EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1849867
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1849867_10-K_2025_0001558370-25-003964.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
BUSINESS OF CATALYST BANCORP, INC.
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Catalyst Bancorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated by St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank (“St. Landry Homestead” or the “Bank”) in February 2021 as part of the conversion of St. Landry Homestead from the mutual to the stock form of organization. In June 2022, St. Landry Homestead changed its name to Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”).
The conversion of the Bank from the mutual to the stock form of organization (the “Conversion”) was completed on October 12, 2021, at which time the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank and became the holding company for the Bank. As a result of the Conversion, the Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Catalyst Bancorp. Concurrently with consummation of the Conversion, the Company completed its initial public offering and issued 5,290,000 shares of its common stock.
Catalyst Bancorp is a registered bank holding company and is authorized to pursue business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations, which may include the acquisition of banking and financial services companies. See “Supervision and Regulation - Holding Company Regulation” for a discussion of the activities that are permitted for bank holding companies. We currently have no understandings or agreements to acquire any other financial institution, although we may determine to do so in the future.
Catalyst Bancorp’s cash flow depends on earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the offering that it retains and any dividends it receives from the Bank. The Bank is subject to regulatory limitations on the amount of dividends that it may pay. See “Supervision and Regulation - Federal Banking Regulation - Capital Distributions.” The Company neither owns nor leases any property, but instead utilizes the premises, equipment and furniture of the Bank. At the present time, the Company employs only persons who are officers of the Bank to serve as officers of the Company. The Company does, however, use the support staff of the Bank from time to time. Catalyst Bancorp may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent we expand our business in the future.
Our headquarters is located at 235 N. Court Street, Opelousas, Louisiana, and our telephone number is (337) 948-3033. We maintain a website at www.catalystbank.com, and we provide our customers with online banking services. This Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as all other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are available on our website under the “Investor Relations” tab. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As used in this report, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company” refer to Catalyst Bancorp, and the term the “Bank” refers to Catalyst Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In addition, unless the context otherwise requires, references to the operations of the Company include the operations of the Bank.
BUSINESS OF CATALYST BANK
General. Catalyst Bank is a federally-chartered community-oriented savings bank which was originally organized in 1922 under the name St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank and is headquartered in Opelousas, Louisiana. St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank changed its name to Catalyst Bank in June 2022. The Bank currently conducts its business from its main office as well as five additional full-service branch offices. Our branch offices are located in Eunice, Port Barre and Opelousas, in St. Landry Parish, and Lafayette and Carencro, in Lafayette Parish. St. Landry and Lafayette Parishes are in the Acadiana region of south central Louisiana. Our newest branch offices, located in Carencro and Lafayette, Louisiana, opened for business in October 2020 and November 2021, respectively.
We are primarily engaged in attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds to invest in loans and securities. Our principal sources of funds are customer deposits, repayments of loans, maturities of investments and funds borrowed from outside sources such as the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Dallas or the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. These funds are primarily used for the origination of loans, including single-family residential first mortgage loans, commercial real estate mortgage loans, multi-family residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction and land loans and other loans. The Bank derives its income principally from interest earned on loans and investment securities and, to a lesser extent, from fees received in connection with the origination of loans, service charges on deposit accounts and for other services. The Bank’s primary expenses are compensation and benefits, interest expense on deposits and borrowings and other general operating expenses.
Historically, the Bank was a traditional thrift institution with an emphasis on long-term single-family residential first mortgage loans secured by residences located in our traditional market area centered in Opelousas, Louisiana. In 2021, our business strategy shifted to enhance our products and services and embrace a full-service community bank model by focusing on attracting a greater number of small-to mid-sized businesses and business professionals in our market area and increasing our holdings of commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans. Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans are deemed attractive due to their generally higher yields and shorter anticipated lives compared to single-family residential mortgage loans.
Market Area and Competition
Historically, our business focus has centered on areas within a short drive from our banking offices in St. Landry Parish and adjoining areas. We expanded our branch office network into neighboring Lafayette Parish by opening our Carencro office in October 2020 and our Lafayette office in November 2021. Lafayette is the hub of economic growth in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana. We expect to continue to increase our penetration in both St. Landry and Lafayette Parishes with a focus on serving small- to mid-sized businesses and professionals.
The oil and gas industry has had sizable influence on the economic activity in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana over the last several decades. In recent years, Acadiana has diversified and other sectors have emerged as drivers of the local economy, including alternative energy support services, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, finance, tourism and other service-related industries. The education, healthcare and social service sectors represent the largest employment sectors in St. Landry Parish and Lafayette Parish.
We face significant competition in originating loans and attracting deposits. This competition stems primarily from commercial banks, other savings banks and savings associations, credit unions and mortgage-banking companies. Many of the financial service providers operating in our market area are significantly larger, and have greater financial resources, than us. We face additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds, other corporate and government securities funds, mutual funds, and other non-depository financial institutions such as brokerage firms and insurance companies.
Lending Activities
General. At December 31, 2024, our loan portfolio totaled $167.1 million, or 60.4% of total assets. Historically, our principal lending activity has been the origination of loans collateralized by one- to four-family, also known as “single-family,” residential real estate loans located in our market area. Since 2021, we have been focused on increasing our
commercial loan portfolio by originating commercial real estate and multi-family residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, and construction and land loans. In addition, we originate consumer loans, consisting primarily of loans secured by deposits at the Bank, automobile, recreational vehicle and boat loans, and other loans.
Loan Originations. Our lending activities are subject to underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our Board of Directors and management. Loan originations are obtained through a variety of sources, including existing customers as well as new customers obtained from referrals and local advertising and promotional efforts. Single-family residential mortgage loan applications and consumer loan applications are taken at any of the Bank’s branch offices. Applications for other loans typically are taken personally by one of our commercial bankers. All loan applications are processed and underwritten by our credit department personnel under the supervision of our Chief Risk Officer.
Our underwriting standards do not require that new single-family residential mortgage loans conform to secondary market standards and a significant portion of our single-family residential mortgage loans are considered “non-conforming” due to factors such as the borrower’s job status or income, the condition or age of the residence or other factors. For loans which are secured by real estate, property valuations are undertaken by independent third-party appraisers approved by our Board of Directors.
In addition to originating loans, we occasionally purchase participation interests in larger balance loans, typically commercial real estate mortgage loans or construction and land development loans, from other financial institutions in our market area or other markets in Louisiana. At December 31, 2024, we had purchased participation interests in ten loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $20.1 million. Full underwriting and credit analysis procedures are performed by our credit department before such participations are purchased to verify compliance with our loan policy. Generally, we have purchased such loans without any recourse to the seller. However, we actively monitor the performance of such loans through the receipt of regular reports from the lead lender regarding the loan’s performance, physically inspecting the loan security property on a periodic basis, discussing the loan with the lead lender on a regular basis and receiving copies of the borrower’s updated financial statements.
In addition, the Bank also occasionally sells participation interests in loans it originates. We had no sold loan participation interests at December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. We generally have sold participation interests in loans when a loan would exceed our loans-to-one borrower limits. Our legal loans-to-one borrower limit, with certain exceptions, generally is 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, or $11.9 million at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, the five largest aggregate amounts outstanding to a single borrower and related entities amounted to $6.6 million, $5.9 million, $5.1 million, $4.4 million, and $3.9 million, respectively, and all of such loans were performing in accordance with their terms.
One- to Four-Family Residential Mortgage Lending. Historically, our primary lending focus was the origination of loans secured by first mortgages on one- to four-family residences in our market area. At December 31, 2024, $81.1 million, or 48.5% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of single-family residential mortgage loans with an average outstanding balance of $71,000 per loan. At December 31, 2024, non-performing loans totaled $1.6 million and 97.7% of total non-performing loans were one- to four-family residential mortgages.
Applications for one-to four-family residential mortgage loans are accepted at any of our banking offices and are then referred to our credit department for processing. This involves obtaining all documents required to complete the underwriting and determining whether the loan meets our policy standards. Our underwriting standards do not require that new single-family residential mortgage loans conform to secondary market standards. We underwrite one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios which generally do not exceed 80%. Loan-to-value ratios are based upon an appraisal of the collateral performed by a licensed and Company-approved appraiser. If appropriate, we also require that title insurance, hazard insurance and flood insurance be maintained on all properties securing real estate loans.
We currently originate fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgage loans with maturities up to 30 years. We also offer adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans where the interest rate is generally fixed for the initial three to five years and then adjusts every three to five years thereafter. At December 31, 2024, 60.4% of our single-family residential mortgage loans were ARM loans. Our ARM loans have a cap on any increase or decrease in the interest rate of up to 2.5% at any adjustment
date and a 6% cap above or below the initial interest rate over the life of the loan. On and prior to December 31, 2021, the interest rate on our ARM loans was based on the Semi-Annual Weighted Average Cost of Funds Index of the FHLB for the 11th District. The 11th District Cost of Funds Index (“COFI”) was discontinued after the publication of the index for the period ended December 2021. As a result, we have replaced the 11th District Cost of Funds Index with the Enterprise 11th District COFI Replacement Index, which is administered and published by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
Although adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans may reduce our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically reprice, as interest rates increase, the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the ability of the borrower to repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents. As a result, the effectiveness of adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in compensating for changes in market interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.
Commercial Real Estate Loans and Multi-Family Residential Loans. At December 31, 2024, our commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans totaled $24.7 million, or 14.7% of our total loan portfolio at such date. We have increased our emphasis on commercial real estate loans and multi-family residential real estate loans as they generally have shorter terms to maturity, improving the Bank’s interest rate risk profile, and provide higher yields than single-family residential mortgage loans.
Our commercial real estate loan portfolio totaled $22.1 million, or 13.2% of the total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2024 and consists primarily of loans secured by retail and office space, industrial use buildings, hotels, medical and health services properties, and other real estate used for commercial purposes located in our market area. The five largest commercial real estate loans outstanding at December 31, 2024 were $2.4 million, $1.7 million, $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $838,000, and all of such loans were performing in accordance with their terms. At such date, the average commercial real estate loan size was $243,000.
At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s multi-family residential mortgage loans amounted to $2.6 million, or 1.5% of the total loan portfolio. The Bank’s multi-family residential mortgage loans, which are underwritten and approved in a manner consistent with the Bank’s commercial real estate loans, are secured by residential properties with more than four units located in the Bank’s market area. At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s largest multi-family residential mortgage loan was a $1.7 million loan secured by an 86 unit apartment complex located in Opelousas, Louisiana, which is performing in accordance with its terms. At December 31, 2024, we had a total of six multi-family residential mortgage loans with an average outstanding balance of $428,000 per loan.
Although terms for commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans vary, our underwriting standards generally allow for terms not exceeding 20 years and loan-to-value ratios of not more than 80%. Interest rates are typically adjustable, based upon designated market indices such as The Wall Street Journal prime rate, or fixed-rate, and fees are charged to the borrower at the origination of the loan. The actual lives of such loans generally are less than their contractual terms to maturity due to prepayments and re-financings. Generally, we obtain personal guarantees of the principals as additional collateral for commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans.
Commercial real estate and multi-family residential lending can involve a greater degree of risk than single-family residential lending. These risks include larger loans to individual borrowers and loan payments that are dependent upon the successful operation of the project or the borrower’s business. These risks can be affected by supply and demand conditions of rental housing units, office and retail space and other commercial space in the project’s market area. Various aspects of commercial real estate and multi-family residential transactions are evaluated in an effort to mitigate the additional risk in these types of loans. In our underwriting procedures, consideration is given to the stability of the property’s cash flow history, future operating projections, current and projected occupancy levels, location and physical condition. We also evaluate the credit and financial condition of the borrower, and if applicable, the guarantor. Generally, we impose a debt service ratio (the ratio of net cash flows from operations before the payment of debt service to debt service) of not less than 125% in the case of commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans. Appraisal reports prepared by independent appraisers are obtained on each loan to substantiate the property’s market value, and are reviewed by us prior to the closing of the loan.
At December 31, 2024, none of our commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans were delinquent for more than 30 days, or were on non-accrual status. In aggregate, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $14,000 in commercial real estate and multi-family residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to no charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Construction and Land Loans. At December 31, 2024, construction and land loans totaled $32.9 million, or 19.7% of our total loans outstanding. The outstanding balance of this portfolio has more than doubled since December 31, 2023 and, as of December 31, 2024, largely consists of loans for commercial construction projects. This portfolio also includes residential construction loans and loans secured by raw land (unimproved and unplatted) and lots (land which has been subdivided and platted).
The outstanding balance of our non-residential commercial construction loans at December 31, 2024 totaled $27.3 million. Of this amount, $19.1 million was attributable to eight separate purchased participation interests, which are supporting the construction of apartment complexes, health care service facilities, commercial subdivision development and a storage center. The remaining balance of our non-residential commercial construction loans at December 31, 2024 was primarily related to a retail property and the purchase and renovation of a hotel. All of our non-residential commercial construction loans were performing in accordance with their terms as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of our land loans totaled $2.5 million with an average outstanding balance per loan of $80,000. Such loans are generally secured by properties in our market area and have original terms to maturity ranging from two to thirty years. Our policy generally is that such loans have loan-to-value ratios not to exceed 70% in the case of personal land loans or 65% in the case of commercial land loans.
Single-family residential construction loans totaled $3.1 million, and the largest loan in this segment totaled $2.2 million at December 31, 2024. Generally, the Bank’s single-family residential construction loans are for the construction and permanent financing (“construction/permanent loans”) of the related property. The Bank’s construction/permanent loans are structured to provide one closing for both the construction loan and the permanent financing. Generally, employees of the Bank make periodic inspections of the construction site during the construction phase and loan proceeds are disbursed directly to the contractors as construction progresses. Typically, disbursements are made in five draws during the construction period. Construction/permanent loans require payment of interest only during the construction phase and are structured to be converted to fixed- or adjustable-rate permanent loans at the end of the construction phase. Prior to making a commitment to fund a construction loan, the Bank requires an appraisal. Our construction/permanent loans have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% during the construction phase, and the construction phase is generally less than 24 months. Loan proceeds are disbursed based on a percentage of completion. At December 31, 2024, one single-family residential construction loan totaling $79,000 was past due.
Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost, including interest, of construction and other assumptions. Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be confronted with a project, when completed, having a value less than the loan amount. The Bank has attempted to minimize these risks by generally concentrating on construction and development loans in its market area to contractors who have established a quality reputation.
Commercial and Industrial Loans. Our commercial and industrial loans totaled $26.4 million or 15.8% of the total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2024. Our commercial and industrial loans are typically made to small and mid-sized businesses in our market area and may be for working capital, equipment financing, inventory financing or accounts receivable financing. These loans may have adjustable or fixed rates of interest and generally have terms of five years or less. Our commercial and industrial loans include unsecured loans and loans secured by equipment, machinery or other corporate, non-real estate assets. Our maximum loan to value ratio for commercial and industrial loans is generally 80% and we typically require a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 125% on such loans. In addition, we generally obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrower with respect to all commercial and industrial loans.
Total commercial and industrial loans at December 31, 2024 largely consisted of loans to local businesses involved in oil and gas support services, industrial manufacturing and equipment, and professional services. The five largest relationships included in our commercial and industrial loans at December 31, 2024 had total outstanding loan balances of $5.9 million, $3.1 million, $2.9 million, $2.8 million and $1.7 million, and all of which were performing in accordance with their terms. At December 31, 2024, approximately $1.7 million of our commercial and industrial loans were unsecured. During the year ended December 31, 2024, net charge-offs of commercial and industrial loans totaled $128,000 and were largely attributable to unsecured loans. The Company did not charge-off any commercial and industrial loans in 2023.
Commercial and industrial loans generally are deemed to involve a greater degree of risk than single-family residential mortgage loans. Repayment of our commercial and industrial loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any exists. As a result, in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. The collateral securing other loans, such as inventory or equipment, may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.
Consumer Lending Activities. In our efforts to provide a full range of financial services to our customers, we offer various types of consumer loans. Our consumer loans totaled $1.9 million, or 1.3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Our consumer loans are largely comprised of loans secured by deposits at the Bank, which amounted to $1.1 million at December 31, 2024. In addition, our consumer loans include automobile loans, boat loans, recreational vehicle loans and unsecured personal loans.
Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans. However, consumer loans have additional credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral. In the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net charge-offs of consumer loans totaled $35,000 and $22,000, respectively, and were primarily attributable to losses on overdrawn deposit accounts.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our Board of Directors establishes the Bank’s lending policies. Our loan policy is reviewed at least annually by our management team in order to propose modifications as a result of market conditions, regulatory changes and other factors. All modifications must be approved by our Board of Directors.
Various officers or combinations of officers of the Bank have the authority within specifically identified limits to approve new loans. The maximum loan amount that may be approved by an individual officer is $300,000. Loans up to $400,000 may be approved by the President and an additional designated officer. All other loans must be approved by our Board-level Loan Committee or the full Board of Directors.
Asset Quality
General. One of our key objectives has been, and continues to be, maintaining a high level of asset quality. In addition to maintaining credit standards for new originations which we believe are sound, we are proactive in our loan monitoring, collection and workout processes in dealing with delinquent or problem loans.
When a borrower fails to make a scheduled payment, we attempt to cure the deficiency by making personal contact with the borrower. Initial contacts are generally made within 30 days after the date the payment is due. In most cases, deficiencies are promptly resolved. If the delinquency continues, late charges are assessed and additional efforts are made to collect the deficiency. Delinquent loans are reviewed and monitored by management and the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
We stop accruing interest on loans (“non-accrual” loans) when the loan is determined by management to be uncollectable due to the borrower’s failure to meet repayment terms, the borrower’s deteriorating or deteriorated financial condition, or the depreciation of underlying collateral. Interest income is not accrued on these loans until the borrower’s financial condition and payment record demonstrate an ability to service the debt.
