyond.

Under the final rule, an eligible banking organization can opt out of the CBLR framework and revert back to the risk-weighting framework without restriction. At December 31, 2023, the Bank was a qualifying community banking organization as defined by the federal banking agencies and elected to measure capital adequacy under the CBLR framework.

34
 

The Bank’s actual and required capital amounts and ratios are presented below at December 31, 2023 and 2022 (amounts in thousands):

   Actual   Minimum to be Well
Capitalized Under Prompt
Corrective Action Provisions
(CBLR Framework)
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of December 31, 2023                    
                     
Common Equity Tier I (to risk-weighted assets)  $41,917    10.2%  $37,047    9.0%
                     
As of December 31, 2022                    
                     
Common Equity Tier I (to risk-weighted assets)  $37,877    10.3%  $29,016    9.0%

 

Note 12 - Loan Commitments

The company is a party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection, and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

The contractual amounts of financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk at year end were as follows:

   2023   2022 
Unused commitments of extended credit  $58,745,443   $65,607,627 
           

Since many commitments to make loans expire without being used, the amounts above do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and may include commercial and residential real estate and other business and consumer assets.

Unfunded commitments under revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These lines-of-credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Company is committed.

Note 13 - Warrants

Prior to the Bank’s initial stock offering, the organizers, principally its current Board members, purchased stock to fund the costs associated with the Bank’s startup activities.

35
 

In connection with the capital raise in 2017, the Company issued one warrant for every five shares purchased. Warrants issued allowed for shares to be purchased at the offering amount for a period expiring in five years. 102,485 warrants were exercised during the years ending December 31, 2023, and 810,819 warrants were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022. Warrants granted in the 2017 capital raise had an expiration date of December 31, 2022, however the board of directors of CBOA Financial, Inc. approved an extension of the expiration date to January 31, 2023 to allow for extended processing time for shareholders who intended to exercise their options. 59,250 shares expired unexercised on January 31, 2023.

The Company had 0 and 161,735 stock warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 14 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimate of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

Fair value accounting guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

In accordance with this guidance, the Company groups its financial assets and liabilities generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

·Level 1: Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 assets and liabilities generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

 

·Level 2: Valuation is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The valuation may be based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
·Level 3: Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities may include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
36
 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table sets forth assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

December 31, 2023  Carrying Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Securities available-for-sale                    
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $22,110,752   $   $22,110,752   $ 
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations   25,766,355        25,766,355     
U.S. Government and federal agency   8,548,790        8,548,790     
Corporate bonds   1,271,730        1,271,730     
                     
   $57,697,627   $   $57,697,627   $ 
                 
December 31, 2022  Carrying Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Securities available-for-sale                    
Commercial mortgage backed securities  $21,096,347   $   $21,096,347   $ 
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations   36,478,498        36,478,498     
U.S. Government and federal agency   6,589,428        6,589,428     
Corporate bonds   1,332,259        1,332,259     
                     
   $65,496,532   $   $65,496,532   $ 
37
 

Fair values for securities available-for-sale investments are based on quoted market prices, if available, and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. For those securities available-for-sale investments where quoted prices are unavailable, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities and, therefore, are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:

December 31, 2023  Carrying Value   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Individually evaluated loans  $4,993,980   $   $   $4,993,980 
Other real estate                
                     
December 31, 2022                    
                     
Impaired loans  $2,243,707   $   $   $2,243,707 
Other real estate   3,122            3,122 

 

Individually evaluated loans and Impaired loans: The fair value of individually evaluated loans and impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals, discounted cash flows, or other valuations of underlying collateral. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available, as well as management may make adjustments to other collateral valuations. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Other real estate owned: Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (OREO) are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

Under certain circumstances the Company may make adjustments to fair value for assets and liabilities although they are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis. The Company only had Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which is summarized below:

  2023   2022   Valuation
Technique(s)
  Unobservable
Inputs
  Average 
Individually evaluated loans and Impaired loans  $4,993,980   $2,243,707   Collateral valuation and discounted cash flows  Discount from market valuation   10%
                      
