UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
OR
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission File Number 0-33203
LANDMARK BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
701 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(785)565-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒ Emerging growth company☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: as November 12, 2024, the issuer had outstanding 5,501,221 shares of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
Form 10-Q Quarterly Report
Table of Contents
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.Interim Financial Statements
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Landmark National Bank (the “Bank”) and Landmark Risk Management Inc., have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2024, containing the latest audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The consolidated financial statements in this report have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial statements have been reflected herein. The results of the three and nine month interim period ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any other future time period. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure up to the date the financial statements were issued.
2.Investments
A summary of the Company’s investment securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Held to Maturity Securities
The amortized cost of the above held-to-maturity investment securities has been further reduced by the allowance for credit losses of $91,000at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The tables above show that some of the securities in the Company’s available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolios had unrealized losses, or were temporarily impaired, as of both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. This temporary impairment represents the estimated amount of loss that would be realized if the securities were sold on the valuation date.
The following table summarizes available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 along with the length of time each category of securities has been in a continuous loss position:
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value
The Company’s U.S. treasury portfolio consists of securities issued by the United States Department of the Treasury (“U.S. treasury”). The receipt of principal and interest on U.S. treasury securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Based on these factors, along with the Company’s intent to not sell the securities and its belief that it was more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of its cost basis, the Company believed that the available-for-sale U.S. treasury securities identified in the table above were temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The Company’s portfolio of municipal obligations consists of both tax-exempt and taxable general obligations securities issued by various municipalities. As of September 30, 2024, the Company did not intend to sell and it was more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell its municipal obligations in an unrealized loss position until the recovery of its cost basis. Due to the issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities’ obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that they will continue to do so, the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition and other objective evidence, the Company believed that the municipal obligations identified in the tables above were temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The Company’s agency mortgage-backed securities portfolio consists of securities underwritten to the standards of and guaranteed by the government-sponsored agencies of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the Government National Mortgage Association. The receipt of principal, at par, and interest on agency mortgage-backed securities is guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored agency guarantor, such that the Company believed that its agency mortgage-backed securities did not expose the Company to credit-related losses. Based on these factors, along with the Company’s intent to not sell the securities and the Company’s belief that it was more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company believed that the agency mortgage-backed securities identified in the table above were temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The Company’s other investment securities portfolio consists of seven subordinated debentures issued by financial institutions. These investment securities were acquired in the Freedom Bank acquisition in 2022 and classified as held-to-maturity. The securities were issued in 2021 and 2022 with a 10 year maturity and a fixed rate for five years. The securities are callable after the end of the fixed rate term, beginning September 3, 2026. The following table provides information regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity investment securities:
Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses Related to Held-to-maturity Investment Securities
The table below sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at September 30, 2024. The table includes scheduled principal payments and estimated prepayments, based on observable market inputs, for agency mortgage-backed securities. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
Schedule of Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date
The Company did not record any sales of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 or 2023.
Securities with carrying values of $343.7 million and $380.4 million were pledged to secure public funds on deposit, repurchase agreements and as collateral for borrowings at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Except for U.S. federal agency obligations, no investment in a single issuer exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity.
3.Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
Loans consisted of the following as of the dates indicated below:
Schedule of Loans
The following tables provide information on the Company’s allowance for credit losses by loan class and allowance methodology:
Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables
The Company recorded net loan charge-offs of $9,000 during the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loan recoveries of $521,000 during the third quarter of 2023. The Company recorded net loan recoveries of $36,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loan recoveries of $406,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The following table presents information regarding non-accrual and loans past due over 89 days and still accruing as of the dates indicated:
Schedule of Non-accrual and Loans Past Due Over 89 Days Still Accruing
The Company has certain loans for which repayment is dependent upon the operation or sale of collateral, as the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The underlying collateral can vary based upon the type of loan. The following table presents information regarding the amortized cost basis and collateral type of collateral-dependent loans as of the dates indicated:
Schedule of Amortized Cost Basis and Collateral Type
The Company’s key credit quality indicator is a loan’s performance status, defined as accruing or non-accruing. Performing loans are considered to have a lower risk of loss. Non-accrual loans are those which the Company believes have a higher risk of loss. The accrual of interest on non-performing loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent, unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Loans are placed on non-accrual or are charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. There were no loans 90 days or more delinquent and accruing interest at either September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
The following tables present information regarding the Company’s past due and non-accrual loans by loan class, as of the dates indicated:
Schedule of Past Due Financing Receivables
Under the original terms of the Company’s non-accrual loans, interest earned on such loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 would have increased interest income by $244,000 and $75,000, respectively. No interest income related to non-accrual loans was included in interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
The Company also 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 loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. Nonclassified loans generally include those loans that are expected to be repaid in accordance with contractual loan terms. Classified loans are those that are assigned a special mention, substandard or doubtful risk rating using the following definitions:
Special Mention: Loans are currently protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged but such protection is potentially weak. These loans constitute an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor, yet constitutes an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific asset.
