Forward-Looking Statements
The following discussion provides information about the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates and periods indicated. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report and the Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . Results for the prior periods indicated in this report are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year endingDecember 31, 2021 or any future period. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the
• global economy and financial market conditions and the business, results of
operations and financial condition of the Company
economic conditions (both generally and more specifically in the markets,
• including the cattle market, the thoroughbred horse industry and the automobile
industry relating to
operate);
• competition for the Company's customers from other providers of financial and
mortgage services;
• government legislation, regulation and monetary policy (which changes from time
to time and over which the Company has no control);
• changes in interest rates (both generally and more specifically mortgage interest rates);
• material unforeseen changes in the liquidity, results of operations, or
financial condition of the Company's customers; and
other risks detailed in Part 1, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this report and other
• risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond
the control of the Company. 35 Table of Contents
The Company undertakes no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. There is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statement. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "aim," "can," "conclude," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "foresee," "goal," "intend," "may," "might," "outlook," "possible," "plan," "predict," "project," "potential," "seek," "should,"
"target," "will," "will likely," "would," or other similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control, particularly with regard to developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements detail management's expectations regarding the future and are based on information known to management only as of the date the statements are made and management undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date forward-looking statements are made, except as required by applicable law. The Company executed a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger ("agreement") dated as ofJanuary 27, 2021 , with Stock Yards Bancorp. This document also contains statements regarding the proposed acquisition transaction that are not statements of historical fact and are considered forward-looking statements within the criteria described above. These statements are likewise subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and outcomes of the proposed transaction to differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. In addition to factors disclosed in reports filed by Stock Yards andKentucky Bancshares with theSEC , risks and uncertainties for Stock Yards,Kentucky Bancshares and the combined company include, but are not limited to: the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that integration ofKentucky Bancshares' operations with those of Stock Yards will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the parties' inability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the merger; the inability to complete the merger due to the failure ofKentucky Bancshares' shareholders to adopt the merger agreement; the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals; the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities due to the merger; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees; the effect of the announcement of the merger on Stock Yards',Kentucky Bancshares' or the combined company's respective customer and employee relationships and operating results; the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; dilution caused by Stock Yards' issuance of additional shares of Stock Yards common stock in connection with the merger; the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy and financial market conditions and the business, results of operations and financial condition of Stock Yards,Kentucky Bancshares and the combined company; and general competitive, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations. The merger agreement should not be read alone, but should instead be read in conjunction with the other information regarding Stock Yards Bancorp,Kentucky Bancshares , their respective affiliates or their respective businesses, the merger agreement and the mergers is contained in, or incorporated by reference into, the registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a proxy statement ofKentucky Bancshares and a prospectus of Stock Yards Bancorp, as well as in the Forms 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings that each of Stock Yards Bancorp andKentucky Bancshares make with theSecurities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This quarterly report is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document that Stock Yards Bancorp orKentucky Bancshares may file with theSEC .KENTUCKY BANCSHARES' SHAREHOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND THE RELATED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER TRANSACTION. 36
Table of Contents
The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents relating to the merger transaction filed by Stock Yards Bancorp andKentucky Bancshares can be obtained free of charge from theSEC's website at www.sec.gov. These documents also can be obtained free of charge by accessingStock Yard Bancorp's website at www.syb.com under the tab "Investor Relations" and then under "SEC Filings." Alternative, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from Stock Yards Bancorp upon written request to Stock Yards Bancorp, Attention: Chief Financial Officer,1040 East Main Street ,Louisville, Kentucky 40206 or by calling (502) 582-2571, or toKentucky Bancshares , Attention: Chief Financial Officer,339 Main Street ,Paris, Kentucky 40361 or by calling (859) 987-1795. This quarterly report is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This quarterly report is also not a solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise. No offer of securities or solicitation will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Recent Events
Pending Merger with Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.
