Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company is subject to many risks that could adversely affect its future financial condition and performance and, therefore, the market value of its securities. The risk factors applicable to the Company include, but are not limited to the following:
Credit Risks
The Company’s concentration in loans secured by real estate may increase its credit losses, which would negatively affect our financial results.
At December 31, 2022, loans secured by real estate totaled $939 million and represented 70.92% of the Company’s loan portfolio, net of net deferred loan costs and premiums. If we experience adverse changes in the local real estate market or in the local or national economy, borrowers’ ability to pay these loans may be impaired, which could impact the Company’s financial performance. The Company attempts to limit its exposure to this risk by applying good underwriting practices at origination, evaluating the appraisals used to establish property values, and routinely monitoring the financial condition of borrowers. If the value of real estate serving as collateral for the loan portfolio were to continue to decline materially, a significant part of the loan portfolio could become under-collateralized. If the loans that are secured by real estate become troubled when real estate market conditions are declining or have declined, in the event of foreclosure, the Company may not be able to realize the amount of collateral that was anticipated at the time of originating the loan. In that event, the Company might have to increase the provision for loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on its operating results and financial condition.
An inadequate allowance for loan losses would reduce our earnings.
Our earnings are significantly affected by our ability to properly originate, underwrite and service loans. We maintain an allowance for loan losses based upon many factors, including the following:
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actual loan loss history;
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nature, terms, and volume of the loan portfolio;
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the amount and trends of problems loans and non-performing loans;
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the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values;
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the legal and regulatory environment;
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lending policies and procedures;
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credit administrations and lending staff;
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concentrations of credit;
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the loan review function;
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the effect of current economic conditions on a borrower’s ability to pay; and
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other factors deemed relevant by management.
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These determinations are based upon estimates that are inherently subjective, and their accuracy depends on the outcome of future events; therefore, realized losses may differ from current estimates. Changes in economic, operating, and other conditions, including changes in interest rates, which are generally beyond our control, could increase actual loan losses significantly. As a result, actual losses could exceed our current allowance estimate. We cannot provide assurance that our allowance for loan losses is sufficient to cover actual loan losses should such losses differ significantly from the current estimates.
Technology Risks
The Company’s operations may be adversely affected by cyber security risks.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company collects and stores sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of its customers and employees in systems and on networks. The secure processing, maintenance, and use of this information is critical to the Company's operations and business strategy. In addition, the Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption, or breach in security or operational integrity of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company's customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, and other systems. The Company has invested in accepted technologies, and continually reviews processes and practices that are designed to protect its networks, computers, and data from damage or unauthorized access. To date, the Company has not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, but the Company’s systems and those of its customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that the Company could experience a significant event in the future. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by the Company and its customers. The Company’s computer systems and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. A breach of any kind could compromise systems and the information stored there could be accessed, damaged, or disclosed. A breach in security or other failure could result in legal claims, regulatory penalties, disruption in operations, increased expenses, loss of customers and business partners, and damage to the Company’s reputation, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition. Furthermore, as cyber threats continue to evolve and increase, the Company may be required to expend significant additional financial and operational resources to modify or enhance its protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any identified information security vulnerabilities.
Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions and other firms to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The pace of these technological changes has increased in the “Fintech” environment, in which industry changing products and services are often introduced and adopted, including innovative ways that customers can make payments, access products, and manage accounts. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could entail significant time, resources and additional risk to develop or adopt, or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity and Interest Rate Risks
The Company’s success depends upon its ability to manage interest rate risk.
The profitability of the Company depends significantly on its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates will affect the rates earned on securities and loans and rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. While the Company believes that its current interest rate exposure does not present any significant negative exposure to interest rate changes, it cannot eliminate its exposure to interest rate risk because the factors which cause interest rate risk are beyond the Company’s control. These factors include competition, federal economic, monetary and fiscal policies, and general economic conditions.
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In addition, changes in interest rates may negatively affect both the returns on and market value of the Company’s investment securities. As the Company has experienced due to rising interest rates in 2022, interest rate changes can reduce unrealized gains or increase unrealized losses in its portfolio and thereby negatively impact its accumulated other comprehensive income and equity levels. Further, such losses could be realized into earnings should liquidity and/or business strategy necessitate the sales of securities in a loss position. Additionally, actual investment income and cash flows from investment securities that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed securities and callable securities, may materially differ from those anticipated at the time of investment or subsequently as a result of changes in interest rates and market conditions. These occurrences could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net interest income or our results of operations.
The Company relies substantially on deposits obtained from customers in its target markets to provide liquidity and support growth.
The Company requires sufficient liquidity to fund asset growth, meet customer loan requests, customer deposit maturities and withdrawals, make payments on its debt obligations as they come due and other cash commitments. The Company’s business strategy is based primarily on access to funding from local customer deposits. Deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including interest rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments, changes in the liquidity needs of our depositors and general economic conditions that affect savings levels and the amount of liquidity in the economy, including government stimulus efforts in response to economic crises. If market interest rates rise or our competitors raise the rates they pay on deposits, the Company’s funding costs may increase, either because we raise our rates to avoid losing deposits or because we lose deposits and must rely on more expensive sources of funding. Either of these factors could reduce the Company’s net interest margin and net interest income and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows from operations.
Further, if local customer deposits are not sufficient to fund the Company’s normal operations and growth, we may rely on secondary sources of liquidity, such as borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB) and federal funds lines of credit with larger institutions; however, there can be no assurance that these arrangements will be available to us when needed on favorable terms, or at all, or that they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity needs. For example, the Company’s ability to access borrowings from the FHLB will be dependent upon whether and the extent to which we can provide collateral to secure FHLB borrowings. In addition, the availability of these funding sources is highly dependent upon the perception of the liquidity and creditworthiness of the financial institution, and such perception can change quickly in response to market conditions or circumstances unique to a particular company. The Company also may need to raise funds through the issuance of shares of our debt or equity securities, or the sale of investment securities or loans, as additional sources of liquidity. If the Company is unable to access funding sufficient to support our business operations and growth strategies or are unable to access such funding on attractive terms, the Company may not be able to implement our business strategies or satisfy our obligations.
The Company will be required to transition from the use of the London Inter Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) index in the future.
The Company has certain variable-rate loans indexed to LIBOR to calculate the loan interest rate. The United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has previously announced that the continued availability of the LIBOR on the current basis is not guaranteed after 2021. In November 2020, the administrator of LIBOR announced it will consult on its intention to extend the retirement date of certain offered rates whereby the publication of the one week and two month LIBOR offered rates will cease after December 31, 2021; but, the publication of the remaining LIBOR offered rates will continue until June 30, 2023.
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Regulators, industry groups, and certain committees (e.g., the Alternative Reference Rates Committee) have, among other things, published recommended fall-back language for LIBOR-linked financial instruments, identified recommended alternatives for certain LIBOR rates (e.g., SOFR, as the recommended alternative to U.S. Dollar LIBOR), and proposed implementations of the recommended alternatives in floating rate instruments. The Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the “LIBOR Act”), enacted in March 2022, provides a statutory framework to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate based on SOFR for contracts governed by U.S. law that have no or ineffective fallbacks. Although governmental authorities have endeavored to facilitate an orderly discontinuation of LIBOR, no assurance can be provided that this aim will be achieved or that the use, level, and volatility of LIBOR or other interest rates or the value of LIBOR-based securities will not be adversely affected. For example, SOFR is a relatively new reference rate, has a very limited history, and differs fundamentally from U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad U.S. Treasury repo financing rate that represents overnight secured funding transactions, whereas U.S. Dollar LIBOR is an unsecured rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as U.S. Dollar LIBOR would have done at any time, and there is no guarantee that it is a comparable substitute for U.S. Dollar LIBOR. The transition to alternative reference rate for new contracts, or the implementation of a substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates under the Company’s existing loan agreements with borrowers or other financial arrangements, could change the Company’s market risk profile, interest margin, interest spread and pricing models, may cause the Company to incur significant expenses in effecting the transition, may result in reduced loan balances if borrowers do not accept a substitute index or indices, and may result in disputes or litigation with customers or other counter-parties over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index or indices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
Market Risks
The Company’s success depends upon its ability to compete effectively in the banking industry.
The Company’s banking subsidiary faces competition from banks and other financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance companies and credit unions for deposits, loans and other financial services in our market area. Certain divisions within the banking subsidiary face competition from wealth management and investment brokerage firms. A number of these banks and other financial institutions are significantly larger and have substantially greater access to capital and other resources, as well as larger lending limits and branch systems, and offer a wider array of banking services. In addition, the Company faces competition from market place lenders and other financial technology firms, which may provide competitive services quickly and in innovative ways and may have fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures. This competition may reduce or limit our margins and our market share and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The Company could be adversely affected by economic conditions in its market area.