Substandard: Loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged. Loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful: Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.
The following table presents information regarding the Company’s risk category of loans by type and year of origination, as of the dates indicated:
Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financings Receivables and Year of Origination
The following table provides information regarding the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments for the periods indicated:
Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses Related to Unfunded Loan Commitments
The Company did not make any loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company did not make any loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans at September 30, 2023 that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 by class, type of modification and includes the financial effect of the modification.
Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructurings
4.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances warrant. The Company’s annual impairment test as of December 31, 2023 concluded that its goodwill was not impaired. Based on that test and current conditions, as of September 30, 2024, the Company concluded it was more likely than not that its goodwill was not impaired.
Core deposit intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful life of ten years on an accelerated basis. A summary of the other intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization as of the dates indicated is presented in the following table:
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The following table sets forth estimated amortization expense for core deposit and intangible assets for the remainder of 2024 and in successive years ending December 31:
Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
5.Mortgage Loan Servicing
Mortgage loans serviced for others are not reported as assets. The following table provides information on the principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others:
Schedule of Participating Mortgage Loans
Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $10.0 million and $5.0 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Custodial escrow balances are included in the deposit balances on the balance sheet. Gross service fee income related to such loans was $425,000 and $450,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in fees and service charges in the consolidated statements of earnings. Gross service fee income related to such loans was $1.3 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and is included in fees and service charges in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Activity for mortgage servicing rights for the periods indicated was as follows:
Schedule of Servicing Asset at Amortized Cost
The fair value of mortgage servicing rights was $8.8 million and $9.5 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Fair value at September 30, 2024 was determined using discount rate of 10.0%; prepayment speeds ranging from 6.00% to 31.67%, depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing right; and a weighted average default rate of 1.82%. Fair value at December 31, 2023 was determined using discount rates at 10.0%; prepayment speeds ranging from 6.00% to 26.87%, depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing right; and a weighted average default rate of 1.65%.
The Company had a mortgage repurchase reserve of $140,000at September 30, 2024 and $159,000at December 31, 2023, which represented the Company’s best estimate at those dates of probable losses that the Company will incur related to the repurchase of one-to-four family residential real estate loans previously sold or to reimburse investors for credit losses incurred on loans previously sold where a breach of the contractual representations and warranties occurred. The Company charged $17,000of losses against the reserve during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $19,000of losses against the reserve during nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company charged $84,000of losses against the reserve during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $105,000of losses against the reserve during the nine months ended September 30,2023. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had no outstanding mortgage repurchase requests.
6.Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share have been computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share included the effect of all potential common shares outstanding during each period. The diluted earnings per share computation for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, excluded 197,858 of unexercised stock options, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive during such periods. The diluted earnings per share computation for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, excluded 136,930 of unexercised stock options because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive during such periods. The Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share to be paid November 27, 2024, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 13, 2024. The Board of Directors also declared a 5% stock dividend issuable December 16, 2024 to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 2, 2024. The shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated are shown below:
Schedule of Shares Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
7.Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings and Other Borrowings
The Bank has a line of credit, renewable annually each September, with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB’) under which there were $86.4 million of borrowings at September 30, 2024 and $58.0 million at December 31, 2023. Interest on any outstanding balance on the line of credit accrues at the federal funds rate plus 0.15% (5.04% at September 30, 2024). The Company had no letters of credit issued through the FHLB at September 30, 2024 compared to $20.0 million letters of credit December 31, 2023 to secure municipal deposits. The Company did not have any term advances from FHLB at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
Although no loans are specifically pledged, the FHLB requires the Bank to maintain eligible collateral (qualifying loans and investment securities) that has a lending value at least equal to its required collateral. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were blanket pledges of loans and securities to the FHLB totaling $391.2 million and $328.7 million, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank’s total borrowing capacity with the FHLB was approximately $272.2 million and $232.3 million, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank’s available borrowing capacity was $184.5 million and $153.1 million, respectively. The difference between the Bank’s total borrowing capacity and available borrowing capacity is related to the amount of borrowings outstanding and letters of credit. The available borrowing capacity with the FHLB is collateral based, and the Bank’s ability to borrow is subject to maintaining collateral that meets the eligibility requirements. The borrowing capacity is not committed and is subject to FHLB credit requirements and policies. In addition, the Bank must maintain a restricted investment in FHLB stock to maintain access to borrowings.
At September 30, 2024, the Bank had no borrowings through the Federal Reserve discount window, while its borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve was $54.0 million.
The Company has a $5.0 million line of credit from an unrelated financial institution maturing on November 1, 2025, with an interest rate that adjusts daily based on the prime rate less 0.50%. This line of credit has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit.