Property acquired by the Bank through foreclosure is recorded at fair value, less estimated cost to sell, at the date of acquisition. Thereafter, if there is a further deterioration in value, we charge earnings for the decrease in value. When appropriate, the Bank obtains an appraisal on real estate subject to foreclosure proceedings prior to the time of foreclosure. Periodically, we obtain re-appraisals and conduct inspections on our foreclosed properties.
Federal regulations and our policies require that we utilize an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. We have incorporated an internal asset classification system, consistent with Federal banking regulations, as a part of our credit monitoring system. We currently classify problem and potential problem assets as “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are required to be designated “special mention.”
We review and classify loans at least quarterly and the Board of Directors is provided with reports on our classified and criticized assets. We classify assets in accordance with the management guidelines described above. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans classified as “substandard” totaled $2.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Loans classified as “special mention totaled $478,000 and $212,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Generally, loans classified as “doubtful” or “loss” are charged-off. As such, total loans at December 31, 2024 or 2023 did not include any balances attributable to loans classified as “doubtful” or “loss”.
For all loans, the Company estimates and records an allowance for credit losses in accordance with an accepted methodology. Refer to Note 1 of Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more detail on the Company’s policies related to its estimate of an allowance for credit losses on loans and other financial assets. The allowance for credit losses on loans represents the Company’s best estimate of losses expected over the life of the loan portfolio as of the relevant reporting date. The allowance is established through a provision charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off against the allowance in the period that such loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. The sum of the allowance for credit losses on loans, other financial assets held at amortized cost, and unfunded lending commitments is referred to as the allowance for credit losses.
A bank or savings institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its allowance for credit losses is subject to review by Federal bank regulators. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for credit losses and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for credit losses, management may determine, as a result of such regulatory reviews, that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for credit losses may be necessary or that loan charge-offs are needed. The Federal banking agencies have adopted an interagency policy statement on the allowance for credit losses. The policy statement provides guidance for financial institutions on both the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of allowances and guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of general valuation guidelines. Generally, the policy statement recommends that institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems; that management analyze all significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio in a reasonable manner; and that management establish acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives set forth in the policy statement. Our management believes that, based on information currently available, the allowance for credit losses represents our best estimate of losses expected over the life of the loan portfolio at each relevant reporting date. However, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such, further additions to the level of the allowance for loan losses may become necessary.
Loan Modifications. We occasionally modify loans to extend the term or make other concessions to help a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty stay current on his or her loan and to avoid foreclosure. We consider modifications only after analyzing the borrower’s current repayment capacity, evaluating the strength of any guarantors based on documented current financial information, and assessing the current value of any collateral pledged. We generally do not forgive principal or interest on loans, but may do so if it is in our best interest and increases the likelihood that we can collect the remaining principal balance. We may modify the terms of loans to lower interest rates (which may be at below market rates), to provide for fixed interest rates on loans where fixed rates are otherwise not available, to provide for longer amortization schedules, or to provide for interest-only terms. These modifications are made only when a workout plan has been agreed to by the borrower that we believe is reasonable and attainable and in our best interests.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans with modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty totaled $583,000 and $683,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted one loan modification to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that resulted in a more than minor change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The maturity date was extended by three years for a residential mortgage loan with a balance of $20,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not grant any loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that resulted in a more than minor change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The Company was not committed to lend any additional funds to borrowers with modified terms and experiencing financial difficulty at December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Allowance for Credit Losses. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the guidance in Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance changed the impairment model for loans and other financial assets from an incurred loss model to a model that estimates expected credit losses over the full life of the financial asset. Under the amendments in ASU No. 2016-13, the Company groups loans with similar risk characteristics into pools or segments and collectively evaluates each pool to estimate the allowance for credit losses. Loans are individually evaluated for credit losses when they do not share similar risk characteristics with our identified loan pools or segments. Refer to Note 1 of Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more detail on the Company’s policies related to its estimate of the allowance for credit losses on loans and other financial assets. During the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the provision for credit losses totaled $531,000 and $128,000, respectively. The ratio of our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.51% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.47% at December 31, 2023.
Management reassesses the allowance for credit losses at least quarterly. Our evaluation process includes, among other things, an analysis of delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the level of charge-offs and recoveries, prior loss experience, total loans outstanding, the volume of loan originations, the type, size and geographic concentration of our loans, the value of collateral securing the loan, the borrower’s ability to repay and repayment performance, the number of loans requiring heightened management oversight, current and future economic conditions and industry experience. The establishment of the allowance for credit losses is significantly affected by management judgment and uncertainties and there is a likelihood that different amounts would be reported under different conditions or assumptions. Various regulatory
agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for credit losses. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for credit losses and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for credit losses, management may determine, as a result of such regulatory reviews, that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for credit losses may be necessary or that loan charge-offs are needed.
Investment Securities
We have authority to invest in various types of securities, including mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, certificates of deposit at federally insured banks and savings institutions, and federal funds. Our investment policy is approved by the Board of Directors.
The investment policy is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement our lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity. The current investment policy generally permits investments in debt securities issued by the U.S. government and U.S. agencies, municipal bonds, and corporate debt obligations, as well as investments in preferred and common stock of government agencies and government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHLB (federal agency securities). The policy also permits investments in mortgage-backed securities, including pass-through securities issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
At December 31, 2024, our investment securities portfolio totaled $42.2 million, or 15.2% of total assets at such date. The largest component of our investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2024 was pass-through mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac, which totaled $27.2 million, followed by our investment in U.S. government and federal agency obligations, which totaled $13.0 million at such date. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 50 available- for-sale investment securities for a total loss of $5.5 million. Proceeds from the investment sales totaled $42.6 million and were deployed into a mix of cash and higher-yielding earning assets to improve net interest income and our exposure to interest rate risk.
Ginnie Mae securities are backed by loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae securities is guaranteed by Ginnie Mae and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Freddie Mac is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. Government. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and the ultimate return of principal on participation certificates. Fannie Mae is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. Congress with a mandate to establish a secondary market for mortgage loans. Fannie Mae guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on Fannie Mae securities. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Investments in mortgage-backed securities involve the risk that actual prepayments will be greater than estimated prepayments over the life of the security, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such instruments thereby changing the net yield on such securities. There is also reinvestment risk associated with the cash flows from such securities or in the event such securities are redeemed by the issuer. In addition, the market value of such securities may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates.
Investment securities are classified at the time of acquisition as available for sale, held to maturity or trading. Securities classified as held to maturity must be purchased with the intent and ability to hold that security until its final maturity, and can be sold prior to maturity only under rare circumstances. Held-to-maturity securities are accounted for based upon the amortized cost of the security. Available-for-sale securities can be sold at any time based upon needs or market conditions. Available-for-sale securities are accounted for at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on these securities, net of income tax provisions, reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2024, we had $28.7 million of investment securities classified as available-for-sale, $13.4 million of investment securities classified as held-to-maturity and no securities classified as trading securities.
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits, loan repayments and prepayments, proceeds from investment sales, calls, maturities and pay-downs, cash flows generated from operations and borrowings from the FHLB of Dallas or Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta are the primary sources of our funds for use in lending, investing and for other general purposes.
Deposits. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, total deposits averaged $172.1 million and $170.7 million, respectively. Our deposits consist of checking, both interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing, money market, savings and certificate of deposit accounts. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market rates, prevailing interest rates and competition. Our deposits are obtained predominantly from the areas where our branch offices are located. We have historically relied primarily on customer service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits; however, market interest rates and rates offered by competing financial institutions significantly affect our ability to attract and retain deposits.
The Bank uses traditional means of attracting and retaining deposits, including in-person business development and targeted advertising in our market area. Secondarily, we may acquire brokered deposits from outside our market area to meet funding needs. At December 31, 2024, the Company had $5.0 million of brokered certificates of deposit. We had no brokered deposits as of December 31, 2023. In addition, we solicit deposits from local government municipalities. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, our public fund deposits totaled $35.6 million and $23.3 million, respectively.
Borrowings. We utilize advances from the FHLB of Dallas and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as an alternative to retail deposits to fund operations as part of our operating strategy. Advances from the FHLB are collateralized primarily by certain of our mortgage loans and secondarily by our investment in capital stock of the FHLB. FHLB advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions, including the Bank, fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. At December 31, 2024 and 2023 our outstanding advances from the FHLB totaled $9.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively. In December of 2020, $10.0 million of long-term FHLB debt was restructured to longer maturities at then lower interest rates. A prepayment penalty for the restructuring of $1.2 million was treated as a discount on the debt and is being amortized as interest expense over the term of the borrowings.
Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta are collateralized by certain of our investment securities and the maximum amount available to the Bank is dependent upon the valuation of the relevant investment securities. On March 12, 2023, the Federal Reserve Board developed the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), which offered loans to banks with a term of up to one year. The loans are secured by pledging the banks’ U.S. treasuries, agency securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, and any other qualifying assets. These pledged securities were valued at par for collateral purposes. The Bank participated in the BTFP and had outstanding debt of $10.0 million at December 31, 2023. The BTFP debt was repaid during 2024 and the Bank had no outstanding borrowings under the program at December 31, 2024.
Subsidiaries
Catalyst Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Catalyst Bancorp. The Company has no other subsidiaries and the Bank has no subsidiaries.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
At December 31, 2024, we had 49 full-time equivalent employees. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining group, and we believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent. In 2024, Catalyst Bank was named as one of the Best Community Banks to Work For by the Independent Community Bankers of America.
We believe that our ability to attract and retain top quality employees will be key to the Company’s future success. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we hired a new President and Chief Executive Officer. Since then, we have made several additional new hires, including but not limited to: a Chief Operations Officer, an Acadiana Market President, a
Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Risk Officer, and several bankers. We expect to continue to assess our management and staffing needs and are likely to add personnel in the future in order to fully implement our business strategy.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
General
As a federal savings association, Catalyst Bank is subject to examination and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), and is also subject to examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) as deposit insurer. The federal system of regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which Catalyst Bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund, and not for the protection of shareholders. Catalyst Bank also is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, which is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
Under this system of regulation, the regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory, enforcement, rulemaking and examination activities and policies, including rules or policies that: establish minimum capital levels; restrict the timing and amount of dividend payments; govern the classification of assets; provide oversight for the adequacy of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes; and establish the timing and amounts of assessments and fees. Moreover, as part of their examination authority, the banking regulators assign numerical ratings to banks and savings institutions relating to capital, asset quality, management, liquidity, earnings and other factors. These ratings are inherently subjective and the receipt of a less than satisfactory rating in one or more categories may result in enforcement action by the banking regulators against a financial institution. A less than satisfactory rating may also prevent a financial institution, such as Catalyst Bank or its holding company, Catalyst Bancorp, from obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to access the capital markets, pay dividends, acquire other financial institutions or establish new branches.
In addition, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act laws and regulations, and fair lending laws and regulations. Government agencies have the authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on institutions that fail to comply with these laws and regulations, which could significantly affect our business activities, including our ability to acquire other financial institutions or expand our branch network.
As a bank holding company, Catalyst Bancorp is required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”). It is required to file certain reports with the FRB and is subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the FRB. Catalyst Bancorp also is subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
Any change in applicable laws or regulations, whether by the OCC, the FDIC, the FRB, the Securities and Exchange Commission or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the operations and financial performance of Catalyst Bancorp and Catalyst Bank.
Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are applicable to Catalyst Bank and Catalyst Bancorp. The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Catalyst Bank and Catalyst Bancorp.
Federal Banking Regulation
Business Activities. A federal savings association derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and applicable federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, a federal savings association may generally invest in mortgage loans secured by residential real estate without an aggregate limit, and commercial business, commercial real estate and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to overall percentage of assets or capital limits. Federal savings associations are also subject to a “Qualified Thrift Lender Test,” or “QTL Test,” which generally requires that a specified percentage of overall assets be residential mortgages and related investments. However, these limitations do not apply to Catalyst Bank, as described below.
Effective July 1, 2019, the OCC issued a final rule, pursuant to a provision of the Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”), that permits a federal savings association to elect to exercise national bank powers without converting to a national bank charter. The election is available to federal savings associations that had total consolidated assets of $20 billion or less as of December 31, 2017. Catalyst Bank exercised the covered savings association election effective October 16, 2019.
A federal savings association that has exercised the “covered savings association” election generally has the same rights and privileges as a national bank that has its main office in the same location as the home office of the covered savings association. The covered savings association is also subject to the same duties, restrictions, liabilities and limitations applicable to a national bank. A covered savings association retains its federal savings association charter and continues to be subject to the corporate governance laws and regulations applicable to such associations, including as to its bylaws, board of directors and shareholders, capital distributions and mergers.
A covered savings association may make loans to its customers without regard to the lending restrictions applicable to federal savings associations, such as the percentage of capital or assets limits on various types of loans and the QTL Test. However, federal savings associations that have made such an election are subject to the narrower authority of national banks in certain areas such as branching and subsidiary activities in certain respects. A covered savings association may generally not retain any assets, subsidiaries or activities not permitted for national banks.
Applicable regulations authorize a federal association that has exercised the covered savings association election to terminate the election and thereby again operate as a federal savings association that has not made a covered savings association election. Catalyst Bank has no current plans to terminate its election.
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require federally insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. At December 31, 2024, Catalyst Bank’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements.
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk-weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common shareholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary.
In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.
EGRRCPA required the federal banking agencies, including the OCC, to establish a “community bank leverage ratio” of between 8% and 10% for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. Institutions with capital complying with the ratio and otherwise meeting the specified requirements and electing the alternative framework are considered to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including the risk-based requirements. A qualifying institution may opt in and out of the community bank leverage ratio framework on its quarterly call report. Catalyst Bank has not elected to utilize the community bank leverage ratio.
Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings association, including a covered savings association, may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the excess is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. At December 31, 2024, Catalyst Bank was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.
Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a federal savings association, which include cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the savings association’s capital account. A federal savings association must file an application with the OCC for approval of a capital distribution if:
● the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings association’s net income for that year to date plus the savings association’s retained net income for the preceding two years;
● the savings association would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;
● the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or regulatory condition; or
● the savings association is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings, generally due to an unsatisfactory CAMELS rating or being subject to a cease and desist order or formal written agreement that requires action to improve the institution’s financial condition.
An application related to a capital distribution may be disapproved if:
● the federal savings association would be undercapitalized following the distribution;
● the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or
● the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement.
In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act generally provides that an insured depository institution may not make any capital distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement. A federal savings association also may not make a capital distribution that would reduce its regulatory capital below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with its conversion to stock form.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All insured depository institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income borrowers. The OCC is required to assess the federal savings association’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. A savings association’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the OCC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. Catalyst Bank received an “outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination. On October 24, 2023, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), Federal Reserve, and FDIC issued a final rule to modernize their respective CRA regulations. The revised rules substantially alter the methodology for assessing compliance with the CRA, with material aspects taking effect January 1, 2026, and revised data reporting requirements taking effect January 1, 2027. Among other things, the revised rules evaluate lending outside traditional assessment areas generated by the growth of non-branch delivery systems, such as online and mobile banking, apply a metrics-based benchmarking approach to assessment, and clarify eligible CRA activities. Those regulations are not currently effective, and management has not determined the impact of the new regulations on the Bank.
Transactions with Related Parties. An insured depository institution’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and federal regulation. An affiliate is generally a company that controls, or is under common control with, an insured depository institution such as Catalyst Bank. Catalyst Bancorp is an affiliate of Catalyst Bank because of its control of Catalyst Bank. In general, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative limits and collateral requirements. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve the purchase of low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates.
Catalyst Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the FRB. Among other things, these provisions generally require that extensions of credit to insiders:
● be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and
● not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of Catalyst Bank’s capital.
In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by Catalyst Bank’s Board of Directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved.
Enforcement. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings associations and has authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including directors, officers, shareholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on a federal savings association. Formal enforcement action by the OCC may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution and the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or recommend to the OCC that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular federal savings association. If such action is not taken, the FDIC has authority to take the action under specified circumstances.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. Interagency guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to implement an acceptable compliance plan. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.
Branching. A federal savings association that has elected covered savings association status is subject to the laws and regulations governing the establishment of branches by national banks. Generally, intrastate and interstate branching is authorized to the extent that the law of the state involved authorizes branching for banks that it charters. Such authority is subject to OCC approval for new branches.
Prompt Corrective Action. Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulators take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For this purpose, the law establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Under applicable regulations, an institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.
At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions and prohibitions, including restrictions on growth, restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, restrictions or prohibitions on the payment of dividends, and restrictions on the acceptance of brokered deposits. Furthermore, if an insured depository institution is classified in one of the undercapitalized categories, it is required to submit a capital restoration plan to the appropriate federal banking agency, and the holding company must guarantee the performance of that plan. Based upon its capital levels, a bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment. An undercapitalized bank’s compliance with a capital restoration plan is required to be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional restrictions, including a regulatory order to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, ceasing receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, dismissal of directors or officers, and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital distributions by the parent holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to additional measures including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status.
The previously referenced final rule establishing an elective “community bank leverage ratio” regulatory capital framework provides that a qualifying institution whose capital exceeds the community bank leverage ratio and opts to use that framework will be considered “well-capitalized” for purposes of prompt corrective action.
At December 31, 2024, Catalyst Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized.”
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions such as Catalyst Bank, generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor. The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund.
Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, institutions deemed less risky of failure pay lower assessments. Assessments for institutions of less than $10 billion of assets are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of an institution’s failure within three years.
The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Extraordinary growth in insured deposits during the first and second quarters of 2020 caused the DIF reserve ratio to decline below the statutory minimum of 1.35 percent as of June 30, 2020. As a result, the FDIC proposed an increase in initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules uniformly by 2 basis points, applicable to all insured depository institutions. In October 2022, the FDIC Board finalized the increase with an effective date of January 1, 2023, applicable to the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The revised assessment rate schedules are intended to increase the likelihood that the reserve ratio of the DIF reaches the statutory minimum level of 1.35 percent by September 30, 2028. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the
operating expenses and results of operations of Catalyst Bank. We cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.
