EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1698022
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1698022_10-K_2022_0001437749-22-005951.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. is a Maryland corporation chartered on August 8, 2016 that is registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). At the time it registered as a bank holding company, the Company also elected to become a financial holding company, which allows it to engage in certain activities, and own shares or control of certain entities, that are in addition to those permissible for an entity that is a bank holding company only. Effective November 1, 2016, the Company consummated a bank holding company reorganization involving the Bank pursuant to which the Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and all of the Bank’s stockholders became stockholders of the Company.
Effective on October 1, 2020, the Company consummated its acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. (“Carroll”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carroll Community Bank. Each share of common stock of Carroll (“Carroll Common Stock”) that was outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) was converted into the right to receive cash in the amount $21.63 (the “Per Share Consideration”). Immediately prior to the Effective Time, there were 1,146,913 outstanding shares of Carroll Common Stock, all of which were converted into the Per Share Consideration. The Company funded the payment of the merger consideration with $7.8 million in cash and the proceeds of a $17 million term loan obtained from a third-party.
The Company’s primary business activities are serving as the parent company of the Bank and holding a series investment in First Community Bankers Insurance Co., LLC, a Tennessee “series” limited liability company and licensed protected cell captive insurance company (“FCBI”). The Company owns 100% of one series of membership interests issued by FCBI, which series is deemed a “protected cell” under Tennessee law and has been designated “Series Protected Cell FCB-4” (such series investment is hereinafter referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiary”).
The Bank is a Maryland commercial bank chartered on October 24, 1919 that is engaged in a general commercial and retail banking business. The Bank has had one inactive subsidiary, Reliable Community Financial Services, Inc., a Maryland corporation that was incorporated in April 1992 to facilitate the sale of fixed rate annuity products and later positioned to sell a full array of investment and insurance products.
The Insurance Subsidiary represents one protected cell of a protected cell captive insurance company (FCBI) that was formed on November 9, 2016 to better manage our risk programs, provide insurance efficiencies, and add operating income by both keeping our insurance premiums within our affiliated group of entities and realizing certain tax benefits that are unique to captive insurance companies. The Company’s investment in the Insurance Subsidiary represents one series of membership interests in FCBI. As a “series” limited liability company, FCBI is authorized by state law and its governing instruments to issue one or more series of membership interests, each of which, for all purposes under state law, is deemed to be a legal entity separate and apart from FCBI and its other series.
At December 31, 2021, our consolidated assets totaled approximately $717 million and stockholders’ equity was approximately $56.6 million.
Banking Activities
The Bank has been doing business in Maryland since 1919 and is engaged in both the commercial and consumer banking business. At December 31, 2021, the Bank had approximately 19,280 deposit accounts, representing $626 million in deposits. At December 31, 2021, the Bank had $482 million in loans, representing 67% of its total assets of $717 million.
The Bank’s general market area runs along the Route 30, Route 795, Route 140, and Route 26 corridors south from Owings Mills and north to the Pennsylvania line including the areas of Reisterstown, Upperco, Hampstead, Manchester, Eldersburg, and Westminster. The Bank’s western area includes the communities of Woodbine and New Windsor, while the eastern side includes Sparks, Hereford and Parkton. All of these communities are located in Carroll County or Baltimore County, Maryland.
This market area serves as a bedroom community to large employment areas such as Owings Mills, Hunt Valley, Towson, White Marsh, Columbia and Baltimore City. The market area is primarily residential with retail, commercial and light-manufacturing activity. The opening of Interstate 795 in the 1980’s made it convenient to enjoy a rural lifestyle while still being able to commute to work in a reasonable time.
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The Bank’s main office is located in Upperco, Maryland, and it has six additional full service branches located in the Maryland communities of Hampstead, Greenmount, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Eldersburg, and Westminster. In addition, the Bank has a satellite branch located at the senior living community of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, Maryland.
As a convenience to its customers, the Bank offers drive through automated teller machines (“ATMs”) at the Upperco, Owings Mills, Hampstead, Reisterstown, and Westminster locations and walk-up ATMs at the Greenmount and Eldersburg offices. The Greenmount In-Store location is open 7-days a week while the other six full service offices offer convenient banking hours which include Saturday mornings. The satellite branch is opened five days a week with limited business hours. Drive-thru windows are available at the Upperco, Owings Mills, Hampstead, Reisterstown, Eldersburg, and Westminster branches. The Bank offers 24-hour on-line, internet banking for account balance inquiries, bill paying, or transferring funds between accounts. The Bank provides mobile banking functionality to its internet services. In addition, the 24-hour Dial-A-Bank automated telephone service is available. Debit cards are another service the Bank provides to its customers. The Bank joined Allpoint, America’s largest surcharge-free ATM network, to enable Bank customers to have access to over 55,000 ATMs, surcharge-free.
The Bank provides a wide range of personal banking services designed to meet the needs of local consumers. Among the deposit services provided are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. The Bank also offers repurchase agreements and remote check deposits.
The Bank grants available credit for residential mortgages (including Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs loans), construction loans, home equity lines, personal installment loans and other consumer financing.
The Bank also is engaged in financing commerce and industry by providing credit and deposit services for small to medium size businesses and the agricultural community in the Bank’s market area. The Bank offers many forms of commercial lending, including commercial mortgages, land acquisition and development loans, lines of credit, accounts receivable financing, term loans for fixed asset purchases, as well as loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) and the United States Department of Agriculture (the “USDA”).
In addition, commercial depositors may take advantage of many different services including checking accounts, remote deposit banking services, sweep accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
The Bank also has strategic alliances that allow for the issuance of credit cards to retail customers and to provide merchant services so commercial customers can accept credit cards and debit cards as payment for their goods and services.
The Bank has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate credit risk and maintain the quality of the loan portfolio. These policies include underwriting standards for new credits as well as the continuous monitoring and reporting of asset quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These policies, coupled with continuous training efforts, have provided effective checks and balances for the risk associated with the lending process. Lending authority is based on the level of risk, size of the loan, and the experience of the lending officer. The Bank’s policy is to make the majority of its loan commitments in the market area it serves. This tends to reduce risk because Management is familiar with the credit histories of loan applicants and has in-depth knowledge of the risk to which a given credit is subject. No material portion of the Bank’s loans is concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries. Most of the Bank’s loans are, however, made to Maryland customers and many are secured by real estate located in or around Maryland. Although Management believes that the loan portfolio is diversified, its performance will be influenced by the economy of the region.
Investment Activities
The Bank maintains a portfolio of investment securities to provide liquidity and income. The current portfolio of $171 million represented approximately 24% of the total assets at December 31, 2021 and is invested primarily in mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds.
A key objective of the investment portfolio is to provide a balance in the Bank’s asset mix of investments and loans consistent with its liability structure, and to assist in management of interest rate risk. The investments augment the Bank’s capital position, providing the necessary liquidity to meet fluctuations in credit demand of the community and fluctuations in deposit levels. In addition, the portfolio provides collateral for pledging against public funds and repurchase agreements and an opportunity to minimize income tax liability. Finally, the investment portfolio is designed to provide income for the Bank. In view of the above objectives, only securities that meet conservative investment criteria are purchased.
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Insurance Activities
As noted above, the Insurance Subsidiary is one protected cell of a protected cell captive insurance company. It reinsures certain risks of the Bank as well as other groups of related entities that are not affiliated with the Bank for which it receives premiums. The insurance policies that are the subject of this reinsurance obligation are issued each year. Once the claim deadline passes for a particular policy year, the premium earned by the Insurance Subsidiary may be retained as earnings (subject to any regulatory capital and surplus requirements imposed by applicable law). As the sole owner of the Insurance Subsidiary, the Company may choose to terminate the Insurance Subsidiary’s participation in this reinsurance arrangement with respect to a future year at any time.
Competition
The banking business, in all of its phases, is highly competitive. Within our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, (including local banks and branches or affiliates of other larger banks), savings and loan associations and credit unions for loans and deposits, with consumer finance companies for loans, and with other financial institutions for various types of products and services. There is also competition for commercial and retail banking business from banks and financial institutions located outside our market areas and on the Internet.
The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates, personalized services, the quality and range of financial services, convenience of office locations and office hours. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates, loan origination fees, the quality and range of lending services and personalized services.
To compete with other financial services providers, we rely principally upon local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors and employees with customers, and specialized services tailored to meet customers’ needs. In those instances in which we are unable to accommodate a customer’s needs, we attempt to arrange for those services to be provided by other financial services providers with which we have a relationship.
Supervision and Regulation
The following is a summary of the material regulations and policies applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries and is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion. Changes in applicable laws and regulations may have a material effect on our business.
General
The Company is subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve that apply to financial holding companies. As a holding company of a Maryland-chartered bank, the Company is also subject to supervision by the Office of the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation (the “Maryland Commissioner”). Because the Company’s common stock is registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company is also subject to regulation and supervision by the SEC.
The Bank is a Maryland commercial bank subject to the banking laws of Maryland and to regulation by the Maryland Commissioner, who is required by statute to make at least one examination in each calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the Maryland Commissioner determines that an examination is unnecessary in a particular calendar year). As a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Bank is also subject to certain provisions of federal laws and regulations regarding deposit insurance and activities of insured state-chartered banks, including those that require examination by the FDIC. In addition to the foregoing, there are a myriad of other federal and state laws and regulations that affect or govern the business of banking, including consumer lending and deposit-taking.
All non-bank subsidiaries of the Company are subject to examination by the Federal Reserve, and, as affiliates of the Bank, are subject to examination by the FDIC and the Maryland Commissioner. In addition, the Insurance Subsidiary is subject to licensing and regulation by the Tennessee Insurance Department, and, as a captive insurance company, is subject to certain restrictions and requirements imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”).
Regulatory Reforms
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was enacted in July 2010, significantly restructured the financial regulatory regime in the United States. The Dodd-Frank Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), and contains a wide variety of provisions affecting the regulation of depository institutions, including fair lending, fair debt collection practices, mortgage loan origination and servicing obligations, bankruptcy, military service member protections, use of credit reports, privacy matters, and disclosure of credit terms and correction of billing errors. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt stricter consumer protection laws and each state attorney general may enforce consumer protection rules issued by the CFPB. Since the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB, and to some extent, some state attorney generals, have used provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act to bring enforcement actions seeking to curb “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices” (“UDAAP”) in the financial services sector. With a change of leadership at the CFPB, and continued enforcement and regulatory actions at the state level, enforcement and regulatory priorities could change, resulting in increased regulatory compliance burdens and costs and restrictions on the financial products and services that we offer to our customers in the future.
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Regulation of Bank Holding Companies and Financial Holding Companies
The Company and its affiliates are subject to the provisions of Section 23A and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A limits the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, the Company and its non-bank affiliates by the Bank. Section 23B requires that transactions between the Bank and the Company and its non-bank affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same as with non-affiliates.
Under Federal Reserve policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of strength to the Bank, and the Federal Reserve may charge the Company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank when required. This support may be required at times when the bank holding company may not have the resources to provide the support. Under the prompt corrective action provisions, if a controlled bank is undercapitalized, then the regulators could require the bank holding company to guarantee the bank’s capital restoration plan. In addition, if the Federal Reserve believes that a bank holding company’s activities, assets or affiliates represent a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of a controlled bank, then the Federal Reserve could require the bank holding company to terminate the activities, liquidate the assets or divest the affiliates. The regulators may require these and other actions in support of controlled banks even if such actions are not in the best interests of the bank holding company or its stockholders. Because the Company is a bank holding company, it is viewed as a source of financial and managerial strength for any controlled depository institutions, like the Bank.
In addition, under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), depository institutions insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in danger of default. Accordingly, in the event that any insured subsidiary of the Company causes a loss to the FDIC, other insured subsidiaries of the Company could be required to compensate the FDIC by reimbursing it for the estimated amount of such loss. Such cross guaranty liabilities generally are superior in priority to obligations of a financial institution to its shareholders and obligations to other affiliates. The Bank is the Company’s only FDIC-insured depository institution.
The provisions of the BHC Act relating to financial holding companies and the regulations promulgated thereunder require the Bank to remain “well capitalized” and “well managed”. The capital requirement is discussed below under the heading, “Prompt Corrective Action”. The Bank will be considered to be well managed so long as it achieves a CAMEL composite rating of at least “2” as a result of its most recent examination and at least a “satisfactory” management rating (if such rating is given). If the Bank were to fail to meet either of these requirements, then the Company would be required to enter into an agreement with the Federal Reserve that would address the remediation of the condition that led to the failure. During the term of that agreement, which is typically 180 days but which can be extended at the discretion of the Federal Reserve, the Company would be prohibited from commencing any additional activity or acquiring control or shares of any company that would otherwise be permissible for a financial holding company under Section 4(k) of the BHC Act. If the Company were to fail to correct that condition by the expiration of the agreement’s term, then the Federal Reserve could order the Company to divest its ownership of the Bank or, alternatively, terminate all financial holding company activities. For so long as the Company remains a financial holding company, the Bank must also maintain a Satisfactory or better rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”). During any period that the Bank fails to satisfy this requirement, the Company is prohibited from commencing any additional activity or acquiring control or shares of any company that would otherwise be permissible for a financial holding company under Section 4(k) of the BHC Act. The Bank currently satisfies all of the foregoing conditions.
Federal Banking Regulation
Federal banking regulators, such as the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, may prohibit the institutions over which they have supervisory authority from engaging in activities or investments that the agencies believe are unsafe or unsound banking practices. Federal banking regulators have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.
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The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders or any related interest of such persons, which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as those available to persons who are not related to the Bank and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. Other laws tie the maximum amount that may be loaned to any one customer and its related interests to capital levels.
As part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), each federal banking regulator adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards include internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. An institution that fails to meet those standards may be required by the agency to develop a plan acceptable to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. We believe that the Bank meets substantially all standards that have been adopted. FDICIA also imposes capital standards on insured depository institutions.
The CRA requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of financial institutions within its jurisdiction, to evaluate the record of those financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with principles of safe and sound banking practices. These factors are also considered by all regulatory agencies in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. As of the date of its most recent examination report, the Bank had a CRA rating of “Satisfactory”.
The Bank is also subject to a variety of other laws and regulations with respect to the operation of its business, including, but not limited to, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Expedited Funds Availability (Regulation CC), Reserve Requirements (Regulation D), Privacy of Consumer Information (Regulation P), Margin Stock Loans (Regulation U), the Right To Financial Privacy Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act, the Homeowners Protection Act, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the CAN-SPAM Act, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act.
Capital Requirements
In addition to operational requirements, the Bank and the Company are subject to risk-based capital regulations, which were adopted and are monitored by federal banking regulators. These regulations are used to evaluate capital adequacy and require an analysis of an institution’s asset risk profile and off-balance sheet exposures, such as unused loan commitments and stand-by letters of credit.
On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve approved final rules that substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Company. The FDIC subsequently approved the same rules, which are applicable to the Bank. The final rules implement the ”Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act and were implemented as of March 31, 2015.
The Basel III capital rules include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which were phased in from 2015 to 2019, and which refine the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios. The minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company under the final rules are: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The final rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital. The following minimum ratios were in effect at the beginning of 2019: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (b) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% and (c) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions are subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.
The Basel III capital final rules also implement revisions and clarifications consistent with Basel III regarding the various components of Tier 1 capital, including common equity, unrealized gains and losses, as well as certain instruments that no longer qualify as Tier 1 capital, some of which will be phased out over time. Under the final rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, banking organizations like the Company and the Bank that are not considered “advanced approaches” banking organizations may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. The Company and the Bank made this election in their first quarter 2015 regulatory filings in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio.
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The Basel III capital rules also contain revisions to the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on insured depository institutions if their capital levels begin to show signs of weakness. These revisions were effective January 1, 2015. Under the prompt corrective action requirements, which are designed to complement the capital conservation buffer, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following capital level requirements in order to qualify as “well capitalized”: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8% (increased from 6%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 10% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% (increased from 4%).
The Basel III capital rules set forth certain changes for the calculation of risk-weighted assets. These changes include (i) an increased number of credit risk exposure categories and risk weights; (ii) an alternative standard of creditworthiness consistent with Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act; (iii) revisions to recognition of credit risk mitigation; (iv) rules for risk weighting of equity exposures and past due loans, and (v) revised capital treatment for derivatives and repo-style transactions.
Regulators may require higher capital ratios when warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of a given banking organization. In the current regulatory environment, banking organizations must stay well-capitalized in order to receive favorable regulatory treatment on acquisition and other expansion activities and favorable risk-based deposit insurance assessments. Our capital policy establishes guidelines meeting these regulatory requirements and takes into consideration current or anticipated risks as well as potential future growth opportunities.
As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Basel III rules.
On September 17, 2019, the FDIC finalized a rule that introduces an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (i.e., the community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) framework), as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. The CBLR framework is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework.
On April 6, 2020, in a joint statement, the FDIC, Federal Reserve and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), issued two interim final rules regarding temporary changes to the CBLR framework to implement provisions of the CARES Act. Under the interim final rules, the community bank leverage ratio was reduced to 8% beginning in the second quarter and for the remainder of calendar year 2020, 8.5% for calendar year 2021, and 9% thereafter. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization must have a tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 8%, less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and limited amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assets and liabilities. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital. The Company has not opted-in to the CBLR framework.
Additional information about our capital ratios and requirements is contained in Item 7 of this Annual Report under the heading, “Capital Resources and Adequacy”.
Prompt Corrective Action
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDI Act”) requires, among other things, the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDI Act includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures are the total capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio and the leverage ratio.
A bank will be (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure, (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized”, (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%, (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%, and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.
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Effective January 1, 2015, the Basel III capital rules revised the prompt corrective action requirements by (i) introducing the CET1 ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8%; and (iii) eliminating the provision that permitted a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 but a leverage ratio of at least 3% to be deemed adequately capitalized. The Basel III Capital Rules did not change the total risk-based capital requirement for any prompt corrective action category.
The FDI Act generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be “undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The bank holding company must also provide appropriate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.
The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well-capitalized insured depository institution as adequately capitalized. The FDI Act provides that an institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.
The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.
As of December 31, 2021, the Bank was “well capitalized” based on the aforementioned ratios.
Liquidity Requirements
We require cash to fund loans, satisfy our obligations under the Bank’s letters of credit, meet the deposit withdrawal demands of the Bank’s customers, and satisfy our other monetary obligations. To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund these requirements, we can rely on the funding sources identified in Item 2 of this Annual Report under the heading, “Liquidity Management”. As of December 31, 2021, the Bank had $23.5 million available through unsecured and secured lines of credit with correspondent banks, $25.3 million available through a secured line of credit with the Fed Discount Window and approximately $83.0 million available through the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Management is not aware of any demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to materially affect our ability to meet our future liquidity requirements.
Historically, the regulation and monitoring of bank liquidity has been addressed as a supervisory matter, without required formulaic measures. The Basel III liquidity framework requires banks to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests that, although similar in some respects to liquidity measures historically applied by banks and regulators for management and supervisory purposes, going forward would be required by regulation. One test, referred to as the liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”), is designed to ensure that the banking entity maintains an adequate level of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets equal to the entity’s expected net cash outflow for a 30-day time horizon (or, if greater, 25% of its expected total cash outflow) under an acute liquidity stress scenario. The other test, referred to as the net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”), is designed to promote more medium- and long-term funding of the assets and activities of banking entities over a one-year time horizon. These requirements will incent banking entities to increase their holdings of U.S. Treasury securities and other sovereign debt as a component of assets and increase the use of long-term debt as a funding source. In October 2013, the federal banking agencies proposed rules implementing the LCR for advanced approaches banking organizations and a modified version of the LCR for bank holding companies with at least $50 billion in total consolidated assets that are not advanced approach banking organizations, neither of which would apply to us. In the second quarter of 2016, the federal banking regulators issued a proposed rule that would implement the NSFR for certain U.S. banking organizations to ensure that they have access to table funding over a one-year time horizon. The proposed rule would not apply to a U.S. banking organization with less than $50 billion in total consolidated assets, such as the Bank.
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Deposit Insurance
The Bank is a member of the FDIC and pays an insurance premium to the FDIC based upon its assessable deposits on a quarterly basis. Deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC and such insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Deposits are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) and such insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, a permanent increase in deposit insurance to $250,000 was authorized. The coverage limit is per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, which created the DIF, gave the FDIC greater latitude in setting the assessment rates for insured depository institutions which could be used to impose minimum assessments. The FDIC has the flexibility to adopt actual rates that are higher or lower than the total base assessment rates adopted without notice and comment, if certain conditions are met.
The Dodd-Frank Act also set a new minimum DIF reserve ratio at 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC was required to attain this ratio by September 30, 2020. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to redefine the deposit insurance assessment base for an insured depository institution. As redefined pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, an institution’s assessment base is now an amount equal to the institution’s average consolidated total assets during the assessment period minus average tangible equity. Institutions with less than $1.0 billion in assets at the end of a fiscal quarter, like the Bank, are permitted to report their average consolidated total assets on a weekly basis (rather than on a daily basis) and to report their average tangible equity on an end-of-quarter balance (rather than on an end-of-month balance).
The Bank expensed $306,123 and $201,714 in FDIC insurance premiums, including FICO assessments and net of the credit, in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase from 2020 to 2021 was due primarily to the increase in deposits as a result of the Merger.
The FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. It is also authorized to terminate a depository bank’s deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the bank’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the bank’s regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance would have a material adverse effect on our earnings, operations and financial condition.
Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering
The Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), which is intended to require financial institutions to develop policies, procedures, and practices to prevent and deter money laundering, mandates that every insured depository institution have a written, board-approved program that is reasonably designed to assure and monitor compliance with the BSA.