Other real estate owned  $   $3,122   Collateral valuation  Discount from market valuation   10%
38
 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

 

December 31, 2023  Carrying
Amount
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Financial assets                    
Cash and due from financial institutions  $45,336,008   $45,336,008   $   $ 
Securities available-for-sale   57,697,627        57,697,627     
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,695,000    1,695,000         
Loans, net   320,774,489            322,089,000 
Accrued interest receivable   1,467,372    1,467,372         
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits   339,765,420            309,037,747 
Subordinated debentures   5,155,000            5,155,000 
Borrowings from Federal Reserve Bank   35,938,028            35,989,000 
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank   15,000,000            15,021,000 
Accrued interest payable   1,426,130    1,426,130         
                     
December 31, 2022  Carrying
Amount
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Other Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Financial assets                    
Cash and due from financial institutions  $16,692,323   $16,692,323   $   $ 
Securities available-for-sale   65,496,532        65,496,532     
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   1,269,200    1,269,200         
Loans, net   277,303,508            281,326,000 
Accrued interest receivable   1,170,669    1,170,669         
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits   305,442,897            237,014,000 
Subordinated debentures   5,155,000            5,155,000 
Borrowings from Federal Reserve Bank                
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank   26,050,000            26,030,000 
Accrued interest payable   79,695    79,695         

 

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation

 

On March 17, 2022, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The aggregate number of shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan is 600,000 shares. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 78,015 and 46,710 shares had been granted under the plan, respectively. Total stock-based compensation recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $83,989 and $142,000, respectively. The Company has 475,285 and 553,290 shares available for grant as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

39
 

Restricted Common Stock Awards

 

   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2022 
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Grant Price
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Grant Price
 
Restricted Shares                    
                     
Unvested and outstanding at beginning of year      $       $ 
Granted   78,015    2.96    46,710    3.04 
Vested   (28,382)   2.96    (46,710)   3.04 
Forfeited                
                     
Unvested and outstanding at end of period   49,633   $2.96       $ 
                     

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company granted 77,801 restricted shares with a weighted average grant price of $2.40. 24,816 restricted shares vested subsequent to December 31, 2023 and 102,618 restricted shares accelerated vesting due to business combination with Bancorp 34, Inc. as noted in Note 1.

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share

The following table is a summary of the calculation of earnings per share as of December 31:

   2023   2022 
Net Income  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
           
Basic earnings per share          
Weighted average shares outstanding   10,339,930    9,645,508 
           
Effect of dilutive securities          
Stock warrants       161,735 
Unvested restricted stock shares   49,633     
           
Diluted earnings per share          
Weighted average shares outstanding   10,389,563    9,807,243 
           
Per share amount          
Basic earnings  $0.23   $0.36 
Diluted earnings  $0.23   $0.35 

 

Note 17 - Condensed Financial Information - Parent Company Only

The following condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, for CBOA Financial, Inc. should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

40
 
Condensed Balance Sheets        
         
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
 
Assets          
           
Cash and cash equivalents  $33,693   $844,288 
Investment in subsidiary   36,914,368    32,838,267 
Other assets   971,447    674,892 
Total assets  $37,919,508   $34,357,447 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Subordinated debentures  $5,155,000   $5,155,000 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   103,757    190,096 
Total liabilities   5,258,757    5,345,096 
Total stockholders’ equity   32,660,751    29,012,351 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $37,919,508   $34,357,447 
           
Statements of Operations        
         
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
 
Interest income  $10,818   $4,688 
Total interest expense   364,014    181,200 
Net interest expense   (353,196)   (176,512)
Non-interest expense   786,278    71,182 
Net loss before benefit for income taxes equity in undistributed income of   (1,139,474)   (247,694)
Benefit for income taxes   296,555    64,153 
Net loss before equity in undistributed   (842,919)   (183,541)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries   3,269,062    3,645,781 
Net income  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
41
 