Privacy Regulations. Federal regulations generally require that Catalyst Bank disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares a customer’s “non-public personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. In addition, Catalyst Bank is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having their personal information shared with unaffiliated third parties and not to disclose account numbers or access codes to non-affiliated third parties for marketing purposes. Catalyst Bank currently has a privacy protection policy in place and believes that such policy is in compliance with the regulations.
USA PATRIOT Act. Catalyst Bank is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act, which gives federal agencies additional powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA PATRIOT Act contains provisions intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies and imposes affirmative obligations on financial institutions, such as enhanced recordkeeping and customer identification requirements.
Cybersecurity. The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for establishing information security standards and cybersecurity programs for implementing safeguards under the supervision of a banking organization’s board of directors. This guidance, along with related regulatory materials, increasingly focuses on risk management, processes related to information technology and the use of third parties in the provision of financial products and services. The federal bank regulatory agencies expect financial institutions to establish appropriate security controls and to ensure that their risk management processes address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials. They also expect financial institutions to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure rapid recovery, resumption, and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyberattack. If we fail to meet the expectations set forth in such regulatory guidance, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.
In November 2021, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule to improve the sharing of information about cyber incidents that may affect the U.S. banking system. The rule, which became effective on May 1, 2022, requires a banking organization to notify its primary federal regulator within 36 hours of determining that a “computer-security incident” has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the viability of the banking organization’s operations, its ability to deliver banking products and services, or the stability of the financial sector. In addition, the rule requires a bank service provider to notify affected banking organization customers as soon as possible when the provider determines that it has experienced a computer security incident that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, banking organization customers for four or more hours.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Federal savings associations are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Other Regulations
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by Catalyst Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. Loan operations are also subject to state and federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:
● Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
● Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
● Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies; and
● Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
The deposit operations of Catalyst Bank also are subject to, among others, the:
● Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;
● Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check; and
● Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
Catalyst Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions, and such member institutions are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank. Catalyst Bank is required to own stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas in specified amounts and was in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2024 based on its ownership of $1.6 million in capital stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. Since the stock has no quoted market value, it is carried at cost and assessed for impairment. At December 31, 2024, no impairment on our stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas had been recognized.
Holding Company Regulation
Catalyst Bancorp is a bank holding company subject to regulation and supervision by the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The FRB has enforcement authority over Catalyst Bancorp and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the FRB to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a risk to Catalyst Bank.
The FRB has promulgated regulations implementing the “source of strength” doctrine that require bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.
Catalyst Bancorp is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Prior FRB approval is required for Catalyst Bancorp to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. The FRB has adopted a final rule, effective September 30, 2020, that revises its framework for determining whether a company, under the Bank Holding Company Act, has a “controlling influence” over a bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the FRB, prior approval may also be necessary from other agencies having supervisory jurisdiction over the bank to be acquired before any bank acquisition can be completed.
A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the FRB has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing
services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities can include insurance underwriting and investment banking.
Catalyst Bancorp is subject to the FRB’s capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis) which have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those required of banks and savings associations. The Dodd-Frank Act, however, required the FRB to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary banks apply to bank holding companies; as is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer was phased in between 2016 and 2019. However, the FRB has provided a “small bank holding company” exception to its consolidated capital requirements, and legislation and the related issuance of regulations by the FRB has increased the threshold for the exception to $3.0 billion. As a result, Catalyst Bancorp is not subject to the capital requirement until such time as its consolidated assets exceed $3.0 billion.
A bank holding company is generally required to give the FRB prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The FRB may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, FRB order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the FRB. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions.
The FRB has issued supervisory policies regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of capital distributions previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The policy statement also states that a holding company should inform the FRB supervisory staff before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or if the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, at the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies may affect the ability of Catalyst Bancorp to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Change in Control Regulations
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire “control” of a bank holding company, such as Catalyst Bancorp, unless the FRB has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power, directly or indirectly, to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the institution. There is a presumption of control upon the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock if the holding company involved has its shares
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or, if the holding company involved does not have its shares registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if no other persons will own, control or hold the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting security after the acquisition.
Federal Securities Laws
Catalyst Bancorp common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Catalyst Bancorp is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is intended to improve corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.
Emerging Growth Company Status
Catalyst Bancorp is an emerging growth company. For as long as Catalyst Bancorp continues to be an emerging growth company, it may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, Catalyst Bancorp also is not subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which would require that our independent auditors review and attest as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
Catalyst Bancorp will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of: (i) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Conversion and offering; (ii) the first fiscal year after our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion (adjusted for inflation) or more; (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (iv) the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million at the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
TAXATION
Federal Taxation
General. Catalyst Bancorp and Catalyst Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations with some exceptions listed below. The following discussion of federal and state income taxation is only intended to summarize certain pertinent income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the applicable tax rules. Our tax returns have not been audited during the past five years.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Catalyst Bancorp reports income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting.
Bad Debt Reserves. The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for bad debt reserves by savings associations, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995. Prior to that time, Catalyst Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make additions to the reserve. These additions
could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at taxable income. As a result of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, savings associations must use the experience method in computing their bad debt deduction beginning with their 1996 federal tax return. In addition, federal legislation required the recapture over a six year period of the excess of tax bad debt reserves at December 31, 1995 over those established as of December 31, 1987.
Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to January 1, 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if the Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests. New federal legislation eliminated these savings association related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 reserves remain subject to recapture should the Bank make certain non-dividend distributions or cease to maintain a bank charter.
At December 31, 2024, the total federal pre-1988 reserve was approximately $1.9 million. The reserve reflects the cumulative effects of federal tax deductions by the Bank for which no federal income tax provisions have been made.
State and Local Taxation
Catalyst Bancorp is subject to the Louisiana Corporation Income Tax based on our Louisiana taxable income and Louisiana Corporation Franchise Tax based on the Company’s capital not attributable to the Bank. The Corporation Income Tax for 2024 applies at graduated rates from 3.5% upon the first $50,000 of Louisiana taxable income to 7.5% on all Louisiana taxable income in excess of $150,000. For these purposes, “Louisiana taxable income” means net income which is earned by us within or derived from sources within the State of Louisiana, after adjustments permitted under Louisiana law, including a federal income tax deduction. Beginning in 2025, the Louisiana corporate tax rate will be a flat 5.5%. The Louisiana Corporation Franchise Tax rate for years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, is $2.75 for each $1,000 in excess of $300,000 of capital employed in Louisiana. The Louisiana Corporation Franchise Tax is repealed beginning in 2026. In addition, the Bank is subject to the Louisiana Shares Tax which is imposed on the assessed value of a company’s stock. The formula for deriving the assessed value is to calculate 15% of the sum of:
(a) 20% of our capitalized earnings, plus
(b) 80% of our taxable shareholders’ equity, minus
(c) 50% of our real and personal property assessment.
There are certain limitations in place that reduce to the amount of our shareholders’ equity subject to Louisiana Shares Tax and various items may also be subtracted in calculating a company’s capitalized earnings.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Not applicable.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
We currently conduct business from our main office and five full-service banking offices. The aggregate net book value of the land, building and leasehold improvements with respect to our offices at December 31, 2024 was $5.3 million. We owned all of such offices at December 31, 2024. No offices were leased. We believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet our present and foreseeable needs, other than routine and customary repair and maintenance needs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Catalyst Bancorp and Catalyst Bank are not involved in any pending legal proceedings other than nonmaterial legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(a)Catalyst Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CLST.” The common stock was issued at a price of $10.00 per share in connection with the Bank’s mutual to stock Conversion and the initial public offering of the Company’s common stock. The common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 13, 2021. As of the close of business on December 31, 2024, there were 4,278,150 shares of common stock outstanding, held by approximately 226 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities whose stock is held in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms and banks.
The following table sets forth the high and low prices of the Company’s common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market. To date, no dividends have been declared by the Company on its common stock.
For the Quarter Ended
High
Low
Cash Dividends Declared
December 31, 2021
$
14.09
$
13.31
$
-
March 31, 2022
14.00
13.46
-
June 30, 2022
13.88
12.03
-
September 30, 2022
13.60
12.20
-
December 31, 2022
13.40
12.35
-
March 31, 2023
13.10
11.50
-
June 30, 2023
11.74
9.26
-
September 30, 2023
12.71
11.06
-
December 31, 2023
11.85
10.60
-
March 31, 2024
12.10
10.90
-
June 30, 2024
11.93
11.26
-
September 30, 2024
12.10
10.78
-
December 31, 2024
11.95
11.16
-
(b) Not applicable.
(c)On May 2, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s fourth share repurchase program (the “May 2024 Repurchase Plan”). Under the May 2024 Repurchase Plan, the Company purchased 227,000 shares, or approximately 5%, of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company completed the May 2024 Repurchase Plan in December 2024. On November 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s fifth share repurchase program (the “November 2024 Repurchase Plan”). Under the November 2024 Repurchase Plan, the Company may purchase up to 215,000 shares, or approximately 5%, of the Company's outstanding common stock.
For the Month Ended
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
October 31, 2024
51,077
$
11.49
51,077
42,050
November 30, 2024
34,915
11.52
34,915
222,135
December 31, 2024
34,985
11.63
34,985
187,150
Total
120,977
$
11.54
120,977
Since January 1, 2025 through March 24, 2025, the Company repurchased 71,479 shares of its common stock at an average cost per share of $11.86 under the November 2024 Repurchase Plan.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved.]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis reflects our financial statements and other relevant statistical data, and is intended to enhance your understanding of the financial condition and results of operations of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”). The information in this section has been derived from the audited financial statements, which appear in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included herein in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and the description of our business included herein in “Item 1. Business”.
Overview
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Catalyst Bancorp” or the “Company”) is the holding company for Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”), formerly known as St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank. The Company was incorporated by the Bank in February 2021 as part of the conversion of the Bank from the mutual to the stock form of organization (the “Conversion”). The Conversion was completed on October 12, 2021, at which time the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank, which became the wholly-owned subsidiary of Catalyst Bancorp. The Bank officially changed its name to Catalyst Bank in June 2022.
Founded in 1922, the Bank is a community-oriented savings bank serving the banking needs of customers in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana. We are headquartered in Opelousas, Louisiana and serve our customers through six full-service branches located in Carencro, Eunice, Lafayette, Opelousas, and Port Barre. Our primary business consists of attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds together with funds we borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Dallas, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and other sources to originate loans to our customers and invest in securities.
Historically, we operated as a traditional thrift relying on long-term, single-family residential mortgage loans secured by properties located primarily in St. Landry Parish and adjoining areas to generate interest income. In 2021, we re-focused our business strategy to a relationship-based community bank model targeting small- to mid-sized businesses and business professionals in our market areas while continuing to serve our traditional customer base. The Conversion and offering were important factors in our efforts to become a more dynamic, profitable and growing institution.
The following is an overview of financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023:
● Total assets of $276.7 million at December 31, 2024, up $5.8 million or 2.1%
● Loans of $167.1 million, or 60.4% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, up $22.2 million or 15.3%
● Non-performing assets of $1.8 million at December 31, 2024, down $226,000 or 11.0%
● Investment securities of $42.2 million, or 15.2% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, down $41.8 million or 49.8%
● Deposits of $185.7 million at December 31, 2024, up $20.1 million or 12.1%
● Borrowings of $9.6 million at December 31, 2024, down $9.8 million or 50.7%
● Total shareholders’ equity of $80.2 million, or 29.0% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, down $4.4 million or 5.2%
● Net interest income increased $1.8 million, or 23.9%, to $9.5 million and net interest margin increased 59 basis points (“bps”) to 3.65%
● Provision for credit losses of $531,000 for 2024, compared to $128,000 for 2023
● Loss on the sales of investment securities of $5.5 million for 2024, compared to a loss of $92,000 for 2023
● Non-interest expense of $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $578,000, or 6.7%, compared to 2023, primarily due to expenses related to the Company’s upgrade to a new core processing system
● A net loss of $3.1 million for 2024, compared to net income of $526,000 for 2023
Our results of operations depend, to a large extent, on net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on our loan and investment portfolios and interest expense on deposits and borrowings. Our net interest income is largely determined by our net interest spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Results of operations are also affected by our provisions for credit losses, fee income and other non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest expense principally consists of compensation, office occupancy and equipment expense, data processing, and other expense. Our results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. Future changes in applicable law, regulations or government policies may materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is focused on embracing a relationship-oriented community bank model targeting small- to mid-sized businesses and business professionals in our market areas while continuing to serve our traditional customer base. Highlights of our business strategy, which is designed to facilitate our ability to operate and grow as a profitable community-based banking institution, include the following:
● Growing the loan portfolio with greater diversification. Historically, our primary lending focus was the origination of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. We have increased our commercial lending activities and, we are focused on building full-service banking relationships with small- to mid-sized businesses and business professionals in our market area. We believe that increased commercial lending offers an opportunity to enhance our profitability and our growth prospects.
● Grow our franchise organically through enhanced banking products and services. We have implemented a strategy of prudent growth. We believe we have an opportunity to grow organically by focusing on building relationships with small- to mid-sized businesses and business professionals in our market area and by enhancing the products and services we offer. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company converted to a new core processing system. The core system conversion brings new and enhanced technology tools and online services preferred by many of our existing and prospective customers. In addition, we will continue to enhance our staff capacity through training and hiring of new employees as needed to facilitate our growth.
● Recruiting and retaining top talent and personnel. Since August 2020, the Company has made several personnel changes and additional hires, including but not limited to: a new President and CEO, Chief Operations Officer, Acadiana Market President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer and several commercial bankers. Recruiting and retaining talented individuals to guide us through the implementation of our business strategy is critical to our success. Our mutual-to-stock Conversion was a key contributor to our ability to attract and retain talent. In September 2022, the Company issued its initial grants under the Company’s 2022 Stock Option Plan and 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement.
● Expand our franchise through possible acquisition of other financial institutions. We believe there will be opportunities to utilize our strong capital position for expansion through acquisitions of other financial institutions in our current market area and adjoining markets in south Louisiana.
● Rebranded franchise. St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank completed its re-branding and changed its name to Catalyst Bank in June 2022. In addition to a new name, our re-branding efforts included new marketing campaigns, updated online and website materials and new signage and logos to capture and reflect the mission of the Bank.
● Manage credit risk to limit non-performing assets. We believe that strong asset quality is a key to long-term financial success. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined credit policies and procedures, appropriate loan underwriting criteria and active credit monitoring.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In reviewing and understanding financial information for the Company, you are encouraged to read and understand the significant accounting policies used in preparing our financial statements. These policies are described in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our accounting and financial reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to general practices within the banking industry. Accordingly, the financial statements require certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the periods presented. The JOBS Act of 2012 contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. As an emerging growth company, we may delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. We are taking advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
The following accounting policies comprise those that management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These policies require numerous estimates or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or may be subject to variations which may significantly affect our reported results and financial condition for the period or in future periods.
Allowance for Credit Losses. We have identified the evaluation of the allowance for credit losses as a critical accounting policy where amounts are sensitive to material variation. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the guidance under ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The main provisions of the ASU have been codified by the FASB under ASC 326. The amendments introduced an impairment model that is based on current expected credit losses, rather than incurred losses, to estimate credit losses on loans. For reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, the allowance for credit losses reflects management’s current estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining life of its loans as of the end of the reporting period.
The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments, which is recorded in other liabilities on the statement of financial condition. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off against the allowance in the period that such loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses totaled $2.5 million, or 1.51% of total loans, at December 31, 2024 and $2.1 million, or 1.47% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for loan losses from December 31, 2023 largely reflects the impact of loan growth in 2024.
Management’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses considers factors such as changes in the types and amount of loans in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, estimated losses relating to specifically identified loans, current and future economic conditions, and forecasted information. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including, among others, average historical loss experience, expected future loss rates, the amount and timing of expected future pay-downs on existing loans and fundings on unfunded commitments, and the value of underlying collateral. All of these estimates may be susceptible to significant changes as more information becomes available.
While management uses the best information available to make loan loss allowance evaluations, adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions or changes in accounting guidance. In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as an integral part of their examination processes periodically reviews our allowance for credit losses. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for credit losses and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for credit losses, management may determine, as a result of such regulatory reviews, that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for credit losses may be necessary or that loan charge-offs are needed. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provisions to the allowance for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.
Investment Securities. Available-for-sale securities consist of investment securities not classified as trading securities or held-to-maturity securities. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The fair market values of investment securities are obtained from a third-party service provider, whose prices are based on a combination of observed market prices for identical or similar instruments and various matrix pricing programs. The fair market values of investment securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $4.5 million and $9.2 million, respectively. Unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities relate principally to the increases in market rates of similar types of securities. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 50 available- for-sale investment securities for a total loss of $5.5 million, which is reported in the consolidated statements of income. Proceeds from the investment sales totaled $42.6 million, inclusive of accrued interest.
The adoption of ASC 326 amended the guidance applicable to measuring and recognizing losses on available-for-sale securities. Under ASC 326, expected credit related losses for available-for-sale debt securities are recorded through an allowance for credit losses, while non-credit related losses will continue to be recognized through other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax.
For reporting periods on or after January 1, 2023 and the adoption of ASC 326, management evaluates available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions to determine if the decline in the fair value of each security below its amortized cost basis is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Consideration is given to the extent to which that fair value is less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Similarly, ASC 326 requires held-to-maturity debt securities to be presented at an amount net of a current estimate of expected credit losses, though the held-to-maturity debt securities are still reported at amortized cost under the new guidance.
Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the measurement of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities was identified as a critical accounting estimate. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. At December 31, 2024, the Company’s net deferred tax asset totaled $1.5 million and is included in other assets on the statement of financial condition. The most significant portions of the net deferred tax asset are the deferred tax benefits related to the Company’s net operating loss for 2024 and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities.