EffectiveJanuary 27, 2021 ,Kentucky Bancshares , Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., aKentucky corporation ("Stock Yards Bancorp "), andH. Meyer Merger Subsidiary, Inc. , aKentucky corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Stock Yards Bancorp ("Merger Sub"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "merger agreement"), pursuant to which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and intoKentucky Bancshares (the "merger"), withKentucky Bancshares as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of Stock Yards Bancorp. Following the merger, the surviving company will merge with and into Stock Yards Bancorp (the "combined company"), and thereafterKentucky Bank will merge with and into Stock Yards Bancorp's bank subsidiary,Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company , aKentucky banking corporation ("Stock Yards Bank "), withStock Yards Bank as the surviving banking corporation. The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary regulatory approval, approval byKentucky Bancshares' shareholders and completion of other customary closing conditions. Impact of COVID-19 OnJanuary 30, 2020 , theWorld Health Organization ("WHO") announced that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) constituted a public health emergency of international concern. OnMarch 11, 2020 ,WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. OnMarch 13, 2020 , the President ofthe United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The health concerns relating to the COVID-19 outbreak and related governmental actions taken to reduce the spread of the virus have had a significant adverse impact on the economy, the banking industry and the Company. While quarantine and lock-down orders have been lifted and vaccination efforts are underway, COVID-19 has not yet been fully contained and commercial activity has not yet returned to the levels existing prior to the pandemic outbreak. As a result, the demand for the Company's products and services has been, and will continue to be, significantly impacted. OnMarch 27, 2020 , the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law, providing an approximately$2 trillion stimulus package that includes direct payments to individual taxpayers, economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors, emergency funding for hospitals and providers, small business loans, increased unemployment benefits, and a variety of tax incentives. For small businesses, eligible nonprofits and certain others, the CARES Act established a Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"), which is administered by theSmall Business Administration ("SBA"). OnApril 24, 2020 , the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was enacted. Among other things, this legislation amended the initial CARES Act program by raising the appropriation level for PPP loans from$349 billion to$670 billion . 37 Table of Contents The PPP was further modified onJune 5, 2020 with the adoption of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the "Flexibility Act"), which extended the maturity date for PPP loans from two years to five years for loans disbursed on or after the date of enactment of the Flexibility Act. For PPP loans disbursed prior to such enactment, the Flexibility Act permits the borrower and lender to mutually agree to extend the term of the loan to five years. The vast majority of the Company's PPP loans have two-year maturities. PPP loans earn interest at a fixed rate of 1% and are fully guaranteed by theU.S. government. OnDecember 27, 2020 , a$900 billion COVID-19 relief package, as passed by theU.S. Congress , was signed into law as part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act ("CAA"). In addition to providing direct stimulus payments to certain individuals, an increase in unemployment insurance benefits, an extension of the eviction moratorium, relief to the healthcare industry, and additional aid to various other businesses, the COVID-19-related provisions of the CAA also established an additional$284 billion in funding for the PPP throughMay 31, 2021 . The Company is also participating in this phase of the PPP. As the health and safety of our employees and customers is of primary importance, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has enforced mask policies and maintained social distancing precautions for all employees in the office and customer conducting business in our branches, to the fullest extent possible and pursuant to guidance issued by theCenters for Disease Control and state and local authorities. While COVID-19 cases have begun to ease during the first quarter of 2021 and progress has been made related to vaccination efforts, our management team continues to monitor the ongoing situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to anticipate and respond to ongoing COVID-19 related developments. Summary The Company recorded net income of$2.5 million , or$0.41 basic earnings and diluted earnings per share for the first three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to$1.8 million or$0.30 basic earnings and diluted earnings per share for the three month period endedMarch 31, 2020 . Net interest income decreased$293 thousand , or 3.3%, and the provision for loan losses decreased$1.5 million . Non-interest income increased$606 thousand , or 17.0%, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the same three month period in 2020. The increase in non-interest income is mostly attributed to an increase in gain
on sale of loans.
For the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 and compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 , service charges decreased$208 thousand , gain on the sale of loans increased$464 thousand , gain on the sale of available for sale securities decreased$112 thousand and salaries and benefits expense increased$146 thousand . Data processing fees increased$86 thousand and debit card expenses decreased$7 thousand . Return on average assets was 0.78% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 and 0.62% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Return on average equity was 7.66% for the three month period endedMarch 31, 2021 and 5.77% for the three month period endedMarch 31, 2020 .
Securities available for sale decreased
Gross Loans decreased
The overall decrease in loan balances fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 is comprised of the following: a decrease of$5.5 million in 1-4 family residential loans, a decrease of$4.9 million in commercial loans, a decrease of$2.1 million in multi-family residential loans, a decrease of$2.1 million in agricultural loans, an increase of$12.8 million in non-farm and non-residential loans, a decrease of$612 thousand in consumer loans, and an increase of$565 thousand in real-estate construction loans. Other loan balances decreased$20 thousand fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . Total deposits increased from$978.6 million onDecember 31, 2020 to$1.0 billion onMarch 31, 2021 , an increase of$47.1 million . Time deposits$250 thousand and over decreased$10.5 million fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 while non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts increased$50.3 million and other interest bearing deposit accounts increased$7.3 million fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . 38 Table of Contents
Public fund account balances decreased$16.7 million fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . Public fund accounts typically decrease during the first three quarters of the year and increase during the last quarter of the year due to tax payments collected during the fourth quarter and then withdrawn from the Bank during subsequent months.