On September 29, 2022, the Company borrowed $10.0 million from the same unrelated financial institution at a fixed rate of 6.15%. This borrowing has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. This borrowing matures on September 1, 2027 and requires quarterly principal and interest payments. Early principal payments are allowed and the balance was $5.7 million and $6.6 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
8.Repurchase Agreements
The Company has overnight repurchase agreements with certain deposit customers whereby the Company uses investment securities as collateral for non-insured funds. These balances are accounted for as collateralized financing and included in other borrowings on the balance sheet.
Repurchase agreements are comprised of non-insured customer funds, totaling $9.5 million at September 30, 2024 and $12.7 million at December 31, 2023, which were secured by $13.9 million and $23.7 million of the Company’s investment portfolio at the same dates, respectively.
The following is a summary of the balances and collateral of the Company’s repurchase agreements as of the dates indicated:
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements
The investment securities are held by a third party financial institution in the customer’s custodial account. The Company is required to maintain adequate collateral for each repurchase agreement. Changes in the fair value of the investment securities impact the amount of collateral required. If the Company were to default, the investment securities would be used to settle the repurchase agreement with the deposit customer.
9.Revenue from Contracts with Customers
All of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of ASC 606 is recognized within non-interest income. Items outside the scope of ASC 606 are noted as such.
Schedule of Revenue from Contracts with Customers Within Non-interest Income
A description of the Company’s revenue streams under ASC 606 follows:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts
The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM usage fees, stop payment charges, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period during which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance.
Interchange Income
The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through the interchange payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder.
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Real Estate Owned
The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of real estate owned when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of real estate owned to the buyer, the Company 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 real estate owned 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 Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. There were no sales of real estate owned that were financed by the Company during the first nine months of 2024 or 2023.
10.Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as 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.
Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
Fair value estimates of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, including methods and assumptions utilized, are set forth below:
Schedule of Fair Value Estimates of Financial Instruments
Transfers
The Company did not transfer any assets or liabilities among levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 or during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Valuation Methods for Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables represent the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, allocated to the appropriate fair value hierarchy:
Schedule of Fair Value Instruments Measured On Recurring Basis
The Company’s investment securities classified as available-for-sale include U.S. treasury securities, municipal obligations, and agency mortgage-backed securities. Quoted exchange prices are available for the Company’s U.S. treasury securities, which are classified as Level 1. U.S. federal agency mortgage-backed securities are priced utilizing industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. These measurements are classified as Level 2. Municipal obligations are valued using a type of matrix, or grid, pricing in which securities are benchmarked against U.S. treasury rates based on credit rating. These model and matrix measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income to the extent the changes are not considered to be credit related which would instead result in a credit loss reserve. The Company evaluates any potential credit losses on available-for-sale securities on a quarterly basis and credit losses identified on individual securities result in a write-down of the relevant security’s cost basis.
Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. The mortgage loan valuations are based on quoted secondary market prices for similar loans and are classified as Level 2. Changes in the fair value of mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market and derivative financial instruments are included in gains on sales of loans.
The aggregate fair value, contractual balance (including accrued interest), and gains on loans held for sale as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Schedule of Fair Value Contractual Balance and Gain Loss On Loans Held for Sale
The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of interest rate lock commitments and corresponding forward sales contracts on mortgage loans held for sale. The fair values of these derivatives are based on quoted prices for similar loans in the secondary market. The market prices are adjusted by a factor, based on the Company’s historical data and its judgment about future economic trends, which considers the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan. These instruments are classified as Level 2. The amounts are included in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and gains on sales of loans, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The total amount of gains from changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments included in earnings for the periods indicated were as follows:
Schedule of Gains from Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments
Valuation Methods for Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company does not record its loan portfolio at fair value. Collateral-dependent loans are generally carried at the lower of cost or fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs. Collateral values are determined based on appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company and then further adjusted if warranted based on relevant facts and circumstances. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and 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. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Individually evaluated loans are reviewed at least quarterly for additional allowance and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above. The carrying value of the Company’s individually evaluated loans was $15.4 million at September 30, 2024 and $4.3 million at December 31, 2023. The Company’s individually evaluated loans with an allowance for credit losses was $2.9 million and $1.5million, with an allocated allowance of $726,000 and $311,000, at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Real estate held-for-sale includes premises and equipment that were previously used as a bank branch facility and is included in other assets on the balance sheet. Real estate held-for-sale is initially recorded at the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Subsequent valuations are updated periodically and are based upon independent appraisals, third party price opinions or internal pricing models. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and 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. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Real estate held-for-sale is reviewed and evaluated at least annually for additional allowance and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.
Real estate owned includes assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure and land previously acquired for expansion. Real estate owned is initially recorded at the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Subsequent valuations are updated periodically and are based upon independent appraisals, third party price opinions or internal pricing models. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and 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. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Real estate owned is reviewed and evaluated at least annually for additional allowance and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.
The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements On Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques
11. Regulatory Capital Requirements
Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. Management believed that as of September 30, 2024, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject at that time.
Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required. The Company and the Bank are subject to the Basel III Rule, which is applicable to all U.S. banks that are subject to minimum capital requirements, as well as to bank and savings and loan holding companies other than “small bank holding companies” (generally, non-public bank holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3.0 billion).
The Basel III Rule includes a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0%, a minimum ratio of Total Capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, equal to 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements for the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, and Tier 1 capital and total risk based capital ratios.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action then in effect. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.
The following is a comparison of the Company’s regulatory capital to minimum capital requirements as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements for Mortgage Companies
The following is a comparison of the Bank’s regulatory capital to minimum capital requirements as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview.Landmark Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is engaged in the banking business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Landmark National Bank, and in the insurance business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Landmark Risk Management, Inc. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer collectively to Landmark Bancorp, Inc., Landmark National Bank and Landmark Risk Management, Inc. The Company is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” The Bank is dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services to its local communities. Our strategy includes continuing a tradition of holding and acquiring quality assets while growing our commercial, commercial real estate (“CRE”) and agriculture loan portfolios. We are committed to developing relationships with our borrowers and providing a total banking service.
The Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits, together with borrowings and other funds, to originate one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, CRE, commercial, agriculture, municipal and consumer loans. Although not our primary business function, we invest in certain investment and mortgage-related securities using deposits and other borrowings as funding sources.
Landmark Risk Management, Inc., which was formed and began operations in 2017, is a Nevada-based captive insurance company which provides property and casualty insurance coverage to the Company and the Bank for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in the current insurance marketplace. Landmark Risk Management, Inc. is subject to the regulations of the State of Nevada and undergoes periodic examinations by the Nevada Division of Insurance.
Our results of operations depend generally on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows. In addition, we are subject to interest rate risk to the degree that our interest-earning assets mature or reprice at different times, or at different speeds, than our interest-bearing liabilities. Our results of operations are also affected by non-interest income, such as service charges, loan fees, gains from the sale of newly originated loans, gains or losses on investments and certain other non-interest related items. Our principal operating expenses, aside from interest expense, consist of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy costs, professional fees, data processing expenses and provision for credit losses.
We are significantly impacted by prevailing economic conditions, including federal monetary and fiscal policies, and federal regulations of financial institutions. Deposit balances are influenced by numerous factors such as competing investments, the level of income and the personal rate of savings within our market areas. Factors influencing lending activities include the demand for housing and the interest rate pricing competition from other lending institutions.
Currently, our business consists of ownership of the Bank, with its main office in Manhattan, Kansas and twenty nine additional branch offices in central, eastern, southeast and southwest Kansas, one loan production office in Kansas City, Missouri and our ownership of Landmark Risk Management, Inc. On October 1, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of Freedom Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Freedom Bank. Freedom Bank was founded in 2006 and operated out of a single location in Overland Park, Kansas.
In October 2024, we declared our 93rd consecutive quarterly dividend, and we currently have no plans to change our dividend strategy given our current capital and liquidity position. However, while we have achieved a strong capital base and expect to continue operating profitably, our future dividend practice is dependent upon the performance of the economy and the Company’s overall performance. In addition, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, we will not be permitted to make capital distributions (including for dividends and repurchases of stock) or pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers without restriction if we do not maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to a capital conservation buffer, a standard we exceeded at September 30, 2024. In October 2024, we also declared a 5% stock dividend. The stock dividend will be issued on December 16, 2024. This is the 24th consecutive year that the Company has issued a 5% stock dividend.
Critical Accounting Policies. Critical accounting policies are those which are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies relate to the allowance for credit losses and the accounting for business combinations, each of which involve significant judgment by our management. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies included under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2024.
Summary of Results. During the third quarter of 2024, we recorded net earnings of $3.9 million, which was an increase of $1.1 million, or 36.6%, from net earnings of $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. During the first nine months of 2024, we recorded net earnings of $9.7 million, which was an increase of $124,000, or 1.3%, from net earnings of $9.6 million during the first nine months of 2023. The increase in net earnings during 2024 was primarily related to an increase in net interest income and non-interest income.
The following table summarizes earnings and key performance measures as of or for the periods presented:
(1) Per share values for the periods ended September 30, 2023 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% dividend paid during 2023.
(2) Ratios have been annualized and are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.
(3) Net interest margin is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate.
Interest Income. Interest income of $19.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 represented an increase of $2.2 million, or 13.3%, compared to the same period of 2023. Interest income on loans increased $2.4 million, or 17.8%, to $15.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period of 2023 due to higher yields and average balances. Our yields increased from 5.93% in the third quarter of 2023 to 6.43% in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in interest income on loans was also driven by an increase in average loan balances which increased from $906.3 million in the third quarter of 2023 to $985.7 million in the third quarter of 2024. Interest income on investment securities decreased $169,000, or 5.3%, to $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2024, as compared to $3.2 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease in interest income on investment securities was primarily the result of a decrease in the average balances of investment securities which decreased from $486.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 to $428.3 million in the third quarter of 2024. Partially offsetting the lower average balances was in increase in yields, which increased from 2.77% in the third quarter of 2024 to 2.99% in the third quarter of 2024.
