EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1787384
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1787384_10-K_2021_0001558370-21-003498.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. Business
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “target” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
● Statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
● Statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
● Statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
● Estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:
● General economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
● Changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;
● Economic and/or policy changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic;
● Our ability to access cost-effective funding;
● Fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;
● Demand for loans and deposits in our market area;
●Our ability to implement and change our business strategies;
● Competition among depository and other financial institutions;
● Inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, our mortgage banking revenues, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make;
● Adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets;
● Changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements, including as a result of Basel III;
● Changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios;
● Technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;
● The inability of third-party providers to perform as expected;
● Our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment;
● Our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
● Our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames, and any goodwill charges related thereto;
● Changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
● Changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
● Our ability to retain key employees;
● Our compensation expense associated with equity allocated or awarded to our employees; and
● Changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.
Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.
BUSINESS OF FFBW, INC.
FFBW, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation that was incorporated in September 2019 to become the stock holding company for First Federal Bank of Wisconsin in connection with the conversion of the former FFBW, MHC from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company. The Company is the successor to FFBW, Inc. a federal corporation, (“Old FFBW”), the former stock holding company of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and majority-owned subsidiary of the former FFBW, MHC. The conversion was completed effective January 16, 2020. In the conversion, the Company sold 4,268,570 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $41.5 million, and issued 3,436,430 shares of common stock in exchange for the shares of common stock of Old FFBW owned by stockholders of Old FFBW, other than FFBW, MHC, as of the effective date of the conversion. As a result of the conversion, FFBW, MHC and Old FFBW have ceased to exist.
The Company conducts its business principally through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin.
The Company’s executive offices are located at 1360 South Moorland Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 and its telephone number is (262) 542-4448. Our website address is www.firstfederalwisconsin.com. Information on this website is not and should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $339.0 million, total deposits of $226.5 million and total equity of $103.3 million. We recorded net income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company 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 savings and loan holding companies. We currently have no understandings or agreements to acquire other financial institutions, although we may determine to do so in the future. We may also borrow funds including for reinvestment in First Federal Bank of Wisconsin.
We neither own nor lease any property, but pay a fee to First Federal Bank of Wisconsin for the use of its premises, equipment and furniture. At the present time, we employ only persons who are officers of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin who also serve as officers of the Company. We use the support staff of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin from time to time and pay a fee to First Federal Bank of Wisconsin for the time devoted to the Company by employees of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. However, these persons are not separately compensated by the Company. The Company may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent it expands its business in the future.
BUSINESS OF FIRST FEDERAL BANK OF WISCONSIN
General
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as, the “Bank”) is a federally chartered stock savings bank, with its home office in Waukesha, Wisconsin, which is in Waukesha County, located in southeastern Wisconsin approximately 18 miles west of Milwaukee. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin was originally organized in 1922, and has operated continuously in the Milwaukee metropolitan area since that time. In May 2014, we merged with Bay View Federal Savings and Loan Association (“Bay View Federal”), a federal mutual saving association located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately $135 million in assets as of the May 17, 2014 closing date of the merger. In the merger, Bay View Federal’s sole office located in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee became a branch office of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, thereby expanding our presence into Milwaukee County.
From our founding in 1922 until 2006, we operated as a traditional thrift institution, offering primarily residential mortgage loans and savings accounts. Beginning in 2006, we expanded our loan operations and began offering commercial products. Our commercial loan offerings have increased significantly in the last decade, including through our merger in 2014 with Bay View Federal.
In July 2016, we hired our current president and chief executive officer, Edward H. Schaefer, and since this time we have conducted an extensive review of our credit, underwriting, information technology and compliance operations. Under the leadership of Mr. Schaefer, we believe that we have significantly upgraded our loan operations, policies, procedures and controls. Among other areas, we have enhanced our commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending infrastructure. Additionally, consistent with our strategy to grow our commercial loan operations, we have enhanced our suite of deposit products in order to accommodate business customers, and thereby grow our core deposits.
Subject to market conditions, we expect to continue to increase our focus on originating commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans to continue to diversify our overall loan portfolio, increase the overall yield earned on our loans and assist in managing interest rate risk. We also invest in securities, which have historically consisted of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises, municipal securities, corporate debt securities and U.S. government and agency securities. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, health savings accounts and certificate of deposit accounts. Additionally, we have used advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and brokered certificates of deposit to fund our operations.
In October 2017, we consummated our reorganization to a mutual holding company structure whereby First Federal Bank of Wisconsin became a stock bank and the wholly owned subsidiary of FFBW, Inc. Concurrently with this reorganization, FFBW, Inc. sold 44.6% of its stock to the general public, including First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s employee stock ownership plan, and issued 55.0% of its stock to FFBW, MHC, our top tier mutual holding company. Additionally, as part of the reorganization, we established a charitable foundation called FFBW Community Foundation and funded it with $250,000 in cash and 25,000 shares. The purpose of this foundation is to make contributions to support various charitable organizations operating in our community now and in the future.
In January 2020, we consummated the mutual to stock conversion of FFBW, MHC. At the effective time of the second-step conversion, FFBW, MHC and Old FFBW ceased to exist and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin became the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
In December 2020, the Bank completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets and substantially all the liabilities of Mitchell Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The purchase price, paid in cash, was $5.0 million for $61.7 million in assets and $56.7 million in liabilities, including $45.6 million in cash and investments, $14.3 million in loans and $56.6 million in deposits. As a result of the transaction, the Bank recorded a bargain purchase gain of $7,000.
Our website address is www.firstfederalwisconsin.com. The Company makes available, through links on our website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and statements of ownership on Forms 3, 4, 5, and 8. Investors are encouraged to access these reports and other information about our business on our website. The information found on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference to this or any other report the Company files or furnishes to the SEC.
Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak
During the first quarter of 2020, global financial markets experienced significant volatility resulting from the spread of a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted the level of economic activity in our markets. In response to the pandemic, the governments of the State of Wisconsin and of most other states have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego time outside of their homes, and ordering temporary closures of businesses that have been deemed to be non-essential. These measures dramatically increased
unemployment in the United States and have negatively impacted many businesses, and thereby threatened the repayment ability of some of our borrowers.
To address the economic impact in the United States, the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act included a number of provisions that affected us, including accounting relief for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), or loans for which a portion of interest or principal has been forgiven and loans modified at interest rates materially less than current market rates. The CARES Act also established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which allowed us to lend money to small businesses to maintain employee payrolls through the crisis with guarantees from the SBA. Under this program, loan amounts may be forgiven if the borrower maintains employee payrolls and meets certain other requirements.
In addition, the Federal Reserve Board took steps to bolster the economy by, among other things, reducing the federal funds rate and the discount-window borrowing rate to near zero. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect our employees and customers from potential exposure to the virus, all First Federal Bank of Wisconsin lobbies continue to observe best practice protocols to limit exposure and/or spread of the virus.
We have implemented loan modification programs to provide our borrowers relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Based on guidance in the CARES Act, COVID-19 related modifications to loans that were current as of December 31, 2019 are exempt from TDR classification under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Through December 31, 2020, we had 15 COVID-19 related deferrals totaling $14.6 million. As of December 31, 2020, one of those loans remained on a COVID-19 related deferral totaling $4.5 million. The one remaining deferred loan is on principal only payments.
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin participated in the PPP, pursuant to which we have made loans, 100% guaranteed by the SBA, that are forgivable provided the funds are used on qualifying payroll costs, and to a lesser extent, rent, utilities and interest on qualifying mortgage payments. The loans bear a fixed rate of 1.0% and loan payments are deferred for the first 10 months following the covered period, which is eight to 24 weeks following the date the loan is made. We originated 170 “First Draw” loans totaling $14.3 million through December 31, 2020 for which we received $604,000 in origination fees from the SBA. These fees are being amortized over the expected life of the loans, which is two years for loans originated prior to June 5, 2020 and five years for loans originated June 5, 2020 or later. Through December 31, 2020, 39 loans totaling $6.6 million had been forgiven by the SBA.
On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues (“Economic Aid”) Act was signed into law. The Economic Aid Act allocated an additional $284.5 billion in funds for the PPP, expanded the eligible expenditures for which a business could use PPP proceeds, and provided for a simplified forgiveness application for PPP loans of $150,000 or less. The Economic Aid Act also provided the SBA with the authority to guarantee Second Draw PPP loans, under generally the same terms and conditions available under the First Draw program, through March 31, 2021. In order to qualify for a Second Draw PPP loan, an applicant must have experienced a revenue reduction of at least 25% in 2020 relative to 2019. We are participating in this second round of PPP and expect to provide Second Draw PPP loans to our eligible customers.
The health of the banking industry is highly correlated with that of the economy. The temporary and/or partial closures of non-essential businesses in our local and national economies increases the likelihood of recession, which typically results in an increased level of credit losses. Accordingly, our provisions for loan losses have increased and will be closely monitored throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to utilizing quantitative loss factors, we consider qualitative factors, such as changes in underwriting policies, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, and the financial strength of the borrower. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of our loan portfolio in future quarters is unknown, however all of these factors are likely to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the unprecedented uncertainty and rapidly evolving economic effects and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future direct and indirect impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition are highly uncertain. Should current economic conditions persist or continue to deteriorate, we expect that this macroeconomic environment will have a continued adverse effect on our business and results of operations, which could include, but not be limited to: decreased demand for our products and services, protracted periods of lower interest rates, and increased credit losses due to deterioration in the financial condition of our consumer and commercial borrowers,
including declining asset and collateral values, which may continue to increase our provision for credit losses and net charge-offs.
Market Area
We conduct our operations from our three full-service banking offices in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, which is located immediately west of Milwaukee, our office in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee and our newest branch on Historic Mitchell Street on Milwaukee’s south side. We consider our primary lending market area to be southeastern Wisconsin, however, we occasionally make loans secured by properties located outside of our primary lending market, usually to borrowers with whom we have an existing relationship and who have a presence within our primary market.
Waukesha County contains a diverse cross section of employment sectors, with a mix of services, manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade, federal and local government, health care facilities and finance-related employment. Waukesha County had an estimated population of 404,000 as of July 2019. The Bay View and Mitchell Street neighborhoods of Milwaukee are more urban communities located in the southern portion of the city of Milwaukee.