Borrowings from the
Net Interest Income Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income was$8.7 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to$9.0 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 , a decrease of 3.3%. The interest spread, excluding tax equivalent adjustments, was 2.83% for the first three months of 2021 compared to 3.10% for the first three months of 2020. For the first three months in 2021, the yield on interest earning assets decreased from 4.30% in 2020 to 3.41% in 2021, excluding tax equivalent adjustments. The yield on loans, excluding tax equivalent adjustments, decreased sixty-one basis points for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 from 4.95% to 4.34%. The yield on securities, excluding tax equivalent adjustments, decreased ninety basis points during the first three months of 2021 compared to 2020 from 2.54% in 2020 to 1.64% in 2021. The cost of liabilities was 0.59% for the first three months in 2021 compared to 1.14% in 2020.
Year to date average loans, excluding overdrafts, increased$10.1 million , or 1.3% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Loan interest income decreased$1.0 million during the first three months of 2021 compared to the first three months of 2020. Year to date average total deposits increased fromMarch 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 by$142.2 million or 16.4%. Year to date average interest bearing deposits increased$49.9 million , or 8.0%, fromMarch 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . Deposit interest expense decreased$807 thousand for the first three months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Year to date average borrowings, including repurchase agreements, decreased$21.4 million , or 16.4%, fromMarch 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . Interest expense on borrowed funds, including repurchase agreements, decreased$186 thousand for the first three months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The volume rate analysis for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 indicates loan interest income decreased$1.0 million when compared to the same time period in 2020. An increase of$800 thousand attributed to increased loan volume was offset by a decrease of$1.8 million in loan interest income attributed to a decrease in loan rates. Much of the decrease in loan income is attributed to variable rate loans repricing at lower rates. The decrease of$195 thousand in securities interest income is attributable to decreases in rates of our security portfolio.
Also based on the following volume rate analysis for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , a decrease in demand deposit interest rates resulted in a$773 thousand reduction to interest expense, interest paid for savings deposits remained fairly flat, and decreases in interest rates paid for time deposits resulted in a reduction of interest expense of$438 thousand . The change in volume in deposits and borrowings was responsible for a$427 thousand increase in interest expense, of which an increase in demand deposits resulted in an increase of$577 thousand in interest expense, a decrease in time deposits resulted in a decrease of$176 thousand in interest expense, an increase in repurchase agreements resulted in an increase of$82 thousand in interest expense, and a decrease in other borrowings resulted in a decrease of$112 thousand in interest expense. The net effect to interest expense was a decrease of$993 thousand . As a result, the decrease in net interest income for the first three months in 2021 is mostly attributed to decreasing rates paid on deposits. 39 Table of Contents
Changes in Interest Income and Expense
Three Months Ended 2021 vs. 2020 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in (in thousands) Volume Rate Net Change INTEREST INCOME Loans$ 800 $ (1,842) $ (1,042) Investment Securities 2,253 (2,448) (195) Other 164 (213) (49) Total Interest Income 3,217 (4,503) (1,286) INTEREST EXPENSE Deposits Demand 577 (773) (196) Savings 56 (53) 3 Negotiable Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits (176) (438) (614) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowings 82 (112) (30) Federal Home Loan Bank advances (112)
(44) (156) Total Interest Expense 427 (1,420) (993) Net Interest Income$ 2,790 $ (3,083) $ (293) Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income increased
Favorable variances to non-interest income for the first three months of 2021 include an increase of$90 thousand in loan service fee income (net), an increase of$92 thousand in trust department income, an increase of$68 thousand in brokerage income, an increase of$464 thousand in gains on the sale of loans, an increase of$198 thousand in debit card interchange income and an increase of$14 thousand in other income. Decreases to non-interest income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 include a decrease of$208 thousand in service charges and a decrease of$112 thousand in gain on sale of available for sale securities.
