First
Seacoast
b a n c o r p , i n c .
A LETTER TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
We began 2023 with the successful conversion from a mutual holding company
to a stock holding company. This second-step conversion and stock offering
provides us the corporate structure and capital necessary to continue our
growth initiatives while navigating an unfavorable interest rate environment.
As we look back on 2023, it is important to consider the significant impact of
COVID, government stimulus, high inflation, action by the Federal Reserve and
an unusual and challenging interest rate environment. Throughout this volatile
period we have remained steadfast in our ongoing commitment to disciplined
growth while maintaining strong liquidity supported by a well-diversified and
loyal customer base.
Our operating results for 2023 were impacted by the dynamic interest rate
environment that developed in late 2022 and has persisted since. The marked
increase in the target Fed Funds rate by the Federal Reserve, which is intended
to curb inflation, has resulted in a somewhat unique situation where short-term
interest rates exceed long-term interest rates. Known as an “inverted yield
curve,” the rapid increase in short-term interest rates has materially increased
our cost of deposits and other funding sources. While 2023 saw us achieve
record interest income, the increase in our cost of funds, and the resulting
increase in interest expense, outpaced that interest income growth and had
an adverse impact on net interest income and our overall operating results for
the year.
In addition, we established an allowance for our deferred tax assets, consisting
primarily of state and federal net operating losses and unrealized holding gains
and losses for our available-for-sale securities. Our 2023 financial statements
reflect the creation of the valuation allowance by recording $5.3 million of
additional income tax expense. The ultimate realization of these deferred tax
assets depends upon the generation of future taxable income. The valuation
allowance for these net deferred tax assets may be adjusted in the future if
estimates of taxable income are increased.
In response to the current pressure on operating results, we implemented
strategies to improve net interest margin, reduce exposure to the adverse
impact of high interest rates, increase asset sensitivity to improve yields,
reduce non-interest expense and optimize earning assets. These strategies
included the following:
• The execution of a balance sheet repositioning strategy related to our
available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, where we sold $40.6
million in book value of lower-yielding investment securities for an after-
tax realized loss of $3.1 million, which is reflected in our 2023 operating
results. We then purchased $40.6 million of higher-yielding investment
securities resulting in a positive spread differential of approximately 348
basis points over the securities that were sold, which is expected to result
in $995,000 of additional after-tax earnings, on an annualized basis.
• We entered into $60 million of interest rate contracts that are designated
as fair value hedges utilizing a pay-fixed interest rate swap to hedge
portions of the municipal bond ($10 million) and residential mortgage loan
($50 million) portfolio’s changes in fair value attributable to changes in
the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). These interest
rate swaps involve the payment of fixed-rate amounts to a counterparty in
exchange for the receipt of variable-rate payments over the life of the swap
without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The hedging
strategy effectively converts the fixed-rate municipal bond and mortgage
loan investments to SOFR floating-rate investments for the term of the
swap.
•
In addition to the utilization of the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding
Program, we entered into two structured option advance borrowings from
the FHLB - a $25.0 million long-term advance, with a fixed interest rate of
4.48%, which is callable by the Federal Home Loan Bank on May 2, 2024
and quarterly thereafter, and a $25.0 million long-term advance, with a
fixed interest rate of 4.38%, which is callable by the FHLB on December 8,
2025 and quarterly thereafter.
• Non-interest expense management initiatives consisted of the adjustment
of staffing levels reflecting the expected reduction in residential mortgage
and commercial lending activity as a result of elevated borrowing rates
and economic uncertainty, and the favorable negotiation of a large vendor
contract renewal.
•
In an effort to optimize earning assets, we are pursuing a sale and leaseback
transaction involving our five owned properties. Subject to the results of
our due diligence, we intend to enter into a purchase and sale agreement
for these properties and concurrently enter into absolute net lease
agreements with the prospective purchaser under which we would lease
back each property. We will not close any branches or exit any markets
as a result of the sale-leaseback transaction. Upon consummation, these
non-earning properties will be converted to cash which we plan to use to
reduce wholesale borrowings.
First Seacoast Bank continues to grow loan, deposit and wealth management
customer relationships and enjoys a strong favorable brand recognition in the
greater Seacoast market. The Bank is staffed by seasoned professionals who
are exceptionally well suited to support effective business development and
account origination and to deliver superior customer service. Modest loan
portfolio and deposit growth is expected to continue. Asset quality, liquidity
and capital reserves remain exceptionally strong. We look to 2024 and beyond
with optimism supported by our strong community banking franchise that
is entrenched in a vibrant local economy and a balance sheet that is well-
positioned to emerge favorably from the current interest rate environment. We
recognize the commitment and confidence of our shareholders and customers,
and we promise to put You First as we move the Bank forward.
James R. Brannen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Janet Sylvester
Chair, Board of Directors
Our commitment to the New Hampshire Seacoast has
deep roots, dating back to 1890 when we held the inaugural
meeting of the Dover Co-Operative Savings Fund and Loan
Association. Over the years, our name may have changed,
but our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional
service remains the same.
Whether at home in the Seacoast or anywhere you
travel, First Seacoast Bank has your finances covered.
• Personal Checking & Savings
• Certificates of Deposit & Money Market Accounts
• Mortgage Lending
• Business Banking, Lending & Cash Management
• Wealth Management Services
• Digital & Mobile Banking
• Online Account Opening
• Allpoint ATM Network
Rochester
Barrington
Dover
Durham
Portsmouth
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _______________
Commission File Number: 001-41597
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
92-0334805
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
633 Central Avenue, Dover, New Hampshire
(Address of principal executive offices)
03820
(Zip code)
(603) 742-4680
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Title of Each Class
FSEA
Trading Symbol(s)
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company,
or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging
growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
☐
☒
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
☐
☒
☒
Emerging growth
company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that
prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in
the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $39.4
million.
As of March 22, 2024, there were 5,077,164 outstanding shares of the Registrant's common stock.
□
1.
Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held on May 30,
2024, are incorporated by reference into Part II and Part III of this report.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 1C. Cybersecurity
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Properties
Legal Proceedings
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
[Reserved]
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B. Other Information
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services (PCAOB ID: 231)
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
SIGNATURES
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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
PART I
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to First Seacoast
Bancorp, Inc. together with its bank subsidiary, First Seacoast Bank.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements about the Company and its industry involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements
other than statements of current or historical fact, including statements regarding the Company’s future financial condition,
results of operations, business plans, liquidity, cash flows, projected costs and the impact of any laws or regulations
applicable to the Company, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,”
“anticipate,” “assume,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “contemplate,” “continue,”
“potential,” “target” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements
are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such factors include, but are
not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
•
statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently
subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our
control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies
and decisions that are subject to change. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. We are
under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other
expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy
of the allowance for credit losses;
our ability to access cost-effective funding;
fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;
demand for loans and deposits in our market area;
our ability to implement and change our business strategies;
competition among depository and other financial institutions;
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, our mortgage banking
revenues, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations or prepayments on loans we
have made and make;
adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets;
changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in
regulatory fees and capital requirements and insurance premiums;
changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios;
technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;
the inability of third-party providers to perform as expected;
our ability to manage market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, including cybersecurity risks;
1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and
management personnel we may acquire, and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings
within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto;
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board;
our ability to retain key employees;
our compensation expense associated with equity allocated or awarded to our employees; and
changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.
Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the
results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not
undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to
any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence
of anticipated or unanticipated events.
ITEM 1. Business
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. (together with its bank subsidiary, unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company”)
is the savings and loan holding company for First Seacoast Bank (the “Bank”). The Company conducts its operations
primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Seacoast Bank.
The Company is the successor to First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation). Effective January 19, 2023, the
Company succeeded First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) as the holding company for First Seacoast Bank in
connection with the conversion of First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC, the former federal mutual holding company for First
Seacoast Bank, from mutual to stock form. At December 31, 2023, the Company had total consolidated assets of $571.0
million, loans of $430.0 million, deposits of $404.8 million and stockholders’ equity of $66.6 million.
The Company’s executive offices are located at 633 Central Avenue, Dover, New Hampshire 03820, and the telephone
number is (603) 742-4680. Our website address is www.firstseacoastbank.com. Information on our website is not and should
not be considered a part of this annual report. The Company is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”).
First Seacoast Bank
First Seacoast Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank headquartered in Dover, New Hampshire, has served residents
of the Seacoast area of New Hampshire since 1890. Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general
public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings from the Federal Home
Loan Bank, in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans,
acquisition, development and land loans, commercial and industrial loans, home equity loans and lines of credit and
consumer loans. In recent years, we have increased our focus, consistent with what we believe to be conservative
underwriting standards, on originating higher yielding commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.
2
Our results of operations are largely dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest
earned on loans and securities and interest paid on deposits and borrowings, and non-interest income largely from customer
service fees. The results of operations are also affected by the level of operating expenses, the provision for credit losses, the
impact of federal and state income taxes, the relative levels of interest rates and local and national economic activity.
Investment management services are offered through FSB Wealth Management. FSB Wealth Management is a division
of First Seacoast Bank. The division currently consists of two financial advisors who are located at 629 Central Avenue,
Dover, New Hampshire, adjacent to our main office. FSB Wealth Management provides access to non-FDIC insured
products that include retirement planning, portfolio management, investment and insurance strategies, business retirement
plans and college planning to individuals throughout our primary market area. These investments and services are offered
through a third-party registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. FSB Wealth Management receives fees from advisory
services and commissions on individual investment and insurance products purchased by clients.
The assets held for wealth management customers are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not reflected in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Assets under management totaled approximately $123.5 million and $96.0
million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. On August 17, 2021, the Bank entered into a definitive agreement with
an investment advisory and wealth management firm (the “seller”) to purchase certain of its client accounts and client
relationships for a final adjusted purchase price of $324,000 (included in other assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, net of
amortization), of which $172,000 was paid at closing. Each client account was assigned a value, and as each client transferred
to the Bank, 85% of this value was paid to the seller. During June 2023, the transition of client accounts was completed and
the balance of the purchase price was paid to the seller. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $25.7 million and
$23.0 million of purchased client accounts are included in total assets under management, respectively. The client accounts
purchased are recorded as a customer list intangible asset. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization will
be reviewed for impairment, at least annually, based on their fair value. Any impairment will be recognized as a charge to
earnings and the adjusted carrying amount of the intangible asset will become its new accounting basis. The remaining useful
life of the intangible asset will also be evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances
warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. The Company is amortizing the customer list intangible on a
straight-line basis over a ten-year period. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $30,000 and $34,000 of
amortization expense was recorded, respectively.