The program must, at a minimum: (i) provide for a system of internal controls to assure ongoing compliance; (ii) provide for independent testing for compliance; (iii) designate an individual responsible for coordinating and monitoring day-to-day compliance; and (iv) provide training for appropriate personnel. In addition, state-chartered banks are required to adopt a customer identification program as part of its BSA compliance program. State-chartered banks are also required to file Suspicious Activity Reports when they detect certain known or suspected violations of federal law or suspicious transactions related to a money laundering activity or a violation of the BSA.
In addition to complying with the BSA, the Bank is subject to the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”). The USA Patriot Act is designed to deny terrorists and criminals the ability to obtain access to the United States’ financial system and has significant implications for depository institutions, brokers, dealers, and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. The USA Patriot Act mandates that financial service companies implement additional policies and procedures and take heightened measures designed to address any or all of the following matters: customer identification programs, money laundering, terrorist financing, identifying and reporting suspicious activities and currency transactions, currency crimes, and cooperation between financial institutions and law enforcement authorities.
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Mortgage Lending and Servicing
The Bank’s mortgage lending and servicing activities are subject to various laws and regulations that are enforced by the federal banking regulators and the CFPB, such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and various rules adopted thereunder, including those relating to consumer disclosures, appraisal requirements, mortgage originator compensation, prohibitions on mandatory arbitration provisions under certain circumstances, and the obligation to credit payments and provide payoff statements within certain time periods and provide certain notices prior to interest rate and payment adjustments.
The Bank is required to make a reasonable and good faith determination based on verified and documented information that a consumer applying for a mortgage loan has a reasonable ability to repay the loan according to its terms. Qualified mortgages that that are not “higher-priced” are afforded a safe harbor presumption of compliance with the ability to repay rules, while qualified mortgages that are “higher-priced” garner a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the ability to repay rules. In general, a “qualified mortgage” is a mortgage loan without negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, or a term exceeding 30 years, where the lender determines that the borrower has the ability to repay, and where the borrower’s points and fees do not exceed 3% of the total loan amount. “Higher-priced” mortgages must have escrow accounts for taxes and insurance and similar recurring expenses.
Consumer Lending - Military Lending Act
The Military Lending Act (the “MLA”), which was initially implemented in 2007, was amended and its coverage significantly expanded in 2015. The Department of Defense (the “DOD”) issued a final rule under the MLA that took effect on October 15, 2015, but financial institutions were not required to take action until October 3, 2016. The types of credit covered under the MLA were expanded to include virtually all consumer loan and credit card products (except for loans secured by residential real property and certain purchase-money motor vehicle/personal property secured transactions). Lenders must now provide specific written and oral disclosures concerning the protections of the MLA to active duty members of the military and dependents of active duty members of the military (“covered borrowers”). The rule imposes a 36% “Military Annual Percentage Rate” cap that includes costs associated with credit insurance premiums, fees for ancillary products, finance charges associated with the transactions, and application and participation charges. In addition, loan terms cannot include (i) a mandatory arbitration provision, (ii) a waiver of consumer protection laws, (iii) mandatory allotments from military benefits, or (iv) a prepayment penalty. The revised rule also prohibits “roll-over” or refinances of the same loan unless the new loan provides more favorable terms for the covered borrower. Lenders may verify covered borrower status using a DOD database or information provided by credit bureaus. We believe that we are in compliance with the revised rule.
Cybersecurity
We rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations and store sensitive data. We employ an in-depth approach that leverages people, processes, and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. In addition, we employ a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected advanced persistent threats. Notwithstanding the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cyber-attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures.
The federal banking regulators have adopted guidelines for establishing information security standards and cybersecurity programs for implementing safeguards under the supervision of a financial institution’s board of directors. These guidelines, along with related regulatory materials, increasingly focus on risk management and processes related to information technology and the use of third parties in the provision of financial products and services. The federal banking regulators expect financial institutions to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, and also expect financial institutions to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyberattack. If we fail to meet the expectations set forth in this regulatory guidance, then we could be subject to various regulatory actions and we may be required to devote significant resources to any required remediation efforts.
Laws Related to the Insurance Subsidiary
The Insurance Subsidiary is treated as a separate legal entity for state law purposes and is licensed and supervised by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance as a series protected cell of a protected cell captive insurance company. Tennessee insurance law requires a protected cell to possess and maintain unimpaired paid-in capital and surplus of at least $25,000, and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has the authority to prescribe additional requirements based on the type, volume and nature of insurance business to be conducted. No captive insurance company may pay a dividend out of, or other distribution with respect to, capital or surplus without the prior approval of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The Insurance Subsidiary was formed with the intention that it be treated as a “captive insurance company” by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) so that, among other things, some or all of the premiums that we pay to the Insurance Subsidiary will be deductible as trade or business expenses. Because of the significant tax benefits that can be realized through the operation of a captive insurance company, the IRS has recently focused significant attention on these arrangements to ensure that they are not simply a disguise for self-insurance. Amounts paid to the Insurance Subsidiary will be deductible only if they constitute “insurance premiums” under the IRC. The federal courts and the IRS have concluded that amounts paid to an insurance company will be deemed insurance premiums only if the arrangement under which those amounts were paid evidences an appropriate level of both “risk shifting” and “risk distribution”.
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Moreover, our tax planning assumes that the Insurance Company will have made an effective election under Section 831(b) of the IRC for each taxable year so that it will be taxed only on its investment income (and not also on its premium income) generated in that year. A Section 831(b) election for a taxable year is available only if (i) the insurance company’s net written premiums (or, if greater, direct written premiums) for the year do not exceed $2.3 million and (ii) either (a) no more than 20% of the written premiums (net or direct, as applicable) for the year is attributable to any single insured or (b) the insurance company satisfies certain ownership diversification requirements specified in Section 831(b)(2)(B)(i)(II) of the IRC.
The laws governing these arrangements are complicated and the positions taken by the IRS with respect to these laws and arrangements evolve and are subject to change. For additional information, see the risk factors entitled “We may not achieve the expected benefits from the Insurance Subsidiary” and “Certain of our U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns are currently being audited” in Item 1A of this annual report under the heading “Risks Relating to the Company and its Affiliates”.
SEC Regulation
The shares of the Company’s common stock are registered with the SEC under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the Company is subject to the information reporting requirements, proxy solicitation requirements, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the Exchange Act, including the requirements imposed under the federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Among other things, loans to and other transactions with insiders are subject to restrictions and heightened disclosure.
Governmental Monetary and Credit Policies and Economic Controls
The earnings and growth of the banking industry and ultimately of the Bank are affected by the monetary and credit policies of governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to control recessionary and inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate, changes in the discount rate of member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and may also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve authorities have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to have such an effect in the future. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or their effect on our businesses and earnings.
Employees
As of December 31, 2021, we employed 93 individuals, of whom 81 were full-time employees.
Available Information
The Company maintains an Internet site at www.fmb1919.bank on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
The significant risks and uncertainties related to us, our business and our securities of which we are aware are discussed below. You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties before making investment decisions in respect of our securities. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and could negatively impact the market price of our securities. If any of these risks materialize, you could lose all or part of your investment in the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, may also impair our business operations. You should also consider the other information contained in this annual report, including our financial statements and the related notes, before making investment decisions in respect of our securities.
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Risks Relating to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our business and financial results and that of many of our customers, and the ultimate impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, cannot be predicted, and are largely outside of our control, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created extensive disruptions to the global and U.S. economies and to the lives of individuals throughout the world. Governments, businesses, and the public are taking unprecedented actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate its effects, including quarantines, travel bans, shelter-in-place orders, closures of businesses and schools, fiscal and monetary stimulus, and legislation designed to deliver financial aid and other relief. While the scope, duration, and full effects of COVID-19 are rapidly evolving and not fully known, the pandemic and the efforts to contain it have disrupted global economic activity, adversely affected the functioning of financial markets, impacted market interest rates, increased economic and market uncertainty, and disrupted trade and supply chains. If these effects continue for a prolonged period or result in sustained economic stress or recession, many of the risk factors identified in this annual report could be exacerbated and the effects of COVID-19 could have a material adverse impact on us in a number of ways as described in more detail below.
Credit Risk - Our risks of timely loan repayment and the value of collateral supporting the loans are affected by the strength of our borrowers’ businesses. Concern about the spread of COVID-19 has caused and is likely to continue to cause business shutdowns, limitations on commercial activity and financial transactions, labor shortages, supply chain interruptions, increased unemployment and commercial property vacancy rates, reduced profitability and ability for property owners to make mortgage payments, and overall economic and financial market instability, all of which may cause our customers to be unable to make scheduled loan payments.
If the effects of COVID-19 result in widespread and sustained repayment shortfalls on loans in our portfolio, then we could incur significant delinquencies, foreclosures and credit losses, particularly if the available collateral is insufficient to cover our credit exposure. The future effects of COVID-19 on economic activity could negatively affect the collateral values associated with our existing loans, the ability to liquidate the real estate collateral securing our residential and commercial real estate loans, our ability to maintain loan origination volume and to obtain additional financing, the future demand for or profitability of our lending and services, and the financial condition and credit risk of our customers. Further, in the event of delinquencies, regulatory changes and policies designed to protect borrowers may slow or prevent us from making our business decisions or may result in a delay in our taking certain remediation actions, such as foreclosure. In addition, we have unfunded commitments to extend credit to customers. During a challenging economic environment, our customers depend more on our credit commitments and increased borrowings under these commitments could adversely impact our liquidity. Furthermore, in an effort to support our communities during the pandemic, we participated in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”), whereby forgivable loans were made to small businesses and are subject to the regulatory requirements that require forbearance of loan payments for a specified time and limit our ability to pursue all available remedies in the event of a loan default. If the borrower under the a PPP loan fails to qualify for loan forgiveness, then we are at the heightened risk of holding that loans at unfavorable interest rates as compared to the loans that we would have otherwise made to other customers.
Strategic Risk - Our success may be affected by a variety of external factors that may affect the price or marketability of our products and services, changes in interest rates that may increase our funding costs, reduced demand for our financial products due to economic conditions and the various response of governmental and nongovernmental authorities. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty and has led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets. The future effects of COVID-19 on economic activity could negatively affect the future banking products we provide, including a decline in originating loans.
Operational Risk - Any future restrictions on our workforce’s access to our facilities could limit our ability to meet customer servicing expectations and have a material adverse effect on our operations. We rely on business processes and branch activity that largely depend on people and technology, including access to information technology systems as well as information, applications, payment systems and other services provided by third parties. In response to COVID-19, we have modified our business practices with a portion of our employees working remotely from their homes to have our operations uninterrupted as much as possible. Further, technology in employees’ homes may not be as robust as in our offices and could cause the networks, information systems, applications, and other tools available to employees to be more limited or less reliable than in our offices. The continuation of these work-from-home measures also introduces additional operational risk, including increased cybersecurity risk from phishing, malware, and other cybersecurity attacks, all of which could expose us to risks of data or financial loss and could seriously disrupt our operations and the operations of any impacted customers.
Moreover, we rely on many third parties in our business operations, including the appraiser of the real property collateral, vendors that supply essential services such as loan servicers, providers of financial information, systems and analytical tools and providers of electronic payment and settlement systems, and local and federal government agencies, offices, and courthouses. Our operations could be adversely impacted if any of these entities were to limit the availability of or access to their services for a prolonged period or if limitations or potential disruptions in these services materialize.
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Interest Rate Risk/Market Value Risk - Our net interest income, lending and investment activities, deposits and profitability could be negatively affected by volatility in interest rates caused by uncertainties stemming from COVID-19 as well as current inflationary trends. In March 2020, the Federal Reserve lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to a range from 0% to 0.25%, citing concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets and market stress in the energy sector. In 2022 and beyond, the Federal Reserve is expected to increase the target range for the federal funds rate numerous times due to the highest level of inflation in over 40 years. A prolonged period of extremely volatile and unstable market conditions could increase our funding costs and negatively affect market risk mitigation strategies. Higher income volatility from changes in interest rates and spreads to benchmark indices could cause a loss of future net interest income and a decrease in prevailing fair market values of our investment securities and other assets, including mortgage servicing rights and SBA loan servicing rights. Fluctuations in interest rates will impact both the level of income and expense recorded on many of our assets and liabilities and the market value of all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our net income, operating results, or financial condition.
Because there have been no comparable recent global pandemics that resulted in similar global impact, we do not yet know the full extent of COVID-19’s long-term effects on our business, operations, or the global economy as a whole. Any future development will be highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, the effectiveness of our work-from-home arrangements, third party providers’ ability to support our operations, and any actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic. The uncertain future development of this crisis could materially and adversely affect our business, operations, operating results, financial condition, liquidity or capital levels.
Risks Relating to the Company and its Affiliates
The Company’s future success depends on the successful growth of its subsidiaries.
The Company’s primary business activity for the foreseeable future will be to act as the holding company of the Bank and the Insurance Subsidiary. Therefore, the Company’s future profitability will depend on the success and growth of these subsidiaries.
We could be adversely affected by risks associated with future acquisitions and expansions.
Although our core growth strategy has historically focused around organic growth, we may from time to time consider acquisition and expansion opportunities involving a bank or other entity operating in the financial services industry. We cannot predict if or when we will engage in strategic transactions, or the nature or terms of any such transactions. To the extent that we grow through an acquisition, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to adequately and profitably manage that growth or that an acquired business will be integrated into our existing businesses as efficiently or as timely as we may anticipate. Acquiring another business would generally involve risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including:
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increased capital needs;
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increased and new regulatory and compliance requirements;
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implementation or remediation of controls, procedures and policies with respect to the acquired business;
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diversion of management time and focus from operation of our then-existing business to acquisition-integration challenges;
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coordination of product, sales, marketing and program and systems management functions;
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transition of the acquired business’s users and customers onto our systems;
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retention of employees from the acquired business;
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integration of employees from the acquired business into our organization;
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integration of the acquired business’s accounting, information management, human resources and other administrative systems and operations with ours;
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potential liability for activities of the acquired business prior to the acquisition, including violations of law, commercial disputes and tax and other known and unknown liabilities;
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potential increased litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired business, including claims brought by regulators, terminated employees, customers, former stockholders, vendors, or other third parties; and
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potential goodwill impairment.
Our failure to execute on our acquisition strategy could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects risks of unknown or contingent liabilities.
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The majority of our business is concentrated in Maryland, much of which involves real estate lending, so a decline in the real estate and credit markets could materially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Most of the Bank’s loans are made to borrowers located in Maryland, and many of these loans, including construction and land development loans, are secured by real estate. At December 31, 2021, approximately 6%, or $28 million, of our total loans were real estate acquisition, construction and development loans that were secured by real estate. Accordingly, a decline in local economic conditions would likely have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, and the impact on us would likely be greater than the impact felt by larger financial institutions whose loan portfolios are geographically diverse. We cannot guarantee that any risk management practices we implement to address our geographic and loan concentrations will be effective to prevent losses relating to our loan portfolio.
The Bank’s concentrations of commercial real estate loans could subject it to increased regulatory scrutiny and directives, which could force us to preserve or raise capital and/or limit future commercial lending activities.
The federal banking regulators believe that institutions with particularly high concentrations of commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans in their lending portfolios face a heightened risk of financial difficulties in the event of adverse changes in the economy and CRE markets. Accordingly, through published guidance, these regulators have directed institutions whose concentrations exceed certain percentages of capital to implement heightened risk management practices appropriate to their concentration risk. The guidance provides that banking regulators may require such institutions to reduce their concentrations and/or maintain higher capital ratios than institutions with lower concentrations in CRE. At December 31, 2021, our CRE concentrations were above the heightened risk management thresholds set forth in this guidance. No assurance can be given that the Company’s enhanced risk management practices and monitoring controls will be effective.
The Bank may experience loan losses in excess of its allowance, which would reduce our earnings.
The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loans being made, the creditworthiness of the borrowers over the term of the loans and, in the case of collateralized loans, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loans. Management of the Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. Based upon such factors, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses based upon a percentage of the outstanding balances and for specific loans when their ultimate collectability is considered questionable. If management’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance for loan losses is inadequate to absorb future losses, or if the bank regulatory authorities require us to increase the allowance for loan losses as a part of its examination process, our earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected. Although management continually monitors our loan portfolio and makes determinations with respect to the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used or adverse developments arise with respect to our non-performing or performing loans. Material additions to the allowance for loan losses could result in a material decrease in our net income and capital, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Interest rates and other economic conditions will impact our results of operations.
Our net income depends primarily upon our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investments and other interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on deposits and borrowed funds. The level of net interest income is primarily a function of the average balance of our interest-earning assets, the average balance of our interest-bearing liabilities, and the spread between the yield on such assets and the cost of such liabilities. These factors are influenced by both the pricing and mix of our interest-earning assets and our interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by such external factors as the local economy, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and market interest rates.
Different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to changes in market interest rates. We expect that we will periodically experience gaps in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities. That means either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price more quickly than interest-earning assets, an increase in market rates of interest could reduce our net interest income. Likewise, when interest-earning assets mature or re-price more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce our net interest income. We are unable to predict changes in market interest rates, which are affected by many factors beyond our control, including inflation, deflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, domestic and international events and changes in the United States and other financial markets.
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We also attempt to manage risk from changes in market interest rates, in part, by controlling the mix of interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities. However, interest rate risk management techniques are not exact. A rapid increase or decrease in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.
Changes to LIBOR may adversely impact the value of, and the return on, our loans, investment securities and derivatives which are indexed to LIBOR.
We have certain loans indexed to LIBOR to calculate the loan interest rate. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the LIBOR administrator after 2021. The announcement also indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. Consequently, at this time, it is not possible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the LIBOR administrator or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable benchmark for certain loans and liabilities including our subordinated notes, what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR or the effect of any such changes in views or alternatives on the values of the loans and liabilities, whose interest rates are tied to LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, alternative reference rates, the elimination or replacement of LIBOR, or other reforms may adversely affect the value of, and the return on our loans, and our investment securities.
A new accounting standard will likely require us to increase our allowance for loan losses and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) has adopted a new accounting standard that will be effective for the Company beginning with our first full fiscal year ending after December 15, 2022. This standard, referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, will require financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for loan losses. This standard will change the current method of providing allowances for loan losses that are probable, which would likely require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, and to greatly increase the types of data we would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The market value of our investments could decline.
As of December 31, 2021, investment securities in our investment portfolio having a cost basis of $151.2 million and a market value of $149.2 million were classified as available-for-sale pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities, relating to accounting for investments. Topic 320 requires that unrealized gains and losses in the estimated value of the available-for-sale portfolio be “marked to market” and reflected as a separate item in stockholders’ equity (net of tax) as accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss. There can be no assurance that future market performance of our investment portfolio will enable us to realize income from sales of securities. Stockholders’ equity will continue to reflect the unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) of these investments. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the market value of our investment portfolio will not decline, causing a corresponding decline in stockholders’ equity.
Management believes that several factors could affect the market value of our investment portfolio. These include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates or expectations of changes, the degree of volatility in the securities markets, inflation rates or expectations of inflation and the slope of the interest rate yield curve (the yield curve refers to the differences between shorter-term and longer-term interest rates; a positively sloped yield curve means shorter-term rates are lower than longer-term rates). Also, the passage of time will affect the market values of our investment securities, in that the closer they are to maturing, the closer the market price should be to par value. These and other factors may impact specific categories of the portfolio differently, and management cannot predict the effect these factors may have on any specific category.
Impairment of investment securities or deferred tax assets could require charges to earnings, which could result in a negative impact on our results of operations.
In assessing whether the impairment of investment securities is other-than-temporary, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain our investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. See the discussion under the heading “Application of Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7 of Part II of this annual report for further information.
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In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Assessing the need for, or the sufficiency of, a valuation allowance requires management to evaluate all available evidence, both negative and positive, including the recent trend of quarterly earnings. Positive evidence necessary to overcome the negative evidence includes whether future taxable income in sufficient amounts and character within the carryback and carry forward periods is available under the tax law, including the use of tax planning strategies. When negative evidence (e.g., cumulative losses in recent years, history of operating loss or tax credit carry forwards expiring unused) exists, more positive evidence than negative evidence will be necessary. At December 31, 2021, our net deferred tax assets were valued at $2.2 million.
The impact of each of these impairment matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We operate in a competitive environment, and our inability to effectively compete could adversely and materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We operate in a competitive environment, competing for loans, deposits, and customers with commercial banks, savings associations and other financial entities. Competition for deposits comes primarily from other commercial banks, savings associations, credit unions, money market and mutual funds and other investment alternatives. Competition for loans comes primarily from other commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage banking firms, credit unions and other financial intermediaries. Competition for other products, such as securities products, comes from other banks, securities and brokerage companies, and other non-bank financial service providers in our market area. Many of these competitors are much larger in terms of total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets, and/or offer a broader range of financial services than those that we offer. In addition, banks with a larger capitalization and financial intermediaries not subject to bank regulatory restrictions have larger lending limits and are thereby able to serve the needs of larger customers.
In addition, changes to the banking laws over the last several years have facilitated interstate branching, merger and expanded activities by banks and holding companies. For example, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act revised the BHC Act and repealed the affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which, taken together, limited the securities and other non-banking activities of any company that controls an FDIC insured financial institution. As a result, the ability of financial institutions to branch across state lines and the ability of these institutions to engage in previously-prohibited activities are now accepted elements of competition in the banking industry. These changes may bring us into competition with more and a wider array of institutions, which may reduce our ability to attract or retain customers. Management cannot predict the extent to which we will face such additional competition or the degree to which such competition will impact our financial conditions or results of operations.