Competition
We face significant competition within our market both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market area has a high concentration of financial institutions, including large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions. Some of our competitors offer products and services that we currently do not offer, such as trust services and private banking. Our competition for loans and deposits comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies and credit unions. We face additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies.
According to S&P Market Intelligence, as of December 31, 2020, our market share was 0.66% of total deposits in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, making us the 23rd largest out of 40 banks with branches in Waukesha County. Our market share was 0.08% of total deposits in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, making us the 28th largest out of 38 banks with branches in Milwaukee County.
Lending Activities
Historically, we focused on originating one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans, one-to-four family investor-owned residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and multifamily loans. In recent years and going-forward, subject to market conditions and our asset-liability analysis, we expect to continue to increase our focus on originating commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans, in an ongoing effort to diversify our overall loan portfolio and increase the overall yield earned on our loans.
Since 2016, we have hired a new president and chief executive officer who has extensive commercial lending experience, as well as a new senior vice president of lending and four new loan officers, including two commercial loan officers. We anticipate hiring additional loan officers, including experienced commercial and industrial lenders, as we grow the Company. Additionally, we continually enhance our underwriting policies and procedures. We believe that these enhanced policies and procedures will further our business strategy of growing our commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loan portfolios while maintaining a strong credit and underwriting culture.
We sell the majority of the fixed-rate conforming and eligible jumbo one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans that we originate, generally on a servicing-released basis, with limited or no recourse, while retaining non-eligible jumbo fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio.
Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, by type of loan at the dates indicated, excluding loans held for sale of $1,708,000, $200,000, $679,000, $109,000 and $592,000 at December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.
At December 31,
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial:
Development
$
14,090
6.5
%
$
18,222
9.5
%
$
7,801
3.9
%
Real estate
87,605
40.2
68,621
35.8
69,425
34.6
Commercial and industrial
20,758
9.5
13,681
7.2
13,142
6.4
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
30,548
14.0
29,380
15.3
41,018
20.4
One-to-four family investor-owned
32,638
15.0
28,077
14.6
32,312
16.1
Multifamily
29,303
13.4
29,531
15.4
34,467
17.2
Consumer
3,016
1.4
4,230
2.2
2,733
1.4
Total loans
217,958
100.0
%
191,742
100.0
%
200,898
100.0
%
Deferred loan costs (fees)
(424)
(187)
(86)
Allowance for loan losses
(2,811)
(2,264)
(2,118)
Total loans, net
$
214,723
$
189,291
$
198,694
At December 31,
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial:
Development
$
1,498
0.9
%
$
2,526
1.5
%
Real estate
53,202
30.7
42,276
25.1
Commercial and industrial
10,135
5.9
7,617
4.6
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
41,446
23.9
48,001
28.5
One-to-four family investor-owned
33,658
19.4
34,633
20.5
Multifamily
31,677
18.3
31,905
18.9
Consumer
1,613
0.9
1,582
0.9
Total loans
173,229
100.0
%
168,540
100.0
%
Deferred loan costs (fees)
(74)
(88)
Allowance for loan losses
(1,800)
(1,478)
Total loans, net
$
171,355
$
166,974
Loan Portfolio Maturities. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2020. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in the year ending December 31, 2021. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment date and do not reflect the impact of prepayments and scheduled principal amortization.
One-to-four
One-to-four
Commercial
family
family
Commercial
Commercial
and
owner-
investor-
development
real estate
industrial
occupied
owned
Multifamily
Consumer
Total
(In thousands)
Due During the Years Ending December 31,
$
$
16,922
$
2,642
$
1,217
$
2,576
$
1,164
$
$
26,167
1,079
7,522
10,097
2,831
3,921
25,756
3,691
19,539
3,037
2,264
5,471
34,190
2024 to 2025
4,095
37,190
4,141
7,413
12,150
5,718
71,281
2026 to 2029
4,262
3,926
1,300
6,000
11,488
1,405
29,222
2030 to 2034
-
1,041
-
3,480
2,140
7,475
2035 and beyond
-
1,465
-
16,738
4,677
-
23,867
Total
$
14,090
$
87,605
$
20,758
$
30,548
$
32,638
$
29,303
$
3,016
$
217,958
The following table sets forth the fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2020 that are contractually due after December 31, 2021.
Due After December 31, 2021
Fixed
Adjustable
Total
(In thousands)
Commercial:
Development
$
12,736
$
$
13,127
Real estate
69,967
70,683
Commercial and industrial
17,945
18,116
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
27,388
1,943
29,331
One-to-four family investor-owned
30,062
-
30,062
Multifamily
26,580
1,559
28,139
Consumer
1,728
2,333
Total
$
185,283
$
6,508
$
191,791
One-to-Four Family Owner-Occupied Residential Real Estate Lending. At December 31, 2020, we had $30.5 million of loans secured by one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate, representing 14.0% of our total loan portfolio. In addition, at December 31, 2020, we had $1.7 million of residential mortgages held for sale. We originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family residential real estate loans. At December 31, 2020, 93.6% of our one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans were fixed-rate loans, and 6.4% of such loans were adjustable-rate loans.
Our fixed-rate one-to-four family residential real estate loans typically have terms of 10 to 30 years and are generally underwritten according to conventional loan underwriting guidelines when the loan balance meets such guidelines, and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as “conforming loans.” We generally originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which as of December 31, 2020 was $510,410 for single-family homes in our market area. We typically sell, servicing-released, our conforming and eligible jumbo fixed-rate one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans. We also originate loans above the lending limit for conforming loans, which are referred to as “jumbo loans” that we retain in our portfolio. Jumbo loans that we originate typically have 15 to 30 year terms and maximum loan-to-value ratios of 80%. At December 31, 2020, we had $2.7 million in jumbo loans, which represented 8.82% of our one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans. Our average loan size for jumbo loans was $674,000 at December 31, 2020. Virtually all of our one-to-four family residential real estate loans are secured by properties located in Waukesha County or Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of our mortgage loans without private mortgage insurance to 80% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is lower. Loans where the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance may be made with loan-to-value ratios up to 95%.
Our adjustable-rate one-to-four family residential real estate loans carry terms to maturity ranging from 15 to 30 years and generally have fixed rates for initial terms of five years, although we also offer terms of three or seven years, and adjust annually thereafter at a margin, which in recent years has been tied to a margin above the 12-month Treasury rate. The maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased is generally 2% per adjustment period, with a lifetime interest rate cap of generally 6% over the initial interest rate of the loan and a rate floor. We typically hold in our loan portfolio our adjustable-rate one-to-four family residential real estate loans.
Although adjustable-rate mortgage loans may reduce to an extent our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically re-price, 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 our maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments. Moreover, the interest rates on most of our adjustable-rate loans do not adjust for up to five years after origination. As a result, the effectiveness of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in compensating for changes in general interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.
We do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on permanent one-to-four family residential real estate loans (where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not have a “subprime lending” program for one-to-four family residential real estate loans (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories).
Generally, residential mortgage loans that we originate include “due-on-sale” clauses, which give us the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. All borrowers are required to obtain title insurance for the benefit of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. We also require homeowner’s insurance and fire and casualty insurance and, where circumstances warrant, flood insurance on properties securing real estate loans.
One-to-Four Family Investor-Owned Residential Real Estate Lending. At December 31, 2020, we had $32.6 million of loans secured by one-to-four family investor-owned residential real estate, representing 15.0% of our total loan portfolio. One-to-four family investor-owned residential real estate loans are underwritten pursuant to our commercial lending underwriting criteria. Generally, we require personal guarantees from the borrowers on these properties, and we will not make loans in excess of 80% loan to value on non-owner-occupied properties.
We believe that there is a greater credit risk inherent in investor-owned residential properties than in owner-occupied one-to-four family residential real estate loans since, similar to commercial real estate and multifamily loans, the repayment of these loans may depend, in part, on the successful management of the property and/or the borrower’s ability to lease the units of the property. In addition, the physical condition of investor-owned properties is often below that of owner-occupied properties due to lax property maintenance standards, which has a negative impact on the value of the collateral properties.
Multifamily Residential Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2020, multifamily residential real estate loans were $29.3 million, or 13.4%, of our total loan portfolio. Our multifamily residential real estate loans are generally secured by properties consisting of five or more rental units in our market area. In addition to originating these loans, we also purchase and participate in multifamily residential real estate loans from other financial institutions. Such loans are independently underwritten according to our policies and require satisfactory documentation review by our legal counsel before we will purchase or participate in such loans. We believe our enhanced credit underwriting and loan administration policies and procedures should address these risks.
We originate a variety of adjustable-rate multifamily residential real estate loans with terms and amortization periods generally up to 20 years, which may include balloon loans. Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate multifamily residential real estate loans generally are indexed to the prime rate plus a margin. We generally include pre-payment penalties on multi-family residential real estate loans we originate.
In underwriting multifamily residential real estate loans, we consider a number of factors, which include the projected net cash flow to the loan’s debt service requirement (generally requiring a minimum of 115%), the age and condition of the collateral, the financial resources and income level of the borrower and the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar properties. Multifamily residential real estate loans are generally originated in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value or the purchase price of the property securing the loan, whichever is lower. When circumstances warrant, guarantees are obtained from multifamily residential real estate customers. In addition, the borrower’s and guarantor’s financial information on such loans is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates.
If we foreclose on a multifamily residential real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be a lengthy process with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies, deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial real estate loans can be unpredictable and substantial.
At December 31, 2020, our largest multifamily residential real estate loan had an outstanding balance of $4.1 million and was secured by an apartment complex. At December 31, 2020, this loan was performing in accordance with its repayment terms.
Commercial Real Estate Lending. Consistent with our strategy to diversify our loan portfolio and increase our yield, we are focused on increasing our origination of commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2020, we had $87.6 million in commercial real estate loans, representing 40.2% of our total loan portfolio. Our commercial real estate loans are generally secured by office and industrial buildings, warehouses, small retail facilities and restaurants and other special purpose commercial properties, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin.
Our commercial real estate loans generally have initial terms of 5 years and amortization terms of 5 to 20 years, with a balloon payment at the end of the initial term, and may be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans. Our adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans are generally tied to a margin above the prime rate. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our commercial real estate loans is generally 80% of the lower of cost or appraised value of the property securing the loan.