First Seacoast Bank is active in the communities we serve. The Bank makes investments in community development
lending and investments in low-income housing, all of which strive to improve the communities we serve. In 2019, First
Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) established First Seacoast Community Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation
dedicated to supporting charitable organizations operating in the Bank’s local community.
First Seacoast Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by its primary federal regulator, the Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Available Information
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Our Internet website is www.firstseacoastbank.com. You can obtain on our website, free of charge, copies of our
annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to
those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports or amendments with, or furnish them
to, the SEC. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be
incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Market Area
We conduct our operations from four full-service banking offices in Strafford County, New Hampshire and one full-
service banking office in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, located in the southeastern part of the state along the New
Hampshire Seacoast. We consider our primary lending market area to be Strafford and Rockingham Counties in New
Hampshire and York County in southern Maine.
The New Hampshire and southern Maine Seacoast region’s economy is fairly diversified, with employment in
education, healthcare, government, services, retail and manufacturing sectors. Our Strafford County branches are located in
the cities of Dover, Durham, Barrington and Rochester, New Hampshire. Top employment sectors in Strafford County
include healthcare, government, education, insurance, retail and textile manufacturing. Our Rockingham County branch is
located in the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Top employment sectors in Rockingham County include healthcare,
government, insurance, pharmaceuticals and biotech. Additionally, although we do not have a branch office in York County,
Maine, many of our customers work and reside in York County, which is contiguous to Strafford County. Our Dover
headquarters is conveniently located approximately 65 miles from Boston and less than 50 miles from each of Manchester,
New Hampshire and Portland, Maine.
We view the greater Seacoast region as a primary area for growth, in light of its favorable demographic characteristics,
such as a growing population in some relatively affluent markets. At the same time, the attractive features of the region have
fostered a highly competitive environment for financial service providers.
3
Competition
The financial services industry is highly competitive. The Company experiences substantial competition with other
commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance
companies, finance companies, money market funds, credit unions and other non-bank financial service providers in
attracting deposits, making loans and attracting wealth management customers. The competing major commercial banks have
greater resources that may provide them a competitive advantage by enabling them to maintain numerous branch offices and
mount extensive advertising campaigns. The increasingly competitive environment is the result of changes in regulation,
changes in technology and product delivery systems, additional financial service providers and the accelerating pace of
consolidation among financial services providers.
The financial services industry has become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and
technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the
umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities
underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to
entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic
transfer and automatic payment systems.
Some of the Company’s non-banking competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost
structures. In addition, some of the Company’s competitors have assets, capital and lending limits greater than that of the
Company, greater access to capital markets and offer a broader range of products and services than the Company. These
institutions may have the ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns and may also be able to offer lower rates on
loans and higher rates on deposits than the Company can offer.
Various in-state market competitors and out-of-state banks continue to enter or have announced plans to enter or
expand their presence in the market areas in which the Company currently operates. With the addition of new banking
presences within our market, the Company expects increased competition for loans, deposits and other financial products and
services. Our competition for loans comes primarily from financial institutions in our market area. Our experience in recent
years is that many financial institutions in our market area, especially community banks that are seeking to significantly
expand their commercial loan portfolios and banks located in lower growth regions in New Hampshire and Maine, have been
willing to price commercial loans aggressively in order to gain market share.
The Company will continue to rely upon local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers,
directors and employees with their customers and specialized services tailored to meet the needs of the communities served.
Management believes that it can compete effectively as a result of local market knowledge, local decision making and
awareness of customer needs.
Lending Activities
Historically, our lending activities have emphasized one- to four-family residential real estate loans, and such loans
continue to comprise the largest portion of our loan portfolio. Other areas of lending include commercial real estate loans and
multi-family real estate loans, acquisition, development and land loans, commercial and industrial loans, home equity loans
and lines of credit and consumer loans. Subject to market conditions and our asset-liability analysis, we expect to continue to
increase our focus on commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans, in an effort to diversify our overall loan
portfolio and increase the overall yield earned on our loans. We compete for loans by offering high quality personalized
service, providing convenience and flexibility, providing timely responses on loan applications and by offering competitive
pricing of loan products.
As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks,
such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our potential
future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such
commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. For additional
information, see Note 16 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements of this annual report.
4
Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio at the dates indicated.
One- to four-family residential real
estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total loans
Allowance for credit losses on loans
Net loans
At December 31,
2023
2022
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
(Dollars in thousands)
$
$
$
268,943
86,566
17,520
25,511
14,093
7,582
9,816
430,031
(3,390)
426,641
62.5% $
20.1%
4.1%
5.9%
3.3%
1.8%
2.3%
100.0% $
$
252,806
80,616
18,490
24,059
10,161
8,186
8,187
402,505
(3,581)
398,924
62.8%
20.0%
4.6%
6.0%
2.6%
2.0%
2.0%
100.0%
Loan Portfolio Maturities. The following tables set forth the contractual maturities of our total loan portfolio at
December 31, 2023. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity and overdraft loans are reported
as being due in one year or less. The table presents contractual maturities and does not reflect repricing or the effect of
prepayments. Actual maturities may differ.
December 31, 2023
Amounts due in:
One year or less
More than one to five years
More than five years to fifteen years
More than fifteen years
Total
December 31, 2023
Amounts due in:
One year or less
More than one to five years
More than five years to fifteen years
More than fifteen years
Total
One- to Four-
Family Residential
Real Estate
Commercial
Real Estate
Acquisition,
Development
and Land
Commercial and
Industrial
$
$
$
$
73
2,594
39,363
226,913
268,943
HELOC
55
31
1,495
12,512
14,093
$
$
$
$
(In thousands)
818
14,861
45,740
25,147
86,566
$
$
1,314
2,250
2,696
11,260
17,520
Multi-family
Consumer
(In thousands)
— $
217
7,365
—
7,582
$
47
1,369
851
7,549
9,816
$
$
$
$
2,357
15,547
6,877
730
25,511
Total
4,664
36,869
104,387
284,111
430,031
Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Loans. The following table sets forth our fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at December 31,
2023 that are contractually due after December 31, 2024.
One- to four-family residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total
Fixed
258,260
33,053
6,625
19,835
36
4,761
9,769
332,339
December 31, 2023
Adjustable
(In thousands)
10,610
$
52,695
9,581
3,319
14,002
2,821
—
93,028
$
$
$
$
$
Total
268,870
85,748
16,206
23,154
14,038
7,582
9,769
425,367
5
One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Loans. Our one- to four-family residential loan portfolio consists of
mortgage loans that enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, substantially all of which are collateralized by
the primary residence of the borrower. At December 31, 2023, we had $268.9 million of loans secured by one- to four-family
residential real estate, representing 62.5% of our total loan portfolio. Generally, all of our one- to four-family residential real
estate loans are secured by properties located in the New Hampshire and southern Maine Seacoast region. Purchased loans
are secured by properties located in the greater Boston market in a contiguous state.
Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans have terms of up to 30 years and are generally underwritten
according to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”) guidelines in amounts up to the
maximum conforming loan limits as established by Freddie Mac. We refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as
“conforming loans.” We also originate loans above the conforming limits, which are referred to as “jumbo loans.” We
generally underwrite jumbo loans in a manner similar to conforming loans.
At December 31, 2023, 96.1% of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans were fixed-rate loans. We sell a
portion of fixed-rate conforming loans that we originate on a servicing-retained basis. Secondary market investors that
purchase our loans may include Freddie Mac, the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and other investors.
At December 31, 2023, 3.9% of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans were adjustable-rate loans. Our
adjustable-rate mortgage loans have initial repricing terms of one, three or five years. Following the initial repricing term,
such loans adjust annually for the balance of the loan term. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans are indexed to the One-Year U.S.
Treasury Constant Maturity rate, plus a margin. The majority of such loans have an annual interest rate adjustment cap of
2.0% and a lifetime adjustment cap ranging from 4.0% to 6.0%. We typically hold our adjustable-rate one- to four-family
residential real estate loans in our portfolio.
Loan-to-value ratios are determined by collateral type and occupancy level. We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios
of our mortgage loans without private mortgage insurance to 80%. Loans where the borrower obtains private mortgage
insurance may be made in excess of this limit, pursuant to requirements set by the insurance provider.
We do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on permanent one- to four-family residential real estate loans (where
the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer
loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than
the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not have a
“subprime lending” program for one- to four-family residential real estate loans (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers
with weakened credit histories).
Generally, residential mortgage loans that we originate include “due-on-sale” clauses, which give us the right to declare
a loan immediately due and payable if, among other things, the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the real property
subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. All borrowers are required to obtain title insurance for the benefit of First
Seacoast Bank. We also require appropriate insurance coverage on properties securing real estate loans.
Commercial Real Estate and Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. Consistent with our strategy to diversify our loan
portfolio and increase our yield, we have focused on the origination of commercial real estate and multi-family real estate
loans. At December 31, 2023, we had $94.1 million in commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans, representing
21.9% of our total loan portfolio. Of this aggregate amount, we had $54.3 million in owner-occupied commercial real estate
loans, $32.2 million in non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and $7.6 million in multi-family real estate loans.
Our commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of properties in our primary market area, including retail
spaces, distribution centers, office buildings, manufacturing and warehouse properties, convenience stores and other local
businesses, without any material concentrations in property type. Our multi-family real estate loans are secured by properties
consisting of five or more rental units in our market area, including apartment buildings and student housing.
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally have higher balances and entail greater credit risks compared
to one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The repayment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically
depends on the successful operation of the property, as repayment of the loan generally is dependent, in large part, on
sufficient income from the property to cover operating expenses and debt service. Changes in economic conditions that are
not in the control of the borrower or lender could affect the value of the collateral for the loan or the future cash flow of the
property. Additionally, any decline in real estate values may be more pronounced for commercial and multi-family real estate
than residential properties. If we foreclose on a commercial or multi-family real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation
period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be a lengthy process with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies,
deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset
their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the
individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial and multi-family real estate loans can be
unpredictable and substantial.