The banking industry is heavily regulated; significant regulatory changes could adversely affect our operations.
Our operations will be impacted by current and future legislation and by the policies established from time to time by various federal and state regulatory authorities. The Company is subject to supervision by the Federal Reserve. The Bank is subject to supervision and periodic examination by the Maryland Commissioner and the FDIC. The Insurance Subsidiary is subject to supervision and periodic examination by the Tennessee Insurance Department. Banking regulations, designed primarily for the safety of depositors, and insurance regulations, designed primarily for the safety of insureds, may limit a financial institution’s growth and the return to its investors by restricting such activities as the payment of dividends, mergers with or acquisitions by other institutions, investments, loans and interest rates, interest rates paid on deposits, expansion of branch offices, and the offering of securities or trust services. The Company and the Bank are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by federal law and the Insurance Subsidiary is subject to capitalization guidelines established by Tennessee law, and could be subject to enforcement actions to the extent that they are found by regulatory examiners to be undercapitalized. It is not possible to predict what changes, if any, will be made to existing federal and state legislation and regulations or the effect that such changes may have on our future business and earnings prospects. Management also cannot predict the nature or the extent of the effect on our business and earnings of future fiscal or monetary policies, economic controls, or new federal or state legislation. Further, the cost of compliance with regulatory requirements may adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may continue to reshape the consumer financial laws through rulemaking and enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair, deceptive and abusive business practices. Compliance with any such change may impact our business operations.
The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act with respect to financial institutions that offer covered financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB has also been directed to adopt rules identifying practices or acts that are unfair, deceptive or abusive in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. The concept of what may be considered to be an “abusive” practice is fluid and can change based on politically-appointed leadership at the CFPB. The full scope of the impact of this authority has not yet been determined as the CFPB has not yet released significant supervisory guidance. Any new rules adopted by the CFPB could require the Bank to dedicate significant personnel resources and could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
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Bank regulators and other regulations, including the Basel III Capital Rules, may require higher capital levels, impacting our ability to pay dividends or repurchase our stock.
The capital standards to which we are subject, including the standards created by the Basel III Capital Rules, may materially limit our ability to use our capital resources and/or could require us to raise additional capital by issuing common stock. The issuance of additional shares of common stock could dilute existing stockholders.
A material weakness or significant deficiency in our disclosure or internal controls could have an adverse effect on us.
The Corporation is required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to establish and maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. These control systems are intended to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Corporation is made known to our management and reported as required by the Exchange Act, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability and preparation of our financial statements, and to provide reasonable assurance that fraud and other unauthorized uses of our assets are detected and prevented. We may not be able to maintain controls and procedures that are effective at the reasonable assurance level. If that were to happen, our ability to provide timely and accurate information about the Corporation, including financial information, to investors could be compromised and our results of operations could be harmed. Moreover, if the Corporation or its independent registered public accounting firm were to identify a material weakness or significant deficiency in any of those control systems, our reputation could be harmed and investors could lose confidence in us, which could cause the market price of the Corporation’s stock to decline and/or limit the trading market for the common stock.
Customer concern about deposit insurance may cause a decrease in deposits held at the Bank.
Due to the large number of bank failures that have occurred since the 2008 recession, banking customers across the country have become increasingly concerned about the extent to which their deposits are insured by the FDIC. This concern could cause the Bank’s customers to withdraw deposits from the Bank in an effort to ensure that the amount they have on deposit with us is fully-insured. Because the Bank relies heavily on deposits to fund loans and purchase other interest-earning assets, a decrease in deposits could have a materially adverse effect on our funding costs and net income.
The Bank’s funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits and support our future growth.
The Bank relies on customer deposits, advances from the FHLB, lines of credit at other financial institutions and brokered funds to fund our operations. Although the Bank has historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances if desired, no assurance can be given that the Bank would be able to replace such funds in the future if our financial condition or the financial condition of the FHLB or market conditions were to change. Our financial flexibility will be severely constrained and/or our cost of funds will increase if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if financing necessary to accommodate future growth is not available at favorable interest rates. Finally, if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In that case, our profitability would be adversely affected.
We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and such capital may not be available when needed or at all.
The Company may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide it with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs including complying with new regulatory capital rules, particularly if its asset quality or earnings were to deteriorate significantly. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of its control, and its financial condition. Economic conditions and the loss of confidence in financial institutions may limit access to certain customary sources of capital, and increase the Bank’s cost of raising capital. No assurance can be given that such capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of depositors, investors or counterparties participating in the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. Moreover, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms as and when needed could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The Bank’s lending activities subject the Bank to the risk of environmental liabilities.
A significant portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, the Bank may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, the Bank may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Bank to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit the Bank’s ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase the Bank’s exposure to environmental liability. Although the Bank has policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims and the costs of defensive actions, and such claims and costs could materially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our customers may sue us for losses due to alleged breaches of fiduciary duties, errors and omissions of employees, officers and agents, incomplete documentation, our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or many other reasons. Also, our employees may knowingly or unknowingly violate laws and regulations. Management may not be aware of any violations until after their occurrence. This lack of knowledge may not insulate us from liability. Claims and legal actions will result in legal expenses and could subject us to liabilities that may reduce our profitability and hurt our financial condition.
We may not be able to keep pace with developments in technology.
We use various technologies in conducting our businesses, including telecommunication, data processing, computers, automation, internet-based banking, mobile banking, and debit cards. Technology changes rapidly. Our ability to compete successfully with other financial institutions may depend on whether we can exploit technological changes. We may not be able to exploit technological changes, and any investment we do make may not make us more profitable.
Our information systems may experience an interruption or a breach in security, including due to cyber-attacks.
Our business depends heavily on the use of computer systems, the Internet and other means of electronic communication and recordkeeping. In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees in systems and on networks. Moreover, we use third party vendors to provide products and services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations, which exposes us to the risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the service arrangements, including by failing to protect the confidential information we entrust to them. The secure processing, maintenance, and use of our and our customers’ information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Any failure, interruption, or breach in security or operational integrity of our communications or operations systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, and other systems. Although we have invested in various technologies and continually review processes and practices that are designed to protect our networks, computers, and data from damage or unauthorized access, our computer systems and infrastructure, and those of our third-party vendors, may nevertheless be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. Further, cyber-attacks can originate from a variety of sources and the techniques used are increasingly sophisticated. A breach of any kind could compromise our systems and those of our vendors, and the information stored there could be accessed, damaged, or disclosed. A breach in security or other failure could result in legal claims, regulatory penalties, disruptions in operations, increased expenses, loss of customers and business partners, and damage to our reputation, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. Furthermore, as cyber threats continue to evolve and increase, we may be required to expend significant additional financial and operational resources to modify or enhance our protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any identified information security vulnerabilities.
We may not achieve the expected benefits from the Insurance Subsidiary.
We formed the Insurance Subsidiary as a captive insurance company in late 2016 to insure or reinsure certain risks faced by the Bank. The Insurance Subsidiary is part of our enterprise-wide, multi-year insurance strategy that is intended to better position our risk programs and provide us with increased flexibility in the management of our insurance programs as well as contribute to efficiencies relating to our insurance programs over time. We may experience unanticipated events that could reduce or eliminate the benefits, both operational and financial, that we hope to realize through this entity, including, without limitation, significant insurance claims and/or changes in tax laws. In particular, we may not realize the tax benefits of owning a captive insurance company, which are discussed in the section of Item 1 of this annual report entitled “Supervision and Regulation” under the heading “Laws Related to the Insurance Subsidiary”. Although we believe that we have structured the Insurance Subsidiary’s operations to achieve these benefits, no assurance can be given that our efforts were or will be successful. If we are unable to achieve these benefits, then we will likely suspend the operations of the Insurance Subsidiary.
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It should be noted that the operation by financial holding companies of captive insurance companies having a structure similar to the Insurance Subsidiary and FCBI is a relatively new development. Moreover, we have very little experience operating a captive insurance company. If we are not able to successfully manage the Insurance Subsidiary, either due to our lack of experience or otherwise, then our financial condition and/or results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.
We may be adversely affected by recent changes in tax laws.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which was enacted in December 2017, is likely to have both positive and negative effects on our financial performance. Beginning in 2018, the Tax Act reduces the federal tax rate for corporations from 35% to 21%, but it also enacted limitations on certain deductions that will have an impact on the banking industry, borrowers and the market for single-family residential real estate. These limitations include (i) a lower limit on the deductibility of mortgage interest on single-family residential mortgage loans, (ii) the elimination of interest deductions for certain home equity loans, (iii) a limitation on the deductibility of business interest expense, and (iv) a limitation on the deductibility of property taxes and state and local income taxes. These limitations could have the effect of reducing consumer demand for loans secured by real estate, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. We continue to evaluate the Tax Act and its impact on us.
Certain of our U.S. consolidated federal income tax returns are currently being audited.
In April 2018, we were notified by the IRS that our 2016 U.S. consolidated federal tax return was selected for audit. In April 2020, we were notified by the IRS that our 2017 and 2018 U.S. consolidated federal tax returns had also been selected for audit. As part of its audits, the IRS reviewed the deductions related to, and the income generated by, the Insurance Subsidiary. Following the completion of its audits, the IRS determined that it disagrees with our tax treatment of the Insurance Subsidiary, and we are in the process of appealing such determination. Management cannot predict whether our appeal and defense of our tax positions will be successful. If our appeal is not successful, then we could be required to pay taxes, interest, and penalties totaling approximately $3.0 million as of December 31, 2021 for the tax years under audit and our taxable earnings and/or the effective tax rate on our future earnings could increase substantially, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report for further information about this risk.
The loss of key personnel could disrupt our operations and result in reduced earnings.
Our growth and profitability will depend upon our ability to attract and retain skilled managerial, marketing and technical personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. Our current executive officers provide valuable services based on their many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the banking industry and the market areas we serve. Due to the intense competition for financial professionals, it might be difficult to find qualified replacements in the event that a key employee’s employment were to terminate, which could disrupt the continuity of operations and/or result in a reduction in earnings. As reported in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 20, 2022, James R. Bosley, Jr., who has served as the President of the Bank for over 27 years, intends to retire on December 31, 2022. The boards of directors of the Company and the Bank believe that Mr. Bosley has been instrumental in leading and growing the Company and the Bank. These boards have retained a professional search firm to assist with finding Mr. Bosley’s replacement, but no assurance can be given that such search will be successful. A failure to timely find and appoint a qualified leader to replace Mr. Bosley following his retirement could exacerbate the foregoing risks.
We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business.
We are a community banking institution, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. A key component of our business strategy is to rely on our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our current market and contiguous areas. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers, or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected.
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Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our ability to pay dividends on the common stock is limited by applicable law, and the payment of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors.
Because the Company is not engaged in any direct business activities, the Company expects to fund dividends, if and when declared by the Company’s board of directors, using cash received from the Bank and the Insurance Subsidiary. No assurance can be given that the Bank or the Insurance Subsidiary will be able to pay dividends to the Company for these purposes at times and/or in amounts requested by the Company. Both federal and Maryland laws impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, and Tennessee law imposes restrictions on the Insurance Subsidiary’s ability to pay dividends. Further information about these limitations is contained in Item 5 of Part II of this annual report under the heading, “Market Price Analysis and Dividends”.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, stockholders must understand that the declaration and payment of dividends and the amounts thereof are at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. Thus, even at times when the Company could pay cash dividends on its common stock, neither the payment of such dividends nor the amounts thereof can be guaranteed.
The shares of common stock are not insured.
The shares of our common stock are not deposits and are not insured against loss by the FDIC or any other governmental or private agency.
Our common stock is not heavily traded, and the stock price may fluctuate significantly.
Our common stock is not traded on any exchange. Certain brokers currently make a market in the common stock by trading shares in the over-the-counter market, but such transactions are infrequent and the volume of shares traded is relatively small. Management cannot predict whether these or other brokers will continue to make a market in our common stock. Prices on stock that is not heavily traded, such as our common stock, can be more volatile than stock trading in an active public market. Factors such as our financial results, the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors, publicity regarding the banking industry, and various other factors affecting the banking industry may have a significant impact on the market price of the shares of our common stock. Likewise, events that are unrelated to the Company but that affect the equity markets generally, such as international health crises, wars, political instability and similar factors, could also have a significant impact on the market price and trading volume of the shares of common stock. Management also cannot predict the extent to which an active public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained in the future. Accordingly, stockholders may not be able to sell their shares of our common stock at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire.
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Maryland law may discourage a corporate takeover.
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation (the “Charter”) and Bylaws contain certain provisions designed to enhance the ability of the Company’s board of directors to deal with attempts to acquire control of the Company. First, the board of directors is classified into four classes. Directors of each class serve for staggered four-year periods, and no director may be removed except for cause, and then only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting stock. Second, the board has the authority to classify and reclassify unissued shares of stock of any class or series of stock by setting, fixing, eliminating, or altering in any one or more respects the preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions and qualifications of, dividends on, and redemption, conversion, exchange, and other rights of, such securities. The board could use this authority, along with its authority to authorize the issuance of securities of any class or series, to issue shares having terms favorable to management to a person or persons affiliated with or otherwise friendly to management. In addition, the Bylaws require any stockholder who desires to nominate a director to abide by strict notice requirements.
Maryland laws include provisions that could discourage a sale or takeover of the Company. The Maryland Business Combination Act generally prohibits, subject to certain limited exceptions, corporations from being involved in any “business combination” (defined as a variety of transactions, including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) with any “interested stockholder” for a period of five years following the most recent date on which the interested shareholder became an interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is defined generally as a person who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question and after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock. The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act applies to acquisitions of “control shares”, which, subject to certain exceptions, are shares the acquisition of which entitle the holder, directly or indirectly, to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors within any of the following ranges of voting power: one-tenth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power or a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares have limited voting rights. Maryland banking law provides that the Maryland Commissioner must approve certain acquisitions of the common stock of the Company or the Bank, and this law imposes a mandatory five-year voting prohibition on shares that are acquired without the required approval.
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Although these provisions do not preclude a takeover, they may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or deferring a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in his or her best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the common stock. Such provisions will also render the removal of the Company’s board of directors and of management more difficult and, therefore, may serve to perpetuate current management. These provisions could potentially adversely affect the market prices of the Company’s securities.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
This Item 1B is not applicable because the Company is a “smaller reporting company”.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Bank owns properties at which it operates branches at the following locations:
Main Office Owings Mills Branch Eldersburg Branch
15226 Hanover Pike 9320 Lakeside Boulevard 1321 Liberty Road
Upperco, MD 21155 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Eldersburg, MD 21784
Reisterstown Branch Westminster Branch
25 Westminster Pike 275 Clifton Boulevard
Reisterstown, MD 21136 Westminster, MD 21157
The Bank’s book value investment in land and buildings at December 31, 2021 totaled $5.4 million or 1% of total assets. Other than for banking purposes, the Bank does not invest in real estate. For future expansion purposes, the Bank owns two properties adjacent to its main office at 15216 and 15218 Hanover Pike, Upperco, Maryland 21155. The properties presently consist of two lots, each with a single family residence. One property is rented on a month-to-month lease. The other property has not been rented since 2011. The total rental income for both properties for 2021 was $10,200.
There are no encumbrances on any of these properties. Management believes that all of its properties are adequately insured. In 2021, the properties owned by the Bank in Baltimore County, MD were subject to state and county real estate taxes at a combined rate of 1.24% and the property owned by the Bank in Carroll County, MD was subject to state, county and municipal real estate taxes at combined rate of 1.68%. The Bank expensed $91,830 in real estate taxes on these properties in 2021.
The Bank operates under leases at the following properties:
Location
Square Feet
Current
Annual Rent
Lease Expiration
Greenmount In-Store Branch
2205 Hanover Pike
Hampstead, MD 21074
$ 55,771
1/31/2023 with option to renew for one consecutive five-year term
Hampstead Branch
735 Hanover Pike
Hampstead, MD 21074
(Land lease)
22,000
$ 55,164
9/30/2024 with option to renew for five consecutive five-year terms
Corporate Offices
4510 Lower Beckleysville Road
Suite H
Hampstead, MD 20174
4,171
$ 46,965
6/17/2025, with option to renew for three consecutive five-year terms
Carroll Lutheran Village Branch
300 St. Luke Circle
Westminster, MD 21158
1,024
$ 21,000
5/15/2023, with option to renew for two consecutive five-year terms
Note 7 and Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report contain additional information about the Bank’s premises and equipment.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are at times, in the ordinary course of business, subject to legal actions. Management, upon the advice of counsel, believes that losses, if any, resulting from current legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on 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 Price Analysis and Dividends
As of February 28, 2022, the shares of the Company’s common stock were held by approximately 473 stockholders of record. Although many trades occur through privately-negotiated transactions, the shares of the Company’s common stock are traded in the over-the-counter market by certain broker-dealers and price quotations are available through the OTC Markets Group’s OTC Pink Market (the “Pink Market”) under the symbol “FMFG”. Price quotations reported through the Pink Market do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
The Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends is limited by applicable laws. Subject to these laws, the payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, who considers such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. Maryland corporation laws prohibit the Company from paying dividends on our capital stock, including the common stock, unless, after giving effect to a proposed dividend, (i) we will be able to pay our debts as they come due in the normal course of business and (ii) our total assets will be greater than our total liabilities plus, unless our Charter permits otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend. Notwithstanding our inability to pay dividends pursuant to item (ii) above, we may nevertheless pay dividends out of (a) our net earnings for the fiscal year in which the distribution is made, (b) our net earnings for the preceding fiscal year, or (c) the sum of our net earnings for the preceding eight fiscal quarters.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends will be largely dependent on its receipt of dividends from the Bank and/or the Insurance Subsidiary. Like the Company, the Bank’s ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations imposed by federal and Maryland banking and Maryland corporation laws, and the Insurance Subsidiary’s ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations imposed by Tennessee insurance laws.
Federal law prohibits the payment of a dividend by an insured depository institution if the depository institution is considered “undercapitalized” or if the payment of the dividend would make the institution “undercapitalized”. Maryland state-chartered banks may pay dividends only out of undivided profits or, with the prior approval of the Maryland Commissioner, from surplus in excess of 100% of required capital stock. If, however, the surplus of a Maryland bank is less than 100% of its required capital stock, then cash dividends may not be paid in excess of 90% of net earnings. In addition to these specific restrictions, bank regulatory agencies have the ability to prohibit a proposed dividend by a financial institution that would otherwise be permitted under applicable law if the regulatory body determines that the payment of the dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. A bank that is considered to be a “troubled institution” is prohibited by federal law from paying dividends altogether.
Under Tennessee insurance law, the Insurance Subsidiary must maintain a minimum level of unimpaired paid-in capital and surplus, and it is prohibited from paying a dividend out of, or other distribution with respect to, capital or surplus without the prior approval of the Tennessee Insurance Department.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation S-K Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation 106.01, the information regarding the Corporation’s equity compensation plans required by this Item pursuant to Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is located in Item 12 of Part III of this annual report and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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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
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, which are presented elsewhere in this annual report.
The Company was incorporated on August 8, 2016 for the purpose of becoming the bank holding company of the Bank in a share exchange transaction that was intended to constitute a tax-free exchange under Section 351 of the IRC. This reorganization was consummated on November 1, 2016, at which time the Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and all of the Bank’s stockholders became stockholders of the Company by virtue of the conversion of their shares of common stock of the Bank into an equal number of shares of common stock of the Company.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and follow general practices within the industry in which the Company operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the consolidated financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.
The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in the annual report. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this financial review, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for loan losses as the accounting area that requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.
The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the balance sheet. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses.
Management applies various valuation methodologies to assets and liabilities which often involve a significant degree of judgment, particularly when liquid markets do not exist for the particular items being valued. Quoted market prices are referred to when estimating fair values for certain assets, such as most investment securities. However, for those items for which an observable liquid market does not exist, management utilizes significant estimates and assumptions to value such items. Examples of these items include loans, deposits, borrowings, goodwill, core deposit and other intangible assets, other assets and liabilities obtained or assumed in business combinations. These valuations require the use of various assumptions, including, among others, discount rates, rates of return on assets, repayment rates, cash flows, default rates, and liquidation values. The use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results, which could have material positive or negative effects on our results of operations, financial condition or disclosures of fair value information. In addition to valuation, we must assess whether there are any declines in value below the carrying value of assets that should be considered other than temporary or otherwise require an adjustment in carrying value and recognition of a loss in the consolidated statements of income. Examples include investment securities, goodwill and core deposit intangible, among others.
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has materially impacted all companies, governmental agencies, and individuals across the Country since the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and it continues to do so.
The U.S. and state governments reacted to the outbreak of the pandemic by issuing shelter-at-home orders and requiring that non-essential businesses be closed to prevent spread of the virus. The health crisis quickly turned into a financial crisis resulting in guidance and mandates regarding foreclosures and repossessions and accounting and regulatory changes designed to encourage banks to work with customers suffering detrimental financial impact.