The gain on the sale of loans increased from
The volume of loans originated to sell during the first three months of 2021 increased$5.7 million compared to the same time period in 2020. The volume of mortgage loan originations and sales is generally inverse to rate changes. A change in the mortgage loan rate environment can have a significant impact on the related gain on sale of mortgage loans. Loan service fee income, net of amortization and impairment expense, was$7 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to$(83) thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 , an increase of$90 thousand . During the first three months of 2021, the market value adjustment to the carrying value of the mortgage servicing right was a net writedown of$2 thousand . During the first three months of 2020, the market value adjustment to the carrying value of the mortgage servicing right asset was a net writedown of$142 thousand , as the fair value of the asset
decreased. Non-Interest Expense
Total non-interest expense increased
For the comparable three month periods, salaries and employees benefits expense increased$146 thousand , an increase of 2.9%. The number of full-time employee equivalent employees decreased from 235 atMarch 31, 2020 to 222 atMarch 31, 2021 , a decrease of thirteen full-time equivalent employees. Much of the decrease in full-time equivalent employees occurred near the end of the quarter. Therefore, salaries and benefits were recorded for these employees for much
of the quarter. 40 Table of Contents
Occupancy expense decreased
Legal and professional fees increased$750 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 due to fees incurred during the first quarter of 2021 related to the merger with Stock
Yards Bank and Trust. Taxes other than payroll, property and income decreased$254 thousand during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The decrease was due to the elimination of the bank franchise tax in 2021. However, this was partially offset by an increase in the provision for income taxes as a newly implementedKentucky state income tax replaced the bank franchise tax. Loss on limited partnership expense decreased$174 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . The decrease in loss on limited partnership expense during 2021 is attributed to increased amortization expense for one of our tax credit investments during
2020. Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 was 16.7% compared to (3.1)% in 2020. These effective tax rates are less than the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the Company investing in tax-free securities, loans and other investments which generate tax credits for the Company. The Company also has a captive insurance subsidiary which contributes to reducing taxable income. The effective tax rate was higher for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 when compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 largely due to tax credits associated with low income housing investments decreasing from$304 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 to$119 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 ; a decrease of$185 thousand . Also, the Company is now subject to a state income tax. This replaces the franchise tax the Bank was subject to in prior years. This change resulted in an increase of$52 thousand in recorded income tax expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Further, income before income taxes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 increased$1.3 million when compared to the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 which also contributed to the increase in recorded income tax expense. Tax- exempt interest income increased$111 thousand for the first three months of 2021 compared to the first three months of 2020. As part of normal business, the Bank typically makes tax free loans to select municipalities in our market and invests in selected tax free securities, primarily in theCommonwealth of Kentucky . In making these investments, the Company considers the overall impact to managing our net interest margin, credit worthiness of the underlying issuer and the favorable impact on our tax position. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , the Company averaged$53.9 million in tax free securities and$46.5 million in tax free loans. As ofMarch 31, 2021 , the weighted average remaining maturity for the tax free securities is 65 months, while the weighted average remaining maturity for the tax free loans was 158 months.
For the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , the Company averaged$36.9 million in tax free securities, and$69.2 million in tax free loans. As ofDecember 31, 2020 , the weighted average remaining maturity for the tax free securities was 62 months, while the weighted average remaining maturity for the tax free loans was 158 months. Liquidity and Funding
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations. The Company's primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, maturities and sales of investment securities andFederal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Liquidity risk is the possibility that we may not be able to meet our cash requirements in an orderly manner. Management of liquidity risk includes maintenance of adequate cash and sources of cash to fund operations and to meet the needs of borrowers, depositors and creditors. Excess liquidity may have a negative impact on earnings as a result of the lower yields on short-term assets. 41 Table of Contents