6
Our commercial and multi-family real estate loans are generally originated as 10-year balloon loans, which reprice
after five years and are amortized over 20 years. Interest rates on such loans are generally indexed to the Federal Home Loan
Bank Five-Year Regular Classic Rate, plus a margin. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our commercial and multi-family
real estate loans is generally 80% of the lower of purchase price or appraised value of the properties securing the loan and
generally requires a minimum debt-service coverage ratio of 1.2x.
We consider a number of factors in originating commercial and multi-family real estate loans. In addition to the debt-
service coverage ratio, we evaluate the loan purpose, the quality of collateral and the borrower’s qualifications, experience,
credit history, cash flows and financial statements and sources of repayment. Personal guarantees are generally obtained from
the principals of closely-held companies. We gather information on environmental risks associated with commercial
properties and also require appropriate insurance coverage on properties securing real estate loans. In addition, the borrower’s
and guarantor’s financial information is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates. We
also purchase and participate in commercial and multi-family real estate loans from other financial institutions. Such loans
are subject to the same underwriting criteria and loan approval requirements applied to loans originated by First Seacoast
Bank.
At December 31, 2023, the average loan balance outstanding in the commercial real estate loans portfolio was
$471,000, and the largest individual commercial real estate loan outstanding was a $4.8 million loan secured by two
commercial properties. This loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2023. At
December 31, 2023, the average loan balance outstanding in the multi-family real estate loans portfolio was $758,000, and
the largest individual multi-family real estate loan outstanding was a $4.5 million participation loan secured by a 204-unit
property. This loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2023.
Acquisition, Development and Land Loans. At December 31, 2023, acquisition, development and land loans were
$17.5 million, or 4.1%, of our total loan portfolio. These loans consist of residential construction loans, commercial and
multi-family real estate construction loans and land loans. At December 31, 2023, the average loan balance outstanding in the
acquisition, development and land loan portfolio was $388,000.
We originate loans to finance the construction or rehabilitation of owner-occupied one- to four-family residential
properties to the prospective homeowners primarily located in our market area. Upon completion of construction, such loans
convert to permanent mortgage loans. At December 31, 2023, residential construction loan balances were $4.9 million, or
1.1% of our total loan portfolio, with an additional $8.4 million available for advance to borrowers. Residential construction
loans are generally structured as interest-only for nine months, with a loan-to-value ratio generally not exceeding 80% of the
appraised value on a completed basis or the loan-to-cost of completion, whichever is less. However, if private mortgage
insurance is obtained, we will consider a loan-to-value ratio up to 97%. We work with a third-party construction management
firm that reviews each project before we approve the loan and continues to monitor and inspect the project during the
construction phase, as disbursements are made. Once the construction project is satisfactorily completed, generally within
nine months, the loan will convert to a permanent, amortizing mortgage loan for the remaining term of the loan, generally up
to a maximum of 30 years total or 15 years for manufactured homes. The interest rate may be fixed or adjustable. At
December 31, 2023, our largest individual residential construction loan outstanding was $774,000 and it was performing in
accordance with its original repayment terms.
We also originate loans to finance the construction of commercial properties, primarily owner-occupied properties
located in our market area. Upon completion of construction, such loans generally convert to permanent commercial
mortgage loans. At December 31, 2023, commercial construction loan balances totaled $11.4 million, or 2.7% of our total
loan portfolio, with an additional $7.6 million available for advance to borrowers. Commercial real estate construction loans
are generally structured as interest-only for up to 18 months, with a loan-to-value of 80% of the appraised value on a
completed basis or a loan-to-cost of completion ratio of up to 85%. We may also originate commercial constructions loans
with an initial loan-to-value ratio of 90% when coupled with the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 Loan program. We
work with a third-party construction management firm that reviews each project before we approve the loan and continues to
monitor and inspect the project during the construction phase, as disbursements are made. Once the construction project is
satisfactorily completed, generally within 18 months, the loan will convert to a permanent, amortizing mortgage loan for the
remaining term of the loan, generally up to a maximum of 20 years total (including the construction phase). The interest rate
may be fixed or adjustable. At December 31, 2023, our largest commercial real estate construction loan had an outstanding
balance of $2.0 million, and it was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms.
Construction loans generally involve greater credit risk than financing improved real estate, because funds are
advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value before its completion. Risk of loss on a construction
loan also depends upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction
compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions. Because of the uncertainties
inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental
regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project and the
7
related loan-to-value ratio. If the estimate of construction cost is inaccurate, we may be required to advance additional funds
beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the estimated value of the
completed project is inaccurate, the borrower may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment of
the construction loan upon the sale of the property. Construction loans also carry the risk that construction will not be
completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs.
We also originate loans to finance the acquisition and development of land. Land development loans are generally
secured by vacant land located in our primary market and in process of improvement. At December 31, 2023, land
development loan balances were $1.2 million, or 0.3%, of our total loan portfolio. We generally originate commercial land
development loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 70% where all approvals and permits for improvements are already in
place and up to 50% where approvals and permits are not yet in place. The maximum construction term is generally 9 months
for residential development properties and 18 months for commercial development properties. At December 31, 2023, our
largest land loan had an outstanding balance of $563,000, and it was performing in accordance with its original repayment
terms.
Land development loans generally involve greater credit risk than long-term financing on developed real estate. If a
loan is made on property that is not yet approved for the planned development, there is a risk that necessary approvals will
not be granted or will be delayed. Risk of loss on a land development loan also depends upon the accuracy of the initial
estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of
construction and other assumptions. If the estimate of development costs is inaccurate, we may be required to advance
additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the
estimated value of the completed project is inaccurate, the borrower may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to
assure full repayment of the construction loan upon the sale of the property. Land development loans also carry the risk that
improvements will not be completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs. In addition, repayment of
these loans can be dependent on the sale of the property to third parties, and the ultimate sale or rental of the property may
not occur as anticipated.
Commercial and Industrial Loans. At December 31, 2023, we had $25.5 million of commercial and industrial loans
representing 5.9% of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2023, the average loan balance outstanding in the commercial
and industrial loans portfolio was $201,000, and the largest individual commercial and industrial loan outstanding was $2.5
million secured by marketable securities. This loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at
December 31, 2023.
We originate commercial and industrial loans, including equipment loans and business acquisition loans, and lines of
credit to businesses operating in our local market area. Our commercial and industrial loans are generally used by the
borrowers for working capital purposes or for acquiring equipment, inventory or furniture. Borrowers include professional
organizations, family-owned businesses and not-for-profit businesses. These loans are generally secured by non-real estate
business and personal assets, including equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and marketable securities, although we
may support this collateral with liens on real property such as buildings and equipment. We generally require our commercial
business borrowers to maintain their primary deposit accounts with us, which improves our overall interest rate spread and
profitability.
Our commercial and industrial loans include term loans and revolving lines of credit and are made with either variable
or fixed rates of interest. Variable interest rates are indexed to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a
margin. Commercial and industrial loans typically have shorter terms to maturity and higher interest rates than commercial
real estate loans.
When originating commercial and industrial loans, we consider the financial history of the borrower, the debt service
capabilities and cash flows of the borrower and other guarantors and the value of the underlying collateral. We generally
require personal guarantees by the principals, as well as other appropriate guarantors, when personal assets are in joint names
or a principal’s net worth is not sufficient to support the loan. Commercial and industrial loans can have a loan-to-value ratio
of up to 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.
To assist small businesses with their credit needs for working capital, equipment and new real estate construction or
acquisition, we originate commercial and industrial loans under the Small Business Administration 7(a) and Express
Guarantee programs. Typically, a 7(a) loan includes a 75% guarantee and an Express loan includes a 50% guarantee from the
U.S. Government. At December 31, 2023, we had five loans outstanding with an aggregate principal balance of $2.2 million
with Small Business Administration 7(a) guarantees totaling $1.7 million and three Small Business Administration Express
loans with an aggregate principal balance of $75,000 with guarantees totaling $38,000.
During 2023, we purchased $2.0 million of participation interests in two commercial and industrial loans through our
membership in a national community bank loan program. Loans are typically provided to middle market businesses with
approximately $10-$75 million in EBITDA. Senior credit facilities typically range in size from $25-$250 million, primarily
8
secured by substantially all of the assets of the business. These loans generally have five to seven-year terms and variable
interest rates. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had outstanding participation interests in these commercial and industrial
loans totaling $2.0 million and $-0-, respectively.
We continue to expand our commercial and industrial lending activities in order to diversify our loan portfolio, increase
our yield and offer a full range of products to our commercial customers. However, these loans have greater credit risk than
one- to four-family residential real estate loans. Our commercial and industrial loans are made based primarily on historical
and projected cash flows of the borrower, the borrower’s experience and stability and the value and marketability of the
underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not materialize as forecasted,
and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in value because of economic or individual performance factors. As a result, the
availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may depend substantially on the success of the
business itself and the general economic environment in our market area. In addition, commercial and industrial loans often
result in larger outstanding balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, and also generally require
substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts. Accordingly, financial information is obtained from the borrowers to
evaluate cash flow sufficiency and is periodically updated during the life of the loan.
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. We offer home equity loans and lines of credit, which are multi-purpose
loans used to finance various home or personal needs, where a one- to four-family primary or secondary residence serves as
collateral, generally within our primary market area. At December 31, 2023, outstanding balances on home equity loans and
lines of credit totaled $14.1 million, or 3.3% of our total loan portfolio, and the lines of credit had an additional $27.8 million
available to draw.
Home equity loans are originated as fixed-rate term loans. Home equity lines of credit are tied to the Prime Rate as
published in the Wall Street Journal and are offered for terms of up to 25 years, with a 10-year draw period and 15-year
repayment period. Generally, our home equity loans and lines of credit are originated with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80%,
inclusive of existing liens on the property.
Consumer Loans. We offer consumer loans to individuals who reside or work in our market area. Consumer lending
has historically been a minor area of lending diversification for us. Consumer loans, other than consumer loans secured by
manufactured housing properties, generally consist of installment loans extended directly to the borrower. These loans
generally have shorter terms to maturity, which reduces our exposure to changes in interest rates. In addition, management
believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to our existing customer base by
increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities. It is expected that growth for
this segment of our consumer loan portfolio will be limited, with such loans extended primarily to pre-existing First Seacoast
Bank customers.