The Company’s branches are located in the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Fauquier, and Loudoun, the towns of Purcellville, Leesburg and Ashburn, and the City of Winchester. The Company also operates loan production offices in the counties of Fairfax (Virgina) as well as Frederick (Maryland). Because our lending is concentrated in these markets, we will be affected by the general economic conditions in these areas. Changes in the economy may influence the growth rate of our loans and deposits, the quality of the loan portfolio and loan and deposit pricing. Although the domestic and global economies have largely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, certain consequences of the pandemic continue to impact the macroeconomic environment and may persist for some time. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic could have long-lasting impacts certain industries due to changes in consumer behavior and business practices, including remote work and business travel. Further, the growth in economic activity and in the demand for goods and services, coupled with labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other factors, has contributed to rising inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve’s responsive interest rate hikes, and the risk of recession. A decline in general economic conditions caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control would impact the demand for banking products and services generally, which could negatively affect our financial condition and performance.
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The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Operational Risks
Our exposure to operational risk may adversely affect our business.
We are exposed to many types of operational risk, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems.
Reputational risk, or the risk to our earnings and capital from negative public opinion, could result from our actual alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance or the occurrence of any of the events or instances mentioned below, or from actions taken by government regulators or community organizations in response to that conduct. Negative public opinion could also result from adverse news or publicity that impairs the reputation of the financial services industry generally.
Further, if any of our financial, accounting, or other data processing systems fail or have other significant shortcomings, we could be adversely affected. We depend on internal systems and outsourced technology to support these data storage and processing operations. Our inability to use or access these information systems at critical points in time could unfavorably impact the timeliness and efficiency of our business operations. We could be adversely affected if one of our employees causes a significant operational break-down or failure, either as a result of human error or where an individual purposefully sabotages or fraudulently manipulates our operations or systems. We are also at risk of the impact of natural disasters, terrorism and international hostilities on our systems or for the effects of outages or other failures involving power or communications systems operated by others.
If any of the foregoing risks materialize, it could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may not be able to successfully manage its growth or implement its growth strategy, which may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.
A key component of the Company’s business strategy is to continue to grow and expand. The Company’s ability to grow and expand depends upon its ability to open new branch locations, attract new deposits to the existing and new branch locations, and identify attractive loan and investment opportunities. The Company may not be able to implement its growth strategy if it is unable to identify attractive markets or branch locations. Once identified, successfully managing growth will depend on integrating the new branch locations while maintaining adequate capital, cost controls and asset quality. As this growth strategy is implemented, the Company will incur construction costs and increased personnel, occupancy and other operating expenses. Because these costs are incurred before new deposits and loans are generated, adding new branch locations will initially decrease earnings, despite efficient execution of this strategy. In addition, the Company could experience difficulties expanding into new markets or product lines. The Company’s lack of history and familiarity with those markets, clients and lines of business may lead to unexpected challenges or difficulties that inhibit its success and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
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Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability, public health issues, and other external events could significantly impact the Company's business.
Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability, public health issues, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the Company's ability to conduct business. In addition, such events could affect the stability of the Company’s deposit base, cause economic or market uncertainty, negatively impact consumer confidence, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, and/or cause the Company to incur additional expenses. The Company is also at risk of the impact of natural disasters, terrorism, and international hostilities on its systems and from the effects of cyberattacks, outages or other failures involving power or communications systems operated by others, which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. The occurrence of any such events in the future and the economic impact from such events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
The Company relies heavily on its senior management team and the unexpected loss of key officers could adversely affect operations.
The Company believes that its growth and success depends heavily upon the skills of its senior management team. The Company also depends on the experience of its subsidiary’s officers and on their relationships with the customers they serve. The loss of one or more of these officers could disrupt the Company’s operations and impair its ability to implement its business strategy, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and performance.
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Government measures to regulate the financial industry, including the Dodd-Frank Act, subject us to increased regulation and could adversely affect us.
As a financial institution, we are heavily regulated at the state and federal levels. These laws and regulations are generally intended to benefit consumers, borrowers and depositors, but not investors. Our success depends on our ability to maintain compliance with existing and new laws and regulations. We face, and expect to continue to face, increased public and legislative scrutiny as well as stricter and more comprehensive regulation of our financial services practices. The Dodd-Frank Act includes significant changes in the financial regulatory landscape and has increased our operations and compliance costs in the short-term. Future legislation, regulation and government policy, which are beyond our control, may change rapidly and unpredictably and could affect the banking industry as a whole, including our business and results of operations, in ways that are difficult to predict. We expect that financial institutions will remain heavily regulated in the near future and that additional laws or regulations may be adopted further regulating specific banking practices. As a result of the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act and other current or future laws and regulations applicable to the Bank, we could experience additional costs, as well as limitations on the products and services we offer and on our ability to efficiently pursue business opportunities, which may adversely affect our businesses, financial condition or results of operations.
The Bank is subject to stringent capital and liquidity requirements as a result of the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and the Dodd-Frank Act.
The Bank is subject to capital adequacy guidelines and other regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital which it must maintain. From time to time, regulators implement changes to these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies have established stricter capital requirements and leverage limits for banks and bank holding companies that are based on the Basel III regulatory capital reforms. The Basel III Capital Rules require banking organizations to maintain significantly more capital and adopted more demanding regulatory capital risk weightings and calculations. While the recently passed Economic Growth Act requires that federal banking regulators establish a simplified leverage capital framework for smaller banks, these more stringent capital requirements could, among other things, limit banking operations and activities, and growth of loan portfolios, in order to focus on retention of earnings to improve capital levels. The Bank believes that it maintains sufficient levels of Tier 1 and Common Equity Tier 1 capital to comply with the Basel III Final rules. However, if the Bank fails to meet these minimum capital guidelines and/or other regulatory requirements, the Bank could be subject to regulatory restrictions, including limitations on paying dividends to the holding company for shareholder dividends and share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses, or experience other adverse consequences that could cause its financial condition to be materially and adversely affected.
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Changes in accounting standards could impact reported earnings and capital.
The authorities that promulgate accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the SEC, and other regulatory authorities, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These changes are difficult to predict and can materially impact how the Company records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, the Company could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the restatement of financial statements for prior periods. Such changes could also impact the capital levels of the Bank, or require the Company to incur additional personnel or technology costs. Most notably, new guidance on the calculation of credit reserves using current expected credit losses, referred to as CECL, was finalized in June 2016. The standard was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023. To implement the new standard, the Company has and will incur costs related to data collection and documentation, technology and training. Upon implementation in 2023, the Company recognized a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings and increase the allowance for credit losses as well as the reserve for unfunded commitments as a result of adopting the CECL standard as further described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. If the Company is required to materially increase the level of the allowance for credit losses or incurs additional expenses to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, such changes could adversely affect the Company’s capital levels, financial condition and results of operations.
Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices may impose additional costs on the Company or expose it to new or additional risks.
Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to ESG practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds, and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to climate risk, hiring practices, the diversity of the work force, and racial and social justice issues. Increased ESG related compliance costs could result in increases to the Company’s overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact the Company’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and the Company’s stock price. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure.
Climate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives may result in operational changes and expenditures that could significantly impact the Company’s business.
The current and anticipated effects of climate change are creating an increasing level of concern for the state of the global environment. As a result, political and social attention to the issue of climate change has increased. Federal and state legislatures and regulatory agencies have continued to propose and advance numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives seeking to mitigate the effects of climate change. The federal banking agencies have emphasized that climate-related risks are faced by banking organizations of all types and sizes and are in the process of enhancing supervisory expectations regarding banks’ risk management practices. In December 2021, the OCC published proposed principles for climate risk management by banking organizations with more than $100 billion in assets. The OCC also has appointed its first ever Climate Change Risk Officer and established an internal climate risk implementation committee in order to assist with these initiatives and to support the agency’s efforts to enhance its supervision of climate change risk management. Similar and even more expansive initiatives are expected, including potentially increasing supervisory expectations with respect to banks’ risk management practices, accounting for the effects of climate change in stress testing scenarios and systemic risk assessments, revising expectations for credit portfolio concentrations based on climate-related factors and encouraging investment by banks in climate-related initiatives and lending to communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. To the extent that these initiatives lead to the promulgation of new regulations or supervisory guidance applicable to the Company, the Company would likely experience increased compliance costs and other compliance-related risks.
Additionally, in March 2022, the SEC proposed new climate-related disclosure rules, which if adopted, would require new climate-related disclosures in SEC filings and audited financial statements, including certain climate-related metrics and greenhouse gas emissions data, information about climate-related targets and goals, transition plans, if any, and attestation requirements. If adopted, these rules also could impose increased costs.
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The lack of empirical data surrounding the credit and other financial risks posed by climate change render it impossible to predict how specifically climate change may impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations; however, the physical effects of climate change may also directly impact the Company. Specifically, unpredictable and more frequent weather disasters may adversely impact the value of real property securing the loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Additionally, if insurance obtained by borrowers is insufficient to cover any losses sustained to the collateral, or if insurance coverage is otherwise unavailable to borrowers, the collateral securing loans may be negatively impacted by climate change, which could impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Further, the effects of climate change may negatively impact regional and local economic activity, which could lead to an adverse effect on customers and impact the communities in which the Company operates. Overall, climate change, its effects and the resulting, unknown impact could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Securities
There can be no assurances concerning continuing dividend payments.