Statements of Cash Flows        
         
   Years Ended 
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income  $2,426,143   $3,462,240 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Deferred tax asset   (296,555)   (64,153)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities - Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   (3,069,062)   (3,645,781)
Net change in:          
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   (86,339)   219,686 
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities   (1,025,813)   (28,008)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Investment in subsidiary       (1,250,000)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities:       (1,250,000)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Proceeds from exercise of stock warrants   215,219    1,702,721 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   215,219    1,702,721 
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (810,595)   1,674,713 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period   844,288    419,575 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  $33,693   $844,288 
           

Note 18 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following tables show the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

   Years ended 
   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2022 
   Before-Tax
Amount
   Tax Benefit
(Expense)
   Net-of-Tax
Amount
   Before-Tax
Amount
   Tax Benefit
(Expense)
   Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
Unrealized gain (losses) on securities:                              
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period  $1,245,679   $(322,631)  $923,048   $(7,410,668)  $1,919,363   $(5,491,305)
Other comprehensive income (loss)  $1,245,679   $(322,631)  $923,048   $(7,410,668)  $1,919,363   $(5,491,305)
42
 

The changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

   Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on AFS
Securities
   Other
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net of tax
 
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2022  $(606,502)  $(434,127)
Year-to-date other comprehensive loss   (7,410,668)   (5,491,305)
Ending balance, December 31, 2022  $(8,017,170)  $(5,925,432)
Current year-to-date other comprehensive income  $1,245,679   $923,048 
Ending balance, December 31, 2023  $(6,771,491)  $(5,002,384)
43

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

On March 19, 2024, Bancorp 34, Inc. (“Bancorp 34”) completed its previously announced merger with CBOA Financial, Inc. (“CBOA”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 27, 2023, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”). Under the Merger Agreement, CBOA was merged with and into Bancorp 34 with Bancorp 34 continuing as the surviving entity (the “Merger”). Immediately following the completion of the Merger, CBOA’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Commerce Bank of Arizona, an Arizona state-chartered bank, was merged with and into Bank 34, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp 34, with Bank 34 continuing as the surviving bank.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each CBOA shareholder had the right to receive 0.2628 shares of Bancorp 34 common stock for each share of CBOA common stock owned by the CBOA shareholder, with cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares. Additionally, each outstanding CBOA restricted stock unit vested and was cancelled and converted automatically into the right to receive 0.2628 shares of Bancorp 34 common stock with respect to each share of CBOA common stock underlying such restricted stock unit.

 

In connection with the Merger, Bancorp 34 issued 2,742,257 shares of common stock, which had a fair value of approximately $23.3 million based on a common shares valuation, completed by an independent third party, as of the Merger date. This $23.3 million amount was: (i) used for the Day 1 purchase accounting adjustments and the common stock consideration paid on March 19, 2024; and (ii) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Code 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Each outstanding share of Bancorp 34 common stock remained outstanding and was unaffected by the Merger.

 

Unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information included herein, is based on historical financial statements of Bancorp 34 and CBOA and has been prepared to hypothetically illustrate the financial effect of the Merger. The following unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information combines the historical consolidated financial position and results of operations of CBOA, as an acquisition by Bancorp 34 using the acquisition method of accounting and giving effect to the related pro forma adjustments described in the accompanying notes.

 

Unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information included herein, reflects the Merger based on preliminary estimated fair values. The determination of the preliminary estimated fair values of CBOA’s assets and liabilities has been based on CBOA’s net tangible and intangible assets as of the Merger date. The fair value of Bancorp 34 common stock consideration for the Merger was based on a March 2024 common share valuation completed by an independent third party, and this value was used for purposes of presenting the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2023.

 

Unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information included herein, reflects preliminary estimated adjustments to record CBOA’s assets and liabilities at their respective fair values based on Bancorp 34 management’s best estimate using the information available at this time. The pro forma adjustments may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. Increases or decreases in the fair value of certain assets, liabilities and other items of CBOA as compared to the information presented in this document may change the amount of the preliminary bargain purchase gain and CBOA’s assets and liabilities and may impact the unaudited condensed combined pro forma operating results presented herein, due to adjustments in yield and/or amortization of adjusted assets and liabilities.