Interest income of $54.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 represented an increase of $7.8 million, or 16.4%, compared to the same period of 2023. Interest income on loans increased $7.9 million, or 21.1%, to $45.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, due to an increase in our average loan balances, which increased from $877.0 million during the first nine months of 2023 to $962.3 million during the first nine months of 2024. Also contributing to higher interest income were higher yields on loans, which increased from 5.72% in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 6.31% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Interest income on investment securities decreased $116,000, or 1.2%, to $9.4 million for the first nine months of 2024, as compared to $9.5 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease in interest income on investment securities was the result of a decrease on average balances of investment securities which decreased from $493.9 million in the first nine months of 2023 to $440.7 million in the same period of 2024. Partially offsetting the lower average balances was an increase in yields, which increased from 2.72% in the first nine months of 2023 to 2.99% in the same period of 2024.
Interest Expense. Interest expense during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased $1.3 million to $7.4 million, as compared to the same period of 2023. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $1.4 million to $5.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period of 2023. Our total cost of interest-bearing deposits increased from 1.93% in the third quarter of 2023 to 2.48% in the third quarter of 2024 as a result of higher rates and increased competition for deposits. Also contributing to higher interest expense was an increase in average interest-bearing deposit balances, which increased from $902.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 to $936.2 million in the third quarter of 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, interest expense on borrowings decreased $196,000 to $1.6 million, as compared to the same period of 2023 due to a decrease in our average borrowings and repurchase agreements which decreased $16.1 million from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024. Partially offsetting the decrease in average borrowing was an increase in rates, which increased from 5.60% in the third quarter of 2023 to 5.72% in the same period of 2024.
Interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $6.8 million to $21.6 million, as compared to the same period of 2023. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $6.6 million to $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in interest expense on interest-bearing deposits was the result of higher rates as our cost of interest-bearing deposits increased from 1.57% in the first nine months of 2023 to 2.42% in the same period of 2024. The increase in interest expense on deposits was also due to an increase in average interest-bearing deposit balances, which increased from $886.2 million in the first nine months of 2023 to $936.0 million in the same period of 2024. For the first nine months of 2024, interest expense on borrowings increased $246,000, to $4.7 million as compared to the same period of 2023, due primarily to an increase in rates, which increased from 5.26% in the first nine months of 2023 to 5.75% in the same period of 2024. Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense on borrowings was a decrease in our average outstanding borrowings which decreased from $112.3 million in the first nine months of 2023 to $108.4 million in the first nine months of 2024.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $978,000, or 9.2%, to $11.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in net interest income was primarily a result of an increase in interest income on loans, partially offset by higher interest expense and a decrease in interest income on investment securities. The accretion of purchase accounting adjustments increased net interest income by $282,000 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to an increase of $336,000 in the third quarter of 2024, and was primarily related to fair value adjustments on loans acquired in the Freedom Bank transaction. Compared to the same period last year, the increase in interest rates raised the yields on our interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.06% in the third quarter of 2023, compared to 3.30% in the third quarter of 2024. Lower interest rates may not result in a higher net interest margin as a result of increased competition for loans and deposits.
Net interest income increased $919,000, or 2.8%, to $33.3 million for the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in net interest income was primarily a result of an increase in interest income on loans, partially offset by higher interest expense and a decrease in interest income on investment securities. The accretion of purchase accounting adjustments increased net interest income by $750,000 in the first nine months of 2023 compared to an increase of $850,000, in the first nine months of 2024 and was primarily related to fair value adjustments on loans acquired in the Freedom Bank transaction. Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased from 3.19% in the first nine months of 2023 to 3.21% in the same period of 2024.
Average Assets/Liabilities. The following table reflects the tax-equivalent yields earned on average interest-earning assets and costs of average interest-bearing liabilities (derived by dividing income or expense by the monthly average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively) as well as “net interest margin” (which reflects the effect of the net earnings balance) for the periods shown:
Average
balance
Income/
expense
yield/cost
Rate/Volume Table. The following table describes the extent to which changes in tax-equivalent interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s interest income and expense for the periods indicated. The table distinguishes between (i) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), (ii) changes attributable to volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), and (iii) net change (the sum of (i) and (ii)). The net changes attributable to the combined effect of volume and rate that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.
Provision for Credit Losses. During the third quarter of 2024, a $500,000 provision for credit losses was recorded, compared to no provision for credit losses recorded in the same period of 2023. As of September 30, 2024, our analysis of our allowance for credit losses indicated a provision was required based on loan growth, current and projected economic conditions and other qualitative factors. We recorded net loan charge-offs of $9,000 during the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loan recoveries of $521,000 during the third quarter of 2023.