Our common stockholders are only entitled to receive the dividends declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have historically paid quarterly dividends on our common stock, there can be no assurances that we will be able to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends or an annual stock dividend or that any dividends we do declare will be in any particular amount. The primary source of money to pay our cash dividends comes from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company is subject to, among other things, its earnings, financial condition and applicable regulations, which in some instances limit the amount that may be paid as dividends. In addition, the Company and the Bank are required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital on top of minimum risk-weighted asset ratios to pay dividends without additional restrictions.
There is a limited trading market for our common shares, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them.
Although our common shares are listed for trading under the symbol “EFSI,” the trading in our common shares has substantially less liquidity than many other publicly traded companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the market of willing buyers and sellers of our common shares at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. We cannot assure you that volume of trading in our common shares will increase in the future.
The stock market can be volatile, and fluctuations in our operating results and other factors could cause our stock price to decline.
The stock market has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations that significantly impact the market prices of securities issued by many companies. Market fluctuations could adversely affect our stock price. These fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, systemic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes, tariffs, government shutdowns, or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. Moreover, our operating results may fluctuate and vary from period to period due to the risk factors set forth herein. As a result, period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Our stock price could fluctuate significantly in response to our quarterly or annual results, annual projections, and the impact of these risk factors on our operating results or financial position.
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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
The Company owns or leases buildings which are used in normal business operations. The Company’s corporate headquarters, and that of Bank of Clarke, is located at 2 East Main Street, Berryville, Virginia, 22611. At December 31, 2022, Bank of Clarke operated thirteen full-service branches, one loan production office, and one drive-through only facility in the Virginia communities of Berryville, Winchester, Boyce, Stephens City, Purcellville, Warrenton, Leesburg, Ashburn and Fairfax. The Bank also operated one loan production office in the Maryland community of Frederick. See Note 1 “Nature of Banking Activities and Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 6 “Bank Premises and Equipment, Net” and Note 13 "Leases" in the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Form 10-K for information with respect to the amounts at which bank premises and equipment are carried and commitments under long-term leases.
All of the Company’s properties are well maintained, are in good operating condition and are adequate for the Company’s present and anticipated future needs.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which the property of the Company is subject.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets Group's OTCQX Market under the symbol “EFSI.” The OTC Markets Group provides information about the common stock to professional market makers who match sellers with buyers. Securities brokers can obtain information from the OTC Markets Group when working with clients. When a client decides to initiate a transaction, the broker will contact one of the stock’s market makers. Any over-the-counter market quotations in the Company’s common stock reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
As of March 20, 2023, the Company had approximately 888 shareholders of record.
The Company has historically paid dividends on a quarterly basis. The final determination of the timing, amount and payment of dividends on the Common Stock is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Some of the factors affecting the payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock are operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements and shareholders returns.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2022
On June 15, 2022, the Corporation renewed the stock repurchase program to repurchase up to 150,000 shares of its common stock prior to June 30, 2023. During 2022, the Company purchased 4,442 shares of its Common Stock under its stock repurchase program at an average price of $34.79.
The following table details the Company's purchases of its common stock during the fourth quarter pursuant to the Stock Repurchase program discussed above.
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Item 6. Reserved
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
The purpose of this discussion is to focus on the important factors affecting the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Eagle Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Form 10-K.
GENERAL
The Company is a bank holding company which owns 100% of the stock of Bank of Clarke (the “Bank”). Accordingly, the results of operations for the Company are dependent upon the operations of the Bank. The Bank conducts a commercial banking business which consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds in commercial, consumer and real estate loans and corporate, municipal and U.S. government agency securities. The Bank also conducts a marine lending business as well as a wealth management division. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law. At December 31, 2022, the Company had total assets of $1.62 billion, net loans of $1.31 billion, total deposits of $1.26 billion and shareholders’ equity of $101.7 million. The Company’s net income was $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
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The following table presents selected financial data, which was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the periods indicated.
As of or for the Years Ended
December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Income Statement Data:
Performance Ratios:
Share and Per Share Data:
Balance Sheet Data:
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MANAGEMENT’S STRATEGY
The Company strives to be an outstanding financial institution in its market by building solid sustainable relationships with: (1) its customers, by providing highly personalized customer service, a network of conveniently placed branches and ATMs, a competitive variety of products/services and courteous, professional employees, (2) its employees, by providing generous benefits, a positive work environment, advancement opportunities and incentives to exceed expectations, (3) its communities, by participating in local concerns, providing monetary support, supporting employee volunteerism and providing employment opportunities, and (4) its shareholders, by providing sound profits and returns, sustainable growth, regular dividends and committing to our local, independent status.
OPERATING STRATEGY
The Bank is a locally owned and managed financial institution. This allows the Bank to be flexible and responsive in the products and services it offers. The Bank grows primarily by lending funds to local residents and businesses at a competitive price that reflects the inherent risk of lending. The Bank attempts to fund these loans through deposits gathered from local residents and businesses. The Bank prices its deposits by comparing alternative sources of funds and selecting the lowest cost available. When deposits are not adequate to fund asset growth, the Bank relies on borrowings, both short and long term. The Bank’s primary source of borrowed funds is the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta which offers numerous terms and rate structures to the Bank.
As interest rates change, the Bank attempts to maintain its net interest margin. This is accomplished by changing the price, terms, and mix of its financial assets and liabilities. The Bank also earns fees on services provided through the Bank of Clarke Wealth Management Division, which is the Bank’s investment management division that offers both trust services and investment sales, mortgage originations and deposit operations. The Bank also incurs noninterest expenses associated with compensating employees, maintaining and acquiring fixed assets, and purchasing goods and services necessary to support its daily operations.
The Bank has a marketing department which seeks to develop new business. This is accomplished through an ongoing calling program whereby account officers contact existing and potential customers to discuss the products and services offered. The Bank conducts advertising through television commercials, radio ads, newspaper ads, printed materials, electronic materials, billboards, emails, and social media posts.
LENDING POLICIES
Administration and supervision over the lending process is provided by the Bank’s Credit Administration Department. The principal risk associated with the Bank’s loan portfolio is the creditworthiness of its borrowers. In an effort to manage this risk, the Bank’s policy gives loan amount approval limits to individual loan officers based on their position and level of experience. Credit risk is increased or decreased, depending on the type of loan and prevailing economic conditions. In consideration of the different types of loans in the portfolio, the risk associated with real estate mortgage loans, commercial loans and consumer loans varies based on employment levels, consumer confidence, fluctuations in the value of real estate and other conditions that affect the ability of borrowers to repay debt.
The Company has written policies and procedures to help manage credit risk. The Company utilizes a loan review process that includes formulation of portfolio management strategy, guidelines for underwriting standards and risk assessment, procedures for ongoing identification and management of credit deterioration, and regular portfolio reviews to establish loss exposure and to ascertain compliance with the Company’s policies.
The Bank uses a tiered approach to approve credit requests consisting of individual lending authorities, joint approval of Co-Approval officers (Executive, Regional Credit Officer, Small Business Credit Officer), and a director loan committee. Lending limits for individuals are set by the Board of Directors and are determined by loan purpose, collateral type, and internal risk rating of the borrower. The highest individual authority (Executive) is assigned to the Bank’s President/ Chief Executive Officer, Chief Banking Officer and Chief Credit Officer (approval authority only). Two Executive officers may combine their authority to approve loan requests to borrowers with credit exposure up to $10.0 million on a secured basis and $6.0 million unsecured. Three Executive officers may combine to approve loan requests to borrowers with credit exposure up to $15.0 million on a secured basis and $9.0 million unsecured. Consumer Central Lenders can co-approve consumer, home equity lines of credit and home equity loan requests up to their stated authorities. Officers in Categories A through F have lesser authorities and with approval of an Executive officer may extend loans to borrowers with exposure of $5.0 million on a secured basis and $3.0 million unsecured. Officers in Categories A through F can also utilize the co-approval of the Regional and Small Business Credit Officers to extend loans with exposures up to $2.5 million and $1.5 million respectively on a secured basis, and up to $1 million and $750 thousand respectively on an unsecured basis. Loans exceeding $15.0 million and up to the Bank’s legal lending limit can be approved by the Director Loan Committee consisting of four directors (three directors
25
constituting a quorum). The Director’s Loan Committee also reviews and approves changes to the Bank’s Loan Policy as presented by management. The following sections discuss the major loan categories within the total loan portfolio:
One-to-Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending
Residential lending activity may be generated by the Bank’s loan officer solicitations, referrals by real estate professionals, and existing or new bank customers. Loan applications are taken by a Bank loan officer. As part of the application process, information is gathered concerning income, employment and credit history of the applicant. The valuation of residential collateral is provided by independent fee appraisers who have been approved by the Bank’s Directors Loan Committee. In connection with residential real estate loans, the Bank requires title insurance, hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance. In addition to traditional residential mortgage loans secured by a first or junior lien on the property, the Bank offers home equity lines of credit.