According to Subtopic 740-10 of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 740-10”), the measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. At December 31, 2024, the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets. Realizing our deferred tax assets principally depends upon our achieving projected future taxable income. We may change our judgments regarding future profitability due to future market conditions and other factors. We may adjust our deferred tax asset balances if our judgments change, which may impact total income tax expense in future periods.
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
As discussed in detail in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, during June of 2024, the Bank became aware of interest owed by it to a deposit customer that was not properly accrued or paid by the Bank during the period beginning August 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024. Accordingly, management revised the prior period financial statements, related disclosures and supplemental information presented in this filing to correct the misstatement. The Company will also revise previously reported financial information for these immaterial errors in its future filings, as applicable. The information in this Item 7 and throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been adjusted to reflect these revisions as described in Note 1 to the Company’s financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Selected Financial and Other Data
Set forth below is selected financial and other data of the Company at and for the dates indicated. The following is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding the Company included elsewhere herein, including the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information at and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is derived from the audited financial statements that appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
Total assets
$
276,697
$
270,932
Cash and cash equivalents
44,295
19,011
Investment securities:
Available for sale
28,712
70,540
Held to maturity
13,447
13,461
Loans receivable, net of unearned income
167,076
144,920
Allowance for loan losses
2,522
2,124
Total deposits
185,674
165,622
Borrowings
9,558
19,378
Shareholders’ equity
80,204
84,559
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Operating Data:
Total interest income
$
13,862
$
9,661
Total interest expense
4,317
1,956
Net interest income
9,545
7,705
Provision for credit losses
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
9,014
7,577
Total non-interest income (loss)
(3,840)
1,589
Total non-interest expense
9,157
8,579
Income (loss) before income taxes
(3,983)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(894)
Net income (loss)
$
(3,089)
$
Selected Performance Ratios:(1)
Average yield on interest-earning assets
5.30
%
3.83
%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities
2.54
1.33
Average interest rate spread(2)
2.76
2.50
Net interest margin(2)
3.65
3.06
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
154.24
172.40
Net interest income after provision for loan losses to non-interest expense
98.44
88.32
Total non-interest expense to average assets
3.25
3.22
Efficiency ratio(3)
160.51
92.29
Return on average assets (ratio of net income (loss) to average total assets)
(1.10)
0.20
Return on average equity (ratio of net income (loss) to average total equity)
(3.79)
0.62
At or For the
Year Ended December 31,
Asset Quality Ratios:(4)
Non-accrual loans as a percent of total loans outstanding
0.94
%
1.36
%
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets(5)
0.66
0.76
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans outstanding
1.51
1.47
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans
154.63
106.68
Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans receivable
(0.17)
0.02
Capital Ratios:(6)
Common equity Tier 1 capital
45.81
%
52.34
%
Tier 1 leverage capital
28.73
31.67
Tier 1 risk-based capital
45.81
52.34
Total risk-based capital
47.06
53.59
Average equity to average assets
28.91
31.79
Other Data:
Banking offices
Full-time equivalent employees
(1) With the exception of end of period ratios, all ratios are based on average daily balances during the indicated periods.
(2) Average interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(3) The efficiency ratio represents the ratio of non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(4) Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios, except for net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans receivable.
(5) Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans and foreclosed assets. Non-performing loans consist of all non-accruing loans and loans 90 days or more past due. Foreclosed assets consist of real estate acquired through foreclosure or real estate acquired by acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
(6) Capital ratios are end of period ratios for the Bank only.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
Total Assets. Total assets increased $5.8 million, or 2.1%, to $276.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $270.9 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was largely due to an increase in cash from deposit growth, which was partially offset by the repayment of outstanding borrowings under the BTFP and repurchases of common stock.
Loans. The following table summarizes the changes in the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
%
Amount
%
Change
Real estate loans
One- to four-family residential
$
81,097
48.5
%
$
83,623
57.7
%
$
(2,526)
(3.0)
%
Commercial real estate
22,108
13.2
21,478
14.8
2.9
Construction and land
32,941
19.7
13,857
9.6
19,084
137.7
Multi-family residential
2,570
1.5
3,373
2.3
(803)
(23.8)
Total real estate loans
138,716
82.9
122,331
84.4
16,385
13.4
Other loans
Commercial and industrial
26,439
15.8
19,984
13.8
6,455
32.3
Consumer
1,921
1.3
2,605
1.8
(684)
(26.3)
Total other loans
28,360
17.1
22,589
15.6
5,771
25.5
Total loans
$
167,076
100.0
%
$
144,920
100.0
%
$
22,156
15.3
%
During 2024, loan growth was primarily driven by commercial construction and non-real estate commercial loan growth. This was largely the result of our focused business strategy. Since 2021, we have increased our commercial lending activities to grow the loan portfolio with greater diversification.
The following table presents certain major segments of our commercial real estate, construction and land, and commercial and industrial loan balances as of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Change
Commercial real estate
Retail
$
4,005
$
4,825
$
(820)
(17.0)
%
Hospitality
3,460
4,003
(543)
(13.6)
Restaurants
1,091
1,037
5.2
Oilfield services
(35)
(8.0)
Other non-owner occupied
2,658
2,908
(250)
(8.6)
Other owner occupied
10,492
8,268
2,224
26.9
Total commercial real estate
$
22,108
$
21,478
$
2.9
Construction and land
Multi-family residential
$
10,031
$
1,406
$
8,625
613.4
%
Health service facilities
7,139
2,469
4,670
189.1
Hospitality
2,716
2,716
-
-
Retail
5,106
-
5,106
-
Other commercial construction and land
4,364
4,312
1.2
Consumer residential construction and land
3,585
2,954
21.4
Total construction and land
$
32,941
$
13,857
$
19,084
137.7
Commercial and industrial
Oilfield services
$
14,823
$
6,254
$
8,569
137.0
%
Industrial equipment
2,831
3,453
(622)
(18.0)
Professional services
3,127
2,792
12.0
Communications
-
2,823
(2,823)
(100.0)
Other commercial and industrial
5,658
4,662
21.4
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
26,439
$
19,984
$
6,455
32.3
The following table shows the scheduled contractual maturities of our loans as of December 31, 2024. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. The amounts shown below do not take into account loan prepayments.
Amounts due after December 31, 2024 in
(Dollars in thousands)
One year or less
After one year through five years
After five years through 15 years
After 15 years
Total
One- to four-family residential
$
$
7,304
$
31,113
$
42,071
$
81,097
Commercial real estate
12,599
8,270
1,154
22,108
Construction and land
23,903
8,672
32,941
Multi-family residential
-
2,100
-
2,570
Commercial and industrial
6,848
15,289
4,267
26,439
Consumer
1,369
-
1,921
Total
$
31,713
$
45,703
$
46,364
$
43,296
$
167,076
The following table shows the dollar amount of our loans at December 31, 2024, due after December 31, 2025, as shown in the preceding table, which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates.
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-Rate
Floating or Adjustable-Rate
Total
Amounts due after December 31, 2025
One- to four-family residential
$
32,153
$
48,335
$
80,488
Commercial real estate
13,656
8,367
22,023
Construction and land
1,977
7,061
9,038
Multi-family residential
-
2,570
2,570
Commercial and industrial
15,657
3,934
19,591
Consumer
1,278
1,653
Total
$
64,721
$
70,642
$
135,363
Allowance for Credit Losses. At December 31, 2024, the allowance for loan losses totaled $2.5 million, or 1.51% of total loans, compared to 1.47% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments totaled $121,000, down $136,000 from December 31, 2023. The total provision for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments was $531,000 for 2024 and was largely attributable to commercial loan growth and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on individually evaluated loans.
The following table shows changes in our allowance for loan losses and other related data for the periods indicated.
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,124
$
1,807
Impact of adoption of ASC 326
-
Provision for loan losses
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries:
One- to four-family residential
(92)
Commercial real estate
(14)
-
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
(128)
Consumer
(35)
(22)
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries
(269)
Balance, end of period
$
2,522
$
2,124
Allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments:
Balance, beginning of period
$
$
-
Impact of adoption of ASC 326
-
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on unfunded lending commitments
(136)
Balance, end of period
$
$
Total allowance for credit losses, end of period
$
2,643
$
2,381
Total provision for credit losses
Total loans at end of period
$
167,076
$
144,920
Total non-accrual loans at end of period
1,567
1,967
Total non-performing loans at end of period
1,631
1,991
Total average loans
155,867
135,713
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of:
Total loans
1.51
%
1.47
%
Non-accrual loans
160.94
107.98
Non-performing loans
154.63
106.68
Net annualized (charge-offs) recoveries as a percent of average loans by portfolio:
One- to four-family residential
(0.11)
%
0.05
%
Commercial real estate
(0.06)
-
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
(0.56)
0.01
Consumer
(1.51)
(0.71)
Total loans
(0.17)
0.02
Non-performing Assets. The following table shows the amounts of our non-performing assets, which include non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due and foreclosed assets at the dates indicated.
At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accruing loans
One- to four-family residential
$
1,530
$
1,875
Commercial real estate
-
Construction and land
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Total non-accruing loans
1,567
1,967
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due
One- to four-family residential
Commercial real estate
-
-
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Total accruing loans 90 days or more past due
Total non-performing loans
1,631
1,991
Foreclosed assets
Total non-performing assets
$
1,825
$
2,051
Total loans
$
167,076
$
144,920
Total assets
276,697
270,932
Total non-accruing loans as a percentage of total loans
0.94
%
1.36
%
Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
0.98
1.37
Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total assets
0.59
0.73
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
0.66
0.76
The following table shows how our allowance for loan losses is allocated by type of loan at each of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount of Allowance
Percent of Allowance to Total Allowance
Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans
Amount of Allowance
Percent of Allowance to Total Allowance
Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans
One-to four-family residential
$
1,164
46.2
%
48.5
%
$
1,240
58.4
%
57.7
%
Commercial real estate
7.6
13.2
10.0
14.8
Construction and land
20.9
19.7
13.3
9.6
Multi-family residential
1.4
1.5
2.4
2.3
Commercial and industrial
14.8
15.8
14.2
13.8
Consumer
1.0
1.3
1.7
1.8
Unallocated
8.1
-
-
-
-
Total
$
2,522
100.0
%
100.0
%
$
2,124
100.0
%
100.0
%
Investment Securities. Total investment securities, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, amounted to $42.2 million at December 31, 2024, down $41.8 million, or 49.8%, compared to $84.0 million in investment securities at December 31, 2023. Net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale totaled $4.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $9.2 million at December 31, 2023. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities relate principally to increases in market interest rates for similar securities. Our investment securities portfolio consists primarily of debt obligations issued by the U.S. government and government agencies and government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company sold 50 available-for-sale investment securities for a total pre-tax loss of $5.5 million. Proceeds from the sales totaled $42.6 million, inclusive of accrued interest. During the nine-month period ending December 31, 2024, the Company re-deployed a portion of the sales proceeds by purchasing $7.9 million of fixed-rate government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities.
The following table sets forth the composition of our securities portfolio as of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
% of Total
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
% of Total
Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities
$
31,511
67.5
%
$
27,202
$
65,704
70.5
%
$
57,512
U.S. Government and agency obligations
-
-
-
7,999
8.6
7,388
Municipal obligations
1,704
3.7
1,510
5,998
6.4
5,640
Total securities available-for-sale
33,215
71.2
28,712
79,701
85.5
70,540
Securities held-to-maturity
U.S. Government and agency obligations
13,000
27.9
10,860
13,003
14.0
10,793
Municipal obligations
0.9
0.5
Total securities held to maturity
13,447
28.8
11,284
13,461
14.5
11,227
Total investment securities
$
46,662
100.0
%
$
39,996
$
93,162
100.0
%
$
81,767
The following table presents the amortized cost of our total investment securities portfolio that matures during each of the periods indicated and the weighted average yields for each range of maturities at December 31, 2024.
Contractual Maturity as of December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
One Year or Less
After One Through Five Years
After Five Through Ten Years
Over Ten Years
Total
Total investment securities
Mortgage-backed securities
$
-
$
5,351
$
$
25,715
$
31,511
U.S. Government and agency obligations
-
2,000
8,000
3,000
13,000
Municipal obligations
-
1,075
-
1,076
2,151
Total
$
-
$
8,426
$
8,445
$
29,791
$
46,662
Weighted average yield
Mortgage-backed securities
-
%
4.56
%
4.55
%
2.17
%
2.61
%
U.S. Government and agency obligations
-
1.00
1.47
2.42
1.61
Municipal obligations
-
3.33
-
1.41
2.37
Total weighted average yield
-
3.56
1.63
2.17
2.32
Securities are classified according to their contractual maturities without consideration of principal amortization, potential prepayments, or call options. The expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because of the exercise of call options and potential paydowns. Accordingly, actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities. Weighted average yields are calculated by dividing the estimated annual income divided by the average amortized cost of the applicable securities.
The following table sets forth the dollar value of our investment securities which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates at each of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Fixed-rate
Available-for-sale
$
28,679
$
70,498
Held-to-maturity
13,447
13,461
Total fixed-rate
42,126
83,959
Adjustable-rate
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
-
-
Total adjustable-rate
Total investment securities
$
42,159
$
84,001
Deposits. The following table presents total deposits by account type as of the dates indicated.
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
%
Amount
%
Change
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
$
28,281
15.2
%
$
28,183
17.0
%
$
0.3
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits
48,334
26.0
36,867
22.3
11,467
31.1
Money market
10,729
5.8
15,126
9.1
(4,397)
(29.1)
Savings
37,639
20.3
31,518
19.0
6,121
19.4
Certificates of deposit
60,691
32.7
53,928
32.6
6,763
12.5
Total deposits
$
185,674
100.0
%
$
165,622
100.0
%
$
20,052
12.1
The ratio of the Company’s total loans to deposits was 90.0% and 87.5% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The increase in interest-bearing demand deposits was largely due to a seasonal increase in public funds. Total public fund deposits totaled $35.6 million, or 19.2% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024, compared to $23.3 million, or 14.1% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, approximately 83% of our total public fund deposits consisted of non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits from municipalities within our market, compared to 78% at December 31, 2023. The increase in savings deposits was largely driven by rate specials offered to depositors during 2024, while the increase in certificates of deposit was primarily due to the acquisition of brokered funding during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The estimated amount of our total uninsured deposits (that is deposits in excess of the FDIC’s insurance limit), inclusive of public funds, was approximately $53.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $44.6 million at December 31, 2023. Total uninsured non-public funds deposits were approximately $22.5 million and $26.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, the full amount of our public fund deposits in excess of the FDIC’s insurance limit were secured by either pledged investment securities of $15.1 million or $25.0 million of a custodial letter of credit granted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.
The following table shows the average balance of each type of deposit and the average rate paid on each type of interest-bearing deposit for the periods indicated.
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest Expense
Average Rate Paid
Average Balance
Interest Expense
Average Rate Paid
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
37,242
$
0.77
%
$
40,474
$
0.59
%
Money market
13,467
1.98
16,616
1.18
Savings accounts
36,043
2.44
27,996
0.79
Certificates of deposit
56,498
1,795
3.18
51,235
1.91
Total interest-bearing deposits
$
143,250
$
3,229
2.25
$
136,321
$
1,637
1.20
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
28,842
-
34,356
-
Total deposits
$
172,092
$
3,229
$
170,677
$
1,637
The following table shows the maturities and weighted average contractual interest rates of our total certificates of deposit at December 31, 2024 by time remaining to maturity.
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Weighted
Average Rate
Balance at December 31, 2024 maturing in:
Three months or less
$
21,836
3.80
%
Over three months through six months
18,274
3.16
Over six through 12 months
14,073
3.06
Over 12 months
6,508
1.88
Total certificates of deposit
$
60,691
3.23
The following table shows the maturities and weighted average contractual interest rates of our certificates of deposit in excess of the FDIC insurance limit (generally, $250,000) at December 31, 2024 by time remaining to maturity.
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Weighted
Average Rate
Balance at December 31, 2024 maturing in:
Three months or less
$
5,260
4.51
%
Over three months through six months
7,723
3.05
Over six through 12 months
3,121
3.21
Over 12 months
1,199
2.43
Total certificates of deposit with balances in excess of $250,000
$
17,303
3.48
Borrowings. Total borrowings at December 31, 2024 were $9.6 million, down $9.8 million, or 50.7%, from December 31, 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Bank began borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta through its Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), and at December 31, 2023, the Bank had one $10.0 million BTFP loan outstanding. The BTFP debt was repaid during 2024 and the Bank had no outstanding borrowings under the program at December 31, 2024.
Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2024 consisted of FHLB advances totaling $9.6 million, compared to $9.4 million at December 31, 2023. The change in the carrying value of our FHLB advances reflects the amortization of deferred prepayment penalties on $10.0 million in advances restructured in December of 2020. Deferred prepayment penalties on our FHLB advances totaled $442,000 and $622,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table shows certain information regarding our borrowings at or for the dates indicated:
At or For the Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Advance from Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Average balance
$
16,918
$
Maximum balance at any month-end during the period
21,000
10,000
Balance at end of period
-
10,000
Average interest rate during the period
4.81
%
4.95
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period(1)
-
4.83
Advances from FHLB
Average balance
$
9,475
$
9,285
Maximum balance at any month-end during the period
10,261
9,378
Balance at end of period
9,558
9,378
Average interest rate during the period
2.89
%
2.94
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period(1)
0.93
0.93
(1)
Reflects the weighted average contractual rate of advances.
Shareholders’ Equity. Shareholders’ equity totaled $80.2 million, or 29.0% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, down $4.4 million, or 5.2%, from $84.6 million, or 31.2% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. During 2024, shareholders’ equity decreased by $5.8 million due to the Company’s repurchases of its common stock. The Company’s net loss of $3.1 million for 2024 was offset by other comprehensive income of $3.7 million, which was largely the result of the reclassification adjustment for realized losses on available-for-sale securities sold during the first quarter of 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 483,176 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $11.91 per share. Of those shares, 228,326 shares were repurchased under the Company’s November 2023 Repurchase Plan and 227,000 shares were repurchased under the May 2024 Repurchase Plan. The remaining 27,850 shares were repurchased pursuant to the Company’s fifth repurchase plan announced in November 2024 (the “November 2024 Repurchase Plan”). Under the November 2024 Repurchase Plan, 187,150 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for repurchase at December 31, 2024.