Additionally, we purchase consumer loans secured by manufactured housing properties to supplement our consumer
loan origination efforts. We purchased $1.5 million and $2.4 million of these loans during 2023 and 2022, respectively.
These loans are secured by properties located in the greater Seacoast region. As of December 31, 2023, the portfolio of these
loans had aggregate outstanding principal balances of $6.6 million and were performing in accordance with their original
repayment terms. We expect that growth in this segment of our consumer loan portfolio will continue to increase in the
future. At December 31, 2023, consumer loans totaled $9.8 million, or 2.3% of our total loan portfolio, of which $716,000
was unsecured.
Originations, Sales and Purchases of Loans
Our loan originations are generated by our loan personnel operating at our banking office locations. Residential real
estate loans are generated by our mortgage loan officers through referrals from real estate brokers, builders, walk-in
customers, online applications, participation in local home shows, events with local realtors, contacts in the local community
and referrals. Commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans are originated through our commercial lenders,
through previous lending relationships, referrals, direct solicitation and participation in industry-specific associations.
Additionally, small business lending relationships are generated through our business development officers. Consumer loans
are generated largely to existing customers and walk-ins. Loan generation is supported by our advertising campaigns.
While we originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, our ability to generate each type of loan depends upon
relative borrower demand and the pricing levels as set in the local marketplace by competing banks, thrifts, credit unions and
mortgage banking companies. Our volume of real estate loan originations is influenced significantly by market interest rates,
and, accordingly, the volume of our real estate loan originations can vary from period to period.
We consider our balance sheet, as well as market conditions, on an ongoing basis in making decisions as to whether to
hold one- to four-family residential real estate loans we originate in our portfolio for investment or to sell such loans to
investors, based on profitability and risk management considerations. We sell selected conforming, 15-year and 30-year
fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate, on a servicing-retained basis, when we are able
9
to, and strategically retain non-eligible fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order
to manage the duration and time to repricing of our one- to four-family residential loan portfolio. For the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, we sold $417,000 and $637,000, respectively, of our one- to four-family residential real estate
loans.
In addition to purchasing consumer loans secured by manufactured housing properties, as discussed above under
“Consumer Loans,” we purchase one- to four-family jumbo residential real estate loans to supplement our own origination
efforts. During 2023 and 2022, we purchased $780,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, of one- to four-family jumbo
residential real estate loans secured by properties located in the greater Boston market. As of December 31, 2023, the
portfolio of purchased residential real estate loans had outstanding principal balances of $24.7 million and were performing
in accordance with their original repayment terms. We also purchase participation interests in commercial and multi-family
real estate loans in which we are not the lead originating lender. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had outstanding
participation interests totaling $15.3 million and $16.5 million, respectively. All loan purchases and participations interests
are subject to the same underwriting criteria and loan approvals that apply to loans that we originate for our portfolio. The
properties are independently appraised and subject to field inspections by our loan officers. As noted above, during 2023, we
also purchased $2.0 million of participation interests in two commercial and industrial loans through our membership in a
national community bank loan program. Loans are typically provided to middle market businesses with approximately $10-
$75 million in EBITDA. Senior credit facilities typically range in size from $25-$250 million, primarily secured by
substantially all of the assets of the business. These loans generally have five to seven-year terms and variable interest rates.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority
Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures
established by our board of directors and management. Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed
information submitted by the prospective borrower, credit histories that we obtain and property valuations. Our board of
directors has established a Loan Officers Review Committee to oversee loan approvals. The voting members of the Loan
Officers Review Committee consist of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President – Chief Financial
Officer, Senior Vice President – Senior Commercial Loan Officer, Senior Vice President – Senior Retail Loan Officer, Senior
Vice President – Bank Administration and Risk Management Officer and Vice President – Retail Loan Production Officer.
The board of directors has granted loan approval authority to certain officers up to prescribed limits, depending on the
seniority of the officer, the type of loan and underlying security. Our President and Chief Executive Officer has aggregate
approval authority of up to $800,000 per relationship. Individual loan officers generally can approve secured commercial
loans of up to $100,000 and residential real estate loans of up to $650,000. Loans in excess of individual officers’ lending
limits generally can be approved by a second loan officer who is a voting member of our Loan Officers Review Committee,
up to additional prescribed limits of $500,000 for secured commercial loans and $1.0 million for residential real estate loans.
Loans in excess of such additional limits require approval of the full Loan Officers Review Committee. The Loan Officers
Review Committee generally may approve secured commercial loans of up to $1.5 million regardless of existing non-
commercial loan exposure. Any relationships in excess of $1.5 million must be approved by the board of directors.
From time to time, a loan applicant may not meet one or more of the loan policy or loan program requirements, which
would ordinarily result in a denial of the loan application. A loan officer may seek an exception on behalf of the applicant.
Any loan made with an exception to policy requires one additional level of approval, except that loans requiring the approval
of the Loan Officers Review Committee or the board of directors are exempt from the requirement of additional approval.
Loans-to-One Borrower
Pursuant to federal law, the aggregate amount of loans that we are permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of
related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of our unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is
secured by “readily marketable collateral” or 30% for certain residential development loans). At December 31, 2023, based
on the 15% limitation, our loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $8.4 million. At December 31, 2023, our largest
loan relationship with one borrower was for $6.7 million. These loans are secured primarily by commercial real estate which
were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms.
Delinquent Loans and Non-Performing Assets
Our collection procedures for residential mortgage loans typically follow Freddie Mac collection guidelines,
particularly the guidelines for residential mortgage loans serviced for others. When a residential real estate or consumer loan
payment becomes more than 15 days past due, a notice is automatically sent to the customer. Once the letter is sent, we begin
contacting the customer either by telephone or additional letters as appropriate. Alternating telephone attempts and additional
letters continue until a loan becomes 90 days past due, at which point we would place the loan on non-accrual status and
generally refer the loan for foreclosure proceedings, unless management determines that it is in the best interest of First
Seacoast Bank to work further with the borrower to arrange a workout plan. The foreclosure process generally would begin
10
when a loan becomes 120 days delinquent. We do not pursue multiple collections processes, such as considering
modifications or workouts, while proceeding with foreclosure.
When a commercial loan or commercial real estate loan becomes 10 days past due, we contact the customer by mailing
a late notice. The loan officer assigned to the account may also contact the borrower. If the loan continues to be past due, the
loan officer will continue to contact the borrower to determine the cause of the past due payment(s) and arrange for
payments. If a loan payment becomes 30 days past due, it will be reviewed by the Loan Officers Review Committee to
develop a plan to bring the past due payment(s) current and determine if the likelihood of repayment is in question. The loan
will also be evaluated for a change to the risk rating. If necessary, we will engage an attorney to pursue further collection
efforts.
Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies at the dates indicated.
30-59
Days Past
Due
2023
60-89
Days Past
Due
At December 31,
90 Days
or More
Past Due
30-59
Days Past
Due
(In thousands)
2022
60-89
Days Past
Due
90 Days
or More
Past Due
One- to four-family residential real
estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total
$
$
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
131
—
—
—
—
—
—
131
$
$
— $
—
—
—
14
—
—
14
$
— $
—
—
—
5
—
7
12
$
84
—
—
—
—
—
—
84
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11
Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets include loans that are 90 or more days past due or on non-accrual
status, and real estate and other loan collateral acquired through foreclosure and repossession.
The following table sets forth information regarding our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
Non-accrual loans:
One- to four-family residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total non-accrual loans
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
Total non-performing loans
Total real estate owned
Total non-performing assets
Total accruing troubled debt restructurings
Total non-performing assets and accruing troubled debt restructurings
Total non-performing loans as a percent of total loans
Total non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
$
$
$
$
$
At December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
$
127
—
—
—
14
—
—
141
—
141
$
—
141
$
—
141
$
0.03%
0.02%
84
—
—
—
—
—
5
89
—
89
—
89
189
278
0.02%
0.02%
Total non-performing assets and accruing troubled debt restructurings as a percent of
total assets
0.02%
0.05%
Non-performing Loans. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis. Management determines that a loan is non-performing
when it is probable at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original terms due to a
deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral-
dependent. When a loan is determined to be non-performing, the measurement of the loan in the allowance for credit losses
("ACL") is based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for
non-performance based on the fair value of the collateral. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable
and, therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis.
We generally cease accruing interest on our loans when contractual payments of principal or interest have become 90
days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is
currently performing. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is applied against principal or applied to interest on a
cash basis. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance
with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and
interest is no longer in doubt.
Non-performing loans were $141,000, or 0.03% of total loans, at December 31, 2023, compared to $89,000, or 0.02%
of total loans, at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, non-performing loans consist of a residential mortgage loan and
an associated home equity loan with outstanding balances totaling $141,000 and an estimated market value of $216,000. At
December 31, 2022, non-performing loans consisted primarily of a residential mortgage loan to a deceased borrower which
had an outstanding balance of $84,000 and was secured by real estate with an appraised value of $420,000. The property was
sold in April 2023 and the loan repaid.
12
Modifications Made to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty. In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-
2,“Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,”(“ASU 2022-
2”) which eliminates the troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) accounting model for creditors that have adopted Topic 326,
“Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” Due to the removal of the TDR accounting model, all loan modifications are
accounted for under the general loan modification guidance in Subtopic 310-20. In addition, on a prospective basis, entities
are subject to new disclosure requirements covering modifications of receivables to borrowers experiencing financial
difficulty. Public business entities within the scope of the Topic 326 vintage disclosure requirements also are required to
prospectively disclose current-period gross write-off information by vintage (that is, year of origination). ASU 2022-2
became effective on January 1, 2023. There were no loans modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the
year ended December 31, 2023.
Under previous accounting guidance and prior to the adoption ASU 2022-2, loans were considered TDRs when a
borrower was experiencing financial difficulties that led to a restructuring of the loan, and First Seacoast Bank grants a
concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These concessions included a modification of terms, such as
a reduction of the stated interest rate or loan balance, a reduction of accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date at an
interest rate lower than current market rate for a new loan with similar risk or some combination thereof to facilitate payment.