Commercial Real Estate Lending
Commercial real estate loans are secured by various types of commercial real estate in the Bank’s market area, including multi-family residential buildings, commercial buildings and offices, small shopping centers and churches. Commercial real estate loan originations are obtained through broker referrals, direct solicitation of developers and continued business from customers. In its underwriting of commercial real estate, the Bank’s loan to original appraised value ratio is generally 80% or less. Commercial real estate lending entails significant additional risk as compared with residential mortgage lending. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Additionally, the repayment of loans secured by income producing properties is typically dependent on the successful operation of a business or a real estate project and thus may be subject, to a greater extent, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, in general. The Bank’s commercial real estate loan underwriting criteria require an examination of debt service coverage ratios, the borrower’s creditworthiness, prior credit history and reputation, and the Bank typically requires personal guarantees or endorsements of the borrowers’ principal owners.
Construction and Land Development Lending
The Bank makes local construction loans and land acquisition and development loans. The construction loans are secured by residential houses under construction and the underlying land for which the loan was obtained. The average life of most construction loans is less than one year and the Bank offers both fixed and variable rate interest structures. The interest rate structure offered to customers depends on the total amount of these loans outstanding and the impact of the interest rate structure on the Bank’s overall interest rate risk. There are two characteristics of construction lending which impact its overall risk as compared to residential mortgage lending. First, there is more concentration risk due to the extension of a large loan balance through several lines of credit to a single developer or contractor. Second, there is more collateral risk due to the fact that loan funds are provided to the borrower based upon the estimated value of the collateral after completion. This could cause an inaccurate estimate of the amount needed to complete construction or an excessive loan-to-value ratio. To mitigate the risks associated with construction lending, the Bank generally limits loan amounts to 80% of the estimated appraised value of the finished property. The Bank also obtains a first lien on the property as security for its construction loans and typically requires personal guarantees from the borrower’s principal owners. Finally, the Bank performs inspections of the construction projects to ensure that the percentage of construction completed correlates with the amount of draws on the construction line of credit.
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Commercial and Industrial Lending
Commercial business loans generally have more risk than residential mortgage loans but have higher yields. To manage these risks, the Bank generally obtains appropriate collateral and personal guarantees from the borrower’s principal owners and monitors the financial condition of its business borrowers. Residential mortgage loans generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be readily ascertainable. In contrast, commercial business loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from cash flow from its business and are secured by business assets, such as, accounts receivable, equipment and inventory. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans is substantially dependent on the success of the business itself. Furthermore, the collateral for commercial business loans may depreciate over time and generally cannot be appraised with as much precision as residential real estate. Refer to the Marine Lending section below for discussion of additional commercial and industrial lending.
Consumer Lending
The Bank offers various secured and unsecured consumer loans, which include personal installment loans, personal lines of credit, automobile loans, and credit card loans. The Bank generally originates its consumer loans within its geographic market area and these loans are largely made to customers with whom the Bank has an existing relationship. Consumer loans generally entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciable assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral on a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.
The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and from any verifiable secondary income. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is the primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes an analysis of the value of the security in relation to the proposed loan amount.
Refer to the Marine Lending section below for discussion of additional consumer lending.
Marine Lending
The Bank’s marine lending unit, which includes originated retail loans, which are classified as commercial and industrial loans or consumer loans depending on borrower, and dealer floorplan loans, which are classified as commercial and industrial loans. The Company’s relationships are limited to well established dealers of global premium brand manufacturers. The Company’s top three manufacturer customers have been in business between 30 and 100 years. The Company primarily has secured agreements with premium manufacturers to support dealer floor plan loans which reduces the Company’s credit exposure to the dealer, despite its underwriting of each respective dealer. The Company has developed incentive retail pricing programs with the dealers to drive retail dealer flow. In addition to the repurchase agreements associated with floor plan lending, manufacturers will often support secondary resale values which can have the effect of reducing losses from non-performing retail marine loans. Retail borrowers generally have very high credit scores, substantial down payments, substantial net worth, personal liquidity, and excess cash flow.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, based on measurements of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset or relieving a liability. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another method. Although the economics of the transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would impact the transactions could change.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of the probable losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. As required by GAAP, the allowance for loan losses is accrued when the occurrence of losses is probable and losses can be estimated. Impairment losses are accrued based on the differences between the loan balance and the value of its collateral, the present value of future cash flows, or the price established in the secondary market. The Company’s allowance for loan losses has three basic components: the general allowance, the specific allowance and the unallocated allowance. Each of these components is determined based upon estimates that can and do change when actual events occur. The general allowance uses historical experience and other qualitative factors to estimate future losses and, as a result, the estimated amount of losses can differ significantly from the actual amount of losses which would be incurred in the future. However, the potential for significant differences is mitigated by continuously updating the loss history and qualitative factor analyses of the Company. The specific allowance is based upon the evaluation of specific impaired loans on which a loss may be realized. Factors such as past due history, ability to pay, and collateral value are used to identify those loans on which a loss may be realized. Each of these loans is then evaluated to determine how much loss is estimated to be realized on its disposition. The sum of the losses on the individual loans becomes the Company’s specific allowance. This process is inherently subjective and actual losses may be greater than or less than the estimated specific allowance. The unallocated allowance accounts for a measure of imprecision in the estimate. Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of the 2022 Form 10-K, provides additional information related to the allowance for loan losses.
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company makes forward looking statements in this report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward looking statements include statements regarding our profitability, liquidity, allowance for loan losses, interest rate sensitivity, market risk, growth strategy, and financial and other goals. The words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” or other similar words or terms are intended to identify forward looking statements. These forward looking statements are subject to significant uncertainties because they are based upon or are affected by factors including:
•
difficult market conditions in our industry;
•
effects of soundness of other financial institutions;
•
potential impact on us of existing and future legislation and regulations;
•
the ability to successfully manage growth or implement growth strategies if the Bank is unable to identify attractive markets, locations or opportunities to expand in the future, expand into new markets, or successfully implement new product lines;
•
competition with other banks and financial institutions, and companies outside of the banking industry, including those companies that have substantially greater access to capital and other resources;
•
the successful management of interest rate risk;
•
risks inherent in making loans such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values;
•
changes in general economic and business conditions in the market area;
•
reliance on the management team, including the ability to attract and retain key personnel;
•
changes in interest rates and interest rate policies;
•
maintaining capital levels adequate to support growth;
•
maintaining cost controls and asset qualities as new branches are opened or acquired;
•
demand, development and acceptance of new products and services;
•
deposit flows;
•
problems with technology utilized by the Bank;
•
changing trends in customer profiles and behavior;
•
geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, international hostilities, or actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad;
•
the Company’s potential exposure to fraud, negligence, computer theft, and cyber-crime
•
changes in accounting policies and banking and other laws and regulations; and
•
other factors described in Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” above.
Because of these uncertainties, actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward looking statements. In addition, past results of operations do not necessarily indicate future results.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Income
Net income for 2022 was $14.5 million, a increase of $3.5 million or 31.76% from 2021’s net income of $11.0 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $4.17 and $3.20 for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Return on average assets (“ROA”) measures how efficiently the Company uses its assets to produce net income. Some issues reflected within this efficiency include the Company’s asset mix, funding sources, pricing, fee generation, and cost control. The ROA of the Company, on an annualized basis, was 1.02% and 0.90% for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Return on average equity (“ROE”) measures the utilization of shareholders’ equity in generating net income. This measurement is affected by the same factors as ROA with consideration to how much of the Company’s assets are funded by the shareholders. The ROE for the Company was 14.06% and 10.28% for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income, the difference between total interest income and total interest expense, is the Company’s primary source of earnings. Net interest income was $49.2 million for 2022 and $41.0 million for 2021, which represents an increase of $8.2 million or 20.03%. Net interest income is derived from the volume of earning assets and the rates earned on those assets as compared to the cost of funds. Total interest income was $54.7 million for 2022 and $42.7 million for 2021, which represents an increase of $12.0 million or 28.14% for 2022. Total interest expense was $5.5 million for 2022 and $1.7 million for 2021, which represents an increase of $3.8 million or 226.36% in 2022. The increase in total interest income, total interest expense and net interest income during 2022 was driven by the growth in interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities and the rising interest rate environment. Refer to the table titled “Volume and Rate Analysis” for further detail.
The table titled “Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates” displays the composition of interest earnings assets and interest bearing liabilities and their respective yields and rates for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The net interest margin was 3.68% for 2022 and 3.59% for 2021. The net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by total average earnings assets. Tax-equivalent net interest income is calculated by adding the tax benefit on certain securities and loans, whose interest is tax-exempt, to total interest income then subtracting total interest expense. The tax rate used to calculate the tax benefit was the federal statutory rate of 21%. The table titled “Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income” reconciles net interest income to tax-equivalent net interest income, which is not a measurement under GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Net interest income and net interest margin may experience some decline due to additional deposit pricing pressure as interest rates continue to increase and increased competition for new deposits is experienced. These combined also could result in the Company having to borrow wholesale funding to fund asset growth which is more expensive than deposits.