At December 31, 2020, the average loan size of our outstanding commercial real estate loans was $683,000, and the largest of such loans was a $6.5 million loan secured by a memory care facility. This loan was performing in accordance with its repayment terms at December 31, 2020.
We consider a number of factors in originating commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including project-level and global cash flows, credit history, and management expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property and the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service). We generally require a debt service ratio of at least 1.15x. All commercial real estate loans of $250,000 or more are appraised by outside independent appraisers.
Personal guarantees are generally obtained from the principals of commercial real estate loans. We require property and casualty insurance and flood insurance if the property is determined to be in a flood zone area.
Commercial real estate loans entail greater credit risks compared to one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans because they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the property, as repayment of the loan generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the property to cover operating expenses and debt service. Changes in economic conditions that are not in the control of the borrower or lender could affect the value of the collateral for the loan or the future cash flow of the property. Additionally, any decline in real estate values may be more pronounced for commercial real estate than residential properties.
Commercial and Industrial Lending. At December 31, 2020, we had $20.8 million of commercial and industrial loans, representing 9.5% of our total loan portfolio. We originate commercial and industrial loans and lines of credit secured by non-real estate business assets. These loans are generally originated to small businesses in our primary market area. Our commercial and industrial loans are generally used by the borrowers for working capital purposes or for acquiring equipment, inventory or furniture, and are primarily secured by business assets other than real estate, such as business equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. Our commercial and industrial loans are generally term loans with terms of three to seven years and lines of credit with terms of one to two years, with a target loan size of $500,000 to $5.0 million. Our commercial and industrial lines of credit are generally priced on an adjustable-rate basis tied to the prime rate. Term loans are generally priced at a spread over the comparable term Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago rate. We generally obtain personal guarantees with commercial and industrial loans.
At December 31, 2020, the average loan size of our outstanding commercial and industrial loans was $88,000 and our largest outstanding commercial and industrial loan balance was a $1.9 million loan to a leasing company. This loan was performing in accordance with its repayment terms at December 31, 2020.
We typically originate commercial and industrial loans on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business, the experience and stability of the borrower’s management team, earnings projections and their underlying assumptions, and the value and marketability of any collateral securing the loan. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and the general economic environment in our market area. Therefore, commercial and industrial loans that we originate have greater credit risk than one-to-four family residential real estate loans. In addition, commercial and industrial loans often result in larger outstanding balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, and also generally require substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.
As commercial and industrial loans typically help to drive deposit growth, we are increasing our focus on growing this segment of the loan portfolio. This will also improve diversification and increase loan portfolio yield.
Commercial Development Loans. At December 31, 2020, we had $14.1 million, or 6.5% of our total loan portfolio, in commercial development loans. Our commercial development loans may be made for the construction and development of both one-to-four family residential real estate and commercial real estate projects. Our commercial development loans generally have initial terms of up to 12 months, during which the borrower pays interest only. Upon completion of construction, these loans convert to permanent loans. Our commercial development loans are generally underwritten pursuant to the same guidelines used for originating permanent commercial real estate loans, and have rates and terms comparable to commercial real estate loans that we originate. The maximum loan-to-value of our commercial construction loans is 65% of the lesser of the appraised value of the completed property or the contract price for the land plus the value of the improvements. Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require detailed cost estimates to complete the project and an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser. Each property is inspected before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan. Loan proceeds are disbursed after inspection based on the percentage of completion method. All borrowers are required to obtain title insurance, property and casualty insurance, and, if the property is determined to be located in a flood zone area, flood insurance. At December 31, 2020, the unadvanced portion of total commercial development loans totaled $11.2 million. At December 31, 2020, our largest commercial development loan had a balance of $3.2 million and was secured by a retail development project and was performing in accordance with its repayment terms.
Commercial development financing generally involves greater credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a commercial development loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions. If the estimate of construction cost is inaccurate, we may be required to advance additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the estimated value of the completed project is inaccurate, the borrower may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment of the construction loan upon the sale of the property. Commercial development loans also expose us to the risk that improvements will not be completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs. In addition, the ultimate sale or rental of the property may not occur as anticipated.
Consumer Lending. To a much lesser extent, we offer a variety of consumer loans to individuals who reside or work in our market area, including home equity lines of credit, new and used automobile loans, boat loans, recreational vehicle loans and loans secured by certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2020, our consumer loan portfolio totaled $3.0 million, or 1.4% of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2020, we had $21,000 in unsecured consumer loans.
Consumer loans generally have shorter terms to maturity, which reduces our exposure to changes in interest rates. In addition, management believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to our existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities.
Originations, Sales and Purchases of Loans
Most of our loan originations are generated by our loan personnel operating at our banking office locations. While we originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, our ability to generate each type of loan depends upon relative borrower demand and the pricing levels as set in the local marketplace by competing banks, thrifts, credit unions, and mortgage banking companies. Our volume of real estate loan originations is influenced significantly by market interest rates, and, accordingly, the volume of our real estate loan originations can vary from period to period.
We consider our balance sheet as well as market conditions on an ongoing basis in making decisions as to whether to hold loans we originate for investment or to sell such loans to investors, choosing the strategy that is most advantageous to us from a profitability and risk management standpoint. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we sold $22.2 million and $19.1 million of one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans. Subject to market and economic conditions, we intend to continue this sales activity in future periods to generate gain on sale income.
From time to time, we may purchase loan participations secured by properties within and outside of our primary lending market area in which we are not the lead lender. In these circumstances, we follow our customary loan underwriting and approval policies. At December 31, 2020, we had fifteen loans with an aggregate balance of $22.4 million in which we were not the lead lender, all of which were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms. We also have participated out portions of loans that exceeded our loans-to-one borrower legal lending limit and for risk diversification. At December 31, 2020, we had participated out portions of two loans with an aggregate amount of $4.5 million.
The following table sets forth our loan origination, purchase, sale and principal repayment activity during the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Total loans, including loans held for sale, at beginning of period
$
191,942
$
201,577
$
173,338
$
169,132
$
174,396
Loans originated:
Commercial development
3,313
7,987
4,332
2,480
1,873
Commercial real estate
17,604
12,172
12,635
23,892
9,011
Commercial and industrial
10,375
5,899
6,434
3,904
2,637
Residential one-to-four family owner-occupied
18,579
24,819
30,461
30,742
33,688
Residential one-to-four family investor-owned
3,287
3,580
4,795
5,783
Multifamily
5,732
4,230
10,455
8,415
5,380
Consumer
Total loans originated
56,477
58,850
68,678
74,596
58,448
Loans purchased:
Commercial development
2,216
-
4,000
-
Commercial real estate
13,649
-
5,327
1,975
Commercial and industrial
3,065
-
-
-
Residential one-to-four family owner-occupied
3,144
-
-
-
-
Residential one-to-four family investor-owned
2,227
-
-
-
-
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
4,000
Consumer
-
-
-
-
Total loans purchased
22,575
2,822
5,327
4,418
5,975
Loans sold:
Commercial real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Residential one-to-four family owner-occupied
(22,263)
(19,092)
(13,003)
(14,440)
(20,175)
Total loans sold
(22,263)
(19,092)
(13,003)
(14,440)
(20,175)
Other:
Principal repayments
(29,065)
(52,215)
(32,763)
(60,368)
(49,512)
Net loan activity
27,724
(9,635)
27,669
4,689
(5,220)
Total loans, including loans held for sale, at end of period
$
219,666
$
191,942
$
201,577
$
173,338
$
169,132
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority
Pursuant to federal law, the aggregate amount of loans that First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is secured by “readily marketable collateral” or 30% for certain residential development loans). At December 31, 2020, based on the 15% limitation, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $11.4 million. On the same date, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin had no borrowers with outstanding balances in excess of this amount. At December 31, 2020, our largest loan relationship with one borrower was for $7.2 million, which was secured by commercial real estate, and the underlying loans were performing in accordance with their repayment terms on that date.
Our lending is subject to written underwriting standards and origination procedures. Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed applications submitted by the prospective borrower, credit histories that we obtain, and property valuations (consistent with our appraisal policy) prepared by outside independent licensed appraisers approved by our board of directors. The loan applications are designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the requested loan, and the more significant items on the application are verified through use of credit reports, bank statements and tax returns.
All loan approval amounts are based on the aggregate loans, including total balances of outstanding loans and the proposed loan to the individual borrower and any related entity. Our president and chief executive officer has individual authorization to approve loans up to $2.0 million. Our senior vice president of commercial lending has individual authorization to approve loans up to $1.0 million. Our Officers Loan Committee, which consists of our president and chief executive officer, senior vice president of commercial lending, and all loan officers, can approve loans up to $3.0 million in the aggregate. Our Board Credit Committee, which consists of our president and chief executive officer and three outside directors can approve loans up to $5.0 million. Loans in excess of $5.0 million require the approval of our full board of directors.
Generally, we require title insurance or abstracts on our mortgage loans as well as fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan or the value of improvements on the property, depending on the type of loan.
Delinquencies and Non-Performing Assets
Delinquency Procedures. When a loan payment becomes 15 days past due, we contact the customer by mailing a late notice, and loan officers may contact their customers. If a loan payment becomes 30 days past due, we mail an additional late notice and a loan-specific letter written by a collection representative, and we also place telephone calls to the borrower. These loan collection efforts continue until a loan becomes 90 days past due, at which point we would refer the loan for foreclosure proceedings unless management determines that it is in the best interest of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin to work further with the borrower to arrange a workout plan. The foreclosure process would begin when a loan becomes 120 days delinquent. From time to time we may accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure.
Loans Past Due and Nonperforming Assets. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis. Management determines that a loan is impaired or nonperforming when it is probable at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original terms due to a deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the measurement of the loan in the allowance for loan losses is based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable and, therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis. All loans that become 90 days or more delinquent are placed on non-accrual status unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received on a cash basis or cost recovery method.
When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure, the real estate is classified as foreclosed assets. Foreclosed assets are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Soon after acquisition, we order a new appraisal to determine the current market value of the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan satisfied over the market value of the property is charged against the allowance for loan losses, or, if the existing allowance is inadequate, charged to expense, in either case during the applicable period of such determination. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.
Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type, by number and by amount of type at the dates indicated.
Loans Delinquent For
30-89 Days
90 Days and Over
Total
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2020
Commercial:
Development
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Residential real estate and consumer:
-
One-to-four family owner-occupied
-
-
One-to-four family investor-owned
-
-
-
-
-
-
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
$
1,470
At December 31, 2019
Commercial:
Development
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
-
-
-
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
-
-
One-to-four family investor-owned
-
-
-
-
-
-
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
-
$
-
$
$
At December 31, 2018
Commercial:
Development
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
-
-
One-to-four family investor-owned
-
-
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
-
$
-
$
Loans Delinquent For
30-89 Days
90 Days and Over
Total
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 2017
Commercial:
Development
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
One-to-four family investor-owned
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Total
$
$
$
1,149
At December 31, 2016
Commercial:
Development
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
1,743
2,150
One-to-four family investor-owned
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
Total
$
1,969
$
$
2,943
Nonperforming Loans. We generally cease accruing interest on our loans when contractual payments of principal or interest have become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed. Interest received on nonaccrual loans generally is applied against principal or interest and is recognized on a cash basis. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Nonperforming loans were $1.0 million, or 0.48% of total loans, at December 31, 2020 compared to $1.1 million, or 0.56% of total loans, at December 31, 2019 and $720,000, or 0.36% of total loans, at December 31, 2018.
Troubled Debt Restructurings. Loans are accounted for as troubled debt restructurings when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that lead to a restructuring of the loan, and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions include a modification of terms, such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or loan balance, a reduction of accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or some combination thereof to facilitate payment. Troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired loans. There were no additional funds committed to impaired loans as of December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Loans on non-accrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as non-accrual troubled debt restructurings. At December 31, 2020, we had $990,000 in non-accrual troubled debt restructurings. Our policy provides that troubled debt restructured loans are returned to accrual status after a period of satisfactory and reasonable future payment performance under the terms of the restructuring. Satisfactory payment performance is generally no less than six consecutive months of timely payments. At December 31, 2020, we had $425,000 in accruing troubled debt restructurings.
Nonperforming Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
At December 31,
(In thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
Commercial:
Development
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
1,698
One-to-four family investor-owned
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
Total non-performing loans
1,045
1,070
1,243
2,899
Foreclosed assets
Other non-performing assets
-
-
-
-
-
Total non-performing assets
$
1,170
$
1,154
$
$
1,862
$
3,566
Troubled debt restructurings:
Commercial:
Development
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
2,104
One-to-four family investor-owned
2,454
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
Total
$
1,414
$
1,839
$
1,201
$
1,630
$
5,167
Ratios:
Total non-performing loans to total loans
0.48
%
0.56
%
0.36
%
0.72
%
1.72
%
Total non-performing loans to total assets
0.31
%
0.37
%
0.27
%
0.48
%
1.20
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
0.35
%
0.39
%
0.30
%
0.73
%
1.48
%
For the year ended December 31, 2020, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms was $50,000. Interest income recognized on such loans for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $0.
Foreclosed Assets. Foreclosed assets consist of property acquired through formal foreclosure, in-substance foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, and are recorded at the lower of recorded investment or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Write-downs from recorded investment to fair value, which are required at the time of foreclosure, are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After transfer, adjustments to the carrying value of the properties that result from subsequent declines in value are charged to operations in the period in which the declines occur. During the year ended December 31, 2020, one loan totaling $347,000 secured by one-to-four family owner-occupied residential property was transferred into foreclosed assets. We had $125,000 and $84,000 of foreclosed assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Other Loans of Concern. There were no other loans at December 31, 2020 that are not already disclosed where there is information about possible credit problems of borrowers that caused management to have serious doubts about
the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans in the future.
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the OCC to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” 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 designated as “special mention” by our management.
When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable accrued losses in the loan portfolio. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to cover probable accrued losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.
In accordance with our loan policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. Loans are listed on the “watch list” initially because of emerging financial weaknesses even though the loan is currently performing as agreed, or if the loan possesses weaknesses although currently performing. If a loan deteriorates in asset quality, the classification is changed to “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” depending on the circumstances and the evaluation. Generally, loans 90 days or more past due are placed on nonaccrual status and classified “substandard.” Management reviews the status of each impaired loan on our watch list on a quarterly basis.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and economic conditions. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Because of uncertainties associated with regional economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the related allowance may change materially in the near-term. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense and reduced by full and partial charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in the allowance relating to impaired loans are charged or credited to the provision for loan losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on various factors, including, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses.
As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will periodically review our allowance for loan losses, and as a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our allowance for loan losses. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process for establishing the allowance for loan losses as the process is our responsibility and any increase or decrease in the allowance is the responsibility of management.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
2,264
$
2,118
$
1,800
$
1,478
$
1,551
Charge-offs:
Commercial:
Development
-
-
-
-
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial and industrial
-
-
-
-
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
-
-
One-to-four family investor-owned
-
-
Multifamily
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
Total charge-offs
-
Recoveries:
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
-
One-to-four family investor-owned
-
-
-
Total recoveries
-
Net charge-offs
(27)
Provision for loan losses
Balance at end of year
$
2,811
$
2,264
$
2,118
$
1,800
$
1,478
Ratios:
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
(0.01)
%
0.03
%
0.10
%
0.06
%
0.53
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at end of year
269.00
%
211.59
%
294.17
%
144.81
%
50.98
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end of year
1.29
%
1.18
%
1.05
%
1.04
%
0.88
%
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the total loan balances by category, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories. At the dates indicated, we had no unallocated allowance for loan losses.
At December 31,
Percent
Percent
of Loans
of Loans
Percent of
in
Percent of
in
Allowance
Category
Allowance
Category
to
to
to
to
Total
Total
Total
Total
Amount
Allowance
Loans
Amount
Allowance
Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial:
Development
$
6.4
%
6.5
%
$
9.6
%
9.5
%
Real estate
29.6
40.2
31.4
35.8
Commercial and industrial
29.2
9.5
14.2
7.2
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
12.3
14.0
13.6
15.3
One-to-four family investor-owned
12.5
15.0
18.4
14.6
Multifamily
9.7
13.4
12.4
15.4
Consumer
0.2
1.4
0.4
2.2
Total allowance for loan losses
$
2,811
100.0
%
100.0
%
$
2,264
100.0
%
100.0
%
At December 31,
Percent
Percent
Percent
of Loans
of Loans
of Loans
Percent of
in
Percent of
in
Percent of
in
Allowance
Category
Allowance
Category
Allowance
Category
to
to
to
to
to
to
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Amount
Allowance
Loans
Amount
Allowance
Loans
Amount
Allowance
Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial:
Development
$
4.3
%
3.9
%
$
1.0
%
0.9
%
$
1.6
%
1.5
%
Real estate
32.9
34.6
29.8
30.7
18.1
25.1
Commercial and industrial
7.1
6.4
5.8
5.9
3.9
4.6
Residential real estate and consumer:
One-to-four family owner-occupied
20.5
20.4
23.3
23.9
26.2
28.5
One-to-four family investor-owned
19.2
16.1
22.9
19.4
33.8
20.5
Multifamily
15.8
17.2
17.0
18.3
13.2
18.9
Consumer
0.2
1.4
0.2
0.9
3.2
0.9
Total allowance for loan losses
$
2,118
100.0
%
100.0
%
$
1,800
100.0
%
100.0
%
$
1,478
100.0
%
100.0
%
At December 31, 2020, our allowance for loan losses represented 1.29% of total loans and 269.0% of non-performing loans, and at December 31, 2019, our allowance for loan losses represented 1.18% of total loans and 211.59% of non-performing loans. There were no charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2020 and $55,000 in net loan charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing allowance for loan losses may not be adequate and management may determine that increases in the allowance are necessary if the quality of any portion of our loan portfolio deteriorates as a result. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Investment Activities
General. The goals of our investment policy are to provide and maintain liquidity to meet deposit withdrawal and loan funding needs, to help mitigate interest rate and market risk, to diversify our assets, and to generate a reasonable rate of return on funds within the context of our interest rate and credit risk objectives. Our board of directors is responsible for adopting our investment policy. The investment policy is reviewed annually by the board of directors. Authority to make investments under the approved investment policy guidelines is delegated to our president and chief executive officer and our chief financial officer. All investment transactions are reviewed at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of directors. Since 2014, we have classified all of our investment securities as available-for-sale.
We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises and municipal governments, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions, investment grade corporate bonds and investment grade marketable equity securities. We also are required to maintain an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago stock. While we have the authority under applicable law to invest in derivative securities, we had no investments in derivative securities at December 31, 2020.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our investment securities portfolio (excluding Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and Bankers’ Bank common stock) at the dates indicated. At the dates indicated, all of our investment securities were held as available-for-sale.
At December 31,
Amortized
Fair
Amortized
Fair
Amortized
Fair
Cost
Value
Cost
Value
Cost
Value
(In thousands)
U.S. government and agency securities
$
$
$
$
$
1,299
$
1,307
State and political subdivision securities
15,012
15,605
8,590
8,605
8,381
8,295
Mortgage-backed securities
36,347
37,680
35,095
35,482
29,164
28,536
Certificates of deposits
7,880
7,937
1,000
1,017
1,500
1,446
Corporate debt securities
2,179
2,267
2,080
2,117
4,220
4,167
Total securities available for sale
$
62,135
$
64,243
$
47,709
$
48,179
$
44,564
$
43,751
Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2020 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All of our investment securities at this date were held as available-for-sale.