1
 

FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, also known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) standard, which requires that the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets reported at amortized cost to be based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This standard requires the use of forward-looking information to estimate future credit losses. The standard was effective for Bancorp 34 and CBOA on January 1, 2023. No pro forma adjustments were made in connection with Bancorp 34’s and CBOA’s January 1, 2023, CECL adoption.

 

Bancorp 34’s management has not identified all adjustments necessary to conform CBOA accounting policies to Bancorp 34’s accounting policies. As more information becomes available, Bancorp 34’s management will perform a more detailed review of CBOA’s accounting policies. As a result of that review, differences could be identified between the accounting policies of the two companies that, when aligned, could have a material impact on the company’s combined financial information.

 

Unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information included herein is presented for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the financial results of the combined company had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of each period presented. The adjustments included in this unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information are preliminary and may be revised. This information also does not reflect any potential benefits of expected cost savings, expense efficiencies, fixed cost leverage, opportunities to earn additional revenue, potential impacts of current market conditions on revenues or asset dispositions, among other factors, and includes various preliminary estimates and may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position or results of operations that would have occurred if the Merger had been consummated on the date or at the beginning of the period indicated, or which may be attained in the future. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma consolidated financial information and related notes included herein have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of: (i) Bancorp 34, as contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); and (ii) CBOA, as contained in its historical consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Current Report on Form 8-K/A.

 

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of financial condition included herein gives effect to the Merger as if the Merger had occurred on December 31, 2023. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, gives effect to the Merger as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2023.

 

In addition, as explained in more detail in the accompanying notes, the preliminary bargain purchase gain of $5.1 million reflected in Bancorp 34’s first quarter 2024 operating results and in connection with the Merger, may be refined during the measurement period (which cannot exceed one year from the Merger date), in order to reflect any new information obtained about the facts and circumstances existing at the Merger date. Any changes to this preliminary bargain purchase gain will be recognized in the period identified. For more information on the Merger and the $5.1 million preliminary bargain purchase gain, please see Note 2 in Bancorp 34’s unaudited consolidated financial statements included in Bancorp 34’s Quarterly Report on SEC Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024.

2
 
   Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition 
   As of December 31, 2023 
(in thousands)  Bancorp 34
Historical
   CBOA
Historical
   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   Notes  Pro Forma 
Assets                   
Cash and cash equivalents  $28,897   $45,336    $3,720   A  $77,953 
Debt securities available-for-sale   56,690    57,697    376   B   114,763 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost       1,695           1,695 
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized costs, net   5,684               5,684 
Loans, gross   458,228    325,703    (18,455)  C   765,476 
Deferred loan fees, net   (1,201)   (1,074)   1,074   D   (1,201)
Allowance for credit losses   (5,860)   (3,855)   (1,411)  E   (11,126)
Loans, net   451,167    320,774    (18,792)      753,149 
Leasehold improvements and equipment, net   7,350    1,705           9,055 
Operating right-of-use assets   1,819    3,005           4,824 
Deferred tax assets   4,884    2,586    1,683   F   9,153 
Bank owned life insurance   11,847               11,847 
Other real estate owned   3,000               3,000 
Core deposit intangible           8,930   G   8,930 
Accrued interest receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets   9,927    1,984    (20)  H   11,891 
Total Assets  $581,265   $434,782   $(4,103)     $1,011,944 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                       
Deposits  $459,999   $339,765   $(252)  I  $799,512 
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank advances   29,000    50,938           79,938 
Subordinated debt and debentures   24,595    5,155    (1,012)  J   28,738 
Operating lease liabilities   2,011    3,433           5,444 
Accrued interest payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   4,939    2,830    80   K   7,849 
Total Liabilities   520,544    402,121    (1,184)      921,481 
Stockholders’ Equity                       
Common stock, $0.01 par value   47        27   L   74 
Additional paid in capital   43,279    31,922    (8,639)  L   66,562 
Retained earnings   24,301    5,908    524   L   30,733 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (5,560)   (5,003)   5,003   L   (5,560)
Unearned employee stock ownership plan shares and treasury stock   (1,346)   (166)   166   L   (1,346)
Total Shareholders’ Equity   60,721    32,661    (2,919)      90,463 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity  $581,265   $ 434,782    $(4,103)     $1,011,944 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition and Operating Results.