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Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates
(dollars in thousands)
Years Ended
Average InterestIncome/ Average Average InterestIncome/ Average
Balance Expense Rate Balance Expense Rate
Assets:
Securities:
Loans: (2)
Allowance for loan losses (9,852 ) (7,980 )
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Time deposits:
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Net interest spread 3.42 % 3.47 %
Interest expense as a percent of average earning assets 0.41 % 0.15 %
Net interest margin 3.68 % 3.59 %
(1)
Income and yields are reported on a tax-equivalent basis using the federal tax rate of 21%.
(2)
Interest and yields on loans include the amortization/accretion of origination costs/fees as well as any purchase premiums or discounts.
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Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income
(dollars in thousands)
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
GAAP Financial Measurements:
Interest Income - Securities and Other Interest-Earnings Assets 4,004 2,805
Interest Expense - Other Borrowings 2,532 —
Non-GAAP Financial Measurements:
Add: Tax Benefit on Tax-Exempt Interest Income - Loans (1) $ 45 $ 61
Add: Tax Benefit on Tax-Exempt Interest Income - Securities (1) 59 111
Total Tax Benefit on Tax-Exempt Interest Income $ 104 $ 172
Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income $ 49,317 $ 41,171
(1)
Tax benefit was calculated using the federal statutory tax rate of 21%.
The tax-equivalent yield on earning assets increased 35 basis points from 2021 to 2022. The tax-equivalent yield on securities increased 45 basis points from 2021 to 2022. The tax-equivalent yield on loans increased five basis points from 2021 to 2022. The increase in the tax-equivalent yield on earning assets resulted mostly from the increase in the tax-equivalent yield on securities. The increase in the tax-equivalent yield on securities as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year was due to a combination of increase of volume of securities and the rising interest rate environment.
The average rate on interest-bearing liabilities increased 41 basis points from 2021 to 2022. The average rate on total interest-bearing deposits increased 13 basis points from 2021 to 2022. The Federal Reserve interest rate increases during early 2022 heightened interest rates paid on deposit accounts. In general, deposit pricing is done in response to monetary policy actions and yield curve changes. Local competition for funds also affects the cost of time deposits, which are primarily comprised of certificates of deposit. The Company prefers to rely most heavily on non-maturity deposits, which include NOW accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts. The average balance of non-maturity interest-bearing deposits increased $95.8 million or 18.13% from $528.5 million during 2021 to $624.3 million in 2022. The cost of interest bearing liabilities was also higher during 2022 due to the subordinated notes that the Company issued on March 31, 2022, which are currently paying a 4.5% fixed rate, and FHLB advances totaling $175.0 million at December 31, 2022, with interest rates ranging between 3.79% and 4.57%.
The table titled “Volume and Rate Analysis” provides information about the effect of changes in financial assets and liabilities and changes in rates on net interest income.
Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $8.1 million during 2022. The increase in tax-equivalent net interest income during 2022 is comprised of an increase due to volume of $7.6 million and a increase due to rate of $530 thousand. The increase in tax-equivalent net interest income during 2022 was largely affected by the increased volume of taxable loans, as well as increases in rates earned from interest-earning assets. This increase was partially offset by the increased volume in borrowing and increases in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.
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Volume and Rate Analysis (Tax-Equivalent Basis)
(dollars in thousands)
2022 vs 2021Increase (Decrease)Due to Changes in:
Volume Rate Total
Earning Assets:
Securities:
Loans:
Federal funds sold 25 5 30
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (15 ) 298 283
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Time deposits:
Federal funds purchased $ 169 $ 1 $ 170
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1,295 — 1,295
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is based upon management’s estimate of the amount required to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses as discussed within the Critical Accounting Policies section above. The provision for loan losses was $1.8 million for 2022 and $1.5 million for 2021. The amount of provision for loan losses during each period reflects the results of the Company’s analysis used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses in 2022 reflects loan growth in the portfolio during the year partially offset by net recoveries of $601 thousand. The provision for loan losses in 2021 reflects loan growth in the portfolio during. The Company is committed to maintaining an allowance that adequately reflects the risk inherent in the loan portfolio. This commitment is more fully discussed in the “Asset Quality” section.
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Noninterest Income
Total noninterest income was $13.3 million and $11.3 million during 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents an increase of $2.0 million or 17.89% for 2022. Management reviews the activities which generate noninterest income on an ongoing basis.
The following table provides the components of noninterest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are included within the respective Consolidated Statements of Income headings. The following paragraphs provide information about activities which are included within the respective Consolidated Statements of Income headings. Variances that the Company believes require explanation are discussed below the table.
December 31,
(dollars in thousands) 2022 2021 $ Change % Change
(Loss)on the sale and disposal of bank premises and equipment (11 ) — (11 ) NM
NM - Not Meaningful
Wealth management fees increased from 2021 to 2022. Wealth management fee income is comprised of income from fiduciary activities as well as commissions from the sale of non-deposit investment products. The amount of income from wealth management fees is determined by the number of active accounts and total assets under management. With the addition of several new key employees, total assets under management have seen an increase during the year.
Services charges on deposit accounts increased when comparing the year ended December 31, 2022 to 2021. This increase is mainly due to increases in overdraft charges. Overdraft charges can fluctuate based on changes in customer activity.
During 2022, the Company sold $12.2 million in mortgage loans on the secondary market and $155.0 million of loans from the commercial and consumer loan portfolios. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company sold $3.0 million in Small Business Association ("SBA") loans. During the last three quarters of 2021, the Company sold $18.1 million in mortgage loans on the secondary market and $99.2 million of loans from the commercial and consumer loan portfolios. These loan sales resulted in gains of $1.9 million and $1.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") fee income increased during 2022 when compared to 2021 as a result of investment of $10 million into BOLI by the Company during the second quarter of 2021.
Other operating income increased during 2022. The fluctuation from 2021 to 2022 is mostly attributed to adjustments to the investment in Banker’s Insurance as well as cash distributions received from investments in Small Business Investment Companies and derivative fee income.
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Noninterest Expenses
Total noninterest expenses were $43.1 million and $38.0 million during 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents an increase of $5.0 million or 13.16% during 2022.
The following table provides the components of noninterest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are included within the respective Consolidated Statements of Income headings. The following paragraphs provide information about activities which are included within the respective Consolidated Statements of Income headings. Variances that the Company believes require explanation are discussed below the table.
December 31,
(dollars in thousands) 2022 2021 $ Change % Change
Other real estate owned expense 34 41 (7 ) (17.07 )%
Loss on other real estate owned — 201 (201 ) NM
NM - Not Meaningful
The Company’s growth has had an impact on noninterest expenses. Total assets have grown by $313.7 million or 24.1% from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. This growth has required investments to be made in the Company’s infrastructure, causing increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, equipment expenses, advertising and marketing expenses, stationary and supplies, and other operating expenses. In addition, increases in asset size and capital levels have impacted both the FDIC assessment and bank franchise tax amounts.
Salaries and employee benefits expense increased during 2022. Annual pay increases, newly hired employees, increasing insurance costs and enhanced employee incentive plans have attributed to these increases. The number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) has increased from 221 at December 31, 2021 to 241 at December 31, 2022.
Professional fees decreased during 2022. Significant expansion costs of the Company's wealth management business line and buildout of the marine lending division were incurred and completed in 2021, resulting in lower professional fees in 2022.
Data processing fees increased in 2022 due to the fees associated to the new general ledger system implemented in late 2021, the implementation of a new budgeting system and a new loan end-to-end platform system.
Other operating expenses increased during 2022. This increase is due primarily to increased loan related expenses due to a higher loan volume.
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The efficiency ratio of the Company was 67.90% and 72.14% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expenses by the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income and total noninterest income, excluding gains and losses on the investment portfolio and other gains/losses from OREO, repossessed vehicles, disposals of bank premises and equipment, etc. The tax rate utilized is 21%. The Company calculates and reviews this ratio as a means of evaluating operational efficiency. A reconciliation of tax-equivalent net interest income, which is not a measurement under GAAP, to net interest income is presented within the Net Interest Income section above.
The calculation of the efficiency ratio for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
December 31,
(in thousands)
Summary of Operating Results:
Less: Loss on other real estate owned — 201
Less: (Loss) gain on sales of securities (737 ) 24
Less: (Loss) on the sale and disposal of premises and equipment (11 ) —
Tax equivalent adjustment (1) 104 172
Total net interest income and noninterest income, adjusted $ 63,410 $ 52,467
(1)
Includes tax-equivalent adjustments on loans and securities using the federal statutory tax rate of 21%.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $3.2 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These amounts correspond to an effective tax rate of 17.83% and 13.81% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The effective tax rate is below the statutory rate of 21%, due primarily to tax credits on qualified affordable housing project investments as discussed in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements as well as qualified rehabilitation credits. During 2021, one of the Company's rehabilitation tax credit investments was finalized and the total amount of credits to be received was determined and certified. The effective tax rate is also impacted by tax-exempt income on investment securities and loans. Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides a reconciliation between income tax expense computed using the federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s actual income tax expense during 2022 and 2021.