More than One Year
More than Five Years
One Year or Less
through Five Years
through Ten Years
More than Ten Years
Total Securities
Weighted
Weighted
Weighted
Weighted
Weighted
Amortized
Average
Amortized
Average
Amortized
Average
Amortized
Average
Amortized
Fair
Average
Cost
Yield
Cost
Yield
Cost
Yield
Cost
Yield
Cost
Value
Yield
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. government and agency securities
$
2.7
%
$
3.42
%
$
-
-
%
$
-
-
%
$
$
3.39
%
State and political subdivision securities
1.61
1,758
2.79
5,787
2.70
7,296
2.51
15,012
15,605
2.50
Mortgage-backed securities
1,816
1.75
25,823
1.84
6,726
2.46
1,982
2.75
36,347
37,680
2.06
Certificates of deposits
7,380
1.79
2.35
2.75
-
-
7,880
7,937
1.79
Corporate debt securities
-
-
1,025
2.75
1,154
5.13
-
-
2,179
2,267
3.64
Total securities available for sale
$
9,467
4.12
%
$
29,473
2.82
%
$
13,917
2.70
%
$
9,278
2.68
%
$
62,135
$
64,243
2.74
%
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations. At December 31, 2020, we had U.S. government and agency securities totaling $754,000, which constituted 1.2% of our securities portfolio. While these securities generally provide lower yields than other investments in our securities investment portfolio, we maintain these investments, to the extent we deem appropriate, for liquidity purposes, as collateral for borrowings and for prepayment protection.
Corporate Debt Securities. At December 31, 2020, we had corporate debt securities totaling $2.3 million, which constituted 3.5% of our securities portfolio. All of our corporate debt securities are investment grade. These securities generally provide slightly higher yields than U.S. government and agency securities and mortgage-backed securities.
State and Political Subdivision (“Municipal”) Securities. At December 31, 2020, we had municipal securities totaling $15.6 million, which constituted 24.3% of our securities portfolio. Our current municipal securities have a weighted average maturity of 11.0 years. These securities often provide slightly higher after-tax yields than U.S. government and agency securities and mortgage-backed securities, but are not as liquid as other investments, so we typically maintain investments in municipal securities, to the extent appropriate, for generating returns in our investment portfolio.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. At December 31, 2020, we had mortgage-backed securities totaling $37.7 million, which constituted 58.7% of our securities portfolio, including $12.6 million of agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). Of the $37.7 million of mortgage-backed securities, $8.5 million were commercial and $29.2 million were residential mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities are securities issued in the secondary market that are collateralized by pools of mortgages. Certain types of mortgage-backed securities are commonly referred to as “pass-through” certificates because the principal and interest of the underlying loans is “passed through” to investors, net of certain costs, including servicing and guarantee fees. Residential mortgage-backed securities typically are collateralized by pools of one-to-four family or multi-family mortgages, although we invest primarily in mortgage-backed securities backed by one-to-four family mortgages. Commercial mortgage-backed securities typically are collateralized by pools of commercial mortgage loans. The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. The interest rate of the security is lower than the interest rates of the underlying loans to allow for payment of servicing and guaranty fees. All of our mortgage-backed securities are either backed by Ginnie Mae, a U.S. government agency, the Small Business Administration or government-sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises are more liquid than individual mortgage loans because there is an active trading market for such securities. In addition, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities may be used to collateralize our borrowings. Investments in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that actual payments will be greater or less than the prepayment rate estimated at the time of purchase, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities. Current prepayment speeds determine whether prepayment estimates require modification that could cause amortization or accretion adjustments.
Other Equity Securities. We held common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago in connection with our borrowing activities totaling $850,700 at December 31, 2020. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago common stock is carried at cost. We may be required to purchase additional Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago stock if we increase borrowings in the future. In addition, we held Bankers’ Bank stock totaling $427,500 at December 31, 2020.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance. We invest in bank-owned life insurance to provide us with a funding source for certain of our benefit plan obligations. Bank-owned life insurance also generally provides us noninterest income that is non-taxable. At December 31, 2020, our balance in bank-owned life insurance totaled $7.3 million and was issued by two insurance companies, both of which were rated AA+ by Standard & Poors.
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also use borrowings, primarily Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago advances, to supplement cash flow needs, lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive funds from scheduled loan payments, loan and mortgage-backed securities prepayments, maturities and calls of available-for-sale securities, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.
Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from residents within our primary market area. We offer a selection of deposit accounts, including noninterest-bearing checking accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts, statement savings, health savings and certificates of deposit. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We may, from time to time, utilize brokered certificates of deposit and online sources as alternative funding. At December 31, 2020, our core deposits, which are deposits other than certificates of deposit, were $176.0 million, representing 77.7% of total deposits. As part of our business strategy, we intend to continue our effort to increase our core deposits through our commercial product offerings.
Interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts that we offer allows us to be competitive in generating deposits and to respond with flexibility to changes in our customers’ demands. Our ability to gather deposits is impacted by the competitive market in which we operate, which includes numerous financial institutions of varying sizes offering a wide range of products. We believe that deposits are a stable source of funds, but our ability to attract and maintain deposits at favorable rates will be affected by market conditions, including competition and prevailing interest rates.
The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, for the periods indicated.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Average
Weighted
Average
Weighted
Average
Weighted
Balance
Percent
Average Rate
Balance
Percent
Average Rate
Balance
Percent
Average Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Deposit type:
Noninterest- bearing checking
$
51,802
22.87
%
-
%
$
21,737
11.96
%
-
%
$
19,631
10.92
%
-
%
Interest-bearing checking
10,899
4.81
0.40
5,903
3.25
0.49
5,225
2.91
0.46
Money market
70,455
31.11
0.68
46,700
25.69
1.37
51,855
28.83
0.84
Statement savings
31,977
14.12
0.12
14,347
7.89
0.12
15,394
8.56
0.19
Health savings
10,854
4.79
0.20
11,014
6.06
0.31
11,462
6.37
0.26
Certificates of deposit
50,511
22.30
1.77
82,073
45.15
2.10
76,277
42.41
1.52
Total deposits
$
226,498
100.00
%
0.65
%
$
181,774
100.00
%
1.35
%
$
179,844
100.00
%
0.93
%
As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of our outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $250,000 was approximately $9.5 million. Included in this total is $2.6 million of wholesale certificates of deposit. The following table sets forth the maturity of those certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2020.
At
December 31,
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
10,820
Over three months through six months
8,659
Over six months through one year
18,414
Over one year to three years
11,122
Over three years
1,496
Total
$
50,511
Borrowed Funds. We may obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago upon the security of our capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and certain of our mortgage loans. Such advances may be made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. To the extent such borrowings have different terms to repricing than our deposits, they can change our interest rate risk profile. At December 31, 2020, we had $7.5 million in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. At December 31, 2020, our available and unused portion of this borrowing agreement based on the amount of FHLB stock owned was $13.9 million.
Additionally, at December 31, 2020 we had a $7 million federal funds rate line of credit with the Bankers’ Bank of Wisconsin, of which $0 was drawn at December 31, 2020. We also has the authority to borrow through the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window.
The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our borrowings at and for the periods shown:
At or For the Years Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of period
$
7,500
$
11,500
$
17,750
Average balance during period
$
13,841
$
15,992
$
22,552
Maximum outstanding at any month end
$
22,500
$
19,350
$
39,900
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
0.90
%
2.10
%
2.10
%
Average interest rate during period
1.33
%
2.14
%
1.92
%
Expense and Tax Allocation
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin has entered into an agreement with FFBW, Inc. to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided. In addition, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and FFBW, Inc. have entered into an agreement to establish a method for allocating and for reimbursing the payment of their consolidated tax liability.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2020, we had 43 full-time equivalent employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management believes that we have a good working relationship with our employees.
TAXATION
FFBW, Inc. and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin are subject to federal and state income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal and state taxation is intended only to summarize material income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to FFBW, Inc. and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin.
Our federal and state tax returns have not been audited for the past six years.
Federal Taxation
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal income tax returns. FFBW, Inc. and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Small Business Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for income taxes on bad debt reserves by savings institutions. For taxable years beginning after 1995, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin has been subject to the same bad debt reserve rules as commercial banks. It currently utilizes the specific charge-off method under Section 582(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”).
Corporate Dividends. FFBW, Inc. may generally exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from First Federal Bank of Wisconsin as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.
State Taxation
FFBW, Inc. is subject to the Wisconsin corporate franchise (income) tax. Wisconsin imposes a corporate franchise tax of 7.9% on the combined taxable incomes of the members of FFBW, Inc.’s consolidated income tax group, which will include First Federal Bank of Wisconsin.
REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
General
As a federal savings association, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is subject to examination, supervision and regulation, primarily by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and, secondarily, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as deposits insurer. The federal system of regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which First Federal Bank of Wisconsin may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund.
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is also regulated to a lesser extent by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the “Federal Reserve Board,” which governs the reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. In addition, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, which is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a
lesser extent, state law, including in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s loan documents.
As a savings and loan holding company, FFBW, Inc. is subject to examination and supervision by, and be required to file certain reports with, the Federal Reserve Board. FFBW, Inc. is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
Set forth below are certain material regulatory requirements that are applicable to First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and FFBW, Inc. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and FFBW, Inc. Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by Congress or the applicable regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse impact on FFBW, Inc., First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and their operations.
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, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized, for the first time, the payment of interest on commercial checking accounts. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin may also establish, subject to specified investment limits, service corporation subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage.
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require federally insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets leverage ratio. These capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative 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 and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, an institution’s 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 risk deemed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one-to-four family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.
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. The capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.
Legislation enacted in May 2018 requires the federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, to establish a “community back leverage ratio” of between 8% to 10% of average total consolidated assets for qualifying institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. Institutions with capital meeting the specified requirements and electing to follow the alternative framework are deemed to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including the risk based requirements. The federal regulators issued a final rule that set the optional “community bank leverage ratio” at 9%. A qualifying institution may opt in and out of the community bank leverage ratio framework on its quarterly call report. An institution that temporarily ceases to meet any qualifying criteria is provided with a two quarter grace period to regain compliance. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria within the grace period or maintain a leverage ratio of 8% or greater requires the institution to comply with the generally applicable regulatory capital requirements.
The CARES Act lowered the community bank leverage ratio to 8%, with federal regulation making the reduced ratio effective April 23, 2020. Another regulation was issued to transition back to the 9% community bank leverage ratio by increasing the ratio to 8.5% for calendar year 2021and to 9% thereafter.
At December 31, 2020, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements including the applicable capital conservation buffer.
Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal 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 lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if secured by “readily marketable collateral,” which generally includes certain financial instruments (but not real estate). As of December 31, 2020, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.
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. 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.
Prompt Corrective Action. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action statute, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions under its jurisdiction, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s level of capital. An institution that 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 common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5% or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% is considered to be “undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has total risk-based capital of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3.0% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2.0% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.”