TDRs were considered impaired loans. Loans on non-accrual status at the date of modification were initially classified as a
non-accrual TDR. Our policy provided that TDR loans were returned to accrual status after a period of satisfactory and
reasonable future payment performance under the terms of the restructuring. Satisfactory payment performance was generally
no less than six consecutive months of timely payments. At December 31, 2022, we had one accruing TDR. This residential
mortgage loan was originated during 2010 with Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) insurance and sold to Freddie Mac
with servicing retained by the Bank. The FHA insurance lapsed and the loan was repurchased from Freddie Mac and a
modification agreement was executed directly with the borrowers. The modification agreement defers delinquent interest and
escrow payments to the end of the loan. The loan was determined to be a TDR as it did not meet the qualifications of Section
4013 of the CARES Act. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, this loan had an outstanding balance of $182,000 and $189,000,
respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, this loan had a fair value of $184,000 and $191,000, respectively, which was
determined through a calculation of the present value of estimated future cash flows. The allowance for credit losses on loans
and allowance for loan losses included a specific reserve for this loan of $-0- as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. This loan
was returned to performing status during June 2022. There are no commitments to lend additional funds to these borrowers.
Foreclosed Assets. Foreclosed assets consist of property acquired through formal foreclosure, in-substance foreclosure
or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, and are recorded at the lower of recorded investment or fair value, less estimated costs to
sell. Write-downs from recorded investment to fair value, which are required at the time of foreclosure, are charged to the
allowance for loan losses. We order a new appraisal before commencing foreclosure to determine the current market value of
the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan satisfied over the market value of the property is charged against
the allowance for loan losses, or, if the existing allowance is inadequate, charged to expense, in either case during the
applicable period of such determination. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed. Costs
relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value,
less estimated costs to sell. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had no foreclosed assets.
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity
securities considered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or
“loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the
obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that
the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of
the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make
“collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, “highly questionable and
improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as
assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured
institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are
designated as “special mention” by our management.
When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general
allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable accrued losses in the loan portfolio. General
allowances represent loss allowances, which have been established to cover probable accrued losses associated with lending
activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured
institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of
that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its
assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the
establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.
13
In accordance with our loan policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any
loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. Loans are listed on the “watch list” initially because of
emerging financial weaknesses even though the loan is currently performing as agreed or if the loan possesses weaknesses
although currently performing. If a loan deteriorates in asset quality, the classification is changed to “special mention,”
“substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” depending on the circumstances and the evaluation. Generally, loans 90 days or more
past due are placed on non-accrual status and classified “substandard.” Management reviews the status of each individually
evaluated loan on our watch list on a quarterly basis.
On the basis of this review of our assets, our classified assets (including commercial, residential and consumer loans) at
the dates indicated were as follows:
At December 31,
2023
2022
Substandard assets
Doubtful assets
Loss assets
Total classified assets
Special mention assets
Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL")
$
$
$
$
(In thousands)
141
—
—
141
241
$
$
89
—
—
89
2,686
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the new accounting standard for credit losses, ASU No. 2016-13,
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended
("ASU 2016-13" or “ASC 326”). This new accounting standard, commonly referred to as "CECL," significantly changed the
methodology for accounting for reserves on loans and unfunded off-balance sheet credit exposures, including certain
unfunded loan commitments and standby guarantees. ASU 2016-13 replaced the "incurred loss" methodology used to
establish an allowance on loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures, with an "expected loss" approach. Under CECL, the
ACL at each reporting period serves as a best estimate of projected credit losses over the contractual life of certain assets,
adjusted for expected prepayments, given an expectation of economic conditions and forecasts as of the valuation date. Upon
adoption of CECL, the Company made the following elections regarding accrued interest receivable: (i) present accrued
interest receivable balances separately on the balance sheet on the consolidated statements of condition; (ii) exclude accrued
interest from the measurement of the ACL, including investments and loans; and (iii) continue to write-off accrued interest
receivable by reversing interest income. The Company has a policy in place to write-off accrued interest when a loan is
placed on non-accrual. Accrued interest is written-off by reversing previously recorded interest income. For loans, write-off
typically occurs when a loan has been in default for 90 days or more. An immaterial amount of accrued interest on non-
accrual loans was written off during the year ended December 31, 2023, by reversing interest income. Historically, the
Company has not experienced uncollectible accrued interest receivable on its securities available-for-sale.
The ACL is the sum of various components including the following: (a) historical loss experience, (b) a reasonable
and supportable forecast, (c) loans evaluated individually, and (d) changes in relevant environmental factors. The historical
loss component is segmented by loan type and serves as the core of the ACL adequacy methodology. The Company has
selected the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Model (“WARM”), for the loss calculation of each of the Bank’s loan
pools utilizing a third-party software application. The WARM uses a quarterly loss rate and future expectations of loan
balances to calculate an ACL. A loss rate is applied to pool balances over time.
CECL may create more volatility in the ACL, specifically the ACL on loans and ACL on off-balance sheet credit
exposures. Under CECL, the ACL may increase or decrease period to period based on many factors, including, but not
limited to: (i) macroeconomic forecasts and conditions; (ii) forecast period and reversion speed; (iii) prepayment speed
assumption; (iv) loan portfolio volumes and changes in mix; (v) credit quality; and (vi) various qualitative factors outlined in
ASU 2016-13.
The significant key assumptions used with the ACL calculation at December 31, 2023 using the CECL
methodology, included:
•Macroeconomic factors (loss drivers): Monitoring and assessing local and national unemployment, changes in
national GDP and other macroeconomic factors which may be the most predictive indicator of losses within the loan
portfolio. The macroeconomic factors considered in determining the ACL may change from time to time.
•Forecast Period and Reversion speed: ASU 2016-13 requires a company to use a reasonable and supportable
forecast period in developing the ACL, which represents the time period that management believes it can reasonably forecast
the identified loss drivers. Generally, the forecast period management believes to be reasonable and supportable will be set
annually and validated through an assessment of economic leading indicators. In periods of greater volatility and uncertainty,
14
such as the current interest rate environment, management will likely use a shorter forecast period, whereas when markets,
economies, interest rate environment, political matters, and other factors are considered to be more stable and certain, a
longer forecast period may be used. Also, in times of greater uncertainty, management may consider a range of possible
forecasts and evaluate the probability of each scenario. Generally, the forecasted period is expected to range from one to three
years. Once the reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined, ASU 2016-13 requires a company to revert its loss
expectations to the long-run historical mean for the remainder of the contract life of the asset, adjusted for prepayments. In
determining the length of time over which the reversion will take place (i.e., "reversion speed"), factors such as, historical
credit loss experience over previous economic cycles, as well as where the Company believes it is within the current
economic cycle, will be considered. The Company has chosen a forecast period of one year with a loss history similar to
historical losses occurring during January 2014 and December 2016 and then reverting to the long-term average over the
following two quarters using the straight-line reversion method. The Company believes this historical forecast period to be
representative of potential economic conditions over the next eighteen months.
•Prepayment speeds: Prepayment speeds are determined for each loan segment utilizing the Company's historical
loan data, as well as consideration of current environmental factors. The prepayment speed assumption is utilized with the
WARM method to forecast expected cash flows over the contractual life of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments. A
higher prepayment speed assumption will drive a lower ACL, and vice versa.
•Qualitative factors: As within previous accounting guidance used for the "incurred loss" model, ASU 2016-13
requires companies to consider various qualitative factors that may impact expected credit losses. The Company continues to
consider qualitative factors in determining and arriving at an ACL at each reporting period such as: (i) actual or expected
changes in economic trends and conditions, (ii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans, (iii) changes to
lending policies, underwriting standards and/or management personnel performing such functions, (iv) delinquency and other
credit quality trends, (v) credit risk concentrations, if any, (vi) changes to the nature of the Company's business impacting the
loan portfolio, (vii) and other external factors, that may include, but are not limited to, results of internal loan reviews and
examinations by bank regulatory agencies.
Certain loans which may not share similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio may be tested
individually for estimated credit losses, including (i) loans classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful and are on
non-accrual, (ii) a loan modified for a borrower experiencing financial difficulty or (iii) loans that have other unique
characteristics. Factors considered in measuring the extent of the expected credit loss for these loans may include payment
status, collateral value, borrower's financial condition, guarantor support and the probability of collecting scheduled principal
and interest payments when due.
As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will periodically
review our ACL, and as a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our ACL. However, regulatory agencies are not
directly involved in the process for establishing the ACL as the process is our responsibility and any increase or decrease in
the ACL is the responsibility of management.
Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALL”)
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the ALL was maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, was
adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the ALL was based on management’s
evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in
historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, potential problem loans and economic conditions. Allowances for
impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Because of
uncertainties associated with regional economic conditions, collateral values and future cash flows on impaired loans, it was
reasonably possible that management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the related ALL
would change materially in the near-term. The ALL was increased by a provision for loan losses, which was charged to
expense and reduced by full and partial charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in the ALL relating to impaired loans were
charged or credited to the provision for loan losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the ALL was based
on various factors, including, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related
to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk
characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other
qualitative and quantitative factors which would affect potential credit losses.
15
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The following table sets forth activity in our ACL and ALL for the years 2023
and 2022, respectively.