Business Segments
The Company has two reportable operating segments: community banking and marine lending. Revenue from community banking operations consist primarily of net interest income related to investments in loans and securities and outstanding deposits and borrowings, fees earned on deposit accounts and debit card interchange activity. Revenue from marine lending operations consist primarily of net interest income related to commercial and consumer marine loans and gains on sales of loans.
Financial information for the parent company and the Bank of Clarke Wealth Management Division is included in the "All Other" category. The parent company's operating results are comprised primarily of interest expense associated with subordinated debt. The wealth management division's net recenues are comprised primarily of income from offering wealth management services and insurance products through third-party service providers. Refer to Notes 1 and 27 of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
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Marine lending was identified as a newly reportable segment in 2022 and as such, the Company has included the prior period financial information for comparative purposes. The following table provides income and asset information as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are included within the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income. Variances that the Company believes require explanation are discussed below the table.
Twelve Months Ended
Community Banking Marine Lending All Other Eliminations Consolidated
(in thousands)
Other data:
Capital expenditures $ 829 $ 9 $ — $ — $ 838
Twelve Months Ended
Community Banking Marine Lending All Other Eliminations Consolidated
(in thousands)
Other data:
Capital expenditures $ 520 $ — $ — $ — $ 520
Community Banking Marine Lending All Other Eliminations Consolidated
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The increase in community banking segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to higher interest income resulting from higher average balances of interest-earning assets, including loans and securities, and the effects of rising interest rates on asset yields. This increase was partially offset by the increase in noninterest expense. The increase in noninterest expense is largely due to the Bank's growth and an increase in the allocated cost of funding. This growth has required investments to be made in the Bank’s infrastructure, causing increases in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses, equipment expenses, advertising and marketing expenses, stationary and supplies, and other operating expenses. In addition, increases in asset size and capital levels have impacted both the FDIC assessment and bank franchise tax amounts.
The increase in marine lending segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 was also primarily due to higher interest income resulting from higher average balances of interest-earning assets, including loans, and the effects of rising interest rates on asset yields. This increase was partially offset by higher salaries and employee benefits expense, including adding new talent to the marine lending team.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
The Company’s total assets were $1.62 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $313.7 million or 24.07% from $1.30 billion at December 31, 2021. Securities decreased $43.2 million or 22.44% between 2021 and 2022. Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, increased by $335.6 million or 34.36% from 2021 to 2022. Total liabilities were $1.51 billion at December 31, 2022, compared to $1.19 billion at December 31, 2021. Total shareholders’ equity at year end 2022 and 2021 was $101.7 million and $110.3 million, respectively.
Securities
Total securities, excluding restricted stock, were $149.2 million and $192.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company purchased $26.8 million in securities during 2022. This amount includes $23.1 million or 86.04% in mortgage-backed securities, $1.5 million or 5.57% in U.S. government corporations and agencies and $2.3 million or 8.39% in subordinated debt. The Company had $27.6 million in maturities, calls, and principal repayments on securities during 2022. This amount includes $3.6 million or 12.90% in obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, $19.0 million or 68.86% in mortgage-backed securities, $2.0 million or 7.24% in U.S. Treasuries, and $3.0 million or 11.00% in obligations of states and political subdivisions. Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional details about the Company’s securities portfolio as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
The ability to dispose of available for sale securities prior to maturity provides management more options to react to future rate changes and provides more liquidity, when needed, to meet short-term obligations. The Company had net unrealized losses on available for sale securities of $25.9 million and $218 thousand at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unrealized gains or losses on available for sale securities are reported within shareholders’ equity, net of the related deferred tax effect, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
The table titled “Maturity Distribution and Yields of Securities” shows the maturity period and average yield for the different types of securities in the portfolio at December 31, 2022. The weighted average yield is calculated based on the relative amortized costs of the securities. Although mortgage-backed securities have definitive maturities, they provide monthly principal curtailments which can be reinvested at a prevailing rate and for a different term.
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Maturity Distribution and Yields of Securities
Securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities — % — % 1.06 % 1.75 % 1.71 %
Subordinated debt — % — % 4.28 % — % 4.28 %
(1)
Yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
Loan Portfolio
The Company’s primary use of funds is supporting lending activities from which it derives the greatest amount of interest income. Gross loans net of net deferred costs and premiums were $1.32 billion and $985.7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents an increase of $338.1 million or 34.30% for 2022. The ratio of net loans to deposits increased during the year from 82.99% to 104.72% at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Loans secured by real estate were $938.9 million or 70.92% and $754.8 million or 76.57% of total loans at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents an increase of $184.1 million or 24.39% for 2022. Consumer installment loans were $117.1 million or 8.85% and $67.3 million or 6.83% of total loans at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents an increase of $49.8 million or 74.06% for 2022. Commercial and industrial loans were $247.7 million or 18.71% and $143.4 million or 14.55% of total loans at December 31, 2022 and 2021. This represents an increase of $104.3 million or 72.73% for 2022. All other loans were $12.7 million and $16.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. This represents an decrease of $4.1 million or 24.27%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, loan growth was mainly concentrated in commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans, net of PPP forgiveness. Loan growth was also strong in consumer installment loans. Loan growth in commercial and industrial loans and consumer installment loans was mainly due to the marine loan lending. Loan growth was also driven by the expansion into new market areas.
The table titled “Maturity Schedule of Selected Loans” shows the different loan categories and the period during which they mature. For loans maturing in more than one year, the table also shows a breakdown between fixed rate loans and floating rate loans. The table indicates that $464.5 million or 35.29% of the loan portfolio matures within five years. The floating rate loans maturing after five years are primarily comprised of loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties.
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Maturity Schedule of Selected Loans
(dollars in thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
For maturities over one year:
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Asset Quality
The Company has policies and procedures designed to control credit risk and to maintain the quality of its loan portfolio. These include underwriting standards for new originations and ongoing monitoring and reporting of asset quality and adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. There were $2.6 million in total non-performing assets, which consist of nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, other real estate owned, and repossessed assets at December 31, 2022. This is a decrease of $178 thousand when compared to the December 31, 2021 balance of $2.8 million. This decrease resulted mostly from a decrease in nonaccrual loans.
Nonaccrual loans were $2.2 million at December 31, 2022 and $2.7 million at the end of 2021. The gross amount of interest income that would have been recognized on nonaccrual loans was $93 thousand for 2022 and $133 thousand for 2021. None of this interest income was included in net income for 2022 or 2021. A total of 12 loans totaling $544 thousand were placed on nonaccrual during 2022. The balance of these loans added to nonaccrual status during 2022 ranged from $1 thousand to $300 thousand with the average outstanding balance being $45 thousand. In addition, five loans totaling $688 thousand were removed from nonaccrual status during 2022. Of the $688 thousand in loans removed from nonaccrual status between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, two loans were paid off, one loan was discharged in bankruptcy, one loan was charged off and one loan was returned to accrual status. The remainder of the decrease in nonaccrual loans was due to paydowns of loans that remained in nonaccrual status between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Management evaluates the financial condition of these borrowers and the value of any collateral on these loans. The results of these evaluations are used to estimate the amount of losses which may be realized on the disposition of these nonaccrual loans. Nonaccrual loans that were evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2022 totaled $2.2 million and had $73 thousand in specific allocations assigned.
Other real estate owned increased from zero at December 31, 2021 to $108 thousand at December 31, 2022. One property was foreclosed on during 2022. The difference between the amount of other real estate owned and the settlement proceeds is recognized as a gain or loss on the sale of other real estate owned. A net loss of $201 thousand was recognized on other real estate owned during 2021.
Nonperforming and Other Assets
Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days and accruing interest, other real estate owned (foreclosed properties), and repossessed assets. The table titled “Nonperforming Assets and Credit Ratios” shows the amount of nonperforming assets and loans past due 90 days and accruing interest outstanding for the past two years. The table also shows the ratios for the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming assets and nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans outstanding and other real estate owned.
Loans are placed on non-accrual status when collection of principal and interest is doubtful, generally when a loan becomes 90 days past due. There are three negative implications for earnings when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. First, all interest accrued but unpaid at the date that the loan is placed on non-accrual status is either deducted from interest income or written off as a loss. Second, accruals of interest are discontinued until it becomes certain that both principal and interest can be repaid. Finally, there may be actual losses that require additional provisions for loan losses to be charged against earnings.
For real estate loans, upon foreclosure, the properties are recorded at the fair value of the property based on current appraisals and other current market trends, less selling costs. If a write down of the OREO property is necessary at the time of foreclosure, the amount is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. A review of the recorded property value is performed in conjunction with normal loan reviews, and if market conditions indicate that the recorded value exceeds the fair value, additional write downs of the property value are charged directly to operations. Gains on properties acquired through foreclosure where the fair value less costs to sell exceeds the related loan balance and there have been no prior charge-offs are recorded to current earnings.