Since the announcement of our first share repurchase plan on January 26, 2023 and through December 31, 2024, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,011,850 shares of its common stock, or approximately 19% of the common shares originally issued, at an average cost per share of $11.93. At December 31, 2024, the Company had common shares outstanding of 4,278,150.
Average Balances, Net Interest Income, and Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following table shows for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Taxable equivalent (“TE”) yields have been calculated using a marginal tax rate of 21%. All average balances are based on daily balances.
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest
Average Yield/Rate(TE)
Average Balance
Interest
Average Yield/Rate(TE)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable(1)
$
155,867
$
10,128
6.50
%
$
135,713
$
7,238
5.33
%
Investment securities(2)
54,235
1,063
1.97
100,323
1,643
1.66
Other interest-earning assets
51,552
2,671
5.18
16,580
4.70
Total interest-earning assets
261,654
13,862
5.30
252,616
9,661
3.83
Non-interest-earning assets
20,163
14,077
Total assets
$
281,817
$
266,693
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits, money market and savings accounts
86,752
1,434
1.65
%
85,086
0.77
%
Certificates of deposit
56,498
1,795
3.18
51,235
1.91
Total interest-bearing deposits
143,250
3,229
2.25
136,321
1,637
1.20
Borrowings
26,393
1,088
4.12
10,208
3.12
Total interest-bearing liabilities
169,643
4,317
2.54
146,529
1,956
1.33
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
30,694
35,387
Total liabilities
200,337
181,916
Shareholders' equity
81,480
84,777
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
281,817
$
266,693
Net interest-earning assets
$
92,011
$
106,087
Net interest income; average interest rate spread
$
9,545
2.76
%
$
7,705
2.50
%
Net interest margin(3)
3.65
3.06
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
154.24
172.40
(1) Includes non-accrual loans during the respective periods. Calculated net of deferred fees and discounts and loans in process.
(2) Average investment securities does not include unrealized holding gains/losses on available-for-sale securities.
(3) Equals net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Taxable equivalent yields are calculated using a marginal tax rate of 21%.
Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table shows the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in rate, which is the change in rate multiplied by prior year volume, and (2) changes in volume, which is the change in volume multiplied by prior year rate. The combined effect of changes in both rate and volume has been allocated proportionately to the change due to rate and the change due to volume.
Year Ended
December 31, 2024 vs 2023
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Rate
Volume
Increase (Decrease)
Interest income:
Loans receivable
$
1,720
$
1,170
$
2,890
Investment securities
(856)
(580)
Other interest-earning assets
1,815
1,891
Total interest income
2,072
2,129
4,201
Interest expense:
Demand deposits, money market and savings accounts
Certificates of deposit
Total deposits
1,470
1,592
Borrowings
(6)
Total interest expense
1,464
2,361
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
$
$
1,232
$
1,840
Comparison of Results of Operation for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
General. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $3.1 million, compared to net income of $526,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net interest income for 2024 was up $1.8 million, or 23.9%, compared to 2023. The provision for credit losses totaled $531,000 in 2024, compared to $128,000 in 2023. Non-interest income for 2024 was down $5.4 million compared to 2023, primarily due to losses on the sales of investment securities. Non-interest expense for 2024 was up $578,000, or 6.7%, compared to 2023, primarily due to expenses associated with the Company’s upgrade to a new core processing system.
Interest Income. Total interest income increased $4.2 million, or 43.5%, to $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2023. Interest income on loans and other interest-earning assets were up by $2.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2023. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest income on investment securities of $580,000 over the same comparable periods.
The average loan yield was 6.50% for the year ended December 31, 2024, up from 5.33% for 2023. Average loans were $155.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $20.2 million, or 14.9%, compared to 2023. At December 31, 2024, approximately 50% of our total loans have adjustable rates and approximately 50% of total loans are scheduled to re-price or mature during the next 12 months.
The decrease in interest income on investment securities was primarily due to the decrease in the average balance of total investment securities due to the sales executed during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The average balance of total investment securities for 2024 was down $46.1 million, or 45.9%, compared to 2023. The average rate earned on our investment securities portfolio was 1.97% for the year ended December 31, 2024, up 31 basis points compared to 1.66% for 2023 primarily due to investment securities purchased during 2024.
The increase in interest income on other interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of interest-earning cash and deposits at other financial institutions, was mainly due to the re-investment of proceeds from investment securities sales discussed previously, as well as the impact of higher average short-term interest rates during 2024 compared to 2023.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $2.4 million, or 120.7%, to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.0 million for 2023. Interest expense on deposits was $3.2 million during 2024, up $1.6 million, or 97.3%, from $1.6 million for 2023. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 2.25% during 2024, up 105 basis points from 1.20% during 2023. Interest expense on borrowings increased by $769,000 during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2023 largely due to interest expense on BTFP advances.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income was $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $1.8 million, or 23.9%, compared to 2023. Our interest rate spread was 2.76% and 2.50% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our net interest margin was 3.65% and 3.06% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net interest margin and net interest income over the comparable periods was primarily the result of an increase in the yield and a change in the mix of our interest-earning assets, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the average volume and average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Provision for Credit Losses. The total provision for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments was $531,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $128,000 in 2023. In 2024, the provision for credit losses was largely attributable to commercial loan growth and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on individually evaluated loans.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was down $5.4 million from $1.6 million for 2023. Non-interest income for 2024 includes the $5.5 million loss on the sales of investment securities discussed previously. During 2023, the Company reported a loss on the sale of investment securities of $92,000.
During 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized income of $280,000 and $437,000, respectively, due to the Bank Enterprise Award (“BEA”) Program grants received from the Community Financial Institution (“CDFI”) Fund. The BEA Program grants awards to depository institutions that have successfully increased their investments in economically distressed communities through certain qualified activities, including investments in CDFIs and providing loans, investments and financial services to businesses and residents located in distressed communities.
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense totaled $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $578,000, or 6.7%, compared to 2023. Non-interest expense for 2024 included $531,000 of data conversion and other associated expenses related to the Company’s upgrade to a new core processing system, which occurred during the first three months of 2024.
Salaries and employee benefits expense totaled $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $159,000, or 3.4%, compared to 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in bonus expense and annual raises during 2024. Stock compensation expense also contributed to the increase in salaries and employee benefits expense due to additional grants under the 2022 stock compensation plans.
Data processing and communication expense totaled $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $438,000, or 48.1%, compared to 2023. Data processing and communication expense for 2024 included $509,000 of data conversion and other associated expenses associated with the Company’s upgrade to a new core processing system.
Professional fees totaled $469,00 for the year ended December 31, 2024, down $17,000, or 3.5%, from 2023. Professional fees associated with obtaining our 2024 and 2023 BEA grants totaled $42,000 and $66,000, respectively.
ATM and debit card expense totaled $141,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, down $109,000, or 43.6%, compared to 2023. The decline is largely the result of reductions in debit card processing costs after the Company’s upgrade to a new core processing system during 2024.
Other non-interest expense totaled $533,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $172,000, or 47.6%, compared to 2023 primarily due to increased loan collection expenses, service charges from correspondent banks and fraud losses during the 2024 period.
Income Tax Expense. The Company reported an income tax benefit of $894,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to income tax expense of $61,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change in income taxes over the comparable periods was largely due to the loss on sales of investment securities in 2024.
Exposure to Changes in Interest Rates
Our ability to maintain net interest income depends upon our ability to earn a higher yield on interest-earning assets than the rates we pay on deposits and borrowings. Consequently, our ability to maintain a positive spread between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings can be adversely affected when market rates of interest change. Interest rate sensitivity is monitored by management through the use of models which generate estimates of changes in net interest income and the economic value of our assets and liabilities over a range of interest rate scenarios.
Net Interest Income Analysis. We model and analyze potential changes to net interest income over a twelve-month period under rising and falling interest rate scenarios. Our primary model used to analyze the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income assumes a static balance sheet, applies immediate and sustained rate shocks and assumes no management intervention over the forecast period. The following table summarizes the results of our net interest income model as of December 31, 2024, which estimates the impact of immediate and sustained changes in interest rates on net interest income over the following twelve months.
(Dollars in thousands)
Net Interest Income
$ Change
% Change
Change in Interest Rates in Basis Points (Rate Shock):
$
11,173
$
8.3
%
10,754
4.2
Static
10,321
-
-
(100)
10,121
(200)
(1.9)
(200)
9,655
(666)
(6.5)
The above table indicates that as of December 31, 2024, in the event of an immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, our net interest income for the 12 months ending December 31, 2025 would be expected to decrease by $200,000 or 1.9%. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company executed a strategy involving the sale of a substantial portion of its available-for-sale investment securities. The Company sold 50 available-for-sale investment securities for a pre-tax loss of $5.5 million and collected proceeds from the sales of $42.6 million. The Company deployed the net sales proceeds into a mix of cash and higher-yielding earning assets to improve net interest income and our exposure to interest rate risk.
Economic Value of Equity. Economic value of equity (“EVE”) represents the market value of portfolio equity, which is different from book value, and is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities (that is, the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows of assets and liabilities) with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items. The EVE ratio, under any interest rate scenario, is defined as the EVE in that scenario divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario. The following table sets forth our EVE as of December 31, 2024 and reflects the changes to EVE as a result of immediate and sustained changes in interest rates as indicated.
Economic Value of Equity
EVE as % of Fair Value of Assets
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
$ Change
% Change
EVE Ratio
Change
Change in Interest Rates In Basis Points (Rate Shock):
$
86,200
$
(1,990)
(2.3)
%
33.3
0.4
%
87,299
(891)
(1.0)
33.1
0.2
Static
88,190
-
-
32.9
-
(100)
89,567
1,377
1.6
32.9
-
(200)
89,777
1,587
1.8
32.5
(0.4)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company maintains levels of liquid assets deemed adequate by management. We adjust our liquidity levels to fund deposit outflows, repay our borrowings, and to fund loan commitments. We also adjust liquidity, as appropriate, to meet asset and liability management objectives.
Liquidity describes our ability to meet the financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, and proceeds from maturities or sales of securities. We also have the ability to borrow from the FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and our primary correspondent bank.
At December 31, 2024, our borrowed funds consisted of FHLB advances with a net carrying value of $9.6 million. The table below summarizes our unused and available liquidity sources as of December 31, 2024.
(Dollars in thousands)
12/31/2024
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
$
45,719
Line of credit with primary correspondent bank
17,800
Unpledged available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value
19,088
Total unused and available liquidity
$
82,607
The Bank’s available borrowing capacity with the FHLB is secured though a blanket floating lien on real estate loans. For more detail on loans pledged to the FHLB, refer to Note 4 of the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company also has a $25.0 million custodial letter of credit outstanding from the FHLB as of December 31, 2024, which is included in the calculation of our available capacity with the FHLB. The Company can allocate portions of this letter of credit to collateralize certain deposit balances in excess of the FDIC’s insurance limit as an alternative to pledging investment securities for the same purpose. At December 31, 2024, the Company used $25.0 million of the FHLB custodial letter of credit to collateralize public fund deposits.
While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Our most liquid assets are cash and short-term investments. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.
Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The details of these cash flow classifications are presented on the statement of cash flows included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The most significant uses and sources of cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2024 included:
● $48.7 million in proceeds from maturities, paydowns, and sales of investment securities,
● $22.7 million net outflow due to an increase in total loans,
● $20.1 million net inflow due to an increase in deposits
● $10.0 million net outflow due to the repayment of BTFP advances,
● $7.9 million in outflows due to purchases of available-for-sale investment securities
● $5.8 million in outflows for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock.
We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position daily and anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. Based on our deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, we anticipate that the majority of maturing time deposits will be retained. We also anticipate continued use of our secondary funding sources.
The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans and to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding letters of credit, lines of credit and undisbursed construction loans at December 31, 2024.
Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period
(Dollars in thousands)
Total Amounts Committed at December 31, 2024
To 1 Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
After 5 Years
Commitments to originate loans
$
11,979
$
11,979
$
-
$
-
$
-
Undisbursed portion of construction loans in process
7,635
4,654
2,981
-
-
Unused lines of credit
15,391
12,115
2,164
-
1,112
Unused overdraft privilege amounts
1,167
-
-
-
1,167
Letters of credit
-
-
-
Total commitments
$
36,191
$
28,767
$
5,145
$
-
$
2,279
The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2024.
Payments Due By Period
(Dollars in thousands)
Total at December 31, 2024
To 1 Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
After 5 Years
Certificates of deposit
$
60,691
$
54,183
$
5,935
$
$
-
Borrowings
10,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
-
Total term debt
$
70,691
$
57,183
$
8,935
$
4,573
$
-
Management expects that a majority of the maturing certificates of deposit will be retained. However, if a substantial portion of these deposits is not retained, we may utilize borrowings from our secondary funding sources or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new accounts, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.
The Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and was categorized as well-capitalized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Management is not aware of any conditions or events since the most recent notification that would change our category. Refer to Note 9 of the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more detail on the Bank’s capital.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 of the notes to our financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Not applicable

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors Catalyst Bancorp, Inc.
Opelousas, LA
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as 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, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, 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 the 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.
/s/ Castaing, Hussey & Lolan, LLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
New Iberia, LA
March 28, 2025
CATALYST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Non-interest-bearing cash
$
4,076
$
3,654
Interest-bearing cash and due from banks
40,219
15,357
Total cash and cash equivalents
44,295
19,011
Investment securities:
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $33,215 and $79,701, respectively)
28,712
70,540
Securities held-to-maturity (fair values of $11,284 and $11,227, respectively)
13,447
13,461
Loans receivable, net of unearned income
167,076
144,920
Allowance for loan losses
(2,522)
(2,124)
Loans receivable, net
164,554
142,796
Accrued interest receivable
Foreclosed assets
Premises and equipment, net
6,085
6,072
Stock in correspondent banks, at cost
1,961
1,878
Bank-owned life insurance
14,489
14,026
Other assets
2,109
2,182
TOTAL ASSETS
$
276,697
$
270,932
LIABILITIES
Deposits
Non-interest-bearing
$
28,281
$
28,183
Interest-bearing
157,393
137,439
Total deposits
185,674
165,622
Borrowings
9,558
19,378
Other liabilities
1,261
1,373
TOTAL LIABILITIES
196,493
186,373
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
-
-
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 4,278,150 and 4,761,326 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
39,561
45,020
Unallocated common stock held by benefit plans
(5,702)
(6,221)
Retained earnings
49,860
52,949
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(3,558)
(7,237)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
80,204
84,559
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
276,697
$
270,932
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CATALYST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST INCOME
Loans receivable, including fees
$
10,128
$
7,238
Investment securities
1,063
1,643
Cash and due from banks
2,585
Other earning assets
Total interest income
13,862
9,661
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits
3,229
1,637
Borrowings
1,088
Total interest expense
4,317
1,956
Net interest income
9,545
7,705
Provision for credit losses
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
9,014
7,577
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts
Bank-owned life insurance
Gain (loss) on sales of investment securities
(5,507)
(92)
Gain (loss) on disposals and sales of fixed assets
-
Federal community development grant
Other
Total non-interest income (loss)
(3,840)
1,589
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits
4,830
4,671
Occupancy and equipment
Data processing and communication
1,349
Professional fees
Directors’ fees
ATM and debit card
Foreclosed assets, net
Advertising and marketing
Franchise and shares tax
Regulatory fees and assessments
Insurance
Printing, supplies and postage
Other
Total non-interest expense
9,157
8,579
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
(3,983)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(894)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(3,089)
$
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
$
(0.78)
$
0.12
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
(0.78)
0.12
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CATALYST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)
$
(3,089)
$
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
(849)
2,233
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
5,507
Income tax effect
(979)
(488)
Total other comprehensive income
3,679
1,837
Total comprehensive income
$
$
2,363
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CATALYST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Unallocated Common Stock Held by Benefit Plans
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Total
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2022
$
$
51,062
$
(6,307)
$
52,758
$
(9,074)
$
88,492
Impact of adoption of ASC 326
-
-
-
(335)
-
(335)
Net income
-
-
-
-
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
1,837
1,837
Stock purchased to fund the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan
-
-
(415)
-
-
(415)
ESOP shares released for allocation
-
-
-
2022 Recognition and Retention Plan shares released for allocation
-
(289)
-
-
-
Stock compensation expense
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of common stock
(5)
(6,310)
-
-
-
(6,315)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2023
$
$
45,020
$
(6,221)
$
52,949
$
(7,237)
$
84,559
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2023
$
$
45,020
$
(6,221)
$
52,949
$
(7,237)
$
84,559
Net income (loss)
-
-
-
(3,089)
-
(3,089)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
3,679
3,679
ESOP shares released for allocation
-
-
-
2022 Recognition and Retention Plan shares released for allocation
-
(307)
-
-
-
Stock compensation expense
-
-
-
-
Repurchase of common stock
(5)
(5,752)
-
-
-
(5,757)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2024
$
$
39,561
$
(5,702)
$
49,860
$
(3,558)
$
80,204
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CATALSYT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)
$
(3,089)
$
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Investment securities amortization, net
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
(83)
(69)
Amortization of prepayment penalties on debt restructuring
Provision for credit losses
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
(463)
(409)
Loss on sales of investment securities
5,507
Gain on disposals and sales of premises and equipment
(6)
-
Stock-based compensation
Depreciation of premises and equipment
Net write-downs and losses on the sale of foreclosed assets
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(894)
(12)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(510)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,172
2,008
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and paydowns
6,200
9,105
Proceeds from sales
42,525
1,896
Purchases
(7,873)
-
Net increase in loans
(22,731)
(11,416)
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Purchases of premises and equipment
(430)
(172)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
-
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
17,817
(267)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in deposits
20,052
Net advances from (repayments to) the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
(10,000)
10,000
Purchase of stock to fund the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan
-
(415)
Repurchase of common stock
(5,757)
(6,315)
Net cash provided by financing activities
4,295
3,798
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
25,284
5,539
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
19,011
13,472
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
44,295
$
19,011
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of real estate in settlement of loans
$
$
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF INTEREST AND TAXES PAID
Cash paid for interest
$
4,287
$
1,402
Cash paid for income taxes
-
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CATALYST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Catalyst Bancorp” or the “Company”) is the holding company for Catalyst Bank (the “Bank”), formerly known as St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank. In June 2022, St. Landry Homestead changed its name to Catalyst Bank. The Bank has been in operation in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana since 1922 and offers commercial and retail banking products through six full-service locations.