During the first nine months of 2024, we recorded a $800,000 provision for credit losses, compared to a $299,000 provision for credit losses in the first nine months of 2023. The provision for credit losses during the first nine months of 2024 consisted of a $900,000 provision to the allowance for credit losses on loans and a $100,000 credit provision to the allowance for unfunded loan commitments. The $299,000 provision for credit losses during the first nine months of 2023 consisted of a $250,000 provision to the allowance for credit losses on loans, a $30,000 provision to the allowance for unfunded loan commitments and a $19,000 provision to the allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investment securities. We recorded net loan recoveries of $36,000 during the first nine months of 2024, compared to net loan recoveries of $406,000 during the first nine months of 2023.
For further discussion of the allowance for credit losses, refer to the “Asset Quality and Distribution” section below.
Non-interest Income. Total non-interest income was $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $601,000, or 16.5%, from the same period in 2023. The increase in non-interest income during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to an increase in fees and service charges of $262,000 primarily due to higher fees related to deposit accounts. Gains on sales of one-to-four family residential real estate loans increased $213,000 due to lower interest rates. Other non-interest income also increased by $102,000, which was primarily due to a $273,000 gain on sale during the quarter of a former branch facility located in Overland Park, Kansas.
Total non-interest income was $11.4 million in the first nine months of 2024, an increase of $397,000, or 3.6%, from the first nine months of 2023, primarily as a result of an increase of $575,000 in fees and service charges due primarily to higher fees related to deposits accounts. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest income was an increase in bank owned life insurance of $76,000. Offsetting this increase was a decrease of $150,000 in gains on sales of loans. Other non-interest income also decreased by $104,000 primarily due to a decrease in lease income associated with the rental income from a former branch facility, which was sold in the third quarter of 2024.
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense totaled $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of $170,000, or 1.6%, over the same quarter of 2023. The decrease in non-interest expense in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year was mainly due to a decrease in amortization of mortgage servicing rights, other intangibles, and professional fees. Partially offsetting the decrease in non-interest expense was an increase in occupancy and equipment and other non-interest expense.
Non-interest expense totaled $32.2 million for the first nine months of 2024, an increase of $784,000, or 2.5%, from $31.4 million for the first nine months of 2023. The increase in non-interest expense in the first nine months 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year was mainly due to an increase in other non-interest expense associated with a $1.1 million valuation allowance recorded against real estate held for sale. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest expense was an increase in professional fees associated with increased legal costs associated with revisions to our benefit plans. Partially offsetting the increase in non-interest expense was a decrease amortization of mortgage serving rights and other intangibles, data processing, occupancy and equipment and compensation and benefits.
Income Tax Expense. During the third quarter of 2024, we recorded income tax expense of $867,000, compared to income tax expense of $671,000 during the same period of 2023. Our effective tax rate decreased from 18.9% in the third quarter of 2023 to 18.1% in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to increases in tax credits and tax exempt income.
We recorded income tax expense of $2.0 million for the first nine months of 2024, compared to income tax expense of $2.1 million in the same period of 2023. Our effective tax rate was 17.7% in the first nine months of 2023, compared to 16.9% in the first nine months of 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to increases in tax credits and tax-exempt income.
Financial Condition. Economic conditions in the United States remained sluggish during the first nine months of 2024 as elevated inflation levels and high interest rates continued to impact the economy. The sustained high interest rates have impacted financial institutions generally, resulting in continued higher costs of funding and lower fair values for investment securities. We maintain strong capital and liquidity, and a stable, conservative deposit portfolio with a significant majority of our deposits being retail-based and insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured. We spend significant time each month monitoring our interest rate and concentration risks through our asset/liability management and lending strategies that involve a relationship-based banking model offering stability and consistency. The State of Kansas and the geographic markets in which the Company operates have also been impacted by economic headwinds. Supply chain constraints, labor shortages and geopolitical events have contributed to the rising inflation levels which are impacting all areas of the economy both nationally and locally. The Company’s allowance for credit losses continues to factor in estimates of the economic impact of these conditions and other qualitative factors on our loan portfolio. However, our loan portfolio is diversified across various types of loans and collateral throughout the markets in which we operate. Aside from a few problem loans that management is working to resolve, our asset quality has remained strong over the past few years. While further increases in problem assets may arise, management believes its efforts to run a high quality financial institution with a sound asset base will continue to create a strong foundation for continued growth and profitability in the future.