In addition, the Company may, under certain circumstances, restructure loans in troubled debt restructurings as a concession to a borrower when the borrower is experiencing financial distress. Each loan considered for restructuring is evaluated based on customer circumstances and may include modifications to one or more loan provisions. Such restructured loans are included in impaired loans. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $4.6 million and $2.7 million in restructured loans, respectively.
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Nonperforming Assets and Credit Ratios
(dollars in thousands)
December 31,
Loans past due 90 days and accruing interest 318 43
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets 108 —
Total nonperforming assets $ 2,588 $ 2,766
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets 433 % 318 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 0.85 % 0.89 %
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans 519 % 323 %
Nonaccrual loans to total loans 0.19 % 0.28 %
Other potential problem loans are defined as performing loans that possess certain risks that management has identified that could result in the loans not being repaid in accordance with their terms. Accordingly, these loans are risk rated at a level of substandard or lower. At December 31, 2022, other potential problem loans totaled $9.6 million. Of the total other potential problem loans, $4.5 million are currently considered impaired and are disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The purpose and the methods for measuring the allowance for loans are discussed in the Critical Accounting Policies section above.
Charged-off loans were $659 thousand and $110 thousand for 2022 and 2021, respectively. Recoveries were $1.3 million and $318 thousand for 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net recoveries were $601 thousand for 2022. Net recoveries were $208 thousand for 2021. This represents a increase in net recoveries of $393 thousand or 189% for 2022. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 0.85% and 0.89% at the end of 2022 and 2021, respectively. Excluding outstanding PPP loans of $74 thousand and $15.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.85% and 0.91% as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The slight decline in the allowance percentage year over year was attributable in large part to the concentration of loan growth during the period in segments which carry lower reserves. Despite a significant increase in classified loans, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans excluding PPP loans declined slightly. The majority of the increase in classified loans was due to the downgrade of loans where current financial information has not been provided, per loan policy. These loans have not been identified as impaired or nonperforming loans. The ratio of net (recoveries) to average loans was (0.05%) for 2022 and (0.02%) for 2021.
The provision for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The provision for loan losses in 2022 and 2021 reflected mainly loan growth in the portfolio.
The table titled “Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses” shows the amount of the allowance for loan losses which is allocated to the indicated loan categories, along with that category’s percentage of total loans, at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The amount of allowance for loan losses allocated to each loan category is based on the amount of delinquent loans in that loan category, the status of nonperforming assets in that loan category, the historical losses for that loan category, the evaluation of qualitative factors impacting the portfolio and the financial condition of certain borrowers whose financial conditional is monitored on a periodic basis. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate based on the loan portfolio’s current risk characteristics.
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Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses
(dollars in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
(1)
Averages as disclosed are based on the outstanding balances of the loans in each segment. These averages do not include net deferred costs and premiums
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
(dollars in thousands)
During June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The ASU, as amended, requires an entity to measure expected credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Among other things, the ASU also amended the impairment model for available for sale securities and addressed purchased financial assets with deterioration. Refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information.
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Deposits
Total deposits were $1.26 billion and $1.18 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents an increase of $86.8 million or 7.38% during 2022. The table titled “Average Deposits and Rates Paid” shows the average deposit balances and average rates paid for 2022 and 2021.
Average Deposits and Rates Paid
(dollars in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
Amount Rate Amount Rate
Interest-bearing:
Time deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits, which are comprised of checking accounts, increased $8.4 million or 1.78% from $470.4 million at December 31, 2021 to $478.8 million at December 31, 2022. Interest-bearing deposits, which include NOW accounts, money market accounts, regular savings accounts and time deposits, increased $78.4 million or 11.10% from $706.9 million at December 31, 2021 to $785.3 million at December 31, 2022. Total money market account balances decreased $31.4 million or 12.45% from $251.9 million at December 31, 2021 to $220.5 million at December 31, 2022; however, regular savings accounts increased $71.0 million or 42.07% from $168.7 million at December 31, 2021 to $239.7 million at December 31, 2022. Reciprocal deposit accounts balances (included in total money market account and NOW account balances) increased from $42.2 million to $59.5 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The reciprocal deposits balance at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consists of money market and NOW accounts obtained through the ICS network. The growth in deposits was mainly organic growth as we expand and grow into newer market areas. Time deposits increased $34.3 million or 27.76% from $123.6 million at December 31, 2021 to $157.9 million at December 31, 2022. Total estimated uninsured deposits at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were $322.5 million and $356.3 million, respectively.
The Company attempts to fund asset growth with deposit accounts and focus upon core deposit growth as its primary source of funding. Core deposits consist of checking accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, regular savings accounts, and time deposits of less than $250,000. Core deposits totaled $1.19 billion or 93.88% and $1.11 billion or 94.47% of total deposits at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The table titled “Maturities of Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits of $250,000 and Greater” shows the amount of certificates of deposit of $250,000 and more maturing within the time periods indicated at December 31, 2022. The total amount maturing within one year is $66.1 million or 93.96% of the total amount outstanding.
Maturities of Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits of $250,000 and Greater
(dollars in thousands)
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The table titled “Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits Otherwise Uninsured" shows the balances of certificates of deposit that were in excess of the FDIC insurance limit at December 31, 2022. The total amount maturing within one year is $54.6 million or 97.33% of the total amount outstanding.
Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits Otherwise Uninsured
(dollars in thousands)
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Total shareholders’ equity on December 31, 2022 was $101.7 million, reflecting a percentage of total assets of 6.29% as compared to $110.3 million and 8.46% at December 31, 2021. The common stock’s book value per share decreased $2.78 or 8.70% to $29.15 per share at December 31, 2022 from $31.93 per share at December 31, 2021. During 2022, the Company paid $1.15 per share in dividends as compared to $1.10 per share for 2021. The Company has a Dividend Investment Plan that allows participating shareholders to reinvest the dividends in Company stock. During 2022, the Company purchased 4,442 shares of its Common Stock under its stock repurchase program at an average price of $34.79. During 2021, the Company purchased 4,479 shares of its Common Stock under its stock repurchase program at an average price of $31.26. At December 31, 2022, and 2021, Management believes the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject. Additionally, at December 31, 2022, the most recent notification from the Federal Reserve categorized the Bank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.
Federal regulatory risk-based capital guidelines require percentages to be applied to various assets, including off-balance sheet assets, based on their perceived risk in order to calculate risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital consists of total shareholders’ equity plus qualifying trust preferred securities outstanding less net unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, goodwill and other intangible assets. Total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital plus the allowable portion of the allowance for loan losses and any excess trust preferred securities that do not qualify as Tier 1 capital.
Effective January 1, 2015, the Federal Reserve issued final risk-based capital rules to align with the Basel III regulatory capital framework and meet certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rules require the Bank to comply with the following minimum capital ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% of risk-weighted assets; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8.0% of risk-weighted assets; and (iv) a leverage ratio of 4.0% of total assets. In addition, a capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets, increased by the same amount each year until it was fully implemented at 2.5% effective January 1, 2019. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with any ratio (excluding the leverage ratio) above the minimum but below the conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases, and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. As fully phased in effective January 1, 2019, the rules require the Bank to maintain (i) a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer” (which is added to the 4.5% common equity Tier 1 ratio, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0%), (ii) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 6.0% Tier 1 capital ratio, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%), (iii) a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 8.0% total capital ratio, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5%), and (iv) a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets.
Pursuant to the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company and Savings and Loan Holding Company Policy Statement, qualifying bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of less than $3 billion, such as the Company, are not subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements.
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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), 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. 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 and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than the required minimum 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 regulatory capital rules, an institution electing to use the CBLR must maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 9%. Qualifying institutions are allowed a two-quarter grace period to correct a ratio that falls below the required amount, provided the institution maintains a ratio of more than 8%. At December 31, 2022, the Bank was a qualifying institution and elected to utilize the CBLR to measure capital adequacy. As such, the related amounts and ratios for December 31, 2022, are presented below using the CLBR. As the Bank did not elect to utilize the CBLR at December 31, 2021, the amounts and ratios are presented using the risk-based capital framework.
Analysis of Bank Capital
(dollars in thousands)
Tier 1 Capital:
Common equity tier 1 capital $ 107,570
Tier 2 Capital:
Allowance for loan losses and reserves for off-balance sheet commitments $ 8,850
Total Tier 2 capital $ 8,850
Total risk-based capital $ 116,420
Capital Ratios:
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio n/a 10.44 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio n/a 10.44 %
Total risk-based capital ratio n/a 11.30 %
Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional discussion and analysis of regulatory capital requirements.