Generally, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a federal savings association that becomes “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within 45 days of the date that a federal savings association is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company of a federal savings association that is required
to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee performance under the plan in an amount of up to the lesser of 5.0% of the savings association’s assets at the time it was deemed to be undercapitalized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the amount necessary to restore the savings association to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency notifies the savings association that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. Institutions that are undercapitalized become subject to certain mandatory measures such as restrictions on capital distributions and asset growth. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized federal savings associations, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
At December 31, 2020, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized,” which means that its total risk-based capital ratio exceeded 10.0%, its Tier 1 risk-based ratio exceeded 8.0%, its common equity Tier 1 ratio exceeded 6.5% and its leverage ratio exceeded 5.0%.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings association, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin must satisfy the qualified thrift lender, or “QTL,” test. Under the QTL test, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin must maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities) in at least nine months of every 12-month period. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings association, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings association’s business.
Alternatively, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin may satisfy the QTL test by qualifying as a “domestic building and loan association” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
A savings association that fails the QTL test must operate under specified restrictions set forth in the Home Owners’ Loan Act. The Dodd-Frank Act made noncompliance with the QTL test subject to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. At December 31, 2020, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin satisfied the QTL test.
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 Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 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.
Even if an application is not otherwise required, every savings association that is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, such as First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, must file a notice with the Federal Reserve Board at least 30 days before the board of directors declares a dividend.
An application or notice 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 provides that an insured depository institution shall not make any capital distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All federal savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities,
including low- and moderate-income borrowers. In connection with its examination of a federal savings association, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 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 on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
In June 2020, the OCC issued a final rule clarifying and expanding the activities that qualify for Community Reinvestment Act credit and, according to the agency, seeking to create a more consistent and objective method for evaluating Community Reinvestment Act performance. The final rule was effective October 1, 2020, but compliance with certain of the revised requirements is not mandatory until January 1, 2024 for institutions for First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s asset size.
The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.
Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings association’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 First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. FFBW, Inc. is an affiliate of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin because of its control of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. In general, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative limits and collateral requirements. In addition, federal regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. 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.
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders, 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 Federal Reserve Board. 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 First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s capital.
In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s board of directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved.
Enforcement. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings associations and has authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including directors, officers, stockholders, 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 Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1.0 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or recommend to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that enforcement action be taken with
respect to a particular savings association. If such action is not taken, the FDIC has authority to take the action under specified circumstances.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions such as First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. Deposit accounts in First Federal Bank of Wisconsin are insured by the FDIC generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts.
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 in 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. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin 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 currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank. As of December 31, 2020, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin was in compliance with this requirement.
Final Federal Regulation. Effective July 1, 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a final rule implementing a section of the Economic Growth, Relief and Consumer Protection Act that permits an eligible federal savings association with total consolidated assets of $20 billion or less as of December 31, 2017, to elect to operate with national bank powers without converting to a national bank charter. An eligible savings association is a federal savings association that: (1) is well capitalized; (2) has a CAMELs composite rating of 1 or 2; (3) has a consumer compliance rating of 1 or 2; (4) has a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “outstanding” or “satisfactory,” if applicable; and (5) is not subject to an enforcement action.
Other Regulations
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by First Federal Bank of Wisconsin are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:
● Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
● 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;
● Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;
● Truth in Savings Act; and
● rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
The operations of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin also are subject to 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;
● 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;
● 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;
● The USA PATRIOT Act, which requires savings associations to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs, and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements that also apply to financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations; and
● The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.
Holding Company Regulation
FFBW, Inc. is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over FFBW, Inc. and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a risk to First Federal Bank of Wisconsin.
As a savings and loan holding company, FFBW, Inc.’s activities are limited to those activities permissible by law for financial holding companies (if FFBW, Inc. makes an election to be treated as a financial holding company and meets the other requirements to be a financial holding company) or multiple savings and loan holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. Such activities include lending and other activities permitted for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, insurance and underwriting equity securities. Multiple savings and loan holding companies are authorized to engage in activities specified by federal regulation, including activities permitted for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act.
Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or savings and loan holding company without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board, and from acquiring or retaining control of any depository institution not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Federal Reserve Board must consider such things as the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on and the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors. A savings and loan holding company may not acquire a savings institution in another state and hold the target institution as a separate subsidiary unless it is a supervisory acquisition or the law of the state in which the target is located authorizes such acquisitions by out-of-state companies.
Savings and loan holding companies of under $3 billion in consolidated assets remain exempt from consolidated regulatory capital requirements, unless the Federal Reserve determines otherwise in particular cases.
The Federal Reserve Board has promulgated regulations implementing the “source of strength” doctrine that require holding companies to act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.
The Federal Reserve Board has issued supervisory policies regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies and savings and loan 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. Federal Reserve Board 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. Federal Reserve Board guidance also states that a holding company should inform the Federal Reserve Board supervisory staff prior to 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, as of 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 FFBW, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Federal Securities Laws
FFBW, Inc.’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. FFBW, Inc. is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of shares of common stock issued in FFBW, Inc.’s public offering does not cover the resale of those shares. Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not affiliates of FFBW, Inc. may be resold without registration. Shares purchased by an affiliate of FFBW, Inc. are subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. If FFBW, Inc. meets the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, each affiliate of FFBW, Inc. that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of FFBW, Inc., or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. In the future, FFBW, Inc. may permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933.
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. We have policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and we review and document such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.
Change in Control Regulations
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company, such as FFBW, Inc., unless the Federal Reserve Board 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 under certain circumstances, such as where the holding company involved has its shares registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Federal Reserve Board has adopted a final rule, effective September 30, 2020 that revises its framework for determining whether a company has a “controlling influence” over a bank or savings and loan holding company for purposes of the Bank and Savings and Loan Holding Company Acts.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) until December 31, 2022, which is the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of Old FFBW’s sale of common stock in its 2017 initial stock offering. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies.
An emerging growth company may elect 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 but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. Old FFBW 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 and this decision is binding on New FFBW. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
Availability of Annual Report on Form 10-K
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is available on our website at www.firstfederalwisconsin.com. Information on the website is not incorporated into, and is not otherwise considered a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The presentation of Risk Factors is not required for smaller reporting companies like FFBW, Inc.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2020, the net book value of our real properties, including land, was $5.8 million. The following is a list of our offices:
Year
Net Book Value of
Acquired
Real
Location
Leased or Owned
or Leased
Property
(In thousands)
Home Banking Office
1617 East Racine Avenue
Leased
-
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
Branch Offices:
Brookfield Office
Owned
4,035
1360 South Moorland Road
Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005
West Office
Owned
1801 Summit Avenue
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188
Bay View Office
Leased
-
3974 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207
Historic Mitchell Street Office
Owned
1039 West Mitchell Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
National Avenue Branch
Leased
-
12400 West National Avenue
New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
We are 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, 2020, we were not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.

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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
Market, Holder and Dividend Information. The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “FFBW.” The approximate number of holders of record of FFBW common stock as of March 26, 2021, was 660. Certain shares of FFBW, Inc. are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number.
FFBW, Inc. does not currently pay cash dividends on its common stock. Dividend payments by FFBW, Inc. are dependent, in part, on dividends it receives from First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, because FFBW, Inc. has no source of income other than dividends from First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, earnings from the investment of proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock in the stock offering which closed in January 2020 retained by FFBW, Inc. and interest payments with respect to our loan to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. See “Item 1. Business-Supervision and Regulation-Federal Banking Regulation-Capital Distributions.”
The Federal Reserve Board has issued supervisory policies providing that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if our prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with our capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Federal Reserve Board guidance also provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the holding company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the holding company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with its capital needs and overall financial condition. In addition, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. No assurances can be given that any dividends will be paid or that, if paid, will not be reduced or eliminated in the future. Special cash dividends, stock dividends or returns of capital, to the extent permitted by regulations and policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, may be paid in addition to, or in lieu of, regular cash dividends.
(b) Report of Offering of Securities and Use of Proceeds Therefrom. Not applicable.
(c) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans. At December 31, 2020, there were no compensation plans under which equity securities of FFBW, Inc. were authorized for issuance other than the Equity Incentive Plan. See Part III, Item 12.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
Not required for smaller reporting companies.

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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 our financial condition and results of operations. The information in this section has been derived from the audited and unaudited financial statements, which appear beginning on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Business Strategy
Our goal is to provide long-term value to our stockholders, customers and employees and the communities we serve by executing a safe and sound business strategy that produces increasing earnings. We believe there is a significant opportunity for a community-focused bank to provide a full range of financial services to commercial and retail customers in our market area.
Our current business strategy consists of the following:
● Grow organically while managing operating expense and risk. As a result of our executive management team and infrastructure, increased loan personnel and enhanced loan policies and procedures and credit administration processes, and given our attractive market area, we believe we are well-positioned to increase the size of our balance sheet without a proportional increase in overhead expense or operating risk.
● Grow through opportunistic bank or branch acquisitions or de novo branching. In addition to our expected organic growth, we intend to pursue a business strategy to grow through whole bank and/or branch acquisitions, in each case where we believe the acquisition would enhance over a relatively short period of time the value of our franchise and yield potential financial benefits for our stockholders. Although we believe opportunities exist to increase our market share in our historical markets, we expect to continue to expand into nearby markets in southeastern Wisconsin. We will consider expanding our branch network by establishing new (“de novo”) branches and/or adding loan production offices. We believe that the capital raised in the 2020 offering provides us the opportunity to make additional acquisitions of other financial institutions or branches thereof, and will help fund improvements in our operating facilities, credit reporting and customer delivery services in order to enhance our competitiveness. Our board of directors has a Mergers & Acquisitions Committee in order to enhance our ability to review and assess future merger and acquisition opportunities. Additionally, we believe that our experienced management team, led by our president and chief executive officer Edward H. Schaefer, will enable us to seek and review these opportunities in an efficient and prudent manner.