Although states, including Maryland, have eased many of the previously-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, including stay-at-home orders and the required closure of non-essential businesses, and many individuals have been vaccinated, there are still a significant number of active infections throughout the Country, including in the State of Maryland, and individuals continue to become infected. As a result, it is possible that states, including Maryland, will re-implement some or all of the COVID-19 related restrictions that have been lifted and again require some or all non-essential businesses to close or drastically alter their business operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our customers and, thus, our financial condition and results of operations.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
The U.S. Government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) established the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which provided small businesses with resources to maintain payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and to cover applicable overhead expenses. During 2020, we made over $32 million in PPP loans and acquired $6 million as a result of the Company’s acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. in 2020 (see the discussion below under “Financial Condition”). During 2021, we made an additional $22 million of PPP loans. All PPP loans are 100% guaranteed by the SBA, have up to a five-year maturity, and have an interest rate of 1%. These loans may be forgiven by the SBA if the borrower meets certain conditions, including by using at least 75% of the loan proceeds for payroll costs. All of the PPP loans made in 2020 have been forgiven as of December 31, 2021. $10 million of the PPP loans made in 2021 remained outstanding as of December 31, 2021. The SBA also established processing fees from 1% to 5%, depending on the loan amount. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company collected approximately $1,037,000 in fees from the SBA in connection with the origination of PPP loans compared to approximately $1,286,000 collected in 2020. The fees, net of related origination costs, are being recognized as interest income over the term of the loans using the straight-line method, with accelerated recognition when the loan pays off before maturity through SBA forgiveness or other means. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized approximately $909,000 as interest income.
- 24 -
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Effective on October 1, 2020, the Company consummated the acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carroll Community Bank (collectively, “Carroll”) in a series of merger transactions (the “Merger”) pursuant to which the stockholders of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. received cash in the aggregate amount of $24.8 million in exchange for their shares of common stock of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. The merger consideration was paid by the Company using $7.8 million in cash and $17 million in proceeds from a third-party term loan obtained in connection with the Merger. At the Effective Time of the Merger, Carroll had total assets of $176,159,890, net loans of $145,153,100, and total liabilities of $157,992,286, of which $144,896,990 represented deposits. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values at the effective time of the Merger.
Total assets were $716,677,255 at December 31, 2021, an increase of $39,360,173, or 5.8%, over the $677,317,082 recorded at December 31, 2020. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $93,534,086 in securities available for sale and held for maturity, offset by a decrease of $39,679,180 in loans and a decrease of $14,513,564 in cash and cash equivalents.
Total liabilities were $660,055,797 at December 31, 2021, an increase of $34,468,198, or 5.5%, over the $625,587,599 recorded at December 31, 2020. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $53,013,123 in deposits, offset by a decrease of $19,339,946 in securities sold under repurchase agreements. The increase in deposits was comprised of a $21,020,502 increase in noninterest-bearing accounts and a $31,992,621 increase in interest-bearing accounts.
Stockholders’ equity was $56,621,458 at December 31, 2021 compared to $51,729,483 at December 31, 2020, an increase of $4,891,975, or 9.5%. The increase was due primarily to net income for 2021 of $8,149,606, offset by an after-tax unrealized loss on available for sale securities of $2,101,213 and dividends paid, net of reinvestments, of $1,156,418.
Loans
Major categories of loans at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 319,185,116
%
$ 309,284,811
%
Construction/Land development
28,221,854
%
33,641,916
%
Residential
107,436,033
%
121,327,761
%
Commercial
31,182,206
%
61,368,105
%
Consumer
355,958
%
288,454
%
486,381,167
%
525,911,047
%
Less: Allowance for loan losses
3,650,268
3,296,538
Deferred origination fees net of costs
719,565
923,995
$ 482,011,334
$ 521,690,514
The Company had no foreign loans for any of the years presented.
Loans decreased by $39,679,180, or 7.6%, to $482,011,334 at December 31, 2021 from $521,690,514 at December 31, 2020. The decline was due primarily to decreases in commercial loans of $30,185,899, residential real estate loans of $13,891,728, and construction/land development loans of $5,420,062, offset by an increase in commercial real estate loans of $9,900,305. The commercial loan decrease was primarily due to a decrease in PPP loans of $22.4 million. In addition, home equity and lines of credit usage decreased $8.1 during 2021 as a result of government economic stimulus that pumped trillions of dollars into the economy. The allowance for loan losses increased $353,730 to $3,650,268 at December 31, 2021 as compared to $3,296,538 at December 31, 2020.
- 25 -
Commercial loans in the table above include $9.7 million and $32.1 million of PPP loans as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which are 100% guaranteed by the SBA. $22 million were originated during 2021 compared to $38 million originated in 2020. A substantial portion of the PPP loans in the Company’s portfolio are expected to be forgiven by the SBA. During 2021, the Company collected approximately $1,037,000 in fees from the SBA in connection with the originations of the PPP loans compared to approximately $1,286,000 collected in 2020. The fees, net of related origination costs, are being recognized as interest income over the term of the loans using the straight-line method, with accelerated recognition when the loan pays off before maturity through SBA forgiveness or other means. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized approximately $909,000 as interest income from PPP loans.
The Company has adopted policies and procedures that seek to mitigate credit risk and to maintain the quality of the loan portfolio. These policies include underwriting standards for new credits as well as the continuous monitoring and reporting of asset quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These policies, coupled with continuous training efforts, have provided effective checks and balances for the risk associated with the lending process. Lending authority is based on the level of risk, size of the loan, and the experience of the lending officer. The Company’s policy is to make the majority of its loan commitments in the market area it serves. Management believes that this tends to reduce risk because management is familiar with the credit histories of loan applicants and has in-depth knowledge of the risk to which a given credit is subject. Although the loan portfolio is diversified, its performance will be influenced by the economy of the region.
The maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2021 is a follows:
Maturing within
one year
Maturing after
one but within
five years
Maturing after
five but within
fifteen years
Maturing after
fifteen years
Total
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 39,031,754
$ 160,250,339
$ 104,739,837
$ 15,163,186
$ 319,185,116
Construction/Land development
5,653,628
15,936,672
5,086,626
1,544,928
28,221,854
Residential
13,104,171
56,186,630
24,439,367
13,705,865
107,436,033
Commercial
4,547,733
21,273,244
5,240,905
120,324
31,182,206
Consumer
91,278
253,129
11,551
-
355,958
62,428,564
253,900,014
139,518,286
30,534,303
486,381,167
Rate terms:
Fixed-interest rate loans
$ 54,980,945
$ 222,698,570
$ 105,525,621
$ 13,672,729
$ 396,877,865
Adjustable-interest rate loans
7,447,619
31,201,444
33,992,665
16,861,574
89,503,302
$ 62,428,564
$ 253,900,014
$ 139,518,286
$ 30,534,303
$ 486,381,167
An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans, as of year-end, is as follows:
90 Days
Past Due 90
30 - 59 Days
60 - 89 Days
or more
Total
Total
Days or More
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Current
Loans
and Accruing
Real estate:
Commercial
$ -
$ -
$ 502,961
$ 502,961
$ 318,682,155
$ 319,185,116
$ -
Construction/Land development
-
-
-
-
28,221,854
28,221,854
-
Residential
-
-
249,161
249,161
107,186,872
107,436,033
217,661
Commercial
-
-
415,690
415,690
30,766,516
31,182,206
263,241
Consumer
-
-
-
-
355,958
355,958
-
Total
$ -
$ -
$ 1,167,812
$ 1,167,812
$ 485,213,355
$ 486,381,167
$ 480,902
- 26 -
90 Days
Past Due 90
30 - 59 Days
60 - 89 Days
or more
Total
Total
Days or More
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Current
Loans
and Accruing
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 182,656
$ -
$ -
$ 182,656
$ 309,102,155
$ 309,284,811
$ -
Construction/Land development
-
-
-
-
33,641,916
33,641,916
-
Residential
24,591
-
220,967
245,558
121,082,203
121,327,761
-
Commercial
-
-
-
-
61,368,105
61,368,105
-
Consumer
-
-
-
-
288,454
288,454
-
Total
$ 207,247
$ -
$ 220,967
$ 428,214
$ 525,482,833
$ 525,911,047
$ -
It is the Company’s policy to place a loan in nonaccrual status when any portion of the principal or interest is 90 days past due unless there are mitigating factors. Management closely monitors nonaccrual loans. The Company returns a nonaccrual loan to accruing status when (i) the loan is brought current with the full payment of all principal and interest arrearages, (ii) all contractual payments are thereafter made on a timely basis for at least six months, and (iii) management determines, based on a credit review, that it is reasonable to expect that future payments will be made as and when required by the contract.
Year-end non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
Non-accrual loans
Commercial real estate
$ 4,810,965
$ 4,407,829
Residential real estate
31,500
220,967
Commercial
152,449
-
Total non-accrual loans
$ 4,994,914
$ 4,628,796
At December 31, 2021, the Company had two nonaccrual commercial real estate loan totaling $4,810,965, one nonaccrual residential real estate loan totaling $31,500, and one commercial loan totaling $152,449. The real estate loans were secured by real estate and business assets and were personally guaranteed. The commercial loan was secured by business assets and was personally guaranteed. Gross interest income of $219,734 would have been recorded in 2021 if these nonaccrual loans had been current and performing in accordance with the original terms. The Company allocated $281,910 of its allowance for loan losses to these nonaccrual loans. The balance of the nonaccrual loans was net of charge-offs and a nonaccretable discount totaling $27,146 at December 31, 2021.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had one nonaccrual commercial real estate loan totaling $4,407,829 and two nonaccrual residential real estate loans totaling $220,967. The loans were secured by real estate, business assets and a personal guaranty. Gross interest income of $13,395 would have been recorded in 2020 if these nonaccrual loans had been current and performing in accordance with the original terms. The Company allocated $0 of its allowance for loan losses to these nonaccrual loans. The balance of the nonaccrual loans was net of charge-offs and a nonaccretable discount totaling $8,176 at December 31, 2020.
At December 31, 2021, the Company had one residential real estate loan with a carrying value of $217,661 and two commercial loans with a carrying value of $263,241 that were delinquent 90 days or greater in addition to the nonaccrual loans listed above. The residential loan is a chronic delinquent loan that the borrower brings current at least several times a year. The two commercial loans were PPP loans that were fully insured and were paid in full in January 2022. At December 31, 2020, the Company had no loans that were delinquent 90 days or greater other than the nonaccrual loans listed above.
- 27 -
Year-end impaired loans are set forth in the following table:
Impaired loans no valuation allowance
$ 6,357,199
$ 6,704,878
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
655,410
-
Total impaired loans
$ 7,012,609
$ 6,704,878
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
$ 281,910
$ -
Impaired loans include certain loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.
At December 31, 2021, the Company had one commercial real estate loan totaling $2,009,967 and one residential loan totaling $39,228 classified as TDRs. Both loans are included in impaired loans above. Each loan is paying as agreed. There have been no charge-offs or allowances associated with these two loans.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had two commercial real estate loans totaling $2,252,316 and one residential loan totaling $44,733 classified as TDRs. One of the commercial real estate loans with a principal balance of $182,656 was restructured as a TDR during 2020. All three loans are included in impaired loans above. Each loan is paying as agreed. There have been no charge-offs or allowances associated with these three loans.
Year-end TDRs are set forth in the following table:
Restructured loans (TDRs):
Total - all performing as agreed
$ 2,049,195
$ 2,297,049
Section 4013 of the U.S. Government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act allows financial institutions to suspend application of certain current TDRs accounting guidance under ASC 310-40 for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, provided certain criteria are met. This relief can be applied to loan modifications for borrowers that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and to loan modifications that defer or delay the payment of principal or interest, or change the interest rate on the loan. In April 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus to provide further interpretation of when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, specifically indicating that if the modification is either short-term (e.g., six months) or mandated by a federal or state government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty under ASC 310-40. The Company continues to prudently work with borrowers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while managing credit risks and recognizing appropriate allowance for loan losses in its loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, one loan totalling $4.3 million, or 1% of the Company’s loan portfolio, was operating under a deferral. This loan was not classified as a TDR as of December 31, 2021 because it met the criteria discussed above.
- 28 -
As part of our portfolio risk management, the Company assigns a risk grade to each loan. The factors used to determine the grade are the payment history of the loan and the borrower, the value of the collateral and net worth of any guarantor, and cash flow projections of the borrower. Special mention, Substandard, and Doubtful grades are assigned to loans with a higher frequency of delinquent payments and/or the collateral and/or cash flow are insufficient to support the loan and such loans are included on the Company’s watch list. The Special mention grade is intended to be a temporary grade.
Year-end loans graded special mention, substandard and doubtful are set forth in the following table:
Special mention
$ 5,288,153
$ 5,951,177
Substandard
15,109,965
13,732,062
Doubtful
20,627
11,265
Total
$ 20,418,745
$ 19,694,504
The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses and is charged to expense. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans and other extensions of credit that may become uncollectible. The Company's allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, "Receivables" and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, "Contingencies." Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions.
The Company's process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, classified and criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors.
Although management believes, based on currently available information, that the Company’s allowance for loan losses is sufficient to cover losses inherent in its loan portfolio at this time, no assurances can be given that the Company’s level of allowance for loan losses will be sufficient to cover future loan losses incurred by the Company or that future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses will not be necessary if economic or other conditions differ substantially from the economic and other conditions at the time management determined the current level of the allowance for loan losses.
- 29 -
The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
Allowance for loan losses ending
Outstanding loan balances
Provision
balance evaluated for impairment:
evaluated for impairment:
Beginning
for loan
Charge
Ending
Purchase Credit
Purchase Credit
December 31, 2021
balance
losses
offs
Recoveries
balance
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 2,230,129
$ 241,301
$ -
$ 11,500
$ 2,482,930
$ 129,461
$ -
$ 2,353,469
$ 6,820,932
$ 56,825
$ 312,307,359
Construction and land development
201,692
(3,345 )
-
16,200
214,547
-
-
214,547
-
383,666
27,838,188
Residential
644,639
(22,111 )
(18,970 )
-
603,558
-
-
603,558
39,228
568,151
106,828,654
Commercial
111,390
129,023
-
15,000
255,413
152,449
-
102,964
152,449
-
31,029,757
Consumer
2,138
2,232
-
-
4,370
-
-
4,370
-
-
355,958
Unallocated
106,550
(17,100 )
-
-
89,450
-
-
89,450
-
-
-
$ 3,296,538
$ 330,000
$ (18,970 )
$ 42,700
$ 3,650,268
$ 281,910
$ -
$ 3,368,358
$ 7,012,609
$ 1,008,642
$ 478,359,916
Allowance for loan losses ending
Outstanding loan balances
Provision
balance evaluated for impairment:
evaluated for impairment:
Beginning
for loan
Charge
Ending
Purchase Credit
Purchase Credit
December 31, 2020
balance
losses
offs
Recoveries
balance
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 1,763,861
$ 418,806
$ -
$ 47,462
$ 2,230,129
$ -
$ -
$ 2,230,129
$ 6,660,245
$ 151,453
$ 302,473,113
Construction and land development
192,828
(5,536 )
-
14,400
201,692
-
-
201,692
-
1,566,174
32,075,742
Residential
478,124
166,515
-
-
644,639
-
-
644,639
215,230
595,433
120,517,098
Commercial
107,782
(12,353 )
-
15,961
111,390
-
-
111,390
-
-
61,368,105
Consumer
4,133
(1,995 )
-
-
2,138
-
-
2,138
-
-
288,454
Unallocated
46,987
59,563
-
-
106,550
-
-
106,550
-
-
-
$ 2,593,715
$ 625,000
$ -
$ 77,823
$ 3,296,538
$ -
$ -
$ 3,296,538
$ 6,875,475
$ 2,313,060
$ 516,722,512
Allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding
0.75 %
0.63 %
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period
0.00 %
-0.02 %
Nonaccrual loans to total loans outstanding at period end
1.03 %
0.88 %
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans at period end
73.08 %
71.22 %
- 30 -
Net recovery (charge-offs) during the period to average loans outstanding:
Real estate:
Commercial
0.00 %
Construction and land development
0.05 %
Residential
-0.02 %
Commercial
0.03 %
Consumer
0.00 %
Total
0.00 %
The Company recorded net recoveries of $23,730 and $77,823 for 2021 and 2020, respectively. The provision for loan losses was $330,000 in 2021 and $625,000 in 2020.
Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) at December 31, 2021 included two properties with an aggregate carrying value of $1,242,365. The first property is an apartment building in Baltimore, Maryland with a carrying value of $1,242,365 that was acquired in the Merger. The property is under an optional sales contract, but is expected to close in 2022. The other property is land in Cecil County, Maryland with a carrying value of $0. It was acquired through foreclosure in 2007. The latter property consists of 10.43 acres and is currently under contract for a gross sales price of $295,000 with closing expected in 2022. Due to the length of time that the latter property has been held, Maryland banking law required a write-down of the value to $0 in 2019.
Other Real Estate Owned
$ 1,242,365
$ 1,411,605
Investment Securities
Investment securities increased $93,534,086, or 120.6%, to $171,089,891 at December 31, 2021 from $77,555,805 at December 31, 2020. The Company utilized its increased liquidity, which was generated as a result of growing deposits and a decreasing loans portfolio, by increasing its investment in mortgage-backed securities by $92.9 million. In addition, the Company also increased its investment in corporate bonds by $2.4 million. Most of this increase was invested in the subordinated debt of other community banks. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had classified 87% and 70%, respectively, of the investment portfolio as available for sale. The remaining balance of the portfolio was classified as held to maturity.
Securities classified as available for sale are held for an indefinite period of time and may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes. Securities classified as held to maturity, which management has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, are reported at amortized cost. The Company does not currently follow a strategy of making security purchases with a view to near-term sales, and, therefore, does not own trading securities. The Company manages the investment portfolio within policies that seek to achieve desired levels of liquidity, manage interest rate sensitivity, meet earnings objectives, and provide required collateral for deposit and borrowing activities.
- 31 -
The following table sets forth the carrying value of investment securities at December 31:
Available for sale
State and municipal
$ 763,498
$ 986,532
SBA pools
1,397,762
1,783,807
Corporate bonds
9,234,207
6,797,431
Mortgage-backed securities
137,842,449
44,909,516
$ 149,237,916
$ 54,477,286
Held to maturity
State and municipal
$ 21,851,975
$ 23,078,519
The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2021:
Available for Sale
Held to Maturity
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Yield
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Yield
Within 1 year
$ 499,903
$ 505,360
3.79 %
$ -
$ -
-
Over 1 to 5 years
3,894,465
3,949,948
2.13 %
799,343
812,955
3.28 %
Over 5 to 10 years
5,583,846
5,542,397
4.62 %
2,046,291
2,211,802
2.81 %
Over 10 years
-
-
-
19,006,341
19,780,844
2.99 %
9,978,214
9,997,705
3.61 %
21,851,975
22,805,601
2.99 %
SBA Pools
1,418,770
1,397,762
1.51 %
-
-
-
Mortgage-backed securities
139,765,445
137,842,449
1.60 %
-
-
-
$ 151,162,429
$ 149,237,916
1.73 %
$ 21,851,975
$ 22,805,601
2.99 %
SBA pools and mortgage-backed securities are due in monthly installments.
Deposits
Total deposits were $626,414,670 at December 31, 2021 compared to $573,401,547 at December 31, 2020, an increase of $53,013,123, or 9.2%. The increase was due to a $19,069,054 increase in savings accounts, a $22,723,333 increase in interest bearing checking accounts, a $7,254,307 increase in money market accounts and a $21,020,502 increase in noninterest-bearing accounts, offset by a $17,054,073 decrease in certificates of deposit. The following table shows the average balances and average costs of deposits for the years ended December 31:
Average
Balance
Cost
Average
Balance
Cost
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
$ 120,935,434
0.00 %
$ 82,514,991
0.00 %
Interest bearing demand deposits
118,795,136
0.18 %
83,893,984
0.28 %
Savings and money market deposits
183,453,217
0.15 %
119,532,831
0.24 %
Certificates of deposit
187,568,107
0.81 %
166,078,044
1.57 %
$ 610,751,894
0.33 %
$ 452,019,850
0.69 %
- 32 -
As of December 31, 2021, certificates of deposit greater than $250,000 mature as follows:
Period
Balance
3 months or less
$ 12,483,777
Over 3 months to 6 months
4,457,687
Over 6 months to 12 months
9,579,736
Over 12 months
8,176,073
Total
$ 34,697,273
Uninsured deposits totaled $164,458,319 at December 31, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, lines of credit, including home-equity lines and commercial lines, and letters of credit. Loan commitments generally have interest rates at current market values, fixed expiration dates, and may require a fee. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates and do not necessarily represent future cash flow requirements because it is unlikely that all customers will draw upon their lines in full at any one time. Letters of credit are commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.
For commitments to extend credit, lines of credit, and letters of credit, the Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument is represented by the contractual notional amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
At December 31, 2021, the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments were as follows:
Loan commitments
$ 34,797,370
Unused lines of credit
$ 41,536,430
Letters of credit
$ 1,470,742
Management does not believe that any of the foregoing arrangements are reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
Borrowings and Other Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations consist primarily of borrowings and operating leases for various facilities.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent overnight borrowings from customers. Securities owned by the Company which are used as collateral for these borrowings are primarily U.S. government agency securities.
On September 30, 2020, Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. borrowed $17,000,000 from First Horizon Bank (“FHN”) to be used, on October 1, 2020, to fund a portion of the merger consideration paid in the Merger. Net of issuance costs of $28,126, the proceeds of the net long-term debt was $16,971,874. The loan matures on September 30, 2025. The interest rate on the loan is fixed at 4.10%. The Company made quarterly interest-only payments through October 1, 2021. During the remaining term of the loan, the Company is required to make quarterly interest and principal payments of approximately $646,472, which is based on a nine-year straight-line amortization schedule. The remaining balance of approximately $9,916,667 will be due at maturity. To secure its obligations under this loan, the Company pledged all of its shares of common stock of the Bank to the lender.