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LIQUIDITY
Liquidity management involves meeting the present and future financial obligations of the Company with the sale or maturity of assets or with the occurrence of additional liabilities. Liquidity needs are met with cash on hand, deposits in banks, federal funds sold, securities classified as available for sale and loans maturing within one year. At December 31, 2022 liquid assets totaled $317.1 million as compared to $365.1 million at December 31, 2021. These amounts represent 20.93% and 30.61% of total liabilities at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Securities provide a constant source of liquidity through paydowns and maturities. Also, the Company maintains short-term borrowing arrangements, namely federal funds lines of credit, with larger financial institutions as an additional source of liquidity. The Bank’s membership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta also provides a source of borrowings with numerous rate and term structures. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had remaining credit availability in the amounts of $105.7 million and $244.3 million, respectively, with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The Company also had unused lines of credit with financial institutions of $78.0 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company’s senior management monitors the liquidity position regularly and attempts to maintain a position which utilizes available funds most efficiently. As a result of the Company’s management of liquid assets and the ability to generate liquidity through liability funding, management believes that the Company maintains overall liquidity sufficient to satisfy its depositors’ requirements and meet its customers’ credit needs.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides information about the off-balance sheet arrangements which arise through the lending activities of the Company. These arrangements increase the degree of both credit and interest rate risk beyond that which is recognized through the financial assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As the holding company of the Bank, the Company’s primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Interest rate fluctuations will impact the amount of interest income and expense the Bank receives or pays on almost all of its assets and liabilities and the market value of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, excluding those which have a very short term until maturity. Interest rate risk exposure of the Company is, therefore, experienced at the Bank level. Asset / liability management attempts to maximize the net interest income of the Company by adjusting the volume and price of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The Company does not subject itself to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk due to prohibition through policy and the current nature of operations. Derivative instruments and hedging activities of the Company have historically been minimal.
The Bank’s interest rate management strategy is designed to maximize net interest income and preserve the capital of the Company. The Bank’s financial instruments are periodically subjected to various simulations whose results are discussed in the following paragraphs. These models are based on actual data from the Bank’s financial statements and assumptions about the performance of certain financial instruments. Prepayment assumptions are applied to all mortgage related assets, which includes real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities. Prepayment assumptions are based on a median rate at which principal payments are received on these assets over their contractual term. The rate of principal payback is assumed to increase when rates fall and decrease when rates rise. Term assumptions are applied to non-maturity deposits, which includes demand deposits, NOW accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Demand deposits and NOW accounts are generally assumed to have a term greater than one year since the total amount outstanding does not fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Savings accounts and money market accounts are assumed to be more interest rate sensitive, therefore, a majority of the amount outstanding is assumed to have a term of less than one year.
The simulation analysis evaluates the potential effect of upward and downward changes in market interest rates on future net interest income. The Bank views the immediate shock of rates as a more effective measure of interest rate risk exposure. The analysis assesses the impact on net interest income over a 12 month period after an immediate increase or “shock” in rates, of 100 basis points up to 400 basis points. The simulation analysis results are presented in the table below:
Year 1 Net Interest Income Simulation
(dollars in thousands)
Change inNet Interest Income
Assumed Market Interest Rate Shock Dollars Percent Change
The Bank uses simulation analysis to assess earnings at risk and economic value of equity ("EVE") analysis to assess economic value at risk. This analysis method allows management to regularly monitor the direction and magnitude of the Bank’s interest rate risk exposure. The modeling techniques cannot be measured with complete precision. Maturity and repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities, prepayments on amortizing assets, non-maturity deposit sensitivity and loan and deposit pricing are key assumptions used in acquiring this analysis. There is a realm of uncertainty in using these assumptions but the analysis does provide the Bank with the ability to estimate interest rate risk position over time.
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The table below examines the EVE. The EVE of the balance sheet is defined as the discounted present value of expected asset cash flows minus the discounted present value of the expected liability cash flows. The analysis involves changing the interest rates used in determining the expected cash flows and in discounting the cash flows. The model indicates an exposure to falling interest rates. These results are driven primarily by the relative change in value of the Bank’s core deposit base as rates rise.
Static EVE Change
(dollars in thousands)
Change in EVE
Assumed Market Interest Rate Shift Dollars Percent Change
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Eagle Financial Services, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eagle Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
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Allowance for Loan Losses – General Allowance – Qualitative Factors
As described in Note 1 (Nature of Banking Activities and Significant Accounting Policies) and Note 4 (Allowance for Loan Losses) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has established an allowance for loan losses to provide for probable loan losses which are estimated to have occurred as of the balance sheet date, which totaled $11.22 million at December 31, 2022. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three components: the specific allowance; the general allowance; and the unallocated allowance. The general component relates to loans that are not considered impaired and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors and totaled $11.12 million at December 31, 2022. The qualitative portion of the general allowance is based on management’s evaluation of specific factors which are used to develop loss percentages applied to the loan portfolio, by loan pool, based on management’s assessment of shared risk characteristics within groups of similar loans. The qualitative factors assessed include: national and local economic trends and conditions; the quality of the Company’s loan review system; changes in lending policies; the experience, ability, and depth of management; concentrations of credit; trends in volume and terms of loans; levels and trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans; changes in collateral values; and competition and regulatory requirements.
Management exercised significant judgment when assessing the considerations which serve as the basis for the qualitative factors used to adjust the Company’s historical loss experience in the general component of the allowance for loan losses estimate. We identified the assessment of the qualitative factors as a critical audit matter as auditing the qualitative factors involved especially complex and subjective auditor judgment in evaluating management’s assessment of the inherently subjective estimates.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•
Evaluating the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as the basis for the qualitative factors.
•
Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the determination of qualitative factors.
•
Evaluating the qualitative factors for directional consistency and for reasonableness.
•
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the allowance calculation, including the application of the qualitative factors.
/s/ Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
Winchester, Virginia
March 29, 2023
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EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets
Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions 49,902 49,304
Other real estate owned, net of allowance 108 —
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Federal funds purchased 32,980 —
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 175,000 —
Subordinated debt 29,377 —
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $10 par value; 500,000 shares authorized and unissued $ — $ —
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (20,446 ) (155 )
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividends on securities:
Interest income exempt from federal income taxes 221 419
Interest on deposits in banks 352 69
Interest on federal funds sold 30 —
Total interest and dividend income $ 54,686 $ 42,676
Interest Expense
Interest on federal funds purchased 170 —
Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1,295 —
Interest on subordinated debt 1,067 —
Net interest income after provision for loan losses $ 47,383 $ 39,516
Noninterest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts 1,618 1,235
Other service charges and fees 3,943 3,941
(Loss) on the sale and disposal of bank premises and equipment (11 ) —
(Loss) gain on sale of securities (737 ) 24
Bank owned life insurance income 626 527
Noninterest Expenses
Advertising and marketing expenses 770 408
Stationery and supplies 199 155
Other real estate owned expense 34 41
Loss on other real estate owned — 201
Computer software expense 960 996
Earnings Per Share
Net income per common share, basic $ 4.17 $ 3.20
Net income per common share, diluted $ 4.17 $ 3.20
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
53
EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Other comprehensive (loss):
Total other comprehensive (loss) (20,291 ) (3,434 )
Total comprehensive (loss) income $ (5,770 ) $ 7,587
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
54
EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Other comprehensive (loss) (3,434 ) (3,434 )
Restricted stock awards, stock incentive plan (21,261 shares) 53 (53 ) —
Stock-based compensation expense 850 850
Issuance of common stock, dividend investment plan (16,194 shares) 41 479 520
Issuance of common stock, employee benefit plan (5,577 shares) 14 165 179
Retirement of common stock (4,749 shares) (12 ) (137 ) (149 )
Restricted stock awards, stock incentive plan (23,079 shares) 58 (58 ) —
Stock-based compensation expense 1,017 1,017
Issuance of common stock, dividend investment plan (5,582 shares) 14 185 199
Issuance of common stock, employee benefit plan (4,697 shares) 12 152 164
Retirement of common stock (4,442 shares) (11 ) (143 ) (154 )
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
55
EAGLE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Amortization of other assets 931 672
Origination of loans held for sale (14,276 ) (19,015 )
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale 15,486 18,775
Net (gains) on sales of loans (1,875 ) (1,658 )
Loss (gain) on other real estate owned — 201
Loss on the sale and disposal of premises and equipment 11 —
Loss (gain) on the sale of securities 737 (24 )
Amortization of subordinated debt issuance costs 51 —
Stock-based compensation expense 1,017 850
Premium amortization on securities, net 562 1,239
Bank owned life insurance (income) (626 ) (527 )
Deferred tax (benefit) (86 ) (1,437 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in other assets (4,742 ) 6
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities (706 ) 3,877
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 13,814 $ 16,459
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale 15,370 15,885
Purchases of securities available for sale (26,819 ) (100,824 )
Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments — 222
Purchase of restricted investments (8,184 ) (4 )
Proceeds for the sale of bank premises and equipment 33 —
Purchases of bank premises and equipment (838 ) (520 )
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned — 672
Changes in collateral posted with other financial institutions, net (700 ) —
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance — (10,000 )
Origination of loans net of prinicpal collected (492,592 ) (248,598 )
Funding of capital commitments related to other investments (761 ) (2,238 )
Net cash (used in) investing activities $ (331,336 ) $ (193,217 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit 34,310 (5,074 )
Net increase in federal funds purchased 32,980 —
Net increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances 175,000 —
Issuance of subordinated debt, net of issuance costs 29,326 —
Issuance of common stock, employee benefit plan 164 179
Retirement of common stock (154 ) (149 )