● Grow our loan portfolio prudently with a focus on diversifying the portfolio, particularly in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending. Our principal business activity historically has been the origination of residential mortgage loans for retention in our loan portfolio, and we intend to retain our presence as a mortgage lender in our market area. In recent years, we believe that we have implemented a stronger sales culture in our institution and we intend to continue to increase our emphasis on the origination of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Since 2016 we have added four new loan officers, including two commercial loan officers, and a senior vice president of lending and we intend to add additional lenders as we grow the Company. Additionally, in recent years we have conducted an extensive review of, and have enhanced, our credit, underwriting, information technology and compliance operations. We believe all of these actions have properly positioned our institution to achieve prudent, organic and consistent growth in the future. The capital we raised in our stock offering which closed in January 2020 will continue to support an increase in our lending limits, which will enable us to originate larger loans to new and existing customers.
● Continue to increase core deposits, with an emphasis on low cost commercial demand deposits. We seek core deposits to provide a stable source of funds to support loan growth at costs consistent with improving our net interest rate spread and margin. Core deposits also help us maintain loan-to-deposit
ratios at levels consistent with regulatory expectations. We consider our core deposits to include checking accounts, money market accounts, statement savings and health savings accounts. As part of our focus on commercial loan growth, our lenders are expected to source business checking accounts from our borrowers. In addition to these core relationships, we expect to continue to utilize non-core funding sources, such as brokered deposits and borrowings, as needed, to fund future loan growth and our operations.
● Manage credit risk to maintain a low level of non-performing assets. We believe strong asset quality is a key to our long-term financial success. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined policies and procedures, appropriate loan underwriting criteria and active credit monitoring. In recent years we have conducted an extensive review of, and have enhanced, our credit, underwriting and loan processing policies and procedures. Our nonperforming assets to total assets ratio was 0.35% at December 31, 2020, compared to 0.39% at December 31, 2019. We will continue to increase our investment in our credit review function, both in personnel as well as ancillary systems, as necessary, in order to be able to evaluate more complex loans and better manage credit risk, which will also support our intended loan growth.
Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be critical accounting policies. The estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.
The JOBS Act 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 intend to take 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 represent our critical accounting policies:
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover inherent, but unconfirmed, credit losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses which is charged against income. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management makes significant estimates and has identified this policy as one of our most critical accounting policies.
Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the allowance for loan losses. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing this estimate including, but not limited to, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, geographic and industry concentrations, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, the financial strength of the borrower, results of internal loan reviews and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.
The analysis has two components, specific and general allowances. The specific allowance is for unconfirmed losses related to loans that are determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral, adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. If the fair value of the loan is less than the loan’s carrying value, a charge is recorded for the difference. The general allowance, which is for loans reviewed collectively, is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk weighting (if applicable) and payment history. We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic and industry concentrations. This analysis
establishes historical loss percentages and qualitative factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the allowance for loan losses necessary for loans that are reviewed collectively. The qualitative component is critical in determining the allowance for loan losses as certain trends may indicate the need for changes to the allowance for loan losses based on factors beyond the historical loss history. Not incorporating a qualitative component could misstate the allowance for loan losses. Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowances we have established which could result in a material negative effect on our financial results.
Deferred Tax Assets. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
Fair Value Measurements. The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. First Federal Bank of Wisconsin estimates the fair value of a financial instrument and any related asset impairment using a variety of valuation methods. Where financial instruments are actively traded and have quoted market prices, quoted market prices are used for fair value. When the financial instruments are not actively traded, other observable market inputs, such as quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, may be used, if available, to determine fair value. When observable market prices do not exist, we estimate fair value. These estimates are subjective in nature and any imprecision in estimating these factors can impact the amount of gain or loss recorded. A more detailed description of the fair values measured at each level of the fair value hierarchy and the methodology utilized by the Bank can be found in Note 15 of the Financial Statements “ - Fair Value.”
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Total Assets. Total assets increased $46.8 million, or 16.0%, to $339.0 million at December 31, 2020 from $292.2 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily a result of increases in net loans of $25.4 million, an increase in available for sale securities of $16.1 million, and an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents increased $2.1 million, or 5.3%, to $41.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $39.4 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was a result of the acquisition in December 2020 offset by deployment of cash received as a result of the stock offering which closed in January 2020.
Net Loans. Net loans increased $25.4 million, or 13.4%, to $214.7 million at December 31, 2020 from $189.3 million at December 31, 2019. The increase resulted from net of increases in commercial and industrial loans of $7.1 million, or 51.7%, commercial real estate loans of $19.0 million, or 27.7%, one-to-four family owner-occupied loans of $1.2 million , or 4.0%, and one-to-four family investor-owned loans of $4.6 million, or 16.2% offset by decreases of $4.1 million, or 22.7%, in commercial development loans, $228,000, or 0.8%, in multifamily loans and $1.2 million, or 13.7%, in consumer loans.
During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we sold $22.3 million and $19.1 million, respectively, of one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans, on a servicing-released basis. Subject to market and economic conditions, management intends to continue this sales activity in future periods to generate gain on sale of loans income.
Available for sale securities. Available for sale securities increased $16.0 million, or 33.3%, to $64.2 million at December 31, 2020 from $48.2 million at December 31, 2019. The increase resulted primarily from deploying funds received from the stock offering which closed in January 2020.
Premises and equipment. Premises and equipment increased $787,000, or 16.4%, to $5.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $4.8 million at December 31, 2019. The purchased assets of Mitchell Bank resulted in an increase of $1.0 million, primarily in land and buildings.
Other equity investments. Other equity investments increased $449,000, or 64.0%, to $1.3 million at December 31, 2020 from $780,000 at December 31, 2019. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in Bankers’ Bank stock of $248,000 and an increase in FHLB stock outstanding of $251,000.
Deposits. Deposits increased $9.2 million, or 4.26%, to $226.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $217.3 million at December 31, 2019. Non-interest-bearing checking accounts increased $31.1 million, or 149.9%, to $51.8 million from $20.7 million at December 31, 2019, interest-bearing checking accounts increased $4.0 million, or 57.0%, to $10.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $6.9 million at December 31, 2019, money market accounts increased $23.8 million, or 51.0%, to $70.5 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $46.7 million at December 31, 2019, statement savings accounts increased $19.6 million, or 158.7% to $32.0 million from $12.4 million at December 31, 2019 and health savings accounts increased $184,000, or 1.7%, to $10.9 million from $10.7 million at December 31, 2019. Partially offsetting these increases, certificates of deposit decreased $16.7 million, or 24.9%, to $50.2 million as of December 31, 2020 from $67.2 million as of December 31, 2019 and there was a decrease of 100% in stock offering subscription deposits of $52.6 million. Included in the certificates of deposit were brokered deposits of $1 million as of December 31, 2020 and $8 million as of December 31, 2019.
Borrowings. Borrowings, consisting entirely of FHLB advances, totaled $7.5 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $11.5 million at December 31, 2019. The aggregate cost of outstanding advances from the FHLB was 0.9% at December 31, 2020, compared to the Bank’s cost of deposits of 0.8% at that date.
Other liabilities. Other liabilities increased $66,000, or 4.4%, to $1.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $1.5 million at December 31, 2019.
Total Equity. Total equity increased $41.4 million, or 66.9%, to $103.3 million at December 31, 2020 from $61.9 million at December 31, 2019. The increase resulted primarily from $40.1 million of net proceeds from the stock offering which closed in January 2020 and net income of $1.8 million for 2020.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
General. We had net income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to net income of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $278,000, or 17.7%. The increase in net income was the net effect of an increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses of $745,000, or 9.0%, and an increase in noninterest income of $94,000, or 9.0%, offset in part by an increase in noninterest expense of $500,000, or 6.9%.
Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income decreased $106,000, or 0.9%, to $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $187,000 decrease in interest on loans, partially offset by an increase in interest on available for sale securities of $36,000.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $1.2 million, or 42.0%, to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits decreased $1.0 million, or 41.3%, year to year. The average cost of our interest-bearing deposits decreased 52 basis points to 1.01% from 1.5%, while the average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased by $17.6 million, or 11.0%, during the same period. Interest expense on borrowings, consisting entirely of FHLB advances, decreased $160,000, or 46.6%, to $183,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020 from $343,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019, as the average balance of borrowings decreased $2.2 million to $13.2 million for the 2020 period from $15.6 million for 2019, and the cost of borrowings decreased 81 basis points to 1.3% for 2020 from 2.1% for 2019.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $1.1 million, or 12.6%, to $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Average net interest-earning assets increased $46.0 million to $116.6 million for 2020 from $70.6 million for 2019. Our net interest rate spread increased to
3.04% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 2.97% for the year ended December 31, 2019, and our net interest margin increased to 3.48% for 2020 from 3.42% for 2019.
Provision for Loan Losses. We recorded a provision for loan losses of $520,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a $201,000 provision for the year ended December 31, 2019. The allowance for loan losses was $2.8 million, or 1.29% of total loans at December 31, 2020, compared to $2.3 million, or 1.18% of total loans, at December 31, 2019. Classified (substandard, doubtful and loss) loans increased to $992,000 at December 31, 2020 from $638,000 at December 31, 2019. Total nonperforming loans were $1.0 million at December 31, 2020 and $1.1 million at December 31, 2019. There were ($27,000) of net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $55,000 for the prior year period. At December 31, 2020, $341,000, or 32.6%, of the nonperforming loans were contractually current.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $94,000, or 9.0% in 2020 versus 2019. The increase was primarily due to the gain on sale of loans increasing $106,000 in 2020 compared to 2019.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $500,000, or 6.9%, to $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $393,000, or 65.7%, in data processing expense to $991,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $598,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and an increase of $141,000, or 36.6%, in professional fees to $526,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $385,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increases resulted primarily from expenses paid for the acquisition and conversion of Mitchell Bank.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $566,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $502,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $64,000, or 12.7%, due to an increase in income before income taxes of $339,000.
Average balances and yields. The following tables sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at and for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense.