Cash and cash equivalents were$81.9 million as ofMarch 31, 2021 compared to$39.0 million atDecember 31, 2020 . The increase in cash and cash equivalents is attributed to an increase of$43.0 million in cash and due from banks. In addition to cash and cash equivalents, the securities portfolio provides an important source of liquidity. Securities available for sale totaled$349.6 million atMarch 31, 2021 compared to$353.5 million atDecember 31, 2020 . The securities available for sale are available to meet liquidity needs on a continuing basis. However, we expect our customers' deposits to be adequate to meet our funding demands. Generally, we rely upon net cash inflows from financing activities, supplemented by net cash inflows from operating activities, to provide cash used in our investing activities. As is typical of many financial institutions, significant financing activities include deposit gathering and the use of short-term borrowings, such as federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements along with long-term debt. Our primary investing activities include purchasing investment securities and loan originations. For the first three months of 2021, deposits increased$47.1 million compared toDecember 31, 2020 . The Company's borrowed funds from theFederal Home Loan Bank decreased$6.8 million fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 , federal funds purchased remained at zero, and total repurchase agreements decreased$692 thousand fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . Management is aware of the challenge of funding sustained loan growth. Therefore, in addition to deposits, other sources of funds, such asFederal Home Loan Bank advances, may be used. We rely onFederal Home Loan Bank advances for both liquidity and asset/liability management purposes. These advances are used primarily to fund long- term fixed rate residential mortgage loans. As ofMarch 31, 2021 , we have sufficient collateral to borrow an additional$118.4 million from theFederal Home Loan Bank . In addition, as ofMarch 31, 2021 ,$45 million is available in overnight borrowing through various correspondent banks and$315 million is available in brokered deposits. In light of this, management believes there is sufficient liquidity to meet all reasonable borrower, depositor and creditor needs in the present economic environment. In addition, theFederal Reserve has implemented a liquidity facility available to financial institutions participating in the PPP. As such, the Bank believes it has sufficient liquidity sources to fund all pending PPP loans and to continue to provide this important service to local businesses. Capital Requirements InAugust 2018 , theFederal Reserve Board issued an interim final ruling that holding companies with assets less than$3 billion are not subject to minimum capital requirements. As a result, only Bank capital data and capital ratios are presented as ofMarch 31, 2021 andDecember 31, 2020 . The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. 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, for qualifying community banking organizations, consistent with Section 201 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. The final rule became effective onJanuary 1, 2020 . This final rule is applicable to all non-advanced approachesFDIC -supervised institutions with less than$10 billion in total consolidated assets. 42 Table of Contents
The Bank has elected to use the CBLR framework. The community bank leverage ratio 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 community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than required minimums will be considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk based and leverage capital requirements in the agencies' capital rules (generally applicable rule) and, if applicable, will be considered to have met the well capitalized ratio requirements for purposes of section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Under the interim final rules the community bank leverage ratio minimum requirement was 8% as ofDecember 31, 2020 , 8.5% for calendar year 2021, and 9% for calendar year 2022 and beyond. The interim rules allows for a two-quarter grace period to correct a ratio that falls below the required amount, provided that the bank maintained a leverage ratio of 7% as ofDecember 31, 2020 , and maintains a leverage ratio of 7.5% for calendar year 2021, and 8% for calendar year 2022 and beyond. AtMarch 31, 2021 , the Bank's CBLR was 8.8%. Management believes as ofMarch 31, 2021 , the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to average assets (as defined).
Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required.
AtMarch 31, 2021 and atDecember 31, 2020 , the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution's category. The Bank's actual amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt For Capital Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in Thousands) March 31, 2021 Bank Only Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)$ 109,439 8.8$ 98,999
8.5
December 31, 2020 Bank Only Tier I Capital (to Average Assets) 107,805 9.0 96,258
8.0 96,258 8.0 Non-Performing Assets As ofMarch 31, 2021 , our non-performing assets, including other real estate, totaled$4.8 million or 0.38% of assets compared to$6.1 million or 0.50% of assets atDecember 31, 2020 (see the following table). The Company experienced a decrease of$80 thousand in non-accrual loans fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . As ofMarch 31, 2021 , non-accrual loans include$124 thousand in loans secured by construction real estate,$800 thousand in loans secured by multi-family residential property,$1.8 million in loans secured by non-farm non-residential property,$1.2 million in loans secured by 1-4 family properties and$49 thousand in consumer loans. Loans secured by real estate composed 96.7% of the non-performing loans as ofMarch 31, 2021 and 96.4% as ofDecember 31, 2020 . Forgone interest income on non-accrual loans totaled$236 thousand for the first three months of 2021 compared to forgone interest of$101 thousand for the same time period in 2020. 43 Table of Contents
Accruing loans that are contractually 90 days or more past due as ofMarch 31, 2021 totaled$101 thousand compared to$75 thousand atDecember 31, 2020 , a decrease of$26 thousand . Total nonperforming and restructured loans decreased$1.2 million fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . The decrease was mostly attributed to one loan paying off during the first quarter of 2021 which had an outstanding balance of$1.1 million and was classified as an accruing troubled debt restructuring as ofDecember 31, 2020 . The ratio of nonperforming and restructured loans to loans decreased from 0.69% atDecember 31, 2020 to 0.53% atMarch 31, 2021 .