At or for the Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance at beginning of the year
Provision for credit losses on loans
Impact of ASC 326 Adoption
Charge-offs:
One- to four-family residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total charge-offs
Recoveries:
One- to four-family residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total recoveries
Net charge-offs
Allowance at end of year
Net recoveries (charge-offs) as a percent of average loans
outstanding during the year:
One- to four-family residential real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Allowance as a percent of total loans outstanding at year end
Total non-accrual loans as a percent of total loans at year end
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,581
105
(295)
3,590
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)
(4) $
— $
—
—
—
—
—
3
3
$
(1) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
(14)
(14)
—
—
—
4
—
—
1
5
(9)
3,390
$
3,581
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.79%
0.03%
—
—
—
0.02%
—
—
(0.22)%
0.89%
0.02%
Allowance as a percent of total non-accrual loans at year end
2,404.26%
4,023.60%
Net recoveries (charge-offs) as a percent of average loans
outstanding during the year
—
—
16
Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The following table sets forth the ACL and ALL allocated by
loan category, the total loan balances by category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates
indicated. The ACL and ALL allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular
category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
2023
Percent of
Allowance
in Category to
Total Allocated
Allowance
Allowance
for Credit
Losses on
Loans
At December 31,
Percent
of Loans
in Each
Category to
Total Loans
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
(Dollars in thousands)
2022
Percent of
Allowance
in Category to
Total Allocated
Allowance
Percent
of Loans
in Each
Category to
Total Loans
One- to four-family residential
real estate
Commercial real estate
Acquisition, development and land
Commercial and industrial
Home equity loans and lines
of credit
Multi-family
Consumer
Total allocated allowance
Unallocated
Total
$
$
$
1,601
830
105
236
156
76
357
3,361
29
3,390
47.64%
24.70%
3.12%
7.02%
4.64%
2.26%
10.62%
100.00%
62.55% $
20.13%
4.07%
5.93%
3.28%
1.76%
2.28%
100.00% $
$
2,048
942
138
184
81
54
100
3,547
34
3,581
57.74%
26.57%
3.89%
5.19%
2.28%
1.52%
2.81%
100.00%
62.81%
20.04%
4.59%
5.98%
2.52%
2.03%
2.03%
100.00%
The Company measures and records its ACL based upon an expected loss model. Under this approach, the ACL at
each reporting period serves as a best estimate of projected credit losses over the contractual life of certain assets, adjusted for
expected prepayments, given an expectation of economic conditions and forecasts as of the valuation date. As noted above
and within previous accounting guidance used for the "incurred loss" model, ASU 2016-13 requires companies to consider
various qualitative factors that may impact expected credit losses. The Company made relevant adjustments to its qualitative
factors in the measurement of its ACL at December 31, 2023. Although we believe that we use the best information available
to establish the ACL, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if
circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Because future events affecting
borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing ACL may not be adequate and management may
determine that increases in the allowance are necessary if the quality of any portion of our loan portfolio deteriorates as a
result. Furthermore, our regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, may require us to increase our ACL. Any material
increase in the ACL may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 6 to the notes to our
consolidated financial statements included in this annual report for a complete discussion of our ACL.
Investment Activities
The goals of our investment policy are to provide and maintain liquidity to meet deposit withdrawal and loan funding
needs, to help mitigate interest rate and market risk, to diversify our assets and to generate a reasonable rate of return on
funds within the context of our interest rate and credit risk objectives. Our board of directors is responsible for adopting and
reviewing annually our investment policy. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for
implementing our investment policy. Authority to make investments under the approved investment policy guidelines is
delegated to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Finance Officer. All investment
transactions are reviewed at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of directors. All of our investment securities
are classified as available-for-sale.
We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of
various government-sponsored enterprises and municipal governments, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank, time
deposits of federally insured institutions, investment grade corporate bonds, corporate subordinated debt and investment
grade marketable equity securities. We are also required to maintain an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock. While
we have the authority under applicable law to invest in derivative securities, we have no investments in derivative securities.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Available-for-Sale Securities. Generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States require that unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities be reported as a separate
component of stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our available-for-sale
securities consist of debt securities that we intend to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, and
are carried at fair value. Generally, when market interest rates rise, the fair value of available-for-sale securities decreases,
17
resulting in unrealized losses, net of tax, and when market interest rates decrease, the fair value of those securities increases,
resulting in unrealized gains, net of tax.
On November 28, 2023, we executed a balance sheet repositioning strategy related to our available-for-sale investment
securities portfolio. We sold $40.6 million in book value of lower-yielding investment securities for an after-tax realized loss
of $3.1 million and purchased $40.6 million of higher-yielding investment securities which were classified as available-for-
sale upon purchase. During the year ended December 31, 2022, market interest rates increased significantly, which resulted in
unrealized losses, net of tax, resulting from the decrease in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities. At December 31,
2022, our consolidated stockholders’ equity of $49.3 million had been reduced by $10.4 million related to these unrealized
losses. Future increases in market interest rates are likely to result in additional unrealized losses on available-for-sale
securities, which would reduce our stockholders’ equity. However, because the Bank made a permitted election to opt-out
from the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the calculation of its regulatory capital, accumulated other
comprehensive loss does not affect our regulatory capital levels.
Each quarter, or more often if a potential loss triggering event occurs, we assess our available-for-sale securities. We
consider the extent of any unrealized losses and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuers. At December
31, 2023, we do not intend to sell our available-for-sale securities and it was unlikely that we would have had to sell them
before recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity, and we believed that the unrealized losses were primarily
due to market interest rate fluctuations and not changes in credit quality.
U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises Obligations. At December 31, 2023, we had government-sponsored
enterprise obligations issued by various U.S. Government agencies totaling $1.4 million, which constituted 1.1% of our
securities portfolio. The Company invests primarily in Federal Farm Credit Bank and Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA" or "Fannie Mae").
U.S. Government Agency Small Business Administration Pools. At December 31, 2023, we had government-
sponsored small business investment company (“SBIC”) pools issued and guaranteed by the SBA totaling $15.6 million,
which constituted 12.8% of our securities portfolio. An SBIC is a privately owned and managed investment fund licensed and
regulated by the SBA. An SBIC uses its own capital, plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee, to make equity and debt
investments in qualifying small businesses.
Municipal Bonds. At December 31, 2023, we had municipal bonds totaling $54.7 million, which constituted 44.9% of
our securities portfolio, with an average maturity of 20 years. These securities often provide slightly higher after-tax yields
than U.S. Government and agency securities and residential mortgage-backed securities, but are not as liquid as other
investments, so we typically maintain investments in municipal securities, to the extent appropriate, for generating returns in
our investment portfolio. We invest primarily in bank- and nonbank-qualified tax-advantaged municipal securities of a
satisfactory investment quality rating.
U.S. Government-Sponsored Mortgage-Backed Securities. At December 31, 2023, we had government-sponsored
mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by the FHLMC, FNMA and Government National
Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) totaling $38.2 million, which constituted 31.4% of our securities portfolio. Mortgage-
backed securities are securities issued in the secondary market that are collateralized by pools of mortgages. Certain types of
mortgage-backed securities are commonly referred to as “pass-through” certificates because the principal and interest of the
underlying loans is “passed through” to investors, net of certain costs, including servicing and guarantee fees. We invest
primarily in mortgage-backed securities backed by one- to four-family residential mortgages.
Corporate Debt. At December 31, 2023, we had corporate debt totaling $0.5 million, which constituted 0.4% of our
securities portfolio. This fixed-to-floating corporate note was issued by a minority-led Community Development Financial
Institution.
Corporate Subordinated Debt. At December 31, 2023, we had corporate subordinated debt totaling $9.0 million, which
constituted 7.4% of our securities portfolio. These fixed-to-floating subordinated notes were issued by banks located in our
market area.
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We
also use borrowings, primarily Federal Home Loan Bank and repurchase agreements, to supplement cash flow needs,
lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive
funds from scheduled loan payments, loan and mortgage-backed securities prepayments, maturities and calls of available-for-
sale securities, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets
are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest
rates, market conditions and levels of competition.
18
Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from residents within our primary market area. We offer a selection of
deposit accounts, including non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market
accounts and time deposits, for both individuals and businesses.
At December 31, 2023, our core deposits, which are deposits other than time deposits, were $313.5 million,
representing 77.5% of total deposits. As part of our business strategy, we intend to continue efforts to increase our core
deposits while allowing higher-cost time deposits to run off upon maturity. We generally require commercial business
borrowers to maintain their primary deposit accounts with us. At December 31, 2023, there were $23.6 million of brokered
deposits included in time deposits. The purchase of brokered deposits offered a lower cost alternative to advances from the
Federal Home Loan Bank of a similar duration. Additionally, there were $20.9 million and $-0- of brokered deposits included
in savings deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023, our deposits totaled $404.8 million.
For customers requiring full FDIC insurance on certificates of deposit in excess of $250,000, we began offering in late
2023 the CDARS® program, which allows the Bank to place the certificates of deposit with other participating banks to
maximize the customers’ FDIC insurance. We receive a like amount of deposits from other participating financial
institutions. In addition, we offer the ICS™ program, an insured deposit “sweep” program for demand deposits which is a
product offered by IntraFi Network, LLC, which is also the provider of the CDARS® program. Similarly to the certificates of
deposit’s discussed above, the Bank receives a like amount of deposits from other financial institutions and all customer
deposits are insured by the FDIC. These “reciprocal” CDARS® and ICS deposits are classified as “brokered” deposits in
regulatory reports. The Bank considers these deposits to be “core” in nature. At December 31, 2023, our “reciprocal”
CDARS® and ICS deposits were $-0- and $1.1 million, respectively.
Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period that funds must remain on
deposit and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the rates
offered by our competition, our liquidity needs, profitability and customer preferences and concerns. We generally review our
deposit pricing on a monthly basis and continually review our deposit mix. Our deposit pricing strategy has generally been to
offer competitive rates, while generally not providing the highest rates in the market. We find it more profitable to
concentrate on specific special rate and term accounts, which allows us to add accounts without impacting our overall
liability costs for existing accounts.
We also rely on customer service, convenience of our branch office locations, advertising and pre-existing relationships
to gather and develop deposit relationships. Developing comprehensive banking relationships is a top priority for us and is a
focus of our commercial lending team and business development officers. In recent years, we have introduced new business
deposit products to appeal to our commercial borrowers. At December 31, 2023, our ratio of commercial deposits to
commercial loans (including commercial real estate loans, acquisition, development and land loans and commercial and
industrial loans) was 85.73%.
The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in interest rates and
competition. Our liquidity position is monitored daily and we believe we have a strong contingency liquidity plan should
deposit balances fluctuate. The variety of deposit accounts that we offer allows us to be competitive in generating deposits
and to respond with flexibility to changes in our customers’ demands. Our ability to gather deposits is impacted by the
competitive market in which we operate, which includes numerous financial institutions of varying sizes offering a wide
range of products. We believe that deposits are a stable source of funds, but our ability to attract and maintain deposits at
favorable rates will be affected by market conditions, including competition and prevailing interest rates.
The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.