The Company was incorporated by the Bank in February 2021 as part of the conversion of the Bank from the mutual to the stock-form of organization (the “Conversion). The Conversion was completed on October 12, 2021, at which time the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank and became the holding company for the Bank. Shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and sold in an offering to certain depositors of the Bank and others. The Company was not engaged in operations and had not issued any shares of stock prior to the completion of the Conversion.
Catalyst Bank, which is the sole subsidiary of the Company, provides a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses within its principal market area consisting of St. Landry Parish, Evangeline Parish, Acadia Parish and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, and is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Bank is a federal savings association subject to examination and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and is also subject to examination by the FDIC as deposit insurer. Effective October 16, 2019, the Bank elected to be a “covered association” pursuant to a provision of the Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA), that permits a federal savings association to elect to exercise national bank powers without converting to a national bank charter. The Bank’s primary deposit products are demand and NOW accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products are single family residential loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. The Bank is also subject to the regulations of certain federal agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those agencies.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to predominant accounting practices within the banking industry. The more significant accounting and reporting policies are as follows:
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the fair value of available-for-sale securities, the determination of the allowance for credit losses on financial assets held at amortized cost and the measurement of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities. While management uses its best judgment and reviews estimates and related assumptions periodically, actual results could differ from those estimates.
A large majority of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in other comprehensive income. The fair value of investment securities are highly sensitive to changes in market interest rates and the current and projected financial condition of the related issuer. Declines in fair value of available-for-sale securities may result in a charge to earnings through the provision for credit losses if management believes the Company will not be able to recover the full cost of the securities.
Management’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses considers factors such as changes in the types and amount of loans in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, estimated losses relating to specifically identified loans, current and future economic conditions, and forecasted information. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including, among others, average historical loss experience, expected future loss rates, the amount and timing of expected future pay-downs on existing loans and fundings on unfunded commitments, and the value of underlying collateral. All of these estimates may be susceptible to significant changes as more information becomes available.
Regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets. While management is responsible for the establishment of the allowance for credit losses on loans and for adjusting such allowance through provisions for credit losses, as a result of such regulatory reviews management may determine that an increase or decrease in the allowance or provision for credit losses may be necessary. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets may change materially in the near-term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the measurement of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities was identified as a critical accounting estimate. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Realizing our deferred tax assets principally depends upon our achieving projected future taxable income. We may change our judgments regarding future profitability due to future market conditions and other factors. We may adjust our deferred tax asset balances if our judgments change, which may impact total income tax expense in future periods.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts reported in prior periods may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported equity or net income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, interest-bearing deposits in other institutions and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investment Securities
Investment securities that are acquired with the intention of being resold in the near term are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses recognized in current earnings. The Company did not hold any securities for trading purposes at or during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Government, federal agency and corporate debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts that are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity. Available-for-sale securities consist of investment securities not classified as trading securities or held-to-maturity securities. Non-credit related unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income.
Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method or the straight-line method when appropriate. The use of the straight-line method approximates the interest method and does not result in a material difference. Interest income is recognized when earned.
Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are included in earnings and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific-identification method. The amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period of maturity.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the guidance under Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The main provisions of the ASU have been codified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) under Topic 326 of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 326”). ASC 326 requires expected credit related losses for available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, while non-credit related losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Similarly, ASC 326 requires held-to-maturity debt securities to be presented at an amount net of a current estimate of expected credit losses, though the held-to-maturity debt securities are still reported at amortized cost under the new guidance. Under ASC 326, consideration is given to the extent to which that fair value is less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value when estimating credit losses.
Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are carried at the amount of unpaid principal balances, net of deferred loan-origination fees and discounts and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans receivable is accrued at the applicable interest rate based on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees and direct costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to loan yield (interest income) over the term of the related loans. Unamortized net fees or costs are recognized in interest income upon early repayment of the loans.
The accrual of interest is discontinued (“nonaccrual status”) when management determines doubt exists as to the collectability of the asset due to the borrower’s failure to meet repayment terms, the borrower’s deteriorating or deteriorated financial condition, or the depreciation of underlying collateral. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest income on loans. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the principal balance.
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for credit losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off against the allowance in the period that such loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
Allowance for Credit Losses
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the guidance in ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The main provisions of the ASU have been codified by the FASB in ASC 326. The new standard changed the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost, including off-balance sheet credit exposures, from an incurred loss model to a model that estimates current expected credit losses (“CECL”) over the full life of the financial asset. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in factors and forecasts used in evaluating the overall loan portfolio may result in significant changes in the allowance for credit losses and related provision expense in future periods. The allowance level is influenced by loan volumes, loan asset quality ratings, delinquency status, historical credit loss experience, loan performance characteristics, forecasted information and other conditions influencing loss expectations. Changes to the assumptions in the model in future periods could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Under ASC 326, the Company groups loans and unfunded lending commitments with similar risk characteristics into pools or segments and collectively evaluates each pool to estimate the allowance for credit losses. For each loan pool, the Company uses the remaining life method to calculate its credit loss estimate under CECL. The remaining life method applies an estimated average loss rate to the expected future outstanding balances of the relevant pool of loans. The estimated average loss rate is based on historical charge-off rates and the future balances or the remaining life of each pool is based on recent trends in the rate at which existing loans have paid-off or paid-down. We attempt to forecast the average loss rate for each pool over the first two years of the estimated remaining life, then revert to the long-term average after the forecast period. For each pool of loans, management also evaluates and applies qualitative adjustments to the calculated allowance for credit losses based on several factors, including, but not limited to, changes in current and expected future economic conditions, changes in industry experience and loan concentrations, changes in credit quality, changes in lending policies and personnel and changes in the competitive and regulatory environment of the banking industry.
The ultimate loss rates computed for each loan pool (a product of our quantitative calculation and qualitative adjustments) are used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments. The pooled loan loss rates are applied to the portion of the unfunded lending commitments that management expects to fund in the future. These unfunded commitments are segmented into pools consistent with our grouping of outstanding loans and include available portions of lines of credit, undisbursed portions of construction loans and commitments to originate new loans.
The Company has identified the following portfolio segments based on the risk characteristics described below.
One- to four-family residential - This category primarily consists of loans secured by residential real estate located in our market. The performance of these loans may be adversely affected by, among other factors, unemployment rates, local residential real estate market conditions and the interest rate environment. Generally, these loans are for longer terms than commercial and construction loans.
Commercial real estate - This category generally consists of loans secured by retail and industrial use buildings, hotels, strip shopping centers and other properties used for commercial purposes. The performance of these loans may be adversely affected by, among other factors, conditions specific to the relevant industry, the real estate market for the property type and geographic region where the property or borrower is located.
Construction and land - This category consists of loans to finance the ground-up construction and/or improvement of residential and commercial properties and loans secured by land. The performance of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful completion of improvements and/or land development for the end user, the sale of the property to a third party, or a secondary source of cash flow from the owners. The successful completion of planned improvements and development may be adversely affected by changes in the estimated property value upon completion of construction, projected costs and other conditions leading to project delays.
Multi-family residential - This category consists of loans secured by apartment or residential buildings with five or more units used to accommodate households on a temporary or permanent basis. The performance of multi-family loans is generally dependent on the receipt of rental income from the tenants who occupy the subject property. The occupancy rate of the subject property and the ability of the tenants to pay rent may be adversely affected by the location of the subject property and local economic conditions.
Commercial and industrial - This category primarily consists of secured and unsecured loans to small and mid-sized businesses to fund operations or purchase non-real estate assets. Secured loans are primarily secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and certain other business assets. The performance of these loans may be adversely affected by, among other factors, conditions specific to the relevant industry, fluctuations in the value of the collateral and individual performance factors related to the borrower.
Consumer - This category consists of loans to individuals for household, family and other personal use. The performance of these loans may be adversely affected by national and local economic conditions, unemployment rates and other factors affecting the borrower’s income available to service the debt.
Loans are individually evaluated for credit losses when they do not share similar risk characteristics with our identified loan pools under ASC 326. Generally, management considers loans rated as substandard for individual analysis or when we have identified certain unique characteristics that impact the risk of credit loss. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, the creditworthiness of the borrower, the reliability of the primary source of repayment, the quality of the collateral, the size of the loan or relationship, and the industry of the borrower. The allowance for credit losses on individually evaluated, collateral-dependent loans is based on a comparison of the recorded investment in the loan with the fair value of the underlying collateral. Alternatively, we estimate credit losses on individual loans by comparing the loan’s recorded investment to the loan’s estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows or an observable market price.
The sum of the allowance for losses on loans, other financial assets held at amortized cost, and unfunded lending commitments is referred to as the allowance for credit losses.
Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets include real property and other assets that have been acquired as a result of foreclosure. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed assets are recorded at fair value, less cost to sell, which becomes the property’s new basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for credit losses on loans. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed and losses are recognized through a charge to earnings when the carrying amount of the foreclosed asset exceeds the estimate of its fair value, less costs to sell. Costs incurred in maintaining foreclosed assets and subsequent adjustments to the carrying amount of the assets are included in foreclosed assets expense. At December 31, 2024, loans secured by residential real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process totaled $37,000.
Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the declining balance and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for equipment, fixtures and automobiles.
Stock in Correspondent Banks
As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and as a client of First National Bankers Bank (“FNBB”), the Bank purchased and holds shares of capital stock in the FHLB and FNBB. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair value are assessed for impairment and any impairment losses are included in net income. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, no impairment losses were recognized on stock in correspondent banks.
Bank-owned Life Insurance
The Company purchased single-premium life insurance on certain employees of the Bank. The investments in bank-owned life insurance are reported at their cash surrender and changes in the cash surrender value are classified as non-interest income. The insurance policies can be surrendered without penalties or charges imposed by the insurance carriers. Upon any surrender, a gain would be recognized as ordinary income.
Government Grants
The Bank applies for and receives grant proceeds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) Fund. The CDFI Fund helps promote access to capital and local economic growth in urban and rural low-income communities across the nation through monetary awards and the allocation of tax credits. Current GAAP has no specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for government assistance received by business entities. However, ASC 105 describes the decision-making framework for determining the guidance to apply when guidance is not specified by GAAP. ASC 105 points to IAS 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and ASC 958-605, Not-for-Profit Entities - Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes government grants as income is when it is reasonably probable that conditions of the grant will be met and the grant will be received.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Bank received and recognized $280,000 and $437,000, respectively, of income due to grants from the CDFI Fund’s Bank Enterprise Award Program. The Bank met the conditions of the grant by providing loans and financial services directly to residents and businesses located in distressed communities. Income from the federal community development grants are reported in non-interest income.
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s net deferred tax asset totaled $1.5 million and is included in other assets on the statement of financial condition. The most significant portions of the net deferred tax asset are the deferred tax benefits related to the Company’s net operating loss for 2024 and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities.
According to Subtopic 740-10 of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 740-10”), the measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets. Realizing our deferred tax assets principally depends upon our achieving projected future taxable income. We may change our judgments regarding future profitability due to future market conditions and other factors. We may adjust our deferred tax asset balances if our judgments change, which may impact total income tax expense in future periods.
ASC 740 requires that a tax position be recognized or derecognized based on a “more likely than not” threshold. This applies to positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return where there is uncertainty about whether a tax position will ultimately be sustained upon examination. The Company has evaluated its tax position and determined that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that meet criteria under ASC 740. The Company’s management believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to December 31, 2021.
Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The Company follows the guidance of ASC 825, Financial Instruments, and ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. This guidance permits entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. No assets have been elected to be reported at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing the Company with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This guidance clarifies that fair
value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under this guidance, fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. This guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quotes priced in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Accounting Standards Codification 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments of which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investment securities
The fair market values of investment securities are obtained from a third-party service provider, whose prices are based on a combination of observed market prices for identical or similar instruments and various matrix pricing programs. The fair market values of investment securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Loans receivable, net
The fair value of loans are generally determined by discounting scheduled cash flows using discount rates determined with reference to current market rates at which similar loans would be made. Loans receivable are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Loans individually evaluated for credit losses
The fair value of loans individually evaluated for credit losses is measured by the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation. Loans individually evaluated for credit losses are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Bank-owned life insurance
The cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance approximates its fair value and is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Non-maturity deposit liabilities
Under ASC 825-10, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market, and savings accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. These non-maturity deposit liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Certificates of deposit
Fair values are estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Certificates of deposit are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Borrowings
The fair value is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using current market rates at which debt with similar terms could be obtained. Borrowings are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation
In March 2022, the Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option Plan and the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement, which were approved by shareholders at our annual meeting on May 17, 2022. Under the terms of both plans, officers, employees and directors selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive benefits. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, the Company measures stock compensation expense based on the fair market value of the instrument as of the grant date and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures of stock awards as they occur and reverses compensation expense previously recognized in the period the award is forfeited.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. There were no direct response advertising costs capitalized as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Comprehensive Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expense, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the statement of financial condition. Such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) represents income available or loss attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. No dilution for any potentially convertible shares is included in the calculation of basic EPS. Diluted EPS reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares, in the form of stock options or restricted stock shares, had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in periods in which the effect
would be anti-dilutive. Unallocated common shares held by the ESOP are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating EPS until they are committed to be released. Unallocated restricted shares are not included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic EPS until the awards vest, however these shares are included in the computation of the denominator of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
During the three months ended June 30, 2024, it was discovered that the rate of interest paid on one interest-bearing checking account did not reconcile with the contract with the customer. The checking account was a public fund deposit with a negotiated arrangement managed by a lead financial institution that billed the Bank periodically for interest then owed to the municipality. The Bank is a party to the agreement with the municipality but participated in only a portion of the total funds deposited by the municipality and did not deal directly with the municipality with respect to the funds deposited or the interest paid. These responsibilities are handled indirectly through the lead institution. During June 2024, the Bank became aware of the additional interest owed by it pursuant to the agreement. As a result of the error, $137,000 of total interest expense was not properly accrued or paid by the Bank during the period beginning August 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024. In accordance with the guidance set forth in SEC Staff Bulletin 99, Materiality, and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 108, Considering Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financials, the Bank concluded that the error was not material to any prior periods, the current period or the trend in earnings from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. However, correcting the cumulative effect of the error in the current period would have resulted in a material misstatement in the current period. Accordingly, management revised the prior period financial statements, related disclosures, and supplemental information presented in this filing to correct the misstatement. We will also revise previously reported financial information for these immaterial errors in our future filings, as applicable. The Company’s previously issued financial statements and related disclosures were not amended and can still be relied upon.
The following table highlights the primary changes to prior period financial statements presented in this Form 10-K caused by the correction of the misstated interest expense:
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
As Reported
Adjustment
As Revised
Revised Consolidated Statements of Condition as of December 31, 2023
Other liabilities
$
1,277
$
$
1,373
Retained earnings
53,045
(96)
52,949
Total shareholders' equity
84,655
(96)
84,559
Revised Consolidated Statements of Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Interest expense - Deposits
$
1,541
$
$
1,637
Total interest expense
1,860
1,956
Net interest income
7,801
(96)
7,705
Income tax expense (benefit)
(20)
Net income (loss)
(76)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
0.14
(0.02)
0.12
Revised Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Retained earnings, as of December 31, 2022
$
52,778
$
(20)
$
52,758
Revised Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
$
$
$
Management performed a review of all similar contracts with deposit customers and verified that the error was isolated to this unique deposit account. Management and the Audit Committee also assessed the error’s impact on internal controls over financial reporting and did not identify any material weaknesses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024
None to report.
Accounting Standards Updates Issued, but Not Adopted
ASU No. 2023-09. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU add specific requirements for income tax disclosures to improve transparency and decision usefulness. The guidance in ASU 2023-09 requires that public business entities disclose specific categories in the income tax rate reconciliation and provide additional qualitative information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the amendments in ASU 2023-09 require that all entities disclose the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and disaggregated by individual jurisdictions. The ASU also includes other disclosure amendments related to the disaggregation of income tax expense between federal, state and foreign taxes. The Company expects to adopt the amendments in ASU 2023-09 for periods beginning after December 31, 2024. As the update contains only amendments to disclosure requirements, adoption will have no impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
ASU No. 2024-03. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The amendments in this ASU require disclosure, in the notes to the financial statements, of specified qualitative and quantitative information about certain costs and expenses, such as employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. Disclosure requirements also include a qualitative description of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively, among other items. The Company expects to adopt the amendments in ASU 2024-03 for periods beginning after December 31, 2026. As the update contains only amendments to disclosure requirements, adoption will have no impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
NOTE 2. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) per common share was computed based on the following:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
(3,089)
$
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding
4,486
4,972
Weighted average unallocated common stock held by benefit plans
(547)
(589)
Weighted average shares - basic
3,939
4,383
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards(1):
Stock options
-
-
Restricted stock
-
Weighted average shares - assuming dilution
3,939
4,387
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$
(0.78)
$
0.12
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
(0.78)
0.12
(1) The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the year ended December 31, 2024 does not include the impact of dilutive stock-based awards because to do so would be antidilutive for a period with a net loss.