- 33 -
Specific information about the Company’s borrowings and contractual obligations is set forth in the following table:
At December 31,
Amount oustanding at year-end:
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
$ 5,414,026
$ 24,753,972
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
5,000,000
5,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank advances mature in:
$ 5,000,000
$ 5,000,000
Long-term debt (net of issuance costs) matures in 2025
16,978,905
16,973,280
Weighted average rate paid at December 31:
Securites sold under repurchase agreements
0.31 %
0.61 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
1.00 %
1.00 %
Long-term debt
4.10 %
4.10 %
For years ended December 31,
Average rate paid for the year:
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
0.43 %
1.15 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
1.01 %
0.84 %
Long-term debt
4.10 %
4.10 %
The terms of the Company’s operating leases, including the future minimum payments under those leases, are disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company reported net income of $8,149,606 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $2,682,003 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase of $5,467,603 from 2020 was due to an increase in net interest income of $5,570,601, a decrease in noninterest expense of $1,453,809, a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $295,000, and an increase in noninterest income of $93,795, offset by an increase in income taxes of $1,945,602. The primary driver of the significant increase in net income was the Merger that was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Also, income from PPP loans added approximately $802,000 to net income. As of December 31, 2021, $196,000 of deferred PPP fees, net of income taxes, have not been recognized.
- 34 -
The Company incurred significant one-time costs during 2020 in connection with the Merger. The table below provides a comparison of the Company’s results for the year ended December 31, 2021 versus the prior year with and without $3,236,817 of acquisition costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Year Ended December 31,
Excluding
As Reported
As Reported
Acquisition Costs
Income before taxes
$ 10,582,419
$ 3,169,214
$ 6,406,031
Income taxes
2,432,813
487,211
1,292,806
Net income
$ 8,149,606
$ 2,682,003
$ 5,113,225
Earnings per share
$ 2.70
$ 0.90
$ 1.71
Return on average assets
1.16 %
0.51 %
0.97 %
Return on average equity
14.85 %
5.22 %
9.96 %
Net Interest Income
The primary source of income for the Company is net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as investment securities and loans, and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing sources of funds, such as deposits and borrowings.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded net interest income of $22,875,104 compared to $17,304,503 for 2020, an increase of $5,570,601. The increase was attributable to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $164,702,972 to $664,748,917 in 2021 from $500,045,945 in 2020, offset by a decline in the net yield on interest-earning assets of 3 basis points to 3.47% in 2021 from 3.50% in 2020.
Total interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $4,917,223 to $25,680,403, from $20,763,180 for 2020. The increase was due primarily to the aforementioned increase in average interest earning assets, offset by a decrease of 30 basis points in the tax equivalent yield on interest earning assets to 3.89% in 2021 from 4.19% in 2020.
Interest income from loans was $23,491,614 in 2021 compared to $19,291,162 in 2020, an increase of $4,200,452. This increase was attributable to a $94,156,885 increase in the average balance of loans to $515,167,318 in 2021 from $421,010,433 in 2020, offset by a 2 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans to 4.56% in 2021 from 4.58% in 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded interest income on securities of $2,123,293. For the same period of 2020, interest income on securities was $1,395,493. The $727,800 increase in 2021 was attributable to a $54,322,031 increase in the average balance of securities to $119,905,876 in 2021 from $65,583,845 in 2020, offset by a 48 basis point decrease in the average tax equivalent yield on securities to 1.92% in 2021 from 2.40% in 2020.
Interest income on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets (FHLB stock and certificates of deposit) decreased $11,029 to $65,496 in 2021 compared to $76,525 in 2020. The decrease was due to a 36 basis point decrease in the average tax equivalent yield to 0.23% in 2021 from 0.59% in 2020, offset by a $16,224,056 increase in the average balance of federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets to $29,675,723 in 2021 from $13,451,667 in 2020.
Total interest expense decreased $653,378 to $2,805,299 in 2021 compared to $3,458,677 in 2020. The decrease was due to a 35 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 0.54% in 2021 from 0.89% in 2020, offset by an increase of $134,071,726 in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $522,215,206 in 2021 from $388,143,480 in 2020.
- 35 -
Interest paid on NOW, savings, and money market deposit accounts decreased $33,475 to $485,543 in 2021 compared to $519,018 in 2020. The decrease was due to a 10 basis point decrease in the cost of funds to 0.16% in 2021 from 0.26% in 2020 offset by a $98,821,538 increase in the average balance of these deposits to $302,248,353 in 2021 from $203,426,815 in 2020.
Interest paid on time deposits decreased $1,097,646 to $1,512,330 in 2021 compared to $2,609,976 in 2020. The decrease was due to a decrease of 76 basis points in the average rate paid to 0.81% in 2021 from 1.57% in 2020, offset by an increase of $21,490,063 in the average balance to $187,568,107 in 2021 from $166,078,044 in 2020.
Interest paid on securities sold under repurchase agreements decreased $62,690 to $44,628 in 2021 compared to $107,318 in 2020. The decrease was attributable to a decrease of 72 basis points in the average rate paid to 0.43% in 2021 from 1.15% in 2020, offset by a $1,087,030 increase in the average balance of securities sold under repurchase agreements to $10,422,623 in 2021 from $9,335,593 in 2020.
Interest paid on long-term debt that was $712,306 in 2021 compared to $181,465 in 2020. This debt relates to the $17 million term loan obtained on September 30, 2020 to finance a portion of the cash paid to the former stockholders of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. in the Merger. The average balance, net of issuance costs, increased $12,550,117 to 16,976,093 in 2021 from $4,425,976 in 2020.
Interest paid on FHLB advances and other borrowings increased $9,592 to $50,492 in 2021 from $40,900 in 2020. The increase was attributable to an increase of 17 basis points in the average rate paid to 1.01% in 2021 from 0.84% in 2020, and a $122,978 increase in the average balance of FHLB advances and other borrowings to $5,000,030 in 2021 from $4,877,052 in 2020.
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The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company’s average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. The yields and rates are calculated by dividing interest income or expense by the average daily balance of assets or liabilities, respectively. Non-accruing loans are included in the average balance.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Average Balance
Interest
Yield
Average Balance
Interest
Yield
Assets:
Loans
$ 515,167,318
$ 23,491,614
4.56 %
$ 421,010,433
$ 19,291,162
4.58 %
Securities, taxable (1)
99,668,430
1,516,487
1.52 %
44,207,230
774,582
1.75 %
Securities, tax exempt (1)
20,237,446
787,818
3.89 %
21,376,615
799,841
3.74 %
Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets (1)
29,675,723
69,098
0.23 %
13,451,667
79,846
0.59 %
Total interest-earning assets
664,748,917
25,865,017
3.89 %
500,045,945
20,945,431
4.19 %
Noninterest-earning assets
38,706,505
26,493,472
Total assets
$ 703,455,422
$ 526,539,417
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
NOW, savings, and money market
$ 302,248,353
485,543
0.16 %
$ 203,426,815
519,018
0.26 %
Certificates of deposit
187,568,107
1,512,330
0.81 %
166,078,044
2,609,976
1.57 %
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
10,422,623
44,628
0.43 %
9,335,593
107,318
1.15 %
Long-term debt
16,976,093
712,306
4.20 %
4,425,976
181,465
4.10 %
FHLB advances and other borrowings
5,000,030
50,492
1.01 %
4,877,052
40,900
0.84 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
522,215,206
2,805,299
0.54 %
388,143,480
3,458,677
0.89 %
Noninterest-bearing deposits
120,935,434
82,514,991
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
5,419,526
4,536,613
Total liabilities
648,570,166
475,195,084
Stockholders' equity
54,885,256
51,344,333
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 703,455,422
$ 526,539,417
Net interest income
$ 23,059,718
$ 17,486,754
Interest rate spread
3.35 %
3.30 %
Net yield on interest-earning assets
3.47 %
3.50 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
127.29 %
128.83 %
(1) - Interest on tax-exempt investments are reported on a fully taxable equivalent basis. The federal, state, and combined tax rates used were 21.00%, 8.25%, and 27.5175% respectivley.
- 37 -
The following table sets forth the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of the Company's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The table distinguishes between (i) changes in net interest income attributed to volume (change in volume multiplied by the prior year's interest rate), and (ii) changes in net interest income attributed to rate (change in rate multiplied by the prior year's volume). The change in interest due to the combined rate and volume changes is allocated proportionally to the change in volume and rate.
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
Year ended December 31, 2021
compared to 2020
Year ended December 31, 2020
compared to 2019
Change due to variance in
Change due to variance in
Volume
Rate
Total
Volume
Rate
Total
Interest income:
Loans
$ 4,293,991
$ (93,539 )
$ 4,200,452
$ 3,547,286
$ (1,150,781 )
$ 2,396,505
Securities, taxable
856,005
(114,100 )
741,905
199,306
(300,439 )
(101,133 )
Securities, tax exempt
(43,603 )
31,580
(12,023 )
126,207
(66,443 )
59,764
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
56,920
(67,668 )
(10,748 )
(63,716 )
(230,116 )
(293,832 )
Total interest-earning assets
5,163,313
(243,727 )
4,919,586
3,809,083
(1,747,779 )
2,061,304
Interest expense:
NOW, savings, and money market
199,146
(232,621 )
(33,475 )
127,676
(116,043 )
11,633
Certificates of deposit
303,198
(1,400,844 )
(1,097,646 )
300,318
(702,917 )
(402,599 )
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
11,269
(73,959 )
(62,690 )
(8,091 )
(7,323 )
Long-tern debt
526,496
4,345
530,841
181,465
-
181,465
FHLB advances and other borrowings
1,055
8,537
9,592
25,243
(29,695 )
(4,452 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,041,164
(1,694,542 )
(653,378 )
635,470
(856,746 )
(221,276 )
Change in net interest income
$ 4,122,149
$ 1,450,815
$ 5,572,964
$ 3,173,613
$ (891,033 )
$ 2,282,580
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $2,165,914 in 2021 compared to $2,072,119 in 2020, an increase of $93,795. The increase was primarily due to a 148,656 increase in service charges on deposits and a $41,823 increase in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income, offset by a $114,424 decrease in mortgage banking revenue. Service charges increased because customer transaction activity increased as COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2021 versus 2020. BOLI income increased because of the BOLI that was added as a result of the Merger. Our mortgage banking division experienced its second highest revenue total in 2021, after the highest in 2020, as a result of historically low interest rates. However, activity slowed in the fourth quarter of 2021 as mortgage interest rates began to move higher.
Noninterest Expense
Total noninterest expense decreased by $1,453,809 to $14,128,599 in 2021 from $15,582,408 in 2020. The decrease was due primarily to $3,236,817 in one-time acquisition costs related to the Merger in 2020, offset by additional personnel, locations and customers added with the Merger. Salaries and benefits increased $1,137,635, other expenses increased $200,819, and occupancy, furniture and equipment costs increased $125,339. In addition, FDIC premiums increased by $104,409 primarily due to the increase in assets and deposits.
- 38 -
Other noninterest expenses include the following:
Stationery, printing, and supplies
225,266
208,510
Directors fees
221,239
203,335
Telephone
219,418
224,805
Postage, delivery, and armored carrier
185,542
145,544
Correspondent bank services
185,081
135,621
Internet banking fees
168,424
185,815
Insurance claims
145,000
200,000
Liability insurance
106,938
54,251
Other
516,268
414,476
$ 1,973,176
$ 1,772,357
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased $1,945,602 to $2,432,813 in 2021 from $487,211 in 2020. Higher income before taxes was the primary driver of the decrease.
The Company’s effective tax rate increased to 23.0% in 2021, from 15.4% in 2020. The increase was due to a lower percentage of tax-exempt revenue. Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements provides additional information about the Company’s taxes, including a reconciliation of the Company’s effective tax rate to the Federal statutory rate of 21%.
Quarterly Results of Operations
Three Months Ended
Unaudited
December 31
September 30
June 30
March 31
Interest income
$ 6,374,432
$ 6,654,268
$ 6,281,111
$ 6,370,592
Interest expense
607,293
662,279
738,590
797,137
Net interest income
5,767,139
5,991,989
5,542,521
5,573,455
Provision for loan losses
(100,000 )
330,000
(20,000 )
120,000
Net income
1,965,265
2,122,547
2,032,219
2,029,575
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
$ 0.65
$ 0.70
$ 0.67
$ 0.67
December 31
September 30
June 30
March 31
Interest income
$ 6,475,562
$ 4,822,354
$ 4,755,228
$ 4,710,036
Interest expense
907,745
721,605
884,825
944,502
Net interest income
5,567,817
4,100,749
3,870,403
3,765,534
Provision for loan losses
150,000
-
350,000
125,000
Net income
417,394
385,247
1,036,055
843,307
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
$ 0.14
$ 0.13
$ 0.35
$ 0.28
- 39 -
INTEREST RATE RISK
The Company’s principal market risk is exposure to the risk that the interest rates associated with our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets will fluctuate. This risk arises from the Company’s lending, investing and deposit-taking activities, and is affected by many factors, including economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates and consumer preferences. Interest rate fluctuation has a direct impact on the Company’s net interest income. Net interest income is susceptible to interest rate risk when deposits and other short-term liabilities have different repricing intervals than do loans, investments and other interest-earning assets. When interest-earning assets mature or reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities, a decline in interest rates may cause a decline in net interest income. Conversely, when interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice faster than interest-earning assets, an increase in interest rates may cause a decline in net interest income.
The Company recognizes that there are many types of interest rate risk. Management believes that the three types that pose the greatest potential threat to current and long-term earnings are:
•
Repricing risk - the difference in the timing of the scheduled maturity and re-pricing dates of assets and liabilities within a certain time frame;
•
Option risk - interest rate related options embedded in the Company’s assets and liabilities which change the cash flow characteristics of the assets and liabilities; and
•
Yield curve / basis risk - changes in the relationship between different interest rates with the same maturity or interest rates across a maturity spectrum which create compression or expansion of our net interest margin.
The Company uses earnings at risk and economic value at risk measures to quantify our exposure to these types of interest rate risk. We believe that using simulations that measure all three types of risks in combination is a more efficient tool for measurement, and we therefore do not routinely process models to isolate each risk. Rather, we combine the three types of analyses, which we believe provides a better overall result than a simulation based on a single system and a more economical use of resources than targeted models. Following is a description of the analyses to be utilized:
Earnings at Risk
Earnings at Risk (“EAR”) measures exposure to net changes in net interest income (“NII”), and is considered the Company’s best source of managing short-term interest rate risk (one-year and two-year time frames). EAR is a dynamic analysis, which can capture all the different forms of interest rate risk under many different interest rate scenarios, and using various assumptions for growth, optionality, and yield curve structure.
Economic Value of Equity
Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) is management’s primary analytical tool for measuring long-term interest rate risk, and helps to measure if the long-term safety and soundness of the Company is being compromised for the sake of short-term results. However, the Company also recognizes the inherent difficulties of calculating a definitive value for many sections of the balance sheet as well as the weakness that EVE ignores future events (e.g., growth, etc.). These difficulties, coupled with the nature of our core business, allow the Company to adopt wide limits for this measure.
In order to mitigate the impact of changing interest rates, the Board of Directors has established policies and procedures that include acceptable parameters for the relationship between rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities as measured by earnings at risk and economic value at risk. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews rate sensitivity measures on a quarterly basis. Material deviations from policy parameters are reported to the Board of Directors and corrective action is initiated and monitored.
Measures of NII at risk produced by simulation analysis are indicators of an institution’s short-term performance in alternative rate environments. These measures are typically based upon a relatively brief period, usually one year. They do not necessarily indicate the long-term prospects or economic value of the institution.
- 40 -
Based upon the simulation analysis performed at December 31, 2021 and 2020, management estimated the following changes in NII, assuming the indicated rate changes:
Change in Rate
400 basis point increase
$ (1,844,000 )
$ (157,000 )
300 basis point increase
(1,191,000 )
17,000
200 basis point increase
(677,000 )
116,000
100 basis point increase
(278,000 )
139,000
100 basis point decrease
(878,000 )
(95,000 )
200 basis point decrease
(1,131,000 )
(124,000 )
300 basis point decrease
(1,201,000 )
(124,000 )
LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
Liquidity describes our ability to meet financial obligations that arise out of the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet depositor withdrawal requirements, to fund loans, and to fund our other debts and obligations as they come due in the normal course of business. We maintain our asset liquidity position internally through short-term investments, the maturity distribution of the investment portfolio, loan repayments, and income from earning assets. On the liability side of the balance sheet, liquidity is affected by the timing of maturing liabilities and the ability to generate new deposits or borrowings as needed. The Bank is approved to borrow 75% of eligible pledged single family residential loans and 50% of eligible pledged commercial loans as well as investment securities, or approximately $83.0 million under a secured line of credit with the FHLB. The Bank also has a facility with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Reserve Bank”) under which the Bank could borrow approximately $25.3 million. Finally, the Bank has $23,500,000 ($14,500,000 unsecured and $9,000,000 secured) overnight federal funds lines of credit available from commercial banks. FHLB advances of $5,000,000 were outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no borrowings from the Reserve Bank or from the commercial banks’ lines of credit at December 31, 2021 and 2020. On September 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $17,000,000 from a commercial bank, which was used on October 1, 2020 to fund a portion of the cash consideration paid to the former stockholders of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. in the Merger. The outstanding balance at December 31, 2021, net of unamortized issuance costs, was $16,979,905. Management believes that we have adequate liquidity sources to meet all anticipated liquidity needs over the next 12 months. Management knows of no trend or event which is likely to have a material impact on our ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.
Cash provided by operating activities increased by $7,252,460 to $11,704,730 in 2021 from $4,452,270 in 2020 due primarily to the $5,467,603 increase in net income. Cash used in investing activities increased 13,283,910 to $58,984,893 in 2021 from $45,700,983 in 2020 due primarily to an $88,914,971 increase in the net cash outflow from the debt securities portfolio and a $19,366,118 decrease in the net cash outflow from the Merger, offset by a $59,339,596 increase in the net cash inflow from the loan portfolio. Cash provided by financing activities decreased by $40,336,432 to $32,766,599 in 2021 from $73,103,031 in 2020 due primarily to a $33,135,800 increase in the net cash outflow from securities sold under repurchase agreements and a $16,971,874 decrease in the net cash inflow from long-term debt, offset by an $8,000,000 decrease in the net cash outflow from FHLB advances.
Information about the various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments, to which we are subject is set forth above under the captions “Off-Balance Sheet Transactions” and “Borrowings and Other Contractual Obligations”.
- 41 -
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND ADEQUACY
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional, discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.
The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions). Quantitative measures established by the Basel III Capital Rules to ensure capital adequacy require the maintenance of minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital, and Total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined).
On September 17, 2019, the FDIC finalized a rule that introduces an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (i.e., the community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) framework), as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. The CBLR framework is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework.
On April 6, 2020, in a joint statement, the FDIC, Federal Reserve and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), issued two interim final rules regarding temporary changes to the CBLR framework to implement provisions of the CARES Act. Under the interim final rules, the community bank leverage ratio was reduced to 8% beginning in the second quarter and for the remainder of calendar year 2020, 8.5% for calendar year 2021, and 9% thereafter. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization must have a tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 8%, less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and limited amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assets and liabilities. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital. The Company has not opted-in to the CBLR framework.
Additional information regarding the capital requirements that apply to us can be found in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report.
- 42 -
The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, for the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules. The minimum required capital amounts presented include the minimum required capital levels as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, based on the phase-in provisions of the Basel III Capital Rules. Capital levels required to be considered well capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules.
Minimum
To Be Well
(Dollars in thousands)
Actual
Capital Adequacy
Capitalized
December 31, 2021
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$ 69,957
13.24 %
$ 55,471
10.50 %
$ 52,830
10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
66,307
12.55 %
44,905
8.50 %
42,264
8.00 %
Common equity tier 1 (to risk- weighted assets)
66,307
12.55 %
36,981
7.00 %
34,339
6.50 %
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
66,307
9.27 %
28,614
4.00 %
35,767
5.00 %
December 31, 2020
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$ 63,400
12.62 %
$ 52,732
10.50 %
$ 50,221
10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
60,104
11.97 %
42,688
8.50 %
40,177
8.00 %
Common equity tier 1 (to risk- weighted assets)
60,104
11.97 %
35,155
7.00 %
32,644
6.50 %
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
60,104
9.05 %
26,569
4.00 %
33,211
5.00 %
The Company intends to fund future growth primarily with cash, federal funds, maturities of investment securities and deposit growth. Management knows of no other trend or event that will have a material impact on capital.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Bank is a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 and, accordingly, is not required to include the information required by this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 613)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
- 43 -
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Hampstead, Maryland
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2021, the related consolidated statement of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2020, were audited by other auditors whose report dated March 2, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
- 44 -
Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Collectively Evaluated for Impairment - Qualitative Factors
Description of the Matter
As described in Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) and Note 6 (Loans) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company maintains an allowance representing an amount which, in management’s judgement, is appropriate to absorb the probable and estimable losses on existing loans and other extensions of credit that may become uncollectible. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (1) segregating the loan portfolio into pools based upon similar characteristics and risk profiles and applying a loss factor to the pools based on historical losses within those pools; (2) applying qualitative factors to the loan pools that consider economic and other factors, both internal and external, affecting the Company and the pools; and (3) determining specific reserves based on individual evaluation of impaired loans that are not included in the pools discussed above. The qualitative factors are established by applying a loss percentage to the loan pools and made up approximately $2.2 million of the total $3.7 million of allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2021.