Non-interest bearing
accounts
NOW and demand deposits
Money market deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits
Total
2023
Amount
Percent
At December 31,
Average
Amount
Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
2022
Percent
Average
Rate
$
$
65,845
97,471
85,364
64,823
91,295
404,798
16.27%
24.08%
21.09%
16.01%
22.55%
100.00%
— $
1.58%
1.57%
0.05%
2.97%
1.20% $
92,757
111,982
60,931
54,954
61,739
382,363
24.26%
29.29%
15.93%
14.37%
16.15%
100.00%
—
1.11%
0.42%
0.05%
1.06%
0.57%
19
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate amount of uninsured total deposit balances, which is the portion
exceeding the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit, was estimated to be $102.5 million, or 25.3% of total deposits, and $82.0
million, or 21.4% of total deposits, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, uninsured time deposits totaled $7.4
million and $2.8 million, respectively. The following table sets forth the maturity of uninsured time deposits as of
December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(In thousands)
Maturity Period:
Three months or less
Over three through six months
Over six through twelve months
Over twelve months
Total
2023
2022
$
$
374 $
1,449
4,329
1,205
7,357 $
251
171
1,978
396
2,796
Borrowed Funds. We may obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) upon the security of our
capital stock in the FHLB and certain of our mortgage loans. Such advances may be made pursuant to several different credit
programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. We use such advances to provide short-term
funding as a supplement to our deposits. At December 31, 2023, we had $73.0 million in advances from the FHLB and $71.8
million of additional borrowing capacity.
The Bank has established two secured credit facilities with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (“FRB”) – Bank Term
Funding Program (“BTFP”) and Borrower-In-Custody of Collateral Program (“BIC”). As of December 31, 2023, a $20.0
million BTFP advance is outstanding and collateralized by eligible collateral consisting primarily of government-sponsored
enterprise obligations, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by various U.S.
Government agencies, owned as of March 12, 2023 and December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s remaining
borrowing capacity is $3.5 million under the BTFP. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s borrowing capacity is $50.6 million
under the BIC and is based upon eligible collateral - principally general obligation municipal bonds. The entire balance of
this credit facility was available at December 31, 2023.
The Bank has an overnight line of credit with the FHLB that may be drawn up to $3.0 million. We may access
additional advances if we purchase additional FHLB capital stock. Additionally, at December 31, 2023, we had $5.0 million
of unsecured Fed funds borrowing lines of credit with two correspondent banks. The entire balance of these credit facilities
was available as of December 31, 2023.
Personnel and Human Capital
We believe that the success of a business is largely due to the quality of its employees, the development of each
employee's full potential, and the Company's ability to provide the appropriate recognition and fulfilling rewards. We
encourage and support the development of our employees and, whenever possible, strive to fill vacancies from within. As of
December 31, 2023, we had 76 total/full-time equivalent employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective
bargaining group. Management believes that we have a good working relationship with our employees.
The safety, health and wellness of our employees is a top priority. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique
challenge with regard to maintaining employee safety while continuing successful operations. Through teamwork and the
adaptability of our management and staff, we were able to transition many of our employees to effectively work from remote
locations and ensured a safe working environment for employees performing customer facing activities at our branch
locations. All employees are encouraged to stay at home when they experience signs or symptoms of a possible COVID-19
illness and are provided paid time off during such absences.
Employee retention helps us operate efficiently and achieve our business objectives. We believe our commitment to
prioritizing concern for our employees’ well-being, supporting their career goals, offering competitive wages and providing
valuable fringe benefits contributes to the retention of our top-performing employees. In addition, all eligible employees are
stockholders of the Company through participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which aligns employee and
stockholder interests by providing stock ownership on a tax-deferred basis at no investment cost to our employees.
Subsidiaries
First Seacoast Bank is the sole and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. FSB Service Corporation,
Inc., which is inactive, is the sole and wholly-owned subsidiary of First Seacoast Bank.
20
Regulation and Supervision
General
As a federal savings bank, First Seacoast Bank is subject to examination, supervision and regulation, primarily by the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and, secondarily, by the FDIC as deposits insurer. The federal system of
regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which First Seacoast Bank may engage
and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund. The regulatory structure
also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and
examination policies, including the classification of assets and the establishment of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.
First Seacoast Bank is also regulated to a lesser extent by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the
“Federal Reserve Board,” which governs the reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. In addition, First
Seacoast Bank is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank, which is one of the 11 regional banks in the
Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Seacoast Bank’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers is also regulated to a
great extent by federal law and, to a lesser extent, state law, including in matters concerning the ownership of deposit
accounts and the form and content of First Seacoast Bank’s loan documents.
As a savings and loan holding company, First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. is subject to examination and supervision by, and
is required to file certain reports with, the Federal Reserve Board. First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. is also be subject to the rules
and regulations of the SEC under the federal securities laws.
Set forth below are certain material regulatory requirements that are applicable to First Seacoast Bank and First
Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete description of such
statutes and regulations and their effects on First Seacoast Bank and First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. Any change in these laws or
regulations, whether by Congress or the applicable regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse impact on First
Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., First Seacoast Bank and their operations.
Federal Banking Regulation
Business Activities. A federal savings association derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’
Loan Act, as amended, and applicable federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, First Seacoast Bank may invest
in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and consumer loans, certain
types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized, for the first
time, the payment of interest on commercial checking accounts. First Seacoast Bank may also establish, subject to specified
investment limits, service corporation subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for First
Seacoast Bank, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage.
Examinations and Assessments. First Seacoast Bank is primarily supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency. First Seacoast Bank is required to file reports with and is subject to periodic examination by the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency. First Seacoast Bank is required to pay assessments to the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency to fund the agency’s operations.
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC-insured depository institutions, including federal savings
associations, to meet several minimum regulatory capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio;
a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio; a total capital to risk-based assets and a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio.
In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain
discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of
2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based
capital requirements.
The capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and Total capital to risk-
weighted assets of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively. The regulations also establish a minimum required leverage ratio
of at least 4% of Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and
retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1
capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity
accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier
1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified
requirements and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible
securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for credit
losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised a one-time opt-out
election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”). Institutions that have not exercised
the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale-securities). First Seacoast Bank did exercise the opt-out election. Calculation of all types of regulatory
capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.
21
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, an institution’s
assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests), are
multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risk deemed inherent in the type of asset. Higher
levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned
to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one- to
four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of
150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity
interests, depending on certain specified factors.
Federal legislation required federal banking agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, to
establish for institutions with consolidated total assets of less than $10 billion a "community bank leverage ratio" (“CBLR”).
The CBLR is an alternative framework that can be used to calculate a bank’s capital ratio. Qualifying banking organizations
may opt in or opt out quarterly of using the community bank leverage framework which significantly simplifies the
calculation of the capital ratio by relying on total average assets and therefore eliminating the need to calculate risk-based
assets. Institutions with consolidated total assets of less than $10 billion and total off-balance sheet exposures of 25% or less
of consolidated total assets may opt into the CBLR. The agencies finalized a rule, effective January 1, 2020, that set the
CBLR at 9% tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. Pursuant to 2020 federal legislation, the CBLR was
temporarily lowered to 8%, transitioning back to 9% by year-ended 2021. Throughout 2023, the Bank did not make an
election to use the CBLR. At December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements
including the applicable capital conservation buffer.
Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related
group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of
unimpaired capital and surplus, if secured by “readily marketable collateral,” which generally includes certain financial
instruments (but not real estate). As of December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank complied with the loans-to-one borrower
limitations.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards
for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems
and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation and other
operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. Interagency guidelines set forth the safety and
soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions
before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any
standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to
achieve compliance with the standard. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action, including
the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.
Prompt Corrective Action. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action statute, the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency is required to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions under its jurisdiction, the severity of
which depends upon the institution’s level of capital. An institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%,
a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5% or a leverage ratio of less
than 4% is considered to be “undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has total risk-based capital of less than 6.0%, a Tier
1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than
3.0% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal
to or less than 2.0% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.”
Generally, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a federal
savings association that becomes “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a
capital restoration plan must be filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within 45 days of the date that a
federal savings association is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or
“critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company of a federal savings association that is required to submit a capital
restoration plan must guarantee performance under the plan in an amount of up to the lesser of 5.0% of the savings
association’s assets at the time it was deemed to be undercapitalized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the
amount necessary to restore the savings association to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency notifies the savings association that it has maintained adequately capitalized status
for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. Institutions that are undercapitalized become subject to certain mandatory
measures such as restrictions on capital distributions and asset growth. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may
also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized federal savings associations,
including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
22
At December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized,” which means that
its total risk-based capital ratio exceeded 10%, its Tier 1 risk-based ratio exceeded 8.0%, its common equity Tier 1 ratio
exceeded 6.5% and its leverage ratio exceeded 5.0%.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings association, First Seacoast Bank must satisfy the qualified thrift
lender, or “QTL,” test. Under the QTL test, First Seacoast Bank must maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in
“qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities)
in at least nine months of every 12-month period. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings association, less
the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets and the value of property
used in the conduct of the savings association’s business. Alternatively, First Seacoast Bank may satisfy the QTL test by
qualifying as a “domestic building and loan association” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
A savings association that fails the QTL test must operate under specified restrictions set forth in the Home Owners’
Loan Act. The Dodd-Frank Act made noncompliance with the QTL test subject to agency enforcement action for a violation
of law. At December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank satisfied the QTL test.
Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a federal savings association, which include
cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the savings association’s capital account. A federal
savings association must file an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for approval of a capital
distribution if:
•
•
•
•
the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings association’s net
income for that year to date plus the savings association’s retained net income for the preceding two years;
the savings association would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;
the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or regulatory condition; or
the savings association is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings.
Even if an application is not otherwise required, every savings association that is a subsidiary of a savings and loan
holding company, such as First Seacoast Bank, must file a notice with the Federal Reserve Board at least 30 days before the
board of directors declares a dividend.
An application or notice related to a capital distribution may be disapproved if:
•
•
•
the federal savings association would be undercapitalized following the distribution;
the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or
the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement.
In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution shall not make any capital
distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All federal savings associations have a responsibility under the
Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and
moderate-income borrowers. In connection with its examination of a federal savings association, the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency is required to assess the federal savings association’s record of compliance with the Community
Reinvestment Act. A savings association’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could,
at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications, such as branches or mergers or in restrictions on its activities.