Diluted earnings per share was computed using the treasury stock method. The weighted average of potentially dilutive common shares attributable to outstanding stock options that were anti-dilutive totaled 295,123 and 288,093 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The weighted average of potentially dilutive common shares attributable to restricted stock that were anti-dilutive totaled 16,354 and 52,829 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
NOTE 3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investment securities have been classified according to management’s intent. The amortized cost of securities and their approximate fair values are as follows:
December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities
$
31,511
$
$
(4,327)
$
27,202
Municipal obligations
1,704
(198)
1,510
Total available-for-sale
$
33,215
$
$
(4,525)
$
28,712
Securities held-to-maturity
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
13,000
$
-
$
(2,140)
$
10,860
Municipal obligations
-
(23)
Total held-to-maturity
$
13,447
$
-
$
(2,163)
$
11,284
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities
$
65,704
$
$
(8,206)
$
57,512
U.S. Government and agency obligations
7,999
-
(611)
7,388
Municipal obligations
5,998
(365)
5,640
Total available-for-sale
$
79,701
$
$
(9,182)
$
70,540
Securities held-to-maturity
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
13,003
$
-
$
(2,210)
$
10,793
Municipal obligations
-
(24)
Total held-to-maturity
$
13,461
$
-
$
(2,234)
$
11,227
There were no securities transferred between classifications during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 50 available-for-sale investment securities for a total loss of $5.5 million. Proceeds from the sales totaled $42.6 million, inclusive of accrued interest.
Accrued interest receivable on the Company’s investment securities totaled $142,000 and $241,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Investment securities with a carrying amount of $15.1 million and $44.6 million were pledged to secure public deposits as required or permitted by law at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During 2024, the Company used a portion of a custodial letter of credit granted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to collateralize public fund deposits as we executed the investment securities sales. At December 31, 2024, $25.0 million of the custodial letter of credit was pledged as collateral for pubic deposits.
At December 31, 2023, investment securities with a carrying value of $11.1 million were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as collateral for borrowings. During 2024, the Bank’s $10.0 million Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) advance was paid off, which released the pledges on investment securities.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, other than securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, we had no investments in a single issuer which had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity.
The following is a summary of maturities of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
December 31, 2024
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amounts maturing in:
One year or less
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
After one through five years
5,979
5,942
2,447
2,247
After five through ten years
8,000
6,666
After ten years
26,791
22,327
3,000
2,371
Total
$
33,215
$
28,712
$
13,447
$
11,284
December 31, 2023
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amounts maturing in:
One year or less
$
1,700
$
1,643
$
-
$
-
After one through five years
10,676
10,226
2,334
2,095
After five through ten years
14,909
13,673
7,124
5,899
After ten years
52,416
44,998
4,003
3,233
Total
$
79,701
$
70,540
$
13,461
$
11,227
Securities are classified according to their contractual maturities without consideration of principal amortization, potential prepayments, or call options. The expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because of the exercise of call options and potential paydowns. Accordingly, actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities.
Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:
December 31, 2024
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Greater
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities
$
3,274
$
(90)
$
18,135
$
(4,237)
$
21,409
$
(4,327)
Municipal obligations
-
-
(198)
(198)
Total available-for-sale
$
3,274
$
(90)
$
19,013
$
(4,435)
$
22,287
$
(4,525)
Securities held-to-maturity
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
-
$
-
$
10,860
$
(2,140)
$
10,860
$
(2,140)
Municipal obligations
-
-
(23)
(23)
Total held-to-maturity
$
-
$
-
$
11,284
$
(2,163)
$
11,284
$
(2,163)
Total
$
3,274
$
(90)
$
30,297
$
(6,598)
$
33,571
$
(6,688)
December 31, 2023
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Greater
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities
$
$
(1)
$
55,959
$
(8,205)
$
56,513
$
(8,206)
U.S. Government and agency obligations
-
-
7,388
(611)
7,388
(611)
Municipal obligations
-
-
3,992
(365)
3,992
(365)
Total available-for-sale
$
$
(1)
$
67,339
$
(9,181)
$
67,893
$
(9,182)
Securities held-to-maturity
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
-
$
-
$
10,793
$
(2,210)
$
10,793
$
(2,210)
Municipal obligations
-
-
(24)
(24)
Total held-to-maturity
$
-
$
-
$
11,227
$
(2,234)
$
11,227
$
(2,234)
Total
$
$
(1)
$
78,566
$
(11,415)
$
79,120
$
(11,416)
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company held 41 and 92 securities, respectively, with an unrealized loss. The securities with unrealized losses consisted of government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and debt obligations guaranteed by federal, state and local government entities. These unrealized losses relate principally to noncredit related factors, including changes in current interest rates for similar types of securities. Based on management’s evaluation of the securities portfolio, the Company did not establish an allowance for credit losses for its available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2024 or 2023.
NOTE 4. LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Loans receivable at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans
One- to four-family residential
$
81,097
$
83,623
Commercial real estate
22,108
21,478
Construction and land
32,941
13,857
Multi-family residential
2,570
3,373
Total real estate loans
138,716
122,331
Other loans
Commercial and industrial
26,439
19,984
Consumer
1,921
2,605
Total other loans
28,360
22,589
Total loans
167,076
144,920
Less: Allowance for loan losses
(2,522)
(2,124)
Net loans
$
164,554
$
142,796
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, real estate loans totaling $80.6 million and $81.2 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Dallas for borrowings under a blanket lien agreement.
Accrued interest receivable on the Company’s loans totaled $704,000 and $659,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the Company’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses.
The following tables outline the changes in the allowance for credit losses by collateral type for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning Balance
Provision (Reversal)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending Balance
Allowance for credit losses
One- to four-family residential
$
1,240
$
$
(182)
$
$
1,164
Commercial real estate
(7)
(28)
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
(15)
-
-
Commercial and industrial
(133)
Consumer
(49)
Unallocated
-
-
-
Total for loans
$
2,124
$
$
(392)
$
$
2,522
Unfunded lending commitments(1)
(136)
-
-
Total
$
2,381
$
$
(392)
$
$
2,643
(1) The allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments is recorded within “other liabilities” on the statement of financial condition. The related provision for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments is recorded with the provision for loan losses and reported in aggregate as the provision for credit losses on the income statement.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning Balance
ASC 326 Adoption Impact
Provision (Reversal)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending Balance
Allowance for credit losses
One- to four-family residential
$
1,224
$
$
(184)
$
(67)
$
$
1,240
Commercial real estate
(53)
-
-
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
Consumer
(35)
Total for loans
$
1,807
$
$
$
(102)
$
$
2,124
Unfunded lending commitments
-
-
-
Total
$
1,807
$
$
$
(102)
$
$
2,381
The following tables outline the allowance for loan losses and the balance of loans by method of loss evaluation at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Individually Evaluated
Collectively Evaluated
Total
Individually Evaluated
Collectively Evaluated
Total
Allowance for loan losses
One- to four-family residential
$
$
1,060
$
1,164
$
$
1,113
$
1,240
Commercial real estate
-
-
Construction and land
Multi-family residential
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Unallocated
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
2,383
$
2,522
$
$
1,951
$
2,124
Loans
One- to four-family residential
$
$
80,508
$
81,097
$
$
82,634
$
83,623
Commercial real estate
-
22,108
22,108
21,428
21,478
Construction and land
32,821
32,941
13,725
13,857
Multi-family residential
-
2,570
2,570
-
3,373
3,373
Commercial and industrial
-
26,439
26,439
-
19,984
19,984
Consumer
-
1,921
1,921
-
2,605
2,605
Total
$
$
166,367
$
167,076
$
1,171
$
143,749
$
144,920
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, all one- to four-family residential and construction and land loans individually evaluated for credit losses were considered collateral-dependent financial assets under ASC 326. Loans are considered collateral-dependent and individually evaluated when, based on management’s assessment as of the reporting date, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Collateral-dependent loans primarily consist of loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties and land located in our market.
A summary of current, past due and nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:
As of December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Past Due 30-89 Days and Accruing
Past Due Over 90 Days and Accruing
Past Due Over 30 Days and Non-accruing
Total Past Due
Current and Accruing
Current and Non-accruing
Total Loans
One- to four-family residential
$
2,926
$
$
$
3,757
$
76,577
$
$
81,097
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
22,108
-
22,108
Construction and land
-
32,823
32,941
Multi-family residential
-
-
-
-
2,570
-
2,570
Commercial and industrial
-
-
26,438
-
26,439
Consumer
-
-
1,913
-
1,921
Total
$
3,016
$
$
$
3,860
$
162,429
$
$
167,076
As of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Past Due 30-89 Days and Accruing
Past Due Over 90 Days and Accruing
Past Due Over 30 Days and Non-accruing
Total Past Due
Current and Accruing
Current and Non-accruing
Total Loans
One- to four-family residential
$
2,391
$
$
1,103
$
3,518
$
79,333
$
$
83,623
Commercial real estate
-
21,302
-
21,478
Construction and land
-
-
-
-
13,815
13,857
Multi-family residential
-
-
-
-
3,373
-
3,373
Commercial and industrial
-
-
19,938
-
19,984
Consumer
-
-
2,593
-
2,605
Total
$
2,575
$
$
1,153
$
3,752
$
140,354
$
$
144,920
A summary of total non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
With Allowance for Credit Loss
Without Allowance for Credit Loss
Total
With Allowance for Credit Loss
Without Allowance for Credit Loss
Total
Non-accrual loans
One- to four-family residential
$
1,518
$
$
1,530
$
1,564
$
$
1,875
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
Construction and land
-
-
Multi-family residential
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
1,555
$
$
1,567
$
1,606
$
$
1,967
The Company was not committed to lend any additional funds on non-accrual loans at December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company does not recognize interest income while loans are on non-accrual status. All payments received while on non-accrual status are applied against the principal balance of non-accrual loans.
At December 31, 2024, loans secured by residential real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process totaled $37,000. At December 31, 2023, loans secured by residential and commercial real estate for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process totaled $345,000 and $50,000, respectively.
Occasionally loans are modified to assist borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. We consider modifications such as term extensions, principal forgiveness, payment delays or alternate payment schedules, and alternate interest rate terms. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans with modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty totaled $583,000 and $683,000, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted one loan modification to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that resulted in a more than minor change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The maturity date was extended by three years for a residential mortgage loan with a balance of $20,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not grant any loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that resulted in a more than minor change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The Company was not committed to lend any additional funds to borrowers with modified terms and experiencing financial difficulty at December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Loans are categorized by credit quality indicators based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. Credit quality classifications follow regulatory guidelines and can generally be described as follows:
Pass - Loans in this category have strong asset quality and liquidity along with a multi-year track record of profitability.
Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard - Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
Loss - Loans classified as loss have been identified as uncollectible and are generally charged-off in the period identified.
The information for each of the credit quality indicators is updated at least quarterly in conjunction with the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.
The following table presents the Company’s loan portfolio by credit quality classification and origination year as of December 31, 2024. The Company uses the latter of origination or renewal date to classify term loans into vintages.
Line-of-credit
Arrangements
Term Loans by Origination Year
Line-of-credit
Converted to
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior
Arrangements
Term Loans
Total
One- to four-family residential
Pass
$
2,255
$
2,702
$
12,205
$
3,054
$
2,731
$
50,193
$
2,488
$
2,996
$
78,624
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
2,350
-
-
2,417
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
2,277
$
2,723
$
12,205
$
3,110
$
2,755
$
52,543
$
2,488
$
2,996
$
81,097
Commercial real estate
Pass
$
3,176
$
4,691
$
1,729
$
1,070
$
3,236
$
5,673
$
$
1,360
$
21,459
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
3,403
$
4,691
$
1,831
$
1,390
$
3,236
$
5,673
$
$
1,360
$
22,108
Construction and land
Pass
$
1,731
$
$
$
$
$
$
30,451
$
-
$
32,783
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
1,731
$
$
$
$
$
$
30,451
$
-
$
32,941
Multi-family residential
Pass
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
2,100
$
-
$
-
$
2,570
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
2,100
$
-
$
-
$
2,570
Commercial and industrial
Pass
$
11,095
$
3,640
$
1,142
$
$
$
$
7,944
$
1,665
$
26,439
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
11,095
$
3,640
$
1,142
$
$
$
$
7,944
$
1,665
$
26,439
Consumer
Pass
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
1,921
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
1,921
Total
Pass
$
18,776
$
11,632
$
15,417
$
5,378
$
6,337
$
58,828
$
41,407
$
6,021
$
163,796
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
2,374
-
-
2,802
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
19,025
$
11,653
$
15,519
$
5,875
$
6,374
$
61,202
$
41,407
$
6,021
$
167,076
The following table presents the Company’s loan portfolio by credit quality classification and origination year as of December 31, 2023. The Company uses the latter of origination or renewal date to classify term loans into vintages.
Line-of-credit
Arrangements
Term Loans by Origination Year
Line-of-credit
Converted to
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior
Arrangements
Term Loans
Total
One- to four-family residential
Pass
$
2,733
$
10,979
$
3,271
$
2,949
$
3,048
$
53,462
$
1,449
$
2,904
$
80,795
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
2,540
-
-
2,828
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
2,757
$
10,979
$
3,282
$
3,071
$
3,179
$
56,002
$
1,449
$
2,904
$
83,623
Commercial real estate
Pass
$
4,476
$
1,974
$
2,008
$
4,308
$
3,423
$
4,168
$
$
$
20,974
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
4,718
$
2,082
$
2,112
$
4,308
$
3,423
$
4,218
$
$
$
21,478
Construction and land
Pass
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,872
$
-
$
13,683
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,872
$
-
$
13,857
Multi-family residential
Pass
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
2,252
$
-
$
-
$
3,373
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
2,252
$
-
$
-
$
3,373
Commercial and industrial
Pass
$
5,717
$
2,097
$
$
$
$
$
10,761
$
-
$
19,984
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
5,717
$
2,097
$
$
$
$
$
10,761
$
-
$
19,984
Consumer
Pass
$
1,004
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
2,605
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
1,004
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
2,605
Total
Pass
$
14,366
$
15,683
$
7,099
$
7,894
$
7,229
$
60,540
$
25,172
$
3,431
$
141,414
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
2,619
-
-
3,294
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
14,632
$
15,923
$
7,214
$
8,029
$
7,360
$
63,159
$
25,172
$
3,431
$
144,920
The following table presents gross charge-offs and recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2024 by origination year of the related loans. The Company uses the latter of origination or renewal date to classify loans into vintages.
Loan Origination Year
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior
Total
Charge-offs
One- to four-family residential
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
Consumer
-
Total
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
Recoveries
One- to four-family residential
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The following table presents gross charge-offs and recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2023 by origination year of the related loans. The Company uses the latter of origination or renewal date to classify loans into vintages.
Loan Origination Year
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior
Total
Charge-offs
One- to four-family residential
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Consumer
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Recoveries
One- to four-family residential
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Total
$
-
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
NOTE 5. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
Premises and equipment at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Land
$
1,767
$
1,767
Buildings and improvements
6,196
6,150
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
2,100
1,881
Automobiles
Total premises and equipment
10,163
9,890
Accumulated depreciation
(4,078)
(3,818)
Total premises and equipment, net
$
6,085
$
6,072
Depreciation expense totaled $412,000 and $403,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 6. DEPOSITS
Deposits at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
$
28,281
15.2
%
$
28,183
17.0
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits
48,334
26.0
36,867
22.3
Money market
10,729
5.8
15,126
9.1
Savings
37,639
20.3
31,518
19.0
Certificates of deposit
60,691
32.7
53,928
32.6
Total deposits
$
185,674
100.0
%
$
165,622
100.0
%
The estimated amount of our total uninsured deposits (that is, deposits in excess of the FDIC’s insurance limit) was $53.7 million and $44.6 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Certificates of deposit and other time deposits issued in denominations that exceed FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 totaled $17.3 million and $11.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in interest-bearing deposits in the statements of financial condition.
At December 31, 2024 scheduled maturities of certificates of deposits were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
$
54,183
5,411
Total
$
60,691
NOTE 7. BORROWED FUNDS
Borrowed funds and the weighted-average contractual interest rate on borrowings at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Rate
Amount
Rate
Amount
Advance from Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
-
%
$
-
4.83
%
$
10,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
0.93
%
$
10,000
0.93
%
$
10,000
Debt modification discount on FHLB Advances
(442)
(622)
9,558
9,378
Total borrowings
$
9,558
$
19,378
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Bank began borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta through its Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”). At December 31, 2023, the Bank had one $10.0 million BTFP loan outstanding with a maturity date of December 27, 2024.
In December of 2020, the Bank restructured $10.0 million of its long-term borrowings from the FHLB. The debt was restructured to longer maturities at current interest rates. A prepayment penalty for the restructuring of $1.2 million was treated as a discount on the debt. The deferred prepayment penalty is amortized into interest expense using the interest method over the life of the restructured borrowings.
Interest payments are due are due monthly for FHLB advances. A schedule of maturities for borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Amounts maturing in:
$
3,000
-
3,000
4,000
-
Total
$
10,000
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had $45.7 million and $48.5 million, respectively, in available borrowing capacity with the FHLB. Borrowings from the FHLB are secured though a blanket floating lien on real estate loans. Refer to Note 4 for more detail on loans pledged to the FHLB. The Company has a $25.0 million custodial letter of credit outstanding from the FHLB as of December 31, 2024, which is included in the calculation of our available capacity with the FHLB. The Company can allocate portions of this letter of credit to collateralize certain deposit balances in excess of the FDIC’s insurance limit as an alternative to pledging investment securities for the same purpose. At December 31, 2024, the Company used $25.0 million of the FHLB custodial letter of credit to collateralize public fund deposits.
Borrowings from the Federal Reserve are secured by pledging investment securities. Refer to Note 3 for more detail on pledged investment securities.
Other available funding includes an Unsecured Federal Funds Master Purchase Agreement with FNBB for $17.8 million. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the credit facility was unused.
NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Federal:
Current
$
-
$
Deferred
(894)
(12)
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
(894)
$
Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21 percent in 2024 and 2023 to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Expected income tax expense at federal tax rate
$
(836)
$
Bank-owned life insurance income
(97)
(86)
Tax free investment securities income
(6)
(15)
Nondeductible stock-based compensation expense
Other
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
(894)
$
Deferred taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The net deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying statements of financial condition include the following components:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for credit losses
$
$
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities
1,924
Net operating loss
-
Foreclosed assets
-
Stock-based compensation
Other
Deferred tax assets
2,012
2,131
Deferred tax liabilities:
FHLB stock
(154)
(136)
FHLB debt modification discount
(93)
(131)
Premises and equipment, net
(313)
(328)
Deferred tax liabilities
(560)
(595)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
$
1,452
$
1,536
The net operating loss carryforward for income tax purposes totaled $3.6 million as of December 31, 2024. The carryforward does not expire and is available to offset 80% of taxable income annually.
Retained earnings at December 31, 2024 and 2023 include approximately $1.9 million accumulated prior to January 1, 1987, for which no deferred federal income tax liability has been recognized. This amount represents an allocation of income to bad-debt deductions for tax purposes only. Reduction of amounts so allocated for purposes
other than tax bad-debt losses or adjustments arising from carryback of net operating losses would create income for tax purposes only, which would be subject to the then-current corporate income tax rate.
NOTE 9. CAPITAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by its primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). Failure to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Company and the Bank. Under the regulatory 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’s capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk-based capital, Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 Capital to adjusted total assets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Bank met all of the capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Bank was categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s prompt corrective action category. The following table presents actual and required capital ratios for the Bank.
Actual
To be Well Capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action Provision
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
As of December 31, 2024
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
$
77,222
45.81
%
$
10,958
>6.5
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
77,222
45.81
13,487
>8.0
Total Risk-Based Capital
79,335
47.06
16,858
>10.0
Tier 1 Leverage Capital
77,222
28.73
13,439
>5.0
As of December 31, 2023
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
$
79,468
52.34
%
$
9,870
>6.5
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital
79,468
52.34
12,147
>8.0
Total Risk-Based Capital
81,371
53.59
15,184
>10.0
Tier 1 Leverage Capital
79,468
31.67
12,546
>5.0
Share Repurchase Plans
The Company repurchased 483,176 shares of its common stock at an average cost per share of $11.91 during the year ended December 31, 2024. Of those shares, 228,326 shares were repurchased under the Company’s third repurchase plan announced in November 2023, 227,000 shares were repurchased under the Company’s fourth repurchase plan announced in May 2024, and another 27,850 shares were repurchased under the Company’s fifth repurchase plan announced in November 2024 (“November 2024 Repurchase Plan”). Since the announcement of our first share repurchase plan on January 26, 2023 and through December 31, 2024, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,011,850 shares of its common stock, or approximately 19% of the common shares originally issued, at an average cost per share of $11.93.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had common shares outstanding of 4,278,150 and 4,761,326, respectively. The Company’s Board of Directors approved the November 2024 Repurchase Plan on November 25, 2024, which authorized the Company to purchase up to 215,000 shares, or approximately 5%, of the Company’s outstanding common
stock. Under the Company’s November 2024 Repurchase Plan, 187,150 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for repurchase at December 31, 2024.
NOTE 10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has and expects to continue to have transactions, including borrowings, with its officers and directors. In the opinion of management, such transactions were on substantially the same terms, including collateral, as those prevailing at the time of comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present any other unfavorable features to the Company. Loans to such borrowers at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized as follows:
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
2,013
$
2,731
Changes in related party status
-
(503)
Originations
-
Repayments
(188)
(288)
Balance at end of year
$
1,825
$
2,013
Deposits from directors and executive officers totaled $5.1 million and $4.4 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a plaintiff or defendant other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business, and at December 31, 2024, we were not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments consist of unfunded commitments to extend credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of the Company’s involvement in particular classes of instruments.
NOTE 12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
Contract or Notional Amount at
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk:
Commitments to originate loans
$
11,979
$
Undisbursed portion of construction loans in process
7,635
12,914
Unused lines of credit
15,391
18,093
Unused overdraft privilege amounts
1,167
1,142
Letters of credit
Total
$
36,191
$
32,292
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since some of the commitments may possibly expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral usually consists of a first mortgage on the underlying properties.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements and are secured by passbook accounts or certificates of deposit. All letters of credit are required to be renewed annually, if applicable. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
The allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments is recorded within “other liabilities” on the statement of financial condition. The related provision for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments is recorded with the provision for loan losses and reported in aggregate as the provision for credit losses on the income statement. At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments totaled $121,000. Refer to Note 4 for more information on changes to the allowance for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
NOTE 13. BENEFIT PLANS
401(k) Plan
The Company’s 401(k) defined contribution plan allows active participants to elect to contribute, on a tax deferred basis, a portion of their compensation not to exceed the dollar limit set by law. The plan allows employees to become eligible participants after completing one month of service and enter the 401(k) plan monthly. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, participants were permitted to make salary deferral contributions in any percentage up to 100% of the participant’s plan salary. Total contributions by each participant during each year were limited to the amount allowed by law. The Company made matching percentage contributions up to 4% of the participant’s plan salary during 2024 and 2023.
The Company incurred expense of $118,000 and $107,000 due to matching contributions during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in connection with the plan, which are included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the statements of income.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
In October 2021, the Company established an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) for the benefit of all employees of the Company. Employees of the Company who have worked at least 500 hours in the first six months of employment and who have attained the age of 18 are eligible to participate in the ESOP. The Company made a loan to the ESOP in the amount of $4.2 million, which the ESOP used to purchase 423,200 shares. It is anticipated that contributions will be made to the ESOP in amounts necessary to amortize the debt to the Company over a period of 20 years.
The leveraged ESOP is accounted for in accordance with the guidance under ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under ASC 718, unearned or unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for financial reporting purposes and are shown as a reduction of shareholders’ equity as unallocated shares held by benefit plans. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, unallocated ESOP shares had a carrying value of $3.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
The Company recognizes compensation cost equal to the fair value of the ESOP shares during the periods in which they are committed to be released. To the extent that the fair value of the Company’s ESOP shares differs from the cost of such shares, the differential is credited to shareholders’ equity. The Company receives a tax deduction equal to the cost of the shares released. As the loan is internally leveraged, the loan receivable from the ESOP to the Company is not reported as an asset nor is the debt of the ESOP shown as a Company liability. For each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the ESOP allocated 21,160 shares. Compensation expense related to the ESOP totaled $247,000 and $245,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were 354,430 and 375,590 unallocated ESOP shares, respectively, with fair values of approximately $4.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, based on closing quoted market price per share as of such dates.
Stock-based Compensation Plans
In March 2022, the Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option Plan and the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement (“2022 Recognition and Retention Plan”), which were approved by shareholders at our annual meeting on May 17, 2022. Under the terms of both plans, officers, employees and directors selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are eligible to receive benefits. The Company granted the initial awards under the 2022 Stock Option Plan and 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan on September 1, 2022.
Stock Options
A total of 529,000 shares of common stock, or 10% of the shares sold in the conversion offering, have been reserved for the future issuance pursuant to the 2022 Stock Option Plan. Options to acquire shares of common stock will be awarded with an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. All stock options granted have been issued with a five-year vesting period.
The Company estimates the fair value of each option granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following key management assumptions were used to value the options granted during the years ended December 31:
(Dollars in thousands)
Expected life (in years)
6.50
6.50
Expected volatility
33.92%
33.73%
Expected dividend yield
1.50%
1.50%
Risk free rate
3.66%
4.27%
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the periods indicated.
Stock options
Number of Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Outstanding, December 31, 2022
295,340
$
13.30
$
4.36
9.67
Granted
21,160
11.30
4.04
Forfeited
(21,160)
13.30
4.36
Exercised
-
-
-
Outstanding, December 31, 2023
295,340
13.16
4.34
8.76
Granted
5,000
11.54
4.00
Forfeited
(3,800)
13.30
4.36
Exercised
-
-
-
Outstanding, December 31, 2024
296,540
$
13.13
$
4.33
7.74
Exercisable at December 31, 2024
113,704
$
13.23
$
4.35
7.57
Total stock option expense, allocated between salaries and employee benefits expense and directors’ fees, was $255,000 and $234,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, there was $709,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.0 years.
Restricted Stock
Under the terms of the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan, the Company contributed sufficient funds to the Recognition and Retention Plan Trust for the purchase of 211,600 shares of common stock, or 4.0% of the shares sold in the conversion offering. At December 31, 2024, 165,772 shares of unallocated restricted stock were held by the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan Trust with a carrying value of $2.2 million. At December 31, 2023, 189,432 shares of unallocated restricted stock were held by the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan Trust with a carrying value of $2.5 million. Unallocated shares of restricted stock awards are not considered outstanding for financial reporting purposes and are shown as a reduction of shareholders’ equity as unallocated shares held by benefit plans. All restricted stock awards granted have been issued with a five-year vesting period.
The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity for the periods indicated.
Restricted Stock
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested awards, December 31, 2022
119,336
$
13.30
Granted
8,464
11.30
Forfeited
(8,464)
13.30
Vested
(22,168)
13.30
Unvested awards, December 31, 2023
97,168
13.13
Granted
2,000
11.54
Forfeited
(2,000)
13.30
Vested
(23,660)
13.16
Unvested awards, December 31, 2024
73,508
$
13.07
Total restricted stock expense, allocated between salaries and employee benefits expense and directors’ fees, was $310,000 and $289,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024, there was $862,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.0 years.
NOTE 14. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT
The largest segment of the Company’s total loan portfolio consists of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, the majority of which are secured by residential properties located in rural communities of the Acadiana region. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio and the recovery of the carrying amount of foreclosed assets are dependent upon local economic conditions.
The Company maintains deposit accounts at other financial institutions which periodically exceed the federally insured limits. Management believes that the risk is limited because of the nature and financial strength of the institutions involved.
NOTE 15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
In accordance with fair value guidance, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.
Level 1 - Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 assets and liabilities generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Valuation is based on inputs other than quoted prices included with Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The valuation may be based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term for the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Valuation is based on unobservable income inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and 2023 follow:
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2024
Available-for-sale securities
$
28,712
$
-
$
28,712
$
-
December 31, 2023
Available-for-sale securities
$
70,540
$
-
$
70,540
$
-
Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2024 and 2023 follow:
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2024
Loans individually evaluated for credit losses
$
$
-
$
-
$
Foreclosed assets
-
-
Total
$
$
-
$
-
$
December 31, 2023
Loans individually evaluated for credit losses
$
$
-
$
-
$
Foreclosed assets
-
-
Total
$
$
-
$
-
$
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, individually evaluated loans with a recorded investment of $452,000 and $547,000, respectively, have been written down to their fair value by a charge to the allowance for loan losses. Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value by recording a related gain or loss through foreclosed asset expense. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred net losses of $37,000 to adjust foreclosed assets to fair value and $20,000 in net losses on the sales of foreclosed assets. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred net losses of $62,000 to adjust foreclosed assets to fair value and $4,000 in net losses on the sales of foreclosed assets.
The fair value of foreclosed assets is estimated using third-party appraisals of the asset held less estimated costs to sell and discounts to reflect current conditions. The fair value of collateral-dependent loans individually evaluated for credit losses is estimated using third-party appraisals of the collateral less estimated costs to sell and discounts to reflect current conditions. The fair value of other loans individually evaluated for credit losses is estimated by discounting expected cash flows using discount rates determined with reference to current market rates at which similar loans would be made.
Accounting Standards Codification 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company. Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments of which it is practicable to estimate that value are described in Note 1.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,295
$
44,295
$
44,295
$
-
$
-
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale
28,712
28,712
-
28,712
-
Held-to-maturity
13,447
11,284
-
11,284
-
Loans receivable, net
164,554
161,412
-
-
161,412
Bank-owned life insurance
14,489
14,489
-
14,489
-
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
185,674
185,087
-
185,087
-
Borrowed funds
9,558
9,069
-
9,069
-
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,011
$
19,011
$
19,011
$
-
$
-
Investment securities:
Available-for-sale
70,540
70,540
-
70,540
-
Held-to-maturity
13,461
11,227
-
11,227
-
Loans receivable, net
142,796
132,742
-
-
132,742
Bank-owned life insurance
14,026
14,026
-
14,026
-
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
165,622
164,710
-
164,710
-
Borrowed funds
19,378
18,807
-
18,807
-
The carrying amounts in the preceding table are included in the statement of financial condition under the applicable captions. It is not practical to estimate the fair value of stock in correspondent banks because the equity securities are not marketable. The carrying amount of investments without readily determinable fair value are reported in the statements of financial condition at historical cost.
NOTE 16. CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Condensed financial statements of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (parent company only) are shown below.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
2,705
$
2,525
Investment in bank subsidiary
74,226
72,903
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value
3,027
8,856
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
$
80,349
$
84,638
LIABILITIES
Other liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
39,561
45,020
Unallocated common stock held by benefit plans
(5,702)
(6,221)
Retained earnings
49,860
52,949
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(3,558)
(7,237)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
80,204
84,559
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
80,349
$
84,638
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST INCOME
Investment securities
$
$
Other earning assets
-
Total interest income
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Loss on sales of investment securities
(331)
(92)
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Professional fees
Data processing and communication
Franchise tax
Other
Total non-interest expense
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
(526)
(229)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(110)
(48)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary
(416)
(181)
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary
(2,673)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(3,089)
$
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)
$
(3,089)
$
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed (earnings) loss of subsidiary
2,673
(707)
Investment securities amortization, net
Loss on sales of investment securities
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(111)
-
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
(23)
Net cash used in operating activities
(92)
(55)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments received on ESOP loan
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and paydowns
Proceeds from sales
5,348
1,896
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
6,029
2,707
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of stock to fund the 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan
-
(415)
Repurchase of common stock
(5,757)
(6,315)
Net cash used in financing activities
(5,757)
(6,730)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(4,078)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
2,525
6,603
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
2,705
$
2,525

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) During the three months ended June 30, 2024, management identified a deficiency in the Company’s system of internal controls which led to the misstatement described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. After implementing a process to resolve the deficiency and assess its cause and resulting impact on our disclosure controls and procedures, Management and the Audit Committee concluded that the deficiency did not represent a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting since the deficiency was isolated to a unique deposit account that required certain controls that were not required for oversight of any other of the Bank’s deposit accounts at June 30, 2024. Therefore, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures in effect as of the date of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2024, other than the identified deficiency, were effective as of that date. The control deficiency was remediated in July 2024.
An evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”)) as of December 31, 2024, was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
(c) Except for the previously identified deficiency that was remediated in July 2024, there have been no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Act) that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
Pursuant to Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K, none of our directors or executive officers adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors, and Executive Officers” and “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2024 (“Proxy Statement”).
Code of Ethics. Catalyst Bancorp has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as well as directors, other officers, and employees of Catalyst Bancorp and the Bank. The Code of Ethics is posted on our website, www.catalystbank.com under the “Investor Relations - Governance” tab. A copy of the Code of Ethics also may be obtained without charge upon request made to Jutta Codori, Catalyst Bancorp, Inc., 235 N. Court Street, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570.
The Company has adopted a Statement of Policy and Procedures Governing Trading in Shares of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (“Insider Trading Policy”) which is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and standards of Nasdaq Capital Market. The Insider Trading Policy governs the purchase, sale and/or other disposition of the Company’s common stock by the Company’s directors, executive officers and all other Company and Bank personnel. The Insider Trading Policy can be found as Exhibit 19 to this Current Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Management Compensation” in the Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2024.
Equity Compensation Plan Information. The following table provides information as of December 31, 2024 with respect to shares of common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans, which consist of the 2022 Stock Option Plan and 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust, both of which were approved by our shareholders.
Plan Category
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
(a)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
(b)
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
370,048
$
13.12
324,724
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
-
-
Total
370,048
$
13.12
324,724

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Executive Compensation - Transactions with Related Persons” and “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors, and Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Audit Fees” in the Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2024.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this report and are incorporated herein by reference from Item 8 hereof:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 00447)
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following exhibits are filed as part of the Form 10-K, and this list includes the Exhibit Index:
No.
Description
Location
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc.
(1)
3.2
Bylaws of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc.
(1)
4.2
Description of Securities
(2)
10.1
Employment Agreement by and among Catalyst Bank and Joseph Zanco*
(3)
10.2
Restricted Executive Benefit Agreement by and between St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank and Joseph Zanco*
(1)
10.3
St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank Supplemental Life Insurance Agreement*
(1)
10.4
Employment Agreement by and among Catalyst Bank and Amanda B. Quebedeaux*
(4)
10.5
Employment Agreement by and among Catalyst Bank and Jacques L. J. Bourque*
(5)
10.6
Employment Agreement by and among Catalyst Bank and Don Ledet*
(6)
10.7
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. 2022 Stock Option Plan*
(7)
10.8
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. 2022 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement*
(8)
19.0
Insider Trading Policy and Procedures
Filed Herewith
23.0
Consent of Castaing, Hussey& Lolan, LLC
Filed Herewith
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
Filed Herewith
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
Filed Herewith
32.0
Section 1350 Certifications
Filed Herewith
97.0
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. Clawback Policy
Filed Herewith
The following financial information from Catalyst Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.
Filed Herewith
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and included in Exhibit 101)
Filed Herewith
*
Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1)
Incorporated herein by reference from the like-numbered exhibit number in Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2021 (File No. 333-254200).
(2)
Incorporated by reference from the like-numbered exhibit in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and filed March 29, 2022 (SEC File No. 001-40893).
(3)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 17, 2023 and filed July 21, 2023 (SEC File No. 001-40893).
(4)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 13, 2023 and filed September 15, 2023 (SEC File No. 001-40893).
(5)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 13, 2023 and filed September 15, 2023 (SEC File No. 001-40893).
(6)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 2, 2024 and filed May 2, 2024 (SEC File No. 001-40893).
(7)
Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held on May 17, 2022 filed with the Commission on April 12, 2022 (File No. 001-40893).
(8)
Incorporated by reference from Appendix B to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held on May 17, 2022 filed with the Commission on April 12, 2022 (File No. 001-40893).