Qualitative factors are determined based on management’s continuing evaluation of inputs and assumptions underlying the quality of the loan portfolio. Management evaluates qualitative factors by loan segment, primarily considering current economic conditions, changes in concentrations, delinquency and loan grading trends, movements in interest rates, lending policies and procedures, and may also consider the experience and tenure of the lending team, loan review system, and other legislative and regulatory factors external to the Company. Qualitative factors contribute significantly to the allowance for loan losses. Management exercised significant judgment when assessing the qualitative factors in estimating the allowance for loan losses. We identified the assessment of the qualitative factors as a critical audit matter as auditing the qualitative factors involved especially complex and subjective auditor judgment in evaluating management’s assessment of the inherently subjective estimates.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
● Substantively testing management’s process, including evaluating their judgments and assumptions for developing the quantitative and qualitative allocations, which included:
o
Evaluating the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as a basis for the quantitative and qualitative allocations.
o
Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the determination of quantitative and qualitative allocations.
o
Evaluating the quantitative and qualitative allocations for directional consistency and for reasonableness.
o
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the allowance calculation, including the application of the quantitative and qualitative allocations.
/s/ YOUNT, HYDE & BARBOUR, P.C.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.
Richmond, Virginia
March 11, 2022
- 45 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$ 25,258,932 $ 39,898,557
Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits
1,203,174 1,077,113
Cash and cash equivalents
26,462,106 40,975,670
Certificates of deposit in other banks
350,000 850,000
Securities available for sale, at fair value
149,237,916 54,477,286
Securities held to maturity, at cost
21,851,975 23,078,519
Equity security, at fair value
543,605 552,566
Restricted stock, at cost
675,400 900,500
Mortgage loans held for sale
126,500 1,673,350
Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $3,650,268 and $3,296,538
482,011,334 521,690,514
Premises and equipment, net
6,259,421 7,736,556
Accrued interest receivable
1,609,063 2,057,491
Deferred income taxes, net
2,177,450 1,219,668
Other real estate owned, net
1,242,365 1,411,605
Bank owned life insurance
11,556,163 11,297,342
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
7,051,080 7,059,408
Other assets
5,522,877 2,336,607
$ 716,677,255 $ 677,317,082
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing
$ 124,175,615 $ 103,155,113
Interest-bearing
502,239,055 470,246,434
Total deposits
626,414,670 573,401,547
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
5,414,026 24,753,972
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances
5,000,000 5,000,000
Long-term debt, net of issuance costs
16,978,905 16,973,280
Accrued interest payable
295,910 409,622
Other liabilities
5,952,286 5,049,178
660,055,797 625,587,599
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,037,137 in 2021 and 3,011,255 shares in 2020
30,372 30,113
Additional paid-in capital
28,857,422 28,294,139
Retained earnings
29,128,600 22,698,954
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,394,936 ) 706,277
56,621,458 51,729,483
$ 716,677,255 $ 677,317,082
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
- 46 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
Interest income
Loans, including fees
$ 23,491,614
$ 19,291,162
Investment securities - taxable
1,511,970
770,394
Investment securities - tax exempt
611,323
625,099
Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets
65,496
76,525
Total interest income
25,680,403
20,763,180
Interest expense
Deposits
1,997,873
3,128,994
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
44,628
107,318
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
762,798
222,365
Total interest expense
2,805,299
3,458,677
Net interest income
22,875,104
17,304,503
Provision for loan losses
330,000
625,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
22,545,104
16,679,503
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts
724,086
575,430
Mortgage banking income
910,513
1,024,937
Bank owned life insurance income
229,966
188,143
Fair value adjustment of equity security
(15,354 )
10,513
Gain on call of debt security
9,190
-
Other
307,513
273,096
Total noninterest income
2,165,914
2,072,119
Noninterest expense
Salaries
7,214,871
6,137,050
Employee benefits
1,718,465
1,658,651
Occupancy
948,757
758,357
Furniture and equipment
775,829
840,890
Professional services
415,642
424,813
Automated teller machine and debit card expenses
352,130
278,989
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums
306,123
201,714
Advertising
233,358
237,909
Other real estate owned
190,248
34,861
Acquisition
-
3,236,817
Other
1,973,176
1,772,357
Total noninterest expense
14,128,599
15,582,408
Income before income taxes
10,582,419
3,169,214
Income taxes
2,432,813
487,211
Net income
$ 8,149,606
$ 2,682,003
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
$ 2.70
$ 0.90
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
- 47 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31,
Net income
$ 8,149,606
$ 2,682,003
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:
Securities available for sale
Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period
(2,889,734 )
915,604
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income
(9,190 )
-
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available for sale
(2,898,924 )
915,604
Income tax (expense) benefit
797,711
(251,951 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(2,101,213 )
663,653
Total comprehensive income
$ 6,048,393
$ 3,345,656
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
- 48 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Additional
Accumulated other
Total
Common stock
paid-in
Retained
comprehensive
stockholders'
Shares
Par value
capital
earnings
income (loss)
equity
Balance, December 31, 2019
2,974,019 $ 29,740 $ 27,812,991 $ 21,568,161 $ 42,624 $ 49,453,516
Net income
- - - 2,682,003 - 2,682,003
Other comprehensive income
- - - - 663,653 663,653
Cash dividends, $0.52 per share
- - - (1,551,210 ) - (1,551,210 )
Dividends reinvested
37,236 373 481,148 - - 481,521
Balance, December 31, 2020
3,011,255 30,113 28,294,139 22,698,954 706,277 51,729,483
Net income
- - - 8,149,606 - 8,149,606
Other comprehensive loss
- - - - (2,101,213 ) (2,101,213 )
Cash dividends, $0.57 per share
- - - (1,719,960 ) - (1,719,960 )
Dividends reinvested
25,882 259 563,283 - - 563,542
Balance, December 31, 2021
3,037,137 $ 30,372 $ 28,857,422 $ 29,128,600 $ (1,394,936 ) $ 56,621,458
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
- 49 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$ 8,149,606
$ 2,682,003
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
470,943
415,781
Provision for loan losses
330,000
625,000
Amortization of right of use asset
17,053
34,058
Gain on sale of premises and equipment
(44,510 )
-
Write down of other real estate owned
169,240
-
Gain on premium call of debt security
(9,190 )
-
Equity security dividends reinvested
(6,393 )
(9,732 )
Fair value adjustment on equity security
15,354
(10,513 )
Gain on sale of SBA loans
(6,917 )
(125,520 )
Deferred income taxes
(160,070 )
(151,331 )
Amortization of debt issuance costs
5,625
1,406
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, net
(7,602 )
288,961
Bank owned life insurance cash surrender value
(229,966 )
(188,143 )
Increase (decrease) in
Deferred loan fees and costs, net
(204,430 )
531,441
Accrued interest payable
(113,712 )
63,408
Other liabilities
1,035,504
163,897
Decrease (increase) in
Mortgage loans held for sale
1,546,850
311,845
Accrued interest receivable
448,428
(200,455 )
Other assets
298,917
20,164
Cash provided by operating activities
11,704,730
4,452,270
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
- 50 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(continued)
Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from maturity and call of securities
Available for sale
31,327,354
22,224,763
Held to maturity
2,171,420
1,956,420
Proceeds from sale of securities
Available for sale
-
2,025,000
Purchase of securities
Available for sale
(129,676,971 )
(28,841,213 )
Held to maturity
(842,062 )
(5,470,258 )
Redemption of certificates of deposit
500,000
-
Cash paid for the acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc., net of cash acquired
-
(19,366,118 )
Loans made to customers, net of principal collected
39,861,460
(19,478,136 )
Proceeds from sale of SBA loans
61,595
1,233,270
Redemption of restricted stock
225,100
402,400
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
1,387,613
-
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
(28,855 )
-
Purchase of annuity
(3,671,145 )
-
Purchases of premises, equipment and software
(300,402 )
(387,111 )
Cash used in investing activities
(58,984,893 )
(45,700,983 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in
Noninterest-bearing deposits
21,020,502
21,273,083
Interest-bearing deposits
32,242,461
30,131,909
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
(19,339,946 )
13,795,854
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances
-
(8,000,000 )
Long-term debt
-
16,971,874
Dividends paid, net of reinvestments
(1,156,418 )
(1,069,689 )
Cash provided by financing activities
32,766,599
73,103,031
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(14,513,564 )
31,854,318
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
40,975,670
9,121,352
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 26,462,106
$ 40,975,670
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest
$ 3,154,898
3,521,625
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
1,605,500
930,435
Net unrealized gain(loss) on securities available for sale
(2,898,924 )
915,604
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
- 51 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies reflected in the financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to general practices within the banking industry. Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosures of commitments and contingent liabilities at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses during the year. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank”), and Series Protected Cell FCB-4 (the “Insurance Subsidiary”), and one subsidiary of the Bank, Reliable Community Financial Services, Inc. (collectively the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). The Insurance Subsidiary is a series investment, 100% owned by the Company, in First Community Bankers Insurance Co., LLC, a Tennessee “series” limited liability company and licensed property and casualty insurance company. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. This includes the insurance premium paid by the Bank to the Insurance Subsidiary through an intermediary. Effective October 1, 2020, the Company acquired Carroll Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carroll Community Bank (collectively, “Carroll”), both of which were based in Eldersburg, Maryland, through a series of merger transactions (the “Merger”). The results of operations and assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Carroll are included only from the effective date of the Merger. The comparability of the Company's results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 have been impacted by the Merger.
Business
The Bank provides banking services to individuals and businesses located in Baltimore County, Maryland, Carroll County, Maryland and surrounding areas of northern Maryland. The Insurance Subsidiary is a captive insurance entity that provides insurance coverage for the Bank. Reliable Community Financial Services, Inc. is licensed to provide a wide range of investment and insurance products to its customers, but is inactive.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2020 financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, money market funds, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income includes net income and the unrealized gains or losses on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes.
Investment securities
As securities are purchased, management determines if the securities should be classified as held to maturity or available for sale. Securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are recorded at amortized cost, which is cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Discounts are accreted through maturity. Premiums are amortized through the earliest call date. Securities held to meet liquidity needs or that may be sold before maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in stockholders' equity on an after-tax basis. Gains and losses on disposal are determined using the specific-identification method. The Company amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the interest method.
- 52 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Equity security at fair value
The Company owns a mutual fund that is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in noninterest income.
Restricted stock, at cost
Restricted stock consists of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) stock, Community Bankers Bank (“CBB”) stock, and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”) stock. As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is required to purchase FHLB stock in an amount that is based on the Bank’s total assets. Additional stock is purchased and redeemed based on the outstanding FHLB advances to the Bank. CBB and ACBB require its correspondent banking institutions to hold stock as a condition of membership. The restricted investment in bank stocks is carried at cost. On a quarterly basis, management evaluates the bank stocks for impairment based on assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as operating performance, liquidity, funding and capital positions, stock repurchase history, dividend history, and impact of legislative and regulatory changes.
Loans and allowance for loan losses
Loans are stated at the current amount of unpaid principal, adjusted for deferred origination costs, deferred origination fees, premiums and discounts on acquired loans, and the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is accrued based on the principal amounts outstanding. Origination fees and costs, along with premiums and accretable discounts, are amortized to income over the terms of loans.
Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Management may make an exception to reporting a loan as past due, if the past due status is solely due to the loan being past maturity, the Company intends to extend the loan, and the borrower is making principal and interest payments in accordance with the terms of the matured note. The accrual of interest is discontinued when any portion of the principal or interest is 90 days past due and collateral is insufficient to discharge the debt in full. If collection of principal is evaluated as doubtful, all payments are applied to principal. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information, management considers it unlikely that the collection of principal and interest payments will be made according to contractual terms when due. Generally, loans are not reviewed for impairment until the accrual of interest has been discontinued, the loans are included on the watch list, or the loans are troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).
The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable and estimable losses on existing loans and other extensions of credit that may become uncollectible. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) segregating the loan portfolio into pools based upon similar characteristics and risk profiles and applying a loss factor to the pools, based on historical losses within those pools; (ii) applying qualitative factors to the loan pools that consider economic and other factors, both internal and external, affecting the Company and the pools; and (iii) determining specific reserves based on individual evaluation of impaired loans that are not included in the pools discussed above.
The allowances established for probable and estimable losses on impaired loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Management maintains a watch list of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the borrower’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; (iii) the economic environment; and (iv) for commercial borrowers, the industry in which the borrower operates. Specific valuation allowances are determined when the collateral value, if the loan is collateral dependent, or the discounted cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value.
- 53 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool over the prior twenty quarters. The historical loss ratios are updated quarterly based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the annual historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.
Adjustments to the historical valuation allowances are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. In general, such adjustments are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) the impact of economic conditions on the portfolio; (ii) changes in asset quality, including delinquency trends; (iii) the impact of changing interest rates on portfolio risk; (iv) changes in legislative and regulatory policy; (v) the composition and concentrations of credit; and (vi) the effectiveness of the internal loan review function as well as changes to policies and experience of loan personnel. Management evaluates these qualitative factors on a quarterly basis. Each factor could result in an adjustment that is positive, negative, or no impact.
Loan losses are charged to the allowance when management believes that collection is unlikely. Collections of loans previously charged off are added to the allowance at the time of recovery.
Loans acquired in connection with business combinations are recorded at fair value with no carryover of any allowance for loan losses. Fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market rate of interest.
Loans acquired through business combinations that are designated as purchase credit impaired loans because they meet the specific criteria of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality are individually evaluated each period to recast expected cash flows. To the extent that the expected cash flows of a loan have decreased due to credit deterioration, the Company establishes an allowance.
The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. These loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30. The nonaccretable difference includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows will require us to evaluate the need for an addition to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent improvement in expected cash flows will result in the transfer of a corresponding amount of the nonaccretable difference, which we will then reclassify as accretable discount to be recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan.
Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of ASC 310-30 are accounted for under ASC 310-20, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. These loans are initially recorded at fair value, and include credit and interest rate marks associated with acquisition accounting adjustments. Purchase premiums or discounts are subsequently amortized as an adjustment to yield over the estimated contractual lives of the loans. There is no allowance for loan losses established at the acquisition date for acquired performing loans. Subsequent to acquisition, a quarterly comparison of the remaining fair value discount to the required allowance under appropriate methodology is performed. If the fair value discount remains in excess of the required allowance, then no adjustment is made. If the fair value falls below the required reserve, then a charge to the provision is recorded for the shortfall as part of the allowance for loan losses.
- 54 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage banking income
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value based on the current fair value of each outstanding loan. Sales of loans are recorded when the proceeds are received, with any gain or loss recorded in mortgage banking income.
The Company sells its mortgage loans to third party investors with servicing released. Upon sale and delivery, loans are legally isolated from the Company and the Company has no ability to restrict or constrain the ability of third party investors to pledge or exchange the mortgage loans. The Company does not have the entitlement or ability to repurchase the mortgage loans or unilaterally cause third party investors to put the mortgage loans back to the Company.
Premises and equipment
Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation on buildings and equipment is computed over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the asset, whichever is shorter.
Other real estate owned
Real estate acquired through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell on the date acquired establishing a new cost basis. Losses incurred at the time of acquisition of the property are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in the estimated value of the property are included with any gains or losses on sale in noninterest expense.
Bank owned life insurance
The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill is calculated as the purchase premium, if any, after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired in purchase transactions. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on at least an annual basis, with testing between annual evaluation if an event occurs or circumstances change that could potentially reduce the fair value of a reporting unit. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights. The Company’s other intangible asset, core deposit intangible (“CDI”) has a finite life and is amortized over 10 years on a straight line basis, which is believed to be substantially the same as the interest method.
Revenue recognition
ASC Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with the financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities. The Company’s services that fall within the scope of Topic 606 are presented within noninterest income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer. A description of the Company’s noninterest revenue streams is discussed below:
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts: The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for overdraft, monthly service fees, and other deposit account related fees. Overdraft fees are recognized when the overdraft occurs. The Company's performance obligation for monthly service fees is generally satisfied over the period in which the service is provided. Other deposit account related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company's performance obligation is satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Interchange Income: The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through various payment networks. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services. The Company's analysis of its relationship with its interchange debit card provider is agent based. As a result, income from debit cardholder transactions is presented net against expenses paid to the interchange debit card provider on the consolidated statements of income.
Other Service Charges and Fees: The Company earns fees from its customers for transaction-based services. Services include, safe deposit box, debit/ATM card income, cashier's check, stop payment and wire transfer fees. In each case, these fees and service charges are recognized in income at the time or within the same period that the services are rendered.
Operating leases
The Company accounts for lease obligations in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” Among other things, in the amendments in ASU 2016-02, lessees are required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred and totaled $233,358 and $237,909 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Income taxes
The provision for income taxes includes income taxes payable for the current year and deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
Per share data
Earnings per share are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, giving retroactive effect to any stock dividends. Weighted average shares were 3,018,112 and 2,983,972 for 2021 and 2020, respectively. Diluted earnings per share is derived by dividing net income available by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock equivalents. No potentially dilutive stock equivalents were outstanding at December 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Management has the responsibility for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies. The significant accounting policies used by the Company are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The following accounting guidance has been approved by the FASB and would apply to the Company if the Company entered into an applicable activity.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses”. The ASU sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2019-10 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates” extended the implementation date to January 1, 2023 for SEC-registered smaller reporting companies and private companies. The Company is considered a smaller reporting company. The Company has engaged a third-party vendor to assist in the implementation of this ASU. The CECL model will be run parallel with the current ALLL calculation during 2022. Several members of the Company’s senior management and credit administration teams will participate in the implementation.
In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)”: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU Provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effect of) reference rate reform, on financial reporting. The risk of termination of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), has caused regulators to undertake reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based that are less susceptible to manipulation. ASU 2020-04 is effective between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The Company has identified its products that utilize LIBOR and has begun efforts to transition to an alternative reference rate. The Company continues to evaluate systems to assist in the transaction to a new rate.
In August 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-06, “'Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Financial Services-Depository and Lending (Topic 942), and Financial Services-Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10786, Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses, and No. 33-10835, Update of Statistical Disclosures for Bank and Savings and Loan Registrants. This ASU incorporates recent SEC rule changes into the FASB Codification, including SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10786, Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses, and No. 33-10835, Update of Statistical Disclosures for Bank and Savings and Loan Registrants”. The ASU is effective upon addition to the FASB Codification. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2021-06 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
The accounting policies adopted by management are consistent with authoritative GAAP and are consistent with those followed by our peers.
2.
Acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc.
Carroll was acquired for $24,807,728. The Merger consideration was funded using $7.8 million in cash and $17 million in proceeds from a term loan obtained by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. from a third-party. At the Effective Time of the Merger, Carroll had total assets of $176,159,890, net loans of $145,153,100, and total liabilities of $157,992,286, of which $144,896,990 represented deposits. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at estimated fair values at the effective time of the Merger. Identifiable assets acquired were $176,432,748 and identifiable liabilities assumed were $158,603,228 resulting in net identifiable assets acquired of $17,829,520. The difference between the purchase price and the net identifiable assets resulted in goodwill of $6,978,208 being recorded.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2.
Acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. (continued)
The following table presents the book values and fair values of the assets, liabilities, and equity of Carroll at the effective time of the Merger:
Book value
Fair value
Cash
$ 5,441,610 $ 5,441,610
Certificates of deposit in other banks
750,000 750,000
Securities available for sale
12,863,795 12,922,620
Restricted stock, at cost
926,700 926,700
Loans held for sale
1,702,950 1,743,195
Loans
145,153,100 145,080,950
Premises and equipment
2,619,413 2,684,240
Other real estate owned
1,411,605 1,411,605
Other assets
5,290,717 5,388,546
Core deposit intangible
- 83,282
Goodwill
- 6,978,208
Total assets
$ 176,159,890 $ 183,410,956
Deposits
$ 144,896,990 $ 145,513,085
FHLB advances
13,000,000 13,000,000
Other liabilities
95,296 90,143
Total liabilities
157,992,286 158,603,228
Stockholders' equity
18,167,604 24,807,728
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 176,159,890 $ 183,410,956
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2.
Acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. (continued)
The determination of fair values of the acquired loans required the Company to make certain estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly subjective in nature. Based on such factors as past due status, nonaccrual status, bankruptcy status, and credit risk ratings, the acquired loans were divided into loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration, which are accounted for under ASC 310-30 (purchased credit impaired or “PCI”), and loans that do not meet this criteria, which are accounted for under ASC 310-20 (purchased non-impaired). Expected cash flows, both principal and interest, were estimated based on key assumptions covering such factors as prepayments, default rates and severity of loss given default. These assumptions were developed using both Carroll's historical experience and the portfolio characteristics as of the acquisition date as well as available market research. The fair value estimates for acquired loans were based on the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows, including expected prepayments, discounted at prevailing market interest rates applicable to the types of acquired loans, which the Company considered to be level 3 fair value measurements. Deposit liabilities assumed in the Merger were segregated into two categories: time-deposits (i.e., deposit accounts with a stated maturity) and demand deposits, both using level 2 fair value measurements. In determining fair value of time deposits, the Company discounted the contractual cash flows of the deposit accounts using prevailing market interest rates for time deposit accounts of similar type and duration. For demand deposits, the acquisition date outstanding balance of the assumed demand deposit accounts approximates fair value. Acquisition date fair values for securities available for sale were determined using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs consistent with the methods discussed further in Note 16 - Fair Value. The remaining acquisition date fair values represent either Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements (premises and equipment and core deposit intangible).
The Company recognized a core deposit intangible of $83,282, which is being amortized using a straight-line method over a 10-year amortization period, consistent with expected future cash flows. See footnote 6 for amortization recorded in 2021 and 2020.
The Company recognized a certificate of deposit premium of $616,377, which is being accreted using the interest method based upon the maturity of each certificate of deposit. Accretion of $249,840 and $129,844 were recorded in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Loans acquired from Carroll were measured at fair value at the acquisition date with no carryover of any allowance for loan losses. See footnote 6 for accretion and amortization recorded in 2021 and 2020.