Asset Quality and Distribution. Our primary investing activities are the origination of one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, CRE, commercial, agriculture, municipal and consumer loans and the purchase of investment securities. Total assets were $1.6 billion at both December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses based on our economic projections. At September 30, 2024, our allowance for credit losses on loans totaled $11.5 million, or 1.15% of gross loans outstanding, compared to $10.6 million, or 1.12% of gross loans outstanding, at December 31, 2023. The increase in our allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of gross loans outstanding was primarily due to current and projected economic conditions and other qualitative factors.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately $26.9 million and $7.5 million, respectively, of loans were considered classified and assigned a risk rating of special mention, substandard or doubtful. These ratings indicate that these loans were identified as potential problem loans having more than normal risk and raised doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms. Even though borrowers were experiencing moderate cash flow problems as well as some deterioration in collateral value, management believed the allowance for credit losses was sufficient to cover expected losses related to such loans at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing interest totaled $7.3 million, or 0.73% of gross loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.6 million, or 0.17% of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The increase in past due loans was primarily related to a single commercial loan and an agriculture loan. At September 30, 2024, $13.4 million in loans were on non-accrual status, or 1.34% of gross loans, compared to $2.4 million, or 0.25% of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The increase in non-accrual status loans was primarily related to one commercial loan which was put on non-accrual status in the third quarter of 2024. Non-accrual loans consist of loans 90 or more days past due and certain individually evaluated loans. There were no loans 90 days delinquent and accruing interest at either September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
As part of our credit risk management, we continue to manage the loan portfolio to identify problem loans and have placed additional emphasis on CRE and construction and land relationships. We are working to resolve the remaining problem credits or move the non-performing credits out of the loan portfolio. At September 30, 2024 we had $428,000 of real estate owned compared to $928,000 of real estate owned at December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024, real estate owned primarily consisted undeveloped land and residential real estate properties. The Company is currently marketing all of the remaining properties in real estate owned.
Liability Distribution. Our primary ongoing sources of funds are deposits, FHLB borrowings, proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities and proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans and investment securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates and economic conditions. We experienced a decrease of $40.7 million, or 3.1% in total deposits during the first nine months of 2024, to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2024. The decrease in deposits was primarily due to a seasonal decrease in our deposit accounts due to public funds.
Non-interest-bearing deposits at September 30, 2024 were $360.2 million, or 28.2% of deposits, compared to $367.1 million, or 27.9% of deposits, at December 31, 2023. Money market and checking deposit accounts were 44.4% of our deposit portfolio and totaled $565.6 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $613.6 million, or 46.6% of deposits, at December 31, 2023. Savings accounts decreased to $145.8 million, or 11.4% of deposits, at September 30, 2024, from $152.4 million, or 11.6% of deposits, at December 31, 2023. Certificates of deposit totaled $203.9 million, or 16.0% of deposits, at September 30, 2024, compared to $183.2 million, or 13.9% of deposits, at December 31, 2023. The increase in certificates of deposit was primarily related to higher brokered certificates of deposits, which increased from $42.8 million at December 31, 2023 to $49.8 million at September 30, 2024.
Overdraft deposits consist of non-interest-bearing deposits, money market and checking deposit accounts with negative balances. These overdraft balances totaled $383,000 at September 30, 2024 and $318,000 as of December 31, 2023 and were presented as loans on the balance sheet.
Total deposits include estimated uninsured deposits of $388.0 million and $430.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. This represented approximately 30.4% of our total deposits at September 30, 2024 and compares favorably with other similar community banking organizations. Over 95% of the Company’s total deposits were considered core deposits at September 30, 2024. These deposit balances are from retail, commercial and public fund customers located in the markets where the Company has bank branch locations.
Certificates of deposit at September 30, 2024, scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $130.6 million. Historically, maturing deposits have generally remained with the Bank, and we believe that a significant portion of the deposits maturing in one year or less will remain with us upon maturity in some type of deposit account.
Total borrowings increased $24.2 million to $123.2 million at September 30, 2024, from $99.0 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in total borrowings was primarily due to an increase in FHLB borrowings. The increase in FHLB borrowings was to fund loan growth and to offset the decline in deposits.
Cash Flows. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $5.9 million. Our operating activities provided net cash of $15.3 million during the first nine months of 2024 primarily as a result of net earnings. Our investing activities used net cash of $869,000 during the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to loan growth. Financing activities used net cash of $20.3 million during the first nine months of 2024, primarily as a result of a decrease in deposits.
Liquidity.Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents and investment securities available-for-sale. The levels of these assets are dependent on the operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given year. These liquid assets totaled $436.6 million at September 30, 2024 and $484.8 million at December 31, 2023. During periods in which we are not able to originate a sufficient amount of loans and/or periods of high principal prepayments, we generally increase our liquid assets by investing in short-term, high-grade investments or holding higher balances of cash and cash equivalents.
Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of our strategy. Excess funds are generally invested in short-term investments. Excess funds are typically generated as a result of increased deposit balances, while uses of excess funds are generally deposit withdrawals and loan advances. In the event we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, additional funds are generally available through the use of FHLB advances, a line of credit with the FHLB, other borrowings or through pledging or sales of investment securities. While the sale of available-for-sale investment securities would result in losses due to the current interest environment, pledging these securities as collateral would not result in a loss. At September 30, 2024, we had $86.4 million borrowed on our line of credit with the FHLB. At September 30, 2024, we had collateral pledged to the FHLB that would allow us to borrow $272.2 million, subject to FHLB credit requirements and policies. At September 30, 2024, we had no borrowings through the Federal Reserve discount window, while our borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve was $54.0 million. We also have various other federal funds agreements, both secured and unsecured, with correspondent banks totaling approximately $30.0 million in available credit under which we had no outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, we had subordinated debentures totaling $21.7 million and $9.5 million of repurchase agreements. At September 30, 2024, the Company had no borrowings against a $5.0 million line of credit from an unrelated financial institution maturing on November 1, 2025, with an interest rate that adjusts daily based on the prime rate less 0.50%. This line of credit has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at September 30, 2024. The Company also borrowed $5.7 million from the same unrelated financial institution at a fixed rate of 6.15%. This borrowing matures on September 1, 2027 and requires quarterly principal and interest payments. The original $10.0 million of borrowings was used to fund part of the acquisition of Freedom Bancshares, Inc.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. As a provider of financial services, we routinely issue financial guarantees in the form of financial and performance standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are contingent commitments issued by us generally to guarantee the payment or performance obligation of a customer to a third party. While these standby letters of credit represent a potential outlay by us, a significant amount of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon. We have recourse against the customer for any amount the customer is required to pay to a third party under a standby letter of credit. The letters of credit are subject to the same credit policies, underwriting standards and approval process as loans made by us. Most of the standby letters of credit are secured, and in the event of nonperformance by the customers, we have the right to the underlying collateral, which could include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities. The contract amount of these standby letters of credit, which represents the maximum potential future payments guaranteed by us, was $1.5 million at September 30, 2024.
At September 30, 2024, we had outstanding loan commitments, excluding standby letters of credit, of $194.0 million. We anticipate that sufficient funds will be available to meet current loan commitments. These commitments consist of unfunded lines of credit and commitments to finance real estate loans.
Capital.Current regulatory capital regulations require financial institutions (including banks and bank holding companies) to meet certain regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is subject to the Basel III Rules that implemented the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Basel III Rules are applicable to all U.S. banks that are subject to minimum capital requirements, as well as to bank and savings and loan holding companies other than “small bank holding companies” (generally, non-public bank holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3.0 billion). The Company is considered a “small bank holding company” and is not directly subject to these minimum capital requirements.
The Basel III Rules require a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 6.0%, a Total Capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 8.0%, and a Tier 1 leverage minimum ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, equal to 2.5% common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements (other than the Tier 1 leverage ratio). As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank met the requirements to be “well capitalized,” which is the highest rating available under the regulatory capital regulations framework for prompt corrective action. Management believed that as of September 30, 2024, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which we are subject.
Dividends. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share to our stockholders.
The payment of dividends by any financial institution or its holding company is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations. In addition, under the Basel III Rules, financial institutions have to maintain 2.5% in common equity Tier 1 capital attributable to the capital conservation buffer in order to pay dividends and make other capital distributions. As described above, the Bank exceeded its minimum capital requirements under applicable guidelines as of September 30, 2024. The National Bank Act imposes limitations on the amount of dividends that a national bank may pay without prior regulatory approval. Generally, the amount is limited to the bank’s current year’s net earnings plus the adjusted retained earnings for the three preceding years. As of September 30, 2024, approximately $3.3 million was available to be paid as dividends to the Company by the Bank without prior regulatory approval.
Additionally, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the subordinated debentures that are held by three business trusts that we control. Interest payments on the debentures must be paid before we pay dividends on our capital stock, including our common stock. We have the right to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters. However, if we elect to defer interest payments, all deferred interest must be paid before we may pay dividends on our capital stock.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our assets and liabilities are principally financial in nature, and the resulting net interest income thereon is subject to changes in market interest rates and the mix of various assets and liabilities. Interest rates in the financial markets affect our decisions relating to pricing our assets and liabilities, which impact net interest income, a significant cash flow source for us. As a result, a substantial portion of our risk management activities relates to managing interest rate risk.
Our Asset/Liability Management Committee monitors the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet using earnings simulation models. We have set policy limits of interest rate risk to be assumed in the normal course of business and monitor such limits through our simulation process.
We have been successful in meeting the interest rate sensitivity objectives set forth in our policy. Simulation models are prepared to determine the impact on net interest income for the coming twelve months, including one using interest rates as of the forecast date, and forecasting volumes for the twelve-month projection. This position is then subjected to a shift in interest rates of 100, 200 and 300 basis points with an impact to our net interest income on a one-year horizon as follows:
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Forward-Looking Statements
This document (including information incorporated by reference) contains, and future oral and written statements by us and our management may contain, forward-looking statements, within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions, including the negatives of such expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.
Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on operations and future prospects of us and our subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, the following:
These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning us and our business, including other factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on March 27, 2024.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2024. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party or which any of their property is subject, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective businesses.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, of the Company’s equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
Total number of
shares purchased
price paid
per share
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule10b5-1(c) or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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 thereunto duly authorized.