3
 
   Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Operating Results 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)  Bancorp 34
Historical
   CBOA
Historical
   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   Notes  Pro Forma 
Interest and fees income  $28,124   $21,841   $2,302   M  $52,267 
Interest expense   12,949    5,512    1,959   N   20,420 
Net interest income   15,175    16,329    343       31,847 
Provision for credit losses   4,223        4,102   O   8,325 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses   10,952    16,329    (3,759)      23,522 
Noninterest income   730    332           1,062 
Noninterest expense   15,537    13,386    (3,066)  P   25,857 
(Loss) income before tax   (3,855)   3,275    (693)      (1,273)
Income tax (benefit) expense   (453)   849    (706)  Q   (310)
Net (loss) income  $(3,402)  $2,426   $13      $(963)
Basic (loss) earnings per share  $(0.88)  $0.23           $(0.16)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share  $(0.88)  $0.23           $(0.16)
Weighted average shares:                       
Basic   4,027    10,340    (7,598)  R   6,769 
Diluted   4,029    10,390    (7,648)  R   6,771 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition and Operating Results.

4
 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED PRO FORMA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND OPERATING RESULTS

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information and explanatory notes herein, have been prepared to illustrate the effects of the Merger on March 19, 2024, involving Bancorp 34 and CBOA under the acquisition method of accounting with Bancorp 34 treated as the acquirer. For more information on the Merger, please see Note 2 in Bancorp 34’s unaudited consolidated financial statements included in Bancorp 34’s Quarterly Report on SEC Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024.

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of financial condition is presented as of December 31, 2023, as if the Merger occurred on December 31, 2023. The unaudited condensed combined pro forma operating results is presented for the full year 2023, as if the Merger occurred on January 1, 2023.

The unaudited condensed combined pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily indicate the financial condition and operating results of the combined entities had the Merger occurred as of December 31, 2023, and as of January 1, 2023, respectively, and nor does it necessarily indicate the results of operations in future periods or the future financial condition of the combined entity.

The Merger, which was completed on March 19, 2024, provided that CBOA shareholders received 0.2628 shares of Bancorp 34’s common stock for each share of CBOA common stock they hold prior to the Merger. The value of the common stock consideration to CBOA of $8.50 per share, or $23.3 million, used herein, was based on a March 2024 common share valuation completed by an independent third party.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of CBOA, as of the effective date of the Merger of March 19, 2024, were recorded by Bancorp 34 at their estimated preliminary fair values and the excess of the fair value of CBOA’s net assets over the Merger common stock consideration was reflected in Bancorp 34’s first quarter 2024 income statement as a non-taxable $5.1 million bargain purchase gain. See Note 2 herein.

5
 

Note 2 – Preliminary Bargain Purchase Gain as of the date of the Merger March 19, 2024

The following table includes the: (i) total consideration paid by Bancorp 34 on March 19, 2024, in connection with the Merger; (ii) preliminary estimated fair values of CBOA’s assets acquired; (iii) preliminary estimated fair values of CBOA’s liabilities assumed; and (iv) resulting preliminary bargain purchase gain.

 

(in thousands)  As Recorded
by CBOA
   Estimated
Fair Value
Adjustments
   Estimated
Fair Values
as Recorded
by Bancorp 34
 
Fair Value of the common stock consideration            $23,310 
                
Identifiable assets acquired:               
Cash and cash equivalents  $30,927   $   $30,927 
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value   57,844    376    58,220 
Loans               
Purchased performing   300,080    (15,357)   284,723 
Purchased credit deteriorated   30,425    (4,262)   26,163 
Allowance for credit losses on loans   (3,855)   3,855     
Deferred loan fees   (1,033)   1,033     
Deferred tax on assets acquired       1,233    1,233 
Operating right-of-use assets   2,866        2,866 
Core deposit intangibles       8,930    8,930 
Other assets   6,284    (20)   6,264 
Total identifiable assets acquired  $423,538   $(4,212)  $419,326 
                