3.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company normally carries balances with other banks that exceed the federally insured limit. The average balance carried in excess of the limit, including unsecured federal funds sold to the same banks, was $7,549,531 and $8,703,983 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Deposits held in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts are aggregated with any interest-bearing deposits the owner may hold in the same category. The combined total is insured up to $250,000.
Banks are required to carry noninterest-bearing cash reserves of specified percentages of deposit balances. The Company's normal balances of cash on hand and on deposit with other banks are sufficient to satisfy the reserve requirements.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
4.
Investment Securities
Debt securities are summarized as follows:
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
December 31, 2021
cost
gains
losses
value
Available for sale
State and municipal
$ 753,061 $ 10,437 $ - $ 763,498
SBA pools
1,418,770 1,656 22,664 1,397,762
Corporate bonds
9,225,153 64,595 55,541 9,234,207
Mortgage-backed securities
139,765,445 336,084 2,259,080 137,842,449
$ 151,162,429 $ 412,772 $ 2,337,285 $ 149,237,916
Held to maturity
State and municipal
$ 21,851,975 $ 1,020,877 $ 67,251 $ 22,805,601
December 31, 2020
Available for sale
State and municipal
$ 962,438 $ 24,094 $ - $ 986,532
SBA pools
1,822,226 - 38,419 1,783,807
Corporate bonds
6,692,156 108,172 2,897 6,797,431
Mortgage-backed securities
44,026,055 941,987 58,526 44,909,516
$ 53,502,875 $ 1,074,253 $ 99,842 $ 54,477,286
Held to maturity
State and municipal
$ 23,078,519 $ 1,177,125 $ 10,858 $ 24,244,786
Contractual maturities, shown below, will differ from actual maturities because borrowers and issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Available for Sale
Held to Maturity
Amortized
Fair
Amortized
Fair
December 31, 2021
cost
value
cost
value
Within one year
$ 499,903 $ 505,360 $ - $ -
Over one to five years
3,894,465 3,949,948 799,343 812,955
Over five to ten years
5,583,846 5,542,397 2,046,291 2,211,802
Over ten years
- - 19,006,341 19,780,844
9,978,214 9,997,705 21,851,975 22,805,601
Mortgage-backed securities and SBA pools, due in monthly installments
141,184,215 139,240,211 - -
$ 151,162,429 $ 149,237,916 $ 21,851,975 $ 22,805,601
Securities with a carrying value of $14,307,989 and $34,958,212 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were pledged as collateral for securities sold under repurchase agreements and other collateralized deposits.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
4.
Investment Securities (Continued)
The following table sets forth the Company's gross unrealized losses on a continuous basis for investment securities, by category and length of time.
December 31, 2021
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Description of investments
Fair value
losses
Fair value
losses
Fair value
losses
State and municipal
$ 1,324,648 $ 35,720 $ 715,650 $ 31,531 $ 2,040,298 $ 67,251
SBA pools
- - 1,133,398 22,664 1,133,398 22,664
Corporate bonds
5,443,886 55,541 - - 5,443,886 55,541
Mortgage-backed securities
117,840,965 2,034,858 4,781,586 224,222 122,622,551 2,259,080
Total
$ 124,609,499 $ 2,126,119 $ 6,630,634 $ 278,417 $ 131,240,133 $ 2,404,536
December 31, 2020
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Description of investments
Fair value
losses
Fair value
losses
Fair value
losses
State and municipal
$ 719,430 $ 10,858 $ - $ - $ 719,430 $ 10,858
SBA pools
- - 1,783,807 38,419 1,783,807 38,419
Corporate bonds
502,754 2,897 - - 502,754 2,897
Mortgage-backed securities
9,286,525 57,987 96,652 539 9,383,177 58,526
Total
$ 10,508,709 $ 71,742 $ 1,880,459 $ 38,958 $ 12,389,168 $ 110,700
Management has the ability and intent to hold securities classified as held to maturity until they mature, at which time the Company should receive full value for the securities. As of December 31, 2021, management did not have the intent to sell any of the securities before a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased as well as other market conditions for each particular security based upon the structure and remaining principal balance. The fair values of the investment securities are expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity dates or repricing dates or if market yields for such investments decline. Based on the these factors, as of December 31, 2021, management believes the unrealized losses detailed in the table above are temporary and, accordingly, none of these unrealized losses have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of income.
In 2021, the Company received proceeds of $1,263,845 from the call at a premium of available for sale investment securities. The Company realized a $9,190 gain on the call of the securities.
In 2020, the Company sold three available for sale securities totalling $2,025,000 with no gain or loss realized on the sale.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5.
Related Party Transactions
Certain executive officers and directors of the Company, including members of their immediate families and companies in which they are significant owners (more than 10%), were indebted to the Company during 2021 and 2020. The loans were made on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with borrowers who are not related to the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the activity of these loans was as follows:
Balance, beginning of year
$ 14,558,882
$ 14,551,236
Additions
2,489,000
1,771,200
Amounts collected
(3,225,326 )
(1,763,554 )
Balance, end of year
$ 13,822,556
$ 14,558,882
Unused lines of credit to related parties totaled $143,000 and $330,515 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Deposits at the Company from related parties totaled $27,187,933 and $20,611,092 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Payments to companies controlled by directors totaled $40,754 in 2021 and $54,544 in 2020.
On March 31, 2021, a company of which one of the Company’s directors is a co-owner purchased from the Company for net proceeds of $1,359,613 real property that was acquired in the Merger and on which Carroll previously operated a branch. To finance the purchase of this real property, the Company made a loan to the buyer in the principal amount of approximately $1,096,000.
6.
Loans
Major categories of loans at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 319,185,116 $ 309,284,811
Construction and land development
28,221,854 33,641,916
Residential
107,436,033 121,327,761
Commercial
31,182,206 61,368,105
Consumer
355,958 288,454
486,381,167 525,911,047
Less: Allowance for loan losses
3,650,268 3,296,538
Deferred origination fees net of costs
719,565 923,995
$ 482,011,334 $ 521,690,514
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
Commercial loans in the table above include $9.7 million and $32.1 million of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which are 100% guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). $22 million were originated during 2021 compared to $38 million originated in 2020. A substantial portion of the PPP loans in the Company’s portfolio are expected to be forgiven by the SBA. During 2021, the Company collected approximately $1,037,000 in fees from the SBA in connection with the originations of the PPP loans compared to approximately $1,286,000 collected in 2020. The fees, net of related origination costs, are being recognized as interest income over the term of the loans using the straight-line method, with accelerated recognition when the loan pays off before maturity through SBA forgiveness or other means. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized approximately $909,000 as interest income. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $271,000 of fees remain deferred. The majority is expected to be recognized in 2022.
Year-end nonaccrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 4,810,965 $ 4,407,829
Residential
31,500 220,967
Commercial
152,449 -
Total
$ 4,994,914 $ 4,628,796
At December 31, 2021, the Company had two nonaccrual commercial real estate loan totaling $4,810,965, one nonaccrual residential real estate loans totaling $31,500, and one commercial loan totaling $152,449. The real estate loans were secured by real estate and business assets and were personally guaranteed. The commercial loan was secured by business assets and was personally guaranteed. Gross interest income of $219,734 would have been recorded in 2021 if these nonaccrual loans had been current and performing in accordance with the original terms. The Company allocated $281,910 of its allowance for loan losses to these nonaccrual loans. The balance of the nonaccrual loans was net of charge-offs and a nonaccretable discount totaling $27,146 at December 31, 2021.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had one nonaccrual commercial real estate loan totaling $4,407,829 and two nonaccrual residential real estate loans totaling $220,967. The loans were secured by real estate and business assets and were personally guaranteed. Gross interest income of $13,395 would have been recorded in 2020 if these nonaccrual loans had been current and performing in accordance with the original terms. The Company allocated $0 of its allowance for loan losses to these nonaccrual loans. The balance of the nonaccrual loans was net of charge-offs and a nonaccretable discount totaling $8,176 at December 31, 2020.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans, as of year-end, is as follows:
90 Days
Past Due 90
30 - 59 Days
60 - 89 Days
or More
Total
Total
Days or More
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Past Due
Current
Loans
and Accruing
December 31, 2021
Real estate:
Commercial
$ - $ - $ 502,961 $ 502,961 $ 318,682,155 $ 319,185,116 $ -
Construction and land development
- - - - 28,221,854 28,221,854 -
Residential
- - 249,161 249,161 107,186,872 107,436,033 217,661
Commercial
- - 415,690 415,690 30,766,516 31,182,206 263,241
Consumer
- - - - 355,958 355,958 -
Total
$ - $ - $ 1,167,812 $ 1,167,812 $ 485,213,355 $ 486,381,167 $ 480,902
December 31, 2020
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 182,656 $ - $ - $ 182,656 $ 309,102,155 $ 309,284,811 $ -
Construction and land development
- - - - 33,641,916 33,641,916 -
Residential
24,591 - 220,967 245,558 121,082,203 121,327,761 -
Commercial
- - - - 61,368,105 61,368,105 -
Consumer
- - - - 288,454 288,454 -
Total
$ 207,247 $ - $ 220,967 $ 428,214 $ 525,482,833 $ 525,911,047 $ -
- 64 -
Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
Year-end impaired loans, segregated by class of loans, are set forth in the following table:
Unpaid
Recorded
Recorded
Contractual
Investment
Investment
Total
Average
Principal
With No
With
Recorded
Related
Recorded
Interest
Balance
Allowance
Allowance
Investment
Allowance
Investment
Recognized
December 31, 2021
Commercial real estate
$ 6,820,932 $ 6,317,971 $ 502,961 $ 6,820,932 $ 129,461 $ 6,740,539 $ 125,079
Construction and land development
- - - - - - -
Residential real estate
39,228 39,228 - 39,228 - 41,981 1,672
Commercial
152,449 - 152,449 152,449 152,449 76,225 69,005
$ 7,012,609 $ 6,357,199 $ 655,410 $ 7,012,609 $ 281,910 $ 6,858,744 $ 195,756
December 31, 2020
Commercial real estate
$ 6,660,145 $ 6,660,145 $ - $ 6,660,145 $ - $ 4,372,567 $ 345,570
Residential real estate
44,733 44,733 - 44,733 - 47,935 2,139
$ 6,704,878 $ 6,704,878 $ - $ 6,704,878 $ - $ 4,420,502 $ 347,709
Impaired loans include certain loans that have been modified in TDRs where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Company's loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.
At December 31, 2021, the Company had one commercial real estate loan totaling $2,009,967 and one residential loan totaling $39,228 classified as TDRs. Both loans are included in impaired loans above. Each loan is paying as agreed. Neither loan has defaulted nor have there been charge-offs or allowances associated with the two loans. There were no new TDRs in 2021.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had two commercial real estate loans totaling $2,252,316 and one residential loan totaling $44,733 classified as TDRs. One of the commercial real estate loans with a principal balance of $182,656 was restructured as a TDR during 2020. All three loans are included in impaired loans above. Each loan is paying as agreed. None of the loans have defaulted and there have been no charge-offs or allowances associated with these three loans.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
Section 4013 of the U.S. Government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act allowed financial institutions to suspend application of certain current TDRs accounting guidance under ASC 310-40 for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, provided certain criteria are met. This relief could be applied to loan modifications for borrowers that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and that defer or delay the payment of principal or interest, or change the interest rate on the loan. In April 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus to provide further interpretation of when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, specifically indicating that if the modification is either short-term (e.g., six months) or mandated by a federal or state government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty under ASC 310-40. The Company continues to prudently work with borrowers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while managing credit risks and recognizing appropriate allowance for loan losses on its loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, one loan totalling $4.3 million, or 1% of the Company’s loan portfolio, was operating under a deferral. This loan was not classified as a TDR as of December 31, 2021 because it met the criteria discussed above.
As part of our portfolio risk management, the Company assigns a risk grade to each loan. The factors used to determine the grade are the payment history of the loan and the borrower, the value of the collateral and net worth of the guarantor, and cash flow projections of the borrower. Excellent, Above Average, Average and Acceptable grades are assigned to loans with limited or no delinquent payments and more than sufficient collateral and/or cash flow.
A description of the general characteristics of loans characterized as watch list or classified is as follows:
Pass/Watch
Loans graded as Pass/Watch reflect above-average risk. The loans warrant closer scrutiny by management than is routine, due to circumstances affecting the borrower, the borrower's industry, or the overall economic environment. Borrowers may reflect weaknesses such as inconsistent or weak earnings, break even or moderately deficit cash flow, thin liquidity, minimal capacity to increase leverage, or volatile market fundamentals or other industry risks. Such loans are typically secured by acceptable collateral, at or near appropriate margins, with realizable liquidation values.
Special Mention
A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Bank's credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. This classification is intended to be temporary while the Bank learns more about the condition of the borrower and the collateral.
Borrowers may exhibit poor liquidity and leverage positions resulting from generally negative cash flow or negative trends in earnings. Access to alternative financing may be limited to finance companies for business borrowers and may be unavailable for commercial real estate borrowers.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
Substandard
A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Borrowers may exhibit recent or unexpected unprofitable operations, an inadequate debt service coverage ratio, or marginal liquidity and capitalization. These loans require more intense supervision by Bank management.
Doubtful
A doubtful loan has all the weaknesses inherent as a substandard loan with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
Loans by credit grade, segregated by loan type, at year-end, are as follows:
Above
Pass
Special
December 31, 2021
Excellent
average
Average
Acceptable
watch
mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Real estate:
Commercial
$ - $ 1,225,732 $ 73,924,748 $ 146,174,439 $ 82,018,890 $ 3,345,788 $ 12,495,519 $ - $ 319,185,116
Construction and land development
- - 3,853,775 12,452,257 9,973,457 1,942,365 - - 28,221,854
Residential
41,152 708,162 46,358,477 48,295,430 9,570,815 - 2,461,997 - 107,436,033
Commercial
9,774,570 - 5,292,721 12,585,396 3,377,070 - 152,449 - 31,182,206
Consumer
5,813 168,037 147,903 2,280 11,298 - - 20,627 355,958
$ 9,821,535 $ 2,101,931 $ 129,577,624 $ 219,509,802 $ 104,951,530 $ 5,288,153 $ 15,109,965 $ 20,627 $ 486,381,167
Above
Pass
Special
December 31, 2020
Excellent
average
Average
Acceptable
watch
mention
Substandard
Doubtful
Total
Real estate:
Commercial
$ - $ 2,010,472 $ 96,178,011 $ 87,860,036 $ 108,045,730 $ 5,951,177 $ 9,239,385 $ - $ 309,284,811
Construction and land development
- - 2,962,300 15,944,499 13,168,844 - 1,566,273 - 33,641,916
Residential
36,285 1,026,824 63,811,389 40,947,548 12,579,311 - 2,926,404 - 121,327,761
Commercial
32,088,058 - 10,037,516 13,532,170 5,710,361 - - - 61,368,105
Consumer
13,729 109,955 131,171 6,671 15,663 - - 11,265 288,454
$ 32,138,072 $ 3,147,251 $ 173,120,387 $ 158,290,924 $ 139,519,909 $ 5,951,177 $ 13,732,062 $ 11,265 $ 525,911,047
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
Allowance for loan losses ending
Outstanding loan balances
Provision
balance evaluated for impairment:
evaluated for impairment:
Beginning
for loan
Charge
Ending
Purchase Credit
Purchase Credit
December 31, 2021
balance
losses
offs
Recoveries
balance
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 2,230,129 $ 241,301 $ - $ 11,500 $ 2,482,930 $ 129,461 $ - $ 2,353,469 $ 6,820,932 $ 56,825 $ 312,307,359
Construction and land development
201,692 (3,345 ) - 16,200 214,547 - - 214,547 - 383,666 27,838,188
Residential
644,639 (22,111 ) (18,970 ) - 603,558 - - 603,558 39,228 568,151 106,828,654
Commercial
111,390 129,023 - 15,000 255,413 152,449 - 102,964 152,449 - 31,029,757
Consumer
2,138 2,232 - - 4,370 - - 4,370 - - 355,958
Unallocated
106,550 (17,100 ) - - 89,450 - - 89,450 - - -
$ 3,296,538 $ 330,000 $ (18,970 ) $ 42,700 $ 3,650,268 $ 281,910 $ - $ 3,368,358 $ 7,012,609 $ 1,008,642 $ 478,359,916
Allowance for loan losses ending
Outstanding loan balances
Provision
balance evaluated for impairment:
evaluated for impairment:
Beginning
for loan
Charge
Ending
Purchase Credit
Purchase Credit
December 31, 2020
balance
losses
offs
Recoveries
balance
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Individually
Impaired
Collectively
Real estate:
Commercial
$ 1,763,861 $ 418,806 $ - $ 47,462 $ 2,230,129 $ - $ - $ 2,230,129 $ 6,660,245 $ 151,453 $ 302,473,113
Construction and land development
192,828 (5,536 ) - 14,400 201,692 - - 201,692 - 1,566,174 32,075,742
Residential
478,124 166,515 - - 644,639 - - 644,639 215,230 595,433 120,517,098
Commercial
107,782 (12,353 ) - 15,961 111,390 - - 111,390 - - 61,368,105
Consumer
4,133 (1,995 ) - - 2,138 - - 2,138 - - 288,454
Unallocated
46,987 59,563 - - 106,550 - - 106,550 - - -
$ 2,593,715 $ 625,000 $ - $ 77,823 $ 3,296,538 $ - $ - $ 3,296,538 $ 6,875,475 $ 2,313,060 $ 516,722,512
The following table provides activity for the accretable credit discount of purchased loans:
Balance at December 31, 2020
$ 2,250,232
Transfer to accretable
460,413
Accretion
(1,081,403 )
Balance at December 31, 2021
$ 1,629,242
During 2020, accretion of $227,768 was recorded.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6.
Loans (Continued)
At December 31, 2021, the nonaccretable discount on purchased credit impaired loans was $466,587, a decrease of $460,413 from December 31, 2020 as a result of a transfer to accretable. At December 31, 2021, the accretable discount on purchased credit impaired loans was $140,608 after the accretion of $319,805. At December 31, 2021, the remaining yield premium on purchased loans was $1,405,133. Yield premium amortization was $718,875 and $214,992 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021, the principal balance of purchased loans was $101,209,577 and the carrying value was $100,518,881.
At December 31, 2021, there was one residential real estate loan with a carrying value of $31,500 in the process of foreclosure.
Loans having an aggregate balance of approximately $111.5 million were pledged as collateral to the FHLB as of December 31, 2021. Loans having an aggregate balance of approximately $55.4 million were pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “FRB”) as of December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company serviced participation loans for others totaling $22.1 and $21.0 million, respectively.
The Company makes loans to customers located primarily in Baltimore County and Carroll County, Maryland and in surrounding areas of northern Maryland. Although management believes that the loan portfolio is diversified, many loans are secured by real estate and its performance will be influenced by the economy of the region, including local real estate markets.
7.
Premises and Equipment
A summary of premises and equipment is as follows:
Useful lives
(in years)
Land and improvements
-
$ 2,602,998
$ 3,237,998
Buildings and improvements
-
6,302,622
6,989,622
Furniture and equipment
-
4,752,133
4,509,439
13,657,753
14,737,059
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
7,398,332
7,000,503
$ 6,259,421
$ 7,736,556
Depreciation and amortization expense
$ 434,434
$ 371,646
On March 31, 2021, the Company sold for net proceeds of $1,359,613 of real property. The carrying value of the land, building, and furniture and equipment at the time of the sale was $1,322,000, resulting in a gain of $37,613.
Software with a net book value of $118,614 and $155,122 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is included in other assets. Amortization expense of $36,509 and $44,135 was recorded in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The Merger in October of 2020 resulted in the recording of goodwill and core deposit intangible (“CDI”). The following table presents the changes in both assets:
Goodwill
CDI
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019
$ - $ - $ -
Acquired during the year
6,978,208 83,282 7,061,490
Amortization
- (2,082 ) (2,082 )
Adjustments
- - -
Balance at December 31, 2020
6,978,208 81,200 7,059,408
Acquired during the year
- - -
Amortization
- (8,328 ) (8,328 )
Adjustments
- - -
Balance at December 31, 2021
$ 6,978,208 $ 72,872 $ 7,051,080
The CDI is being amortized over 10 years on a straight line basis. Annual amortization will be $8,328 per year and $6,246 in year 10. Since the Merger was a tax-free reorganization, goodwill and CDI are not deductible for income tax purposes.
9.
Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The Company has an operating lease for the land on which the Hampstead branch is located. The initial term of the lease expired on September 30, 2009 and the lease has been renewed for three five year terms with an expiration date of September 30, 2024. The lease has options to renew for five additional consecutive five-year terms. Effective in July 2012, the Company entered into an operating lease for certain facilities where the Greenmount branch is located. The initial term of the lease was for five years and, effective January 2018, the lease has been renewed for one five-year term with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. The Company entered into an operating lease for the corporate headquarters in June 2015. In July 2019, the lease was amended to increase the amount of space. The lease was renewed in June 2020 with options to renew for three additional consecutive five year terms. In May 2018, the Company entered into a lease for its Carroll Lutheran Village branch with a term of five years and the option to renew for two additional five year terms.
The following table shows operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021:
Consolidated Balance
Sheet classification
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Operating lease right of use asset
Other assets
$ 1,093,382 $ 1,242,832
Operating lease liabilities
Other liabilities
1,311,570 1,443,966
Operating lease cost included in occupancy expense in the statement of income was $191,913 during 2021 and $195,106 during 2020.
Future undiscounted lease payments for operating leases with initial terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
9.
Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Year
Amount
$ 181,784
187,951
193,443
199,107
204,952
Thereafter
492,394
Total lease payments
1,459,631
Less imputed interest
(148,061 )
Present value of operating lease liabilities
$ 1,311,570
For operating leases as of December 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 7.52 years and the weighted average discount rate is 3.25%. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $174,860 and $161,046, respectively.
Credit Commitments
Outstanding loan commitments, unused lines of credit, and letters of credit as of December 31, were as follows:
Loan commitments
Construction and land development
$ 6,810,353 $ 4,668,250
Commercial
630,000 1,000,000
Commercial real estate
23,552,400 15,772,020
Residential
3,804,617 4,668,750
$ 34,797,370 $ 26,109,020
Unused lines of credit
Home-equity lines
$ 12,707,519 $ 13,716,894
Commercial lines
28,828,911 23,996,679
$ 41,536,430 $ 37,713,573
Letters of credit
$ 1,470,742 $ 1,891,428
Loan commitments and lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition to the contract. Loan commitments generally have interest rates at current market amounts, fixed expiration dates, and may require payment of a fee. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates. Such lines do not necessarily represent future cash requirements because it is unlikely that all customers will draw upon their lines in full at any time. Letters of credit are commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.
The maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the customer is the contractual amount of the commitment. Loan commitments, lines of credit and letters of credit are made on the same terms, including collateral, as outstanding loans. Management is not aware of any accounting loss that is likely to be incurred as a result of funding its credit commitments.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
9.
Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Insurance Reserves
The Insurance Subsidiary insures risks of the Bank (primarily professional liability) that are not available in typical commercially available policies. In addition, the Insurance Subsidiary, as one protected cell of a protected cell captive insurance company (“CIC”), is responsible for a portion of all claims filed by the other protected cells in the CIC. The Company records liabilities for claims incurred but not reported based on historical loss information and claim emergence patterns. Total liabilities related to Insurance Subsidiary claims at December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $390,171 and $315,419, respectively, and are included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
10.
Retirement Plans
The Company has a profit sharing plan qualifying under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All employees age 21 or more with six months of service are eligible for participation in the plan. The Company matches employee contributions up to 4% of total compensation and may make additional discretionary contributions. Employee and employer contributions are 100% vested when made. The Company's contributions to this plan were $259,042 and $237,612 for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company has entered into agreements with 12 employees to provide certain life insurance benefits payable in connection with policies of life insurance on those employees that are owned by the Company. Each of the agreements provides for the amount of death insurance benefits to be paid to beneficiaries of the insured. Some of the policies provide benefits subsequent to the employee’s employment with the Company. For this plan, the Company expensed $6,643 and $6,356 in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company adopted supplemental executive retirement plans for three of its executives. The plans provide cash compensation to the executive officers under certain circumstances, including a separation of service. The benefits vest over the period from adoption to a specified age for each executive. The Company recorded expenses, including interest, of $168,129 and $207,858 in 2021 and 2020, respectively, for these plans.
Retirement plan expenses are included in employee benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
11.
Interest-Bearing Deposits
Major classifications of interest-bearing deposits are as follows:
NOW
$ 130,486,845
$ 107,763,512
Money market
90,994,339
83,740,032
Savings
99,959,988
80,890,934
Certificates of deposit, greater than $250,000
34,697,273
38,700,152
Other time deposits
146,100,610
159,151,804
$ 502,239,055
$ 470,246,434
As of December 31, 2021, certificates of deposit mature as follows:
Year
Amount
$ 134,504,155
33,911,560
6,968,424
1,486,784
3,926,960
$ 180,797,883
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
12.
Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds consist of securities sold under repurchase agreements, which represent overnight or term borrowings from customers, advances from the FHLB of Atlanta, the FRB, and overnight borrowings from a commercial bank. The government agency securities that are the collateral for these agreements are owned by the Company and maintained in the custody of an unaffiliated agent designated by the Company.
On September 30, 2020, Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. borrowed $17,000,000 from First Horizon Bank (“FHN”) to be used, on October 1, 2020, to fund a portion of the merger consideration paid in the Merger. Net of issuance costs of $28,126, the proceeds of the net long-term debt were $16,971,874. The loan matures on September 30, 2025. The interest rate on the loan is fixed at 4.10%. The Company made quarterly interest-only payments through October 1, 2021. During the remaining term of the loan, the Company is required to make quarterly interest and principal payments of approximately $646,472, which is based on a nine-year straight-line amortization schedule. The remaining balance of approximately $9,916,667 will be due at maturity. To secure its obligations under this loan, the Company pledged all of its shares of common stock of the Bank to the lender.
Additional information is as follows:
Amounts outstanding at year-end:
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
$ 5,414,026 $ 24,753,972
Federal Home Loan Bank advances:
Maturity date
Interest Rate
Amount
3/30/2025
1.00% 5,000,000 5,000,000
Long-term debt (net of isuuance costs):
Maturity date
Interest Rate
Amount
9/30/2025
4.10% 16,978,905 16,973,280
Weighted average rate paid at December 31:
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
0.31 % 0.61 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
1.00 % 1.00 %
Long-term debt
4.10 % 4.10 %
Average rate paid during the year ended December 31:
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
0.43 % 1.15 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
1.01 % 0.84 %
Long-term debt
4.10 % 4.10 %
Investment securities underlying the repurchase agreements at December 31: Carrying value
$ 7,062,928 $ 34,958,212
Loans pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank at December 31: Carrying value - loans
$ 111,547,027 $ 115,282,801
Loans pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank at December 31: Carrying value
$ 55,399,031 $ 76,027,628
The Company is approved to borrow approximately $83.0 million against eligible pledged single family residential loans, eligible pledged multi-family loans, eligible pledged commercial loans, and eligible pledged securities under a secured line of credit with the FHLB. In addition, the Company has a facility with the FRB whereby the Company can borrow up to $25.3 million. The Company also has available an unsecured federal funds line of credit of $14.5 million and a secured federal funds line of credit of $9 million from commercial banks.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
13.
Income Taxes
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Current
Federal
$ 1,798,535 $ 387,193
State
794,348 251,349
2,592,883 638,542
Deferred
(160,070 ) (151,331 )
$ 2,432,813 $ 487,211
The components of the deferred tax expense are as follows:
Depreciation
$ 8,291 $ (18,006 )
Provision for loan losses
(141,488 ) (171,984 )
Other real estate owned allowance for loss
(46,561 ) -
Nonaccrual interest
(83,961 ) (2,752 )
Prepaid captive insurance premium
(14,375 ) 76,855
Write-down of equity securities
(4,227 ) 2,893
Lease liability, net of right of use asset
(4,693 ) (9,372 )
Purchase accounting adjustments
175,037 29,982
Post-retirement benefits
(48,093 ) (58,947 )
$ (160,070 ) $ (151,331 )
The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows:
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses
$ 951,348 $ 809,860
Other real estate owned allowance for loss
434,628 388,066
Capital loss carryover
5,300 5,300
Nonaccrual interest
88,581 4,620
Post-retirement benefits
651,482 603,390
Purchase accounting adjustments
235,142 392,341
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale
468,726 -
Lease liability, net of right of use asset
60,040 55,347
2,895,247 2,258,924
Deferred tax liabilities
Prepaid captive insurance premium
357,518 371,894
Depreciation
348,900 322,770
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
- 328,986
Other
11,379 15,606
717,797 1,039,256
Net deferred tax asset
$ 2,177,450 $ 1,219,668
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
13.
Income Taxes (continued)
The differences between the federal income tax rate in effect each year and the effective tax rate for the Company are reconciled as follows:
Statutory federal income tax rate
21.0 %
21.0
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Federal tax-exempt income
(4.4 ) (12.3 )
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
5.8 4.5
Nondeductible expenses
- 2.2
Other
0.6 -
23.0 %
15.4
Included in Federal tax-exempt income is the insurance premium revenue of the Insurance Subsidiary.
The IRS recently audited our fiscal year 2016, 2017, and 2018 U.S. consolidated federal tax returns. As part of its audits, the IRS reviewed the deductions related to, and the income generated by, the Insurance Subsidiary. Following the completion of these audits, the IRS notified the Company that it disagrees with our tax treatment of the Insurance Subsidiary. The Company plans to appeal the determination. If we do not prevail in our appeal to this decision, then we could be required to pay taxes, interest, and penalties totaling approximately $3.0 million as of December 31, 2021 for the tax years under audit. Management believes that it is more than likely that the Company will prevail in our appeal of the IRS’s audit findings and, therefore, a reserve for uncertain tax positions has not been recorded.
The Company does not have other material uncertain tax positions and did not recognize any adjustments for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company remains subject to examination of income tax returns for the years ending after December 31, 2018.
14.
Capital Standards
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possible additional, discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions). Quantitative measures established by the Basel III Capital Rules to ensure capital adequacy require the maintenance of minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital, and Total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined).
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
14.
Capital Standards (continued)
In connection with the adoption of the Basel III Capital Rules, the Bank elected to opt-out of the requirement to include accumulated other comprehensive income in Common Equity Tier 1 capital. Common Equity Tier 1 capital for the Bank is reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities and subject to transition provisions.
Under the revised prompt corrective action requirements, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following in order to qualify as "well capitalized:" (i) a Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8%; (iii) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10%; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5%.
The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016, at the 0.625% level and was phased in over a four-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reached 2.5% on January 1, 2020). The Basel III Capital Rules also provide for a "countercyclical capital buffer" that is applicable to only certain covered institutions and does not have current applicability to the Bank.
The aforementioned capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases, and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall.
On September 17, 2019, the FDIC finalized a rule that introduces an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (i.e., the community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) framework), as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. The CBLR framework is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework.
On April 6, 2020, in a joint statement, the FDIC, Federal Reserve and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), issued two interim final rules regarding temporary changes to the CBLR framework to implement provisions of the CARES Act. Under the interim final rules, the community bank leverage ratio was reduced to 8% beginning in the second quarter and for the remainder of calendar year 2020, 8.5% for calendar year 2021, and 9% thereafter. In order to qualify for the CBLR framework, a community banking organization must have a tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 8%, less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, and limited amounts of off-balance-sheet exposures and trading assets and liabilities. A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR framework and meets all requirements under the framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital. The Company has not opted-in to the CBLR framework.
The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, for the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules. The minimum required capital amounts presented include the minimum required capital levels as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, based on the phase-in provisions of the Basel III Capital Rules. Capital levels required to be considered well capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
14.
Capital Standards (continued)
As of December 31, 2021 the most recent notification from the FDIC has categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain ratios as set forth in the table. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category. Capital ratios of the Company are substantially the same as the Bank’s.
The FDIC, through formal or informal agreement, has the authority to require an institution to maintain higher capital ratios than those provided by statute, to be categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, for the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules.
Minimum
To Be Well
(Dollars in thousands)
Actual
Capital Adequacy
Capitalized
December 31, 2021
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$ 69,957 13.24 % $ 55,471 10.50 % $ 52,830 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
66,307 12.55 % 44,905 8.50 % 42,264 8.00 %
Common equity tier 1 (to risk- weighted assets)
66,307 12.55 % 36,981 7.00 % 34,339 6.50 %
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
66,307 9.27 % 28,614 4.00 % 35,767 5.00 %
Minimum
To Be Well
(Dollars in thousands)
Actual
Capital Adequacy
Capitalized
December 31, 2020
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$ 63,400 12.62 % $ 52,732 10.50 % $ 50,221 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
60,104 11.97 % 42,688 8.50 % 40,177 8.00 %
Common equity tier 1 (to risk- weighted assets)
60,104 11.97 % 35,155 7.00 % 32,644 6.50 %
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
60,104 9.05 % 26,569 4.00 % 33,211 5.00 %
15.
Fair Value
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an “exit” price). The price in the principal market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.
The standards require the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The standards establish a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
15.
Fair Value (Continued)
The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
●
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
●
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
●
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The Company uses the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair values of the following assets:
●
Securities available for sale: The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices from a nationally recognized securities pricing agent. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using quoted market prices for similar securities.
●
Equity security at fair value: The Company’s investment in an equity mutual fund is valued based on the net asset value of the fund, which is classified as Level 1.
●
Other real estate owned (“OREO”): Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to OREO reflect full or partial write-downs that are based on the OREO’s observable market price or current appraised value of the real estate. Since the market for OREO is not active, OREO subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments based on the current appraised value of the real estate are classified as Level 3. The appraised value is obtained annually from an independent third party appraiser and is reduced by expected sales costs, which has historically been 10% of the appraised value. State of Maryland regulations require that OREO is written down to $0 after a certain period of time.
●
Impaired loans: Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to impaired loans reflect full or partial write-downs and reserves that are based on the impaired loan’s observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral. Since the market for impaired loans is not active, such loans subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments based on the current appraised value of the collateral are classified as Level 3. The appraised value is obtained annually from an independent third party appraiser and is reduced by expected sales costs, which has historically been 10% of the appraised value.
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
15.
Fair Value (Continued)
The following table summarizes financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
Carrying Value:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
December 31, 2021
Recurring:
Available for sale securities
State and municipal
$ - $ 763,498 $ - $ 763,498
SBA pools
- 1,397,762 - 1,397,762
Corporate bonds
- 8,584,207 650,000 9,234,207
Mortgage-backed securities
- 137,842,449 - 137,842,449
$ - $ 148,587,916 $ 650,000 $ 149,237,916
Equity security at fair value
$ 543,605 $ - $ - $ 543,605
Nonrecurring:
Other real estate owned, net
$ - $ - $ 1,242,365 $ 1,242,365
Impaired loans
- - 373,500 373,500
December 31, 2020
Recurring:
Available for sale securities
State and municipal
$ - $ 986,532 $ - $ 986,532
SBA pools
- 1,783,807 - 1,783,807
Corporate bonds
- 6,697,431 100,000 6,797,431
Mortgage-backed securities
- 44,909,516 - 44,909,516
$ - $ 54,377,286 $ 100,000 $ 54,477,286
Equity security at fair value
$ 552,566 $ - $ - $ 552,566
Nonrecurring:
Other real estate owned, net
$ - $ - $ 1,411,605 $ 1,411,605
Reconciliation of Level 3 Inputs
Corporate
Bonds
December 31, 2020 fair value
$ 100,000
Additions
650,000
Principal payments received
(100,000 )
December 31, 2021 fair value
$ 650,000
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
15.
Fair Value (continued)
The estimated fair value of financial instruments that are reported at amortized cost in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs were as follows:
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Carrying
Estimated
Carrying
Estimated
Amount
Fair Value
Amount
Fair Value
Financial assets
Level 1 inputs
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 26,462,106 $ 26,462,106 $ 40,975,670 $ 40,975,670
Level 2 inputs
Certificates of deposit in other banks
350,000 350,000 850,000 850,000
Accrued interest receivable
1,609,063 1,609,063 2,057,491 2,057,491
Securities held to maturity
21,851,975 22,805,601 19,904,059 21,070,326
Mortgage loans held for sale
126,500 128,829 1,673,350 1,705,781
Restricted stock, at cost
675,400 675,400 900,500 900,500
Bank owned life insurance
11,556,163 11,556,163 11,297,342 11,297,342
Level 3 inputs
Securities held to maturity
3,073,040 3,073,040 3,174,460 3,174,460
Loans, net
482,011,334 487,012,970 521,690,514 527,132,047
Financial liabilities
Level 1 inputs
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$ 124,175,615 $ 124,175,615 $ 103,155,113 $ 103,155,113
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
5,414,026 5,414,026 24,753,972 24,753,972
Level 2 inputs
Interest-bearing deposits
502,239,055 502,396,172 470,246,434 474,096,434
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
5,000,000 4,967,000 5,000,000 5,136,000
Long-term debt
16,978,905 17,298,111 16,973,280 17,018,416
Accrued interest payable
295,910 295,910 409,622 409,622
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
16.
Parent Company Financial Information
The condensed financial statements for the Company (parent only) are presented below:
Balance Sheets
December 31,
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 930,354 $ 200,925
Investment in subsidiaries
72,662,265 68,645,516
Other assets
185,866 36,380
$ 73,778,485 $ 68,882,821
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Long-term debt
$ 16,978,905 $ 16,973,280
Accrued interest payable
178,122 180,058
17,157,027 17,153,338
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,037,137 in 2021 and 3,011,255 shares in 2020
30,372 30,113
Additional paid-in capital
28,857,422 28,294,139
Retained earnings
29,128,600 22,698,954
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(1,394,936 ) 706,277
56,621,458 51,729,483
$ 73,778,485 $ 68,882,821
Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
Income
Cash dividends from subsidiaries
$ 2,595,000 $ 9,452,045
Total income
2,595,000 9,452,045
Interest expense - long-term debt
(712,306 ) (181,465 )
Noninterest expense
(537 ) (521 )
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
1,882,157 9,270,059
Income taxes (benefit)
(149,486 ) (37,812 )
Income before before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
2,031,643 9,307,871
Dividends in excess of income of bank subsidiary
- (6,759,815 )
Dividends in excess of income of insurance subsidiary
(100,019 ) -
Equity in undistributed income of bank subsidiary
6,217,982 -
Equity in undistributed income of insurance subsidiary
- 133,947
Net Income
$ 8,149,606 $ 2,682,003
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Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
16.
Parent Company Financial Information (continued)
Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income
$ 8,149,606 $ 2,682,003
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed income of insurance subsidiary
- (133,947 )
Equity in undistributed income of bank subsidiary
(6,217,982 ) -
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable
(1,935 ) 180,058
Amortization of debt issuance costs
5,625 1,406
Income tax receivable
(149,486 ) (37,812 )
Dividend received in excess of income of insurance subsidiary
100,019 -
Dividend received in excess of income of bank subsidiary
- 6,759,815
Cash provided by operating activities
1,885,847 9,451,523
Cash flows from investing activities
Contribution of capital to subsidiaries
- (690,000 )
Acquisition of Carroll Bancorp, Inc. net of cash acquired
- (24,526,935 )
Cash used by investing activities
- (25,216,935 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Long-term debt
- 16,971,874
Dividends paid, net of reinvestments
(1,156,418 ) (1,069,689 )
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1,156,418 ) 15,902,185
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
729,429 136,773
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
200,925 64,152
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 930,354 $ 200,925
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
17.
Litigation
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is periodically party to various legal actions normally associated with a financial institution. Management does not believe that any of these normal course proceedings are likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or liquidity of the Company.
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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
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act with the SEC, such as this annual report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer (“PEO”) and the principal financial officer (“PFO”), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of December 31, 2021 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the PEO and the PFO. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the PEO and the PFO, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at the reasonable assurance level.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management has performed an evaluation and testing of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is included on the following page. The Company’s is a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act and, accordingly, its independent registered public accounting firm is not required to attest to the foregoing management report.
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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The Bank’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, as such, include some amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management.
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, reports on internal control over financial reporting issued by management of “smaller reporting companies”, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 12b-2, are exempt from the auditor attestation requirements imposed by Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Bank is a smaller reporting company. Accordingly, this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Bank’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
The Bank’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. This internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the reliability of the Bank’s financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. The system of internal control over financial reporting is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audit with actions taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Because of inherent limitations in any internal control system, no matter how well designed, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected, including the possibility of the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 based upon criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on this assessment and on the foregoing criteria, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
March 11, 2022
/s/James R. Bosley, Jr.
/s/Mark C. Krebs
James R. Bosley, Jr.
Mark C. Krebs
President & Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or persons performing similar functions. This Code of Ethics is applicable to all directors and employees. A copy of this Codes of Ethics is available on our website, www.fmb1919.bank, and may be accessed by clicking on “Investor Relations”, then “Corporate Overview” and then “Code of Ethics”.
All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the following sections of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders that will be filed by April 30, 2022 with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A (the “2022 Proxy Statement”):
●
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (Proposal 1);
●
CONTINUING DIRECTORS;
●
QUALIFICATIONS FOR DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND CURRENT DIRECTORS;
●
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS;
●
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS; and
●
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (under “Committees of the Board of Directors - Audit Committee”).

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the 2022 Proxy Statement entitled “DIRECTOR COMPENSATION” and “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION”.

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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
The Company has not adopted or implemented any equity compensation plans or arrangements.
All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section of the 2022 Proxy Statement entitled “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT”.

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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 of the 2022 Proxy Statement entitled “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” and “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS” (under “Director Independence”).

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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 of the 2022 Proxy Statement entitled “AUDIT FEES AND SERVICES”.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1), (2) and (c) Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
- 85 -
(a)(3) and (b) Exhibits.
The exhibits filed or furnished with this annual report are listed in the following Exhibit Index:
Exhibit
Description
2.1
Plan of Reorganization and Share Exchange, dated as of August 15, 2016, by and between Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Farmers and Merchants Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 28, 2020, between Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Carroll Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 1, 2020)
2.3
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 6, 2020, among the Company, Anthem Acquisition Corp., and Carroll Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2020)
3.1(i)
Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(i) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
3.1(ii)
Articles of Share Exchange, dated as of October 20, 2016, by and between Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Farmers and Merchants Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(ii) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.1
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2010, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and James R. Bosley, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.2
First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2011, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and James R. Bosley, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.3
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2010, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Christopher T. Oswald (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.4
First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2011, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Christopher T. Oswald (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.5
Performance Driven Retirement Plan Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2015, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Mark C. Krebs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10)
10.6
Severance Agreement, dated as of February 19, 2013, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Mark C. Krebs (filed herewith)
10.7
First Amendment to Severance Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2022, between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Mark C. Krebs (filed herewith)
Subsidiaries (filed herewith)
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith)
31.1
Certifications of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
31.2
Certifications of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith)
Inline Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (filed herewith)
The cover page of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL, included within the Exhibit 101 attachments (filed herewith).