In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending
practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity
Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as
other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. First
Seacoast Bank received an “Outstanding” rating in its most recent Community Reinvestment Act federal evaluation.
23
Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings association’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates
is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and federal regulation. An affiliate is generally a company
that controls or is under common control with an insured depository institution such as First Seacoast Bank. First Seacoast
Bancorp, Inc. is an affiliate of First Seacoast Bank because of its control of First Seacoast Bank. In general, certain
transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to quantitative limits and collateral
requirements. In addition, federal regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that are
engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate,
other than a subsidiary. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not
involve the purchase of low-quality assets from an affiliate and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as
comparable transactions with non-affiliates.
First Seacoast Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders, as well as to
entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal
Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these provisions generally require that
extensions of credit to insiders:
•
•
be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less
stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve
more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and
not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the
aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of First Seacoast Bank’s capital.
In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by First Seacoast Bank’s board of
directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved.
Enforcement. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has primary enforcement responsibility over federal
savings associations and has authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including
directors, officers, stockholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful
action likely to have an adverse effect on a federal savings association. Formal enforcement action by the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of
officers and/or directors of the institution to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range
of violations and actions and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case
penalties may be as high as $1.0 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or
recommend to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular
savings association. If such action is not taken, the FDIC has authority to take the action under specified circumstances.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial
institutions such as First Seacoast Bank. Deposit accounts in First Seacoast Bank are insured by the FDIC generally up to a
maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement
accounts. For customers requiring full FDIC insurance on certificates of deposit in excess of $250,000, we began offering in
late 2023 the CDARS® program, which allows the Bank to place the certificates of deposit with other participating banks to
maximize the customers’ FDIC insurance. We receive a like amount of deposits from other participating financial
institutions. In addition, we offer the ICS™ program, an insured deposit “sweep” program for demand deposits which is a
product offered by IntraFi Network, LLC, which is also the provider of the CDARS® program. Similarly to the certificates of
deposit’s discussed above, the Bank receives a like amount of deposits from other financial institutions and all customer
deposits are insured by the FDIC. These “reciprocal” CDARS® and ICS deposits are classified as “brokered” deposits in
regulatory reports. The Bank considers these deposits to be “core” in nature. At December 31, 2023, our “reciprocal”
CDARS® and ICS deposits were $-0- and $1.1 million, respectively.
The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. Assessments for
most institutions are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the
probability of failure within three years. The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases
would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of First Seacoast Bank. First Seacoast Bank
cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or
unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation,
rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead
to termination of our deposit insurance.
24
Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Seacoast Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which
consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility
primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the Federal
Home Loan Bank, First Seacoast Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan
Bank. As of December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank complied with this requirement.
Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has broad powers to supervise and
enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide
range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as First Seacoast Bank, including the
authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has
examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks
and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets continue to be examined for compliance by their applicable bank
regulators. The new legislation also weakened the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings
associations and gave state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
In addition to creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, directed
changes in the way that institutions are assessed for deposit insurance, mandated the imposition of tougher consolidated
capital requirements on holding companies, required the issuance of regulations requiring originators of securitized loans to
retain a percentage of the risk for the transferred loans, imposed regulatory rate-setting for certain debit card interchange fees,
repealed restrictions on the payment of interest on commercial demand deposits and contained a number of reforms related to
mortgage originations.
Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act involve delayed effective dates and/or require implementation of regulations.
The implementation of the legislation is an ongoing process. The Dodd-Frank Act has resulted in, and may continue to result
in, an increased regulatory burden and increased compliance, operating and interest expense for First Seacoast Bank.
Other Regulations
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by First Seacoast Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal
laws concerning interest rates. First Seacoast Bank’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit
transactions, such as the:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and
public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing
needs of the community it serves;
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin and
other prohibited factors in extending credit;
Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;
Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection
agencies;
Truth in Savings Act, governing disclosures with respect to deposit accounts; and
rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal
laws.
The operations of First Seacoast Bank also are subject to the:
•
•
Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records
and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;
Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to
and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated
teller machines and other electronic banking services;
25
•
•
•
Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as
digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check;
The USA PATRIOT Act, which requires savings associations to, among other things, establish broadened anti-
money laundering compliance programs and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and
reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing
compliance requirements that also apply to financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of
Foreign Assets Control regulations; and
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by
financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all
financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with
the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing
of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.
Holding Company Regulation
General. The Company is a savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. As
such, it is registered with the Federal Reserve Board and subject to the regulation, examination, supervision and reporting
requirements applicable to savings and loan holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement
authority over the Company and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the
Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings
institution.
Permissible Activities. Under present law, the business activities of the Company are generally limited to those
activities permissible for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended, provided certain conditions are met and financial holding company status is elected, and for multiple savings and
loan holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, including
underwriting equity securities and insurance as well as activities that are incidental to financial activities or complementary to
a financial activity. A multiple savings and loan holding company is generally limited to activities permissible for bank
holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to regulatory approval, and certain
additional activities authorized by federal regulations. First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. has not elected financial holding company
status.
Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including the Company, directly or indirectly, or through
one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings association or savings and loan holding company,
without prior Federal Reserve Board approval. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings
institutions, the Federal Reserve Board considers factors such as the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of
the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the
convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
The Federal Reserve Board is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and
loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions:
•
•
the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and
the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution
specifically permit such acquisition.
Capital. Savings and loan holding companies have historically not been subjected to consolidated regulatory capital
requirements. The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to establish for all bank and savings and loan holding
companies minimum consolidated capital requirements that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository
subsidiaries. Savings and loan holding companies with less than $3.0 billion in consolidated assets, like the Company, are
generally not subject to the minimum consolidated capital requirements unless otherwise advised by the Federal Reserve
Board.
Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act extended the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding
companies. By law, all savings and loan holding companies must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to
their subsidiary depository institutions.
26
Dividends and Stock Repurchases. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of
dividends and other capital distributions by holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid
only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent
with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall supervisory financial condition. Separate regulatory guidance
provides for prior consultation with Federal Reserve Bank staff concerning dividends in certain circumstances such as where
the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully
fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and
overall financial condition. The ability of a savings and loan holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a
subsidiary savings association becomes undercapitalized. The regulatory guidance also states that a savings and loan holding
company should inform Federal Reserve Bank supervisory staff before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or
perpetual preferred stock if the savings and loan holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or the repurchase or
redemption would result in a net reduction, at the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding
compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies may
affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital
distributions. For the repurchase plan authorized by the board of directors on September 23, 2020, as described in Item 5
below, a notice was filed with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston did not object to our
repurchase plan.
Acquisition. Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board
if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of a savings and
loan holding company. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the
acquisition of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Federal Reserve Board has found that the
acquisition will not result in control of the company. A change in control definitively occurs upon the acquisition of 25% or
more of the company’s outstanding voting stock. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve Board
generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the
financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.
Federal Securities Laws
The Company's class of common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Accordingly, the Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Taxation
The Company and First Seacoast Bank are subject to federal and state income taxation in the same general manner as
other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal and state taxation is intended
only to summarize material income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the
Company and First Seacoast Bank.
Our federal and state tax returns have not been audited for the past five years.
Federal Taxation
General. The Company and First Seacoast Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as
other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to
summarize material federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the
Company and First Seacoast Bank.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, First Seacoast Bank currently reports its income and expenses
on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal income tax returns. The
Company and First Seacoast Bank file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A financial institution may carry net operating losses forward indefinitely but is
limited to 80% of each subsequent year's taxable income. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $9.8 million of net
operating loss carryovers.
Charitable Contribution Carryovers. A financial institution’s deduction for charitable contributions is limited to 10%
of its federal taxable income with the excess carried forward to the succeeding five taxable years. Any contributions
remaining after the five-year carryover period that has not been deducted is no longer deductible. At December 31, 2023, the
Company had $654,000 of charitable contribution carryovers.
27
Capital Loss Carryovers. Generally, a financial institution may carry back capital losses to the preceding three taxable
years and forward to the succeeding five taxable years. Any capital loss carryback or carryover is treated as a short-term
capital loss for the year to which it is carried. As such, it is grouped with any other capital losses for the year to which it is
carried and is used to offset any capital gains. Any loss remaining after the five-year carryover period that has not been
deducted is no longer deductible. At December 31, 2023, the Company had no capital loss carryovers.
Corporate Dividends. The Company may generally exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from First
Seacoast Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.
State Taxation
General. First Seacoast Bank is subject to New Hampshire income tax at the rate of 7.5% on its taxable income, before
net operating loss deductions and special deductions for federal income tax purposes. For this purpose, “taxable income”
generally means federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A financial institution may carry New Hampshire net operating losses forward for ten
years but is limited to 80% of each subsequent year's taxable income. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had $8.4 million of
New Hampshire net operating loss carryovers.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Not applicable, as the Company is a “smaller reporting company.”
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
Our risk management program is designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risk across various aspects of our company,
including financial, operational, regulatory, reputational, and legal. Cybersecurity is a critical component of this program,
given the increasing reliance on technology and potential of cyber threats. Our Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer is
primarily responsible for this cybersecurity component and is a key member of the Company's Information Technology
Governance, along with our Chief Finance/Information Security Officer, including the Enterprise Risk Management
Committee ("ERM"), the Information Technology Steering Committee ("ITSC") and the Information Technology Advisory
Committee ("ITAC"), reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer. Our Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer has
substantial relevant expertise and formal training in the areas of information security and cybersecurity risk management,
including 30 years of cybersecurity experience, 5 of which was spent at the Company. The ITAC and ERM are board level
committees with the ITSC consisting of members of management.
Our objective for managing cybersecurity risk is to avoid or minimize the impacts of external threat events or other
efforts to penetrate, disrupt or misuse our systems or information. The structure of our information security program is
designed around the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework, regulatory
guidance, and other industry standards. In addition, we leverage certain industry and government associations, third-party
benchmarking, audits, and threat intelligence feeds to facilitate and promote program effectiveness. Our Chief
Finance/Information Security Officer and our Chief Information Officer, report directly to our Chief Executive Officer, and
along with key members of their teams, regularly collaborate with peer banks, industry groups, and policymakers to discuss
cybersecurity trends and