Identifiable liabilities assumed:               
Deposits   346,995    (252)   346,743 
Short-term borrowings   35,000        35,000 
Long-term borrowings   5,155    (1,012)   4,143 
Deferred taxes on liabilities assumed       253    253 
Other liabilities   4,661    80    4,741 
Total identifiable liabilities assumed  $391,811   $(931)  $390,880 
                
Net identifiable assets acquired  $31,727   $(3,281)  $28,446 
                
Preliminary bargain purchase gain            $(5,136)

 

As permitted by ASC 805, Business Combinations, the above preliminary estimates may be refined during the measurement period (which cannot exceed one year from the Merger date), to reflect any new information obtained about facts and circumstances existing at the Merger date. Any changes in the above preliminary estimates will be recognized in the period identified.

6
 

Note 3 – Pro Forma Adjustments

The adjustments reflected in the pro forma adjustments columns herein: (i) give effect to events that are directly attributable to the Merger; and (ii) include those items that have a continuing impact and also those that are nonrecurring.

 

Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition

(A)Adjustments to cash reflect the reversal of Bancorp 34 and CBOA combined 2023 Merger expenses of $3.7 million (see L below).
(B)Adjustments to debt securities available-for-sale reflect the fair values in connection with the sale of CBOA’s entire debt securities available-for-sale portfolio, after the Merger date.
(C)Adjustments to loans, gross reflect: (i) a $15.4 million reduction related to the fair value mark on CBOA’s performing (Non-Purchased credit deteriorated, or Non-PCD) loans; (ii) a $4.3 million reduction related to the fair value mark on CBOA’s purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans; partially offset by (iii) a $1.2 million increase related to a “Day-2” PCD loan gross-up balance sheet only entry, which also increased the allowance for credit losses by $1.2 million.
(D)Adjustments to deferred loan fees, net, reflect the reversal of CBOA’s deferred loan fees.
(E)Adjustments to the allowance for credit losses include: (i) the reversal of CBOA’s $3.9 million allowance for credit losses; which was more than offset by (ii) a $4.1 million “Day 2” allowance for credit losses for Non-PCD loans recorded through the provision expense for credit losses; and (iii) a $1.2 million increase related to a “Day-2” PCD loan gross-up balance sheet only entry, which also increased loans, gross by $1.2 million.
(F)Adjustments to deferred tax assets illustrate the tax impact from the pro forma adjustments using a federal and state combined effective income tax rate of 25%.
(G)The new core deposit intangible asset of $8.9 million represents the estimated value of CBOA’s long-term deposit relationships with its customers and will be amortized over an estimated weighted average life of ten years using an accelerated method, which approximates the estimated run-off of the deposits acquired in the Merger.
(H)Adjustments to accrued interest receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets represent amounts which were deemed unrealizable.
(I)Adjustments to deposits represent a reduction related to the fair value mark on CBOA’s deposits.
(J)Adjustments to subordinated debt and debentures represent a reduction due to the fair value mark on CBOA’s subordinated debentures related to 5,000 trust preferred securities, with a liquidation of $1,000 per security, and maturing in 2036.
(K)Adjustments to accrued interest payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities reflect an increase in the allowance for credit losses on CBOA’s unfunded commitments, based on management’s estimates as of the Merger date.
(L)Adjustments to shareholders’ equity include: (i) $23.3 million in Bancorp 34’s common share consideration; (ii) reversal of CBOA’s shareholder’s equity; (iii) reversal of Bancorp 34 and CBOA combined 2023 Merger expenses of $3.7 million and related deferred taxes of $398,000 (see A above); and (iii) a non-taxable bargain purchase gain of $6.2 million, which is based upon $32.7 million of CBOA net assets acquired, as if the Merger had occurred on December 31, 2023, partially offset by the combined fair value marks and other pro forma adjustments, as described above, of $3.4 million. The actual non-taxable preliminary bargain purchase gain, as a result of the Merger, of $5.1 million, was included in Bancorp 34’s first quarter of 2024 operating results, as part of Bancorp 34’s Quarterly Report on SEC Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024. As this non-taxable bargain purchase gain represents a substantial credit which resulted directly from the Merger, and which will be included in the operating results of Bancorp 34 within the 12 months following the Merger, this bargain purchase gain is excluded from the 2023 pro forma operating results.
7
 