For the Year Ended December 31,
Average
Average
Average
Outstanding
Outstanding
Yield/
Outstanding
Yield/
Balance
Interest
Yield/ Rate
Balance
Interest
Rate
Balance
Interest
Rate
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans
$
205,351
$
9,770
4.76
%
$
197,766
$
9,957
5.03
%
$
189,233
$
9,192
4.86
%
Available for sale securities
58,387
1,202
2.06
%
44,316
1,166
2.63
%
55,030
1,339
2.43
Interest-bearing deposits
8,097
1.35
%
3,838
1.90
%
2,278
1.84
Other equity investments
1,039
4.23
%
4.92
%
4.71
Total interest-earning assets
272,874
11,125
4.08
%
246,632
11,231
4.55
%
247,306
10,609
4.29
Noninterest-earning assets
17,964
16,638
20,763
Allowance for loan losses
(2,762)
(2,221)
(1,912)
Total assets
$
288,076
$
261,049
$
266,157
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand accounts
$
7,781
0.40
%
$
5,903
0.49
%
$
5,225
0.46
%
Money market accounts
52,367
0.68
%
46,700
1.37
%
51,855
0.84
Savings accounts
14,437
0.12
%
14,347
0.12
%
15,394
0.19
Health savings accounts
10,926
0.20
%
11,014
0.31
%
11,462
0.26
Certificates of deposit
56,954
1,010
1.77
%
82,073
1,727
2.10
%
76,277
1,161
1.52
Total interest-bearing deposits
142,465
1,435
1.01
%
160,037
2,445
1.53
%
160,213
1,677
1.05
Borrowings
13,806
1.33
%
15,992
2.14
%
22,552
1.92
Total interest-bearing liabilities
156,271
1,618
1.04
%
176,029
2,788
1.58
%
182,765
2,109
1.15
Noninterest-bearing deposits
30,091
21,737
19,631
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
28,679
2,121
Total liabilities
215,041
199,887
202,625
Equity
73,035
61,162
63,532
Total liabilities and equity
$
288,076
$
261,049
$
266,157
Net interest income
9,507
8,443
$
8,500
Net interest rate spread(1)
3.04
%
2.97
%
3.14
%
Net interest-earning assets(2)
116,603
70,603
$
64,541
Net interest margin(3)
3.48
%
3.42
%
3.44
%
Average of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
174.62
%
140.11
%
%
(1)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in average rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period average rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
For Year Ended December 31,
2020 vs. 2019
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Total Increase
Volume
Rate
(Decrease)
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans
$
$
(569)
$
(187)
Available for sale securities
(334)
Interest-bearing deposits
(45)
Other equity investments
(7)
Total interest-earning assets
$
$
(955)
$
(106)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand accounts
$
$
(15)
$
Money market accounts
(451)
(284)
Savings accounts
(1)
Health savings accounts
(1)
(11)
(12)
Certificates of deposit
(701)
(16)
(717)
Total deposits
$
(516)
$
(494)
$
(1,010)
Borrowings
(56)
(104)
(160)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
(572)
(598)
(1,170)
Change in net interest income
$
1,421
$
(357)
$
1,064
Management of Market Risk
General. Our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk because, as a financial institution, the majority of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a principal part of our operations is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of our financial condition and results of operations to changes in market interest rates. Our Asset/Liability Committee is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the policy and guidelines approved by our board of directors.
Our asset/liability management strategy attempts to manage the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income, our primary source of earnings. Among the techniques we use to manage interest rate risk are:
● originating commercial real estate, multifamily and commercial and industrial loans, all of which tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than one-to-four family owner-occupied residential real estate loans, and which generate customer relationships that can result in larger noninterest-bearing checking accounts;
● selling substantially all of our conforming and eligible jumbo, longer-term, fixed-rate one-to-four owner-occupied residential real estate loans and retaining the non-conforming and shorter-term, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family residential real estate loans that we originate, subject to market conditions and periodic review of our asset/liability management needs; and
● reducing our dependence on certificates of deposit to support lending and investment activities and increasing our reliance on core deposits, including checking accounts and savings accounts, which are less interest rate sensitive than certificates of deposit.
Our board of directors is responsible for the review and oversight of our executive management team and other essential operational staff which are responsible for our asset/liability analysis. These officers act as an asset/liability committee and are charged with developing and implementing an asset/liability management plan, and they meet at least quarterly to review pricing and liquidity needs and assess our interest rate risk. We currently utilize a third-party modeling program, prepared on a quarterly basis, to evaluate our sensitivity to changing interest rates, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors.
We do not engage in hedging activities, such as engaging in futures, options or swap transactions, or investing in high-risk mortgage derivatives, such as collateralized mortgage obligation residual interests, real estate mortgage investment conduit residual interests or stripped mortgage-backed securities.
Net Portfolio Value. The Office of the Comptroller of Currency requires the computation of amounts by which the net present value of an institution’s cash flow from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items (the institution’s net portfolio value or “NPV”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates.
The tables below set forth, as of December 31, 2020, the estimated changes in our NPV that would result from the designated instantaneous changes in market interest rates. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.
Estimated Increase
NPV as a Percentage of Present
Change in
(Decrease) in NPV
Value of Assets (3)
Interest
Increase
Rates (basis
Estimated
NPV
(Decrease)
points) (1)
NPV (2)
Amount
Percent
Ratio (4)
(basis points)
(Dollars in thousands)
$
81,203
$
2,638
3.36
%
25.12
%
2.00
%
81,302
2,737
3.48
%
24.69
%
1.57
80,180
1,615
2.06
%
23.96
%
0.84
-
78,565
-
-
%
23.12
%
-
78,614
0.06
%
22.96
%
(0.16)
(1)
Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)
NPV is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
(3)
Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(4)
NPV Ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.
The tables above indicate that at December 31, 2020, in the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would have experienced a .06% increase in NPV. In the event of a 200 basis point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2020, we would have experienced a 3.48% increase in NPV.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. Modeling changes in NPV requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the NPV table presented assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the NPV table provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on NPV and will differ from actual results.
NPV calculations also may not reflect the fair values of financial instruments. For example, decreases in market interest rates can increase the fair values of our loans, deposits and borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
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, proceeds from the sale of loans, and proceeds from maturities of securities. We also have the ability to borrow from the FHLB-Chicago. At December 31, 2020, we had $7.5 million outstanding in advances from the FHLB-Chicago. At December 31, 2020 we had $13.9 million available additional FHLB-Chicago advances based on the FHLB stock owned.
Additionally, at December 31, 2020 we had a $7 million federal funds rate line of credit with the Bankers’ Bank of Wisconsin, of which $0 was drawn at December 31, 2020.
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 cash equivalents and available-for-sale investment securities. 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. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.8 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash provided by investing activities, which consists primarily of disbursements for loan originations and the purchase of investment securities, offset by principal collections on loans, the sale of securities and proceeds from maturing securities, pay downs on securities and cash received from acquisitions, was $13.9 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities, consisting of activity in deposit accounts and FHLB advances, was ($13.6 million) and $26.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position on a daily basis. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. Based on our current strategy to change our mix of deposits to become less reliant on certificates of deposit, we anticipate that we will continue to allow a significant portion of higher-costing certificates of deposit to run off at maturity. We also anticipate continued use of FHLB-Chicago advances as well as continuing to utilize brokered certificates of deposit and online sources, as needed, to fund future loan growth and our operations.
At December 31, 2020, we exceeded all of our regulatory capital requirements with a Tier 1 leverage capital level of $73.7 million, or 25.2% of adjusted total assets, which is above the well-capitalized required level of $14.6 million, or 5.0%; and total risk-based capital of $76.4 million, or 34.3% of risk-weighted assets, which is above the well-capitalized required level of $22.3 million, or 10.0%. Management is not aware of any conditions or events since December 31, 2020, that would change our category.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Commitments. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our potential future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. For additional information, see Note 11 - "Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to the Financial Statements beginning on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowings and deposits, and agreements with respect to securities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1- "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the notes to our financial statements beginning on page of this this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates, generally, have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not required for smaller reporting companies.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning at page.

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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
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2020. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles(“GAAP”) and necessarily include some amounts based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with the authorization of management and the Board of Directors; and 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 our consolidated financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections
on any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.
As of December 31, 2020, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework of 2013. Based upon its assessment, management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 is effective using these criteria.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company (as a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company) to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes made in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
FFBW, Inc. has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code is available on FFBW, Inc.’s website at www.firstfederalwisconsin.com under “About Us - Investor Relations - Governance - Governance Documents.”
The information contained under the sections captioned “Proposal I - Election of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information contained under the section captioned “Proposal I - Election of Directors - Executive Compensation” in the definitive Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

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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
(a) Securities Authorized for issuance under Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020 with respect to compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued:
Number of Shares
Remaining
Available
for Future
Issuance
Number of Shares to
Under Equity
be Issued upon
Weighted
Compensation
Exercise of
Average Exercise
Plans
Outstanding
Price of
(Excluding Shares
Options,
Outstanding
Reflected in the
warrants and
Options, warrants
first
Plan Category
rights
and rights
column)(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
269,220
10.51
103,306
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total
269,220
10.51
103,306
(1)
Includes unexercised options and unissued restricted shares.
(b) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Voting Securities and Principal Holders” in the Proxy Statement.
(c) Security Ownership of Management
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Voting Securities and Principal Holders” in the Proxy Statement.
(d) Changes in Control
Management of the Company knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Proposal I - Election of Directors - Transactions with Certain Related Persons,” “- Board Independence” and “- Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors” of the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposal II - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of the Proxy Statement.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The documents filed as a part of this Form 10-K are:
(A)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(B)
Consolidated balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
(C)
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(D)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(E)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(F)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(G)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information is inapplicable or has been included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)(3) Exhibits
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of FFBW(1)
3.2
Bylaws of FFBW(2)
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate of FFBW(2)
4.2
Description of FFBW’s Securities(3)
10.1
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Edward H. Schaefer(4)
10.2
Deferred Compensation Agreement with Edward H. Schaefer(5)
10.3
Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement with Gary Riley(5)
10.4
Split-Dollar Life Agreement with Edward H. Schaefer(6)
10.5
FFBW, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan(7)
Subsidiaries(3)
Consent of Wipfli LLP
31.1
Certification required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(1) Incorporated by reference to pre-effective amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-233740), filed on November 1, 2019.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed on March 26, 2020.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the footnote on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed on March 26, 2020.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-233740), filed on September 13, 2019.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2020.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-218736), filed by FFBW, Inc., a federal corporation, on June 14, 2017.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FFBW, Inc., a federal corporation, on October 17, 2018.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Proxy Statement of FFBW, Inc., a federal corporation, filed on October 17, 2018