In addition, the amount the Company has recorded as other real estate owned decreased$141 thousand fromDecember 31, 2020 toMarch 31, 2021 . As ofMarch 31, 2021 andDecember 31, 2020 , the amount recorded as other real estate owned totaled$735 thousand and$876 thousand , respectively. During the first three months of 2021, one addition was made to other real estate properties and one sale occurred. The allowance as a percentage of non-performing and restructured loans and other real estate owned increased from 161% atDecember 31, 2020
to 197% atMarch 31, 2021 .
Nonperforming and Restructured Assets
3/31/2021 12/31/2020 (in thousands) Non-accrual Loans$ 3,971 $ 4,051 Accruing Loans which are Contractually past due over 89 days 101 75 Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings -
1,145
Total Nonperforming and Restructured Loans 4,072
5,271
Other Real Estate 735 876 Total Nonperforming and Restructured Loans and Other Real Estate$ 4,807
0.53
% 0.69 %
Nonperforming and Restructured Loans and
0.38 % 0.50 % Allowance as a Percentage of Period-end Loans 1.24 % 1.29 % Allowance as a Percentage of Non-performing and Restructured Loans and Other Real Estate 197
% 161 % We maintain a "watch list" of agricultural, commercial, real estate mortgage, and real estate construction loans and review those loans at least quarterly but more often if needed. Generally, assets are designated as "watch list" loans to ensure more frequent monitoring. If we determine that there is serious doubt as to performance in accordance with original terms of the contract, then the loan is generally downgraded and often placed on non-accrual status.
We review and evaluate nonaccrual loans, past due loans, and loans graded substandard or worse on a regular basis to determine if the loan should be evaluated for impairment and whether specific allocations are needed.
Provision for Loan Losses The loan loss provision for the first three months of 2021 was$100 thousand compared to$1.6 million for the first three months of 2020. The decrease in the total loan loss provision during the first three months of 2021 compared to the same time period in 2020 was attributed mostly to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. For the three months endedMarch 31,2020 , the Company recorded additional provision for loan losses as a result of these uncertainties. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 , the Company reversed a portion of the additional provision for loan losses recorded during 2020 due to recording few charge offs thus far as a result of the pandemic. However, these reductions were partially offset by one loan which had a partial charge off totaling$500 thousand during the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 . It is possible the Company will have additional provision for loan losses expense in future quarters as a result of the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans was 1.24% atMarch 31, 2021 compared to 1.29% atDecember 31, 2020 . 44 Table of Contents Management evaluates the loan portfolio by reviewing the historical loss rate for each respective loan type and assigns risk multiples to certain categories to account for qualitative factors including current economic conditions. The average loss rates are reviewed for trends in the analysis, as well as comparisons to peer group loss rates. Management makes allocations within the allowance for loan losses for specifically classified loans regardless of loan amount, collateral or loan type. Loan categories are evaluated utilizing subjective factors in addition to the historical loss calculations to determine a loss allocation for each of those types. As this analysis, or any similar analysis, is an imprecise measure of loss, the allowance is subject to ongoing adjustments. Therefore, management will often take into account other significant factors that may be necessary or prudent in order to reflect probable incurred losses in the total loan portfolio. Nonperforming loans and restructured loans decreased$1.2 million fromDecember 31, 2020 to$4.1 million atMarch 31, 2021 . The Company recorded net charge-offs of$537 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2021 compared to net charge-offs of$169 thousand for the three months endedMarch 31, 2020 . Future levels of charge-offs will be determined by the particular facts and circumstances surrounding individual loans.
Based on the above information, management believes the current loan loss allowance is sufficient to meet probable incurred loan losses.
Three Months EndedMarch 31 , (in thousands) 2021 2020
Balance at Beginning of Period:$ 9,897
$ 8,460 Amounts Charged-Off: Commercial 3 25 Real estate mortgage: 1-4 family residential - 35 Multi-family residential 500 - Non-farm & non-residential 19 - Consumer and other 289 347 Total Charged-off Loans 811 407 Recoveries on Amounts Previously Charged-off: Commercial 1 6 Real Estate Construction 4 - Real estate mortgage: 1-4 family residential 3 15 Agricultural 6 2 Consumer and other 260 215 Total Recoveries 274 238 Net Charge-offs 537 169 Provision for Loan Losses 100 1,625 Balance at End of Period 9,460 9,916 Loans Average 768,491 762,389 At March 31, 765,095 778,327 As a Percentage of Average Loans: Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) for the period 0.07 % 0.02 % Provision for Loan Losses for the period 0.01 % 0.21 % Allowance as a Multiple of Net Charge-offs annualized 4.4
14.7 45 Table of Contents
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