Note 3 – Pro Forma Adjustments (continued)

Pro Forma Operating results

(M)Adjustments to interest and fees income include a: (i) $796,000 pre-tax charge related to a pro forma reversal of CBOA’s actual 2023 loan fee income, as all deferred loan fees at the Merger date were reversed and loan fee income on new loans originated during 2023 was deemed not material; and (ii) $3.1 million increase in income related to a straight-line basis estimate of a full year of accretion income on the CBOA loans’ Merger date fair value marks, which were $19.6 million in total, and which were estimated to have a weighted average contractual maturity of 6.3 years.
(N)Adjustments to interest expense include the amortization expenses of $1.7 million, $198,000, and $77,000, derived from the Merger date fair value marks related to: (i) a new core deposit intangible asset of $8.9 million; (ii) CBOA’s deposit portfolio decrease of $252,000; and (iii) a $1 million reduction of CBOA’s long-term subordinated debentures, respectively. The amortization expense of the core deposit intangible asset is not on a straight-line basis. The core deposit intangible asset of $8.9 million represents the estimated value of Commerce Bank of Arizona’s long-term deposit relationships with its customers and will be amortized over an estimated weighted average life of ten years using an accelerated method, which approximates the estimated run-off of the acquired deposits. The estimated annual amortization expense of the core deposit intangible asset for the five years following the Merger is as follows: Year 1 - $1.6 million; Year 2 - $1.5 million; Year 3 - $1.3 million; Year 4 - $1.2 million; and Year 5 - $975,000.
(O)The adjustment to provision for credit losses represents a $4.1 million “Day Two” allowance for credit losses for non-PCD loans, and which represents management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses on these non-PCD loans (i.e., Purchased Performing Loans, Non-Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans).
(P)Adjustments to noninterest expense reflect a $3.7 million reversal of actual Merger expenses incurred in 2023, by Bancorp 34 and CBOA combined, and which represent substantial, non-recurring expenses, which resulted directly from the Merger. Approximately $2 million of these Merger expenses were estimated, for these pro forma purposes, to not be deductible for income taxes. The adjustments to non-interest expense also include a $654,000 charge related to post Merger date CBOA change in control related items, which Bancorp 34 incurred in connection with the Merger. Separately, approximately $3.5 million of combined Merger expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2024 by Bancorp 34 and CBOA are excluded from this pro forma presentation.
(Q)The adjustments to income tax (benefit) expense represent the tax effects from the pro forma adjustments described above and applying an effective income tax rate, for these purposes, of 25%.
(R)The adjustments to basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the (loss) earnings per share calculations herein, reflect: (i) the removal of CBOA’s weighted average common shares of 10,340,000 and 10,390,000, respectively; and (ii) the inclusion of 2,742,000 Bancorp 34 common shares issued to CBOA shareholders in connection with Merger, as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2023.
8

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Cover
Mar. 21, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K/A
Amendment Flag true
Amendment Description This Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A is being filed to amend Item 9.01(a) and (b) of the Current Report on Form 8-K that Bancorp 34 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2024 regarding the completion of its acquisition of CBOA to include the historical financial statements of CBOA required by Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K and the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K
Document Period End Date Mar. 21, 2024
Entity File Number 333-273901
Entity Registrant Name BANCORP 34, INC.
Entity Central Index Key 0001668340
Entity Tax Identification Number 74-2819148
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MD
Entity Address, Address Line One 8777 E. Hartford Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 100
Entity Address, City or Town Scottsdale
Entity Address, State or Province AZ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 85255
City Area Code (623)
Local Phone Number 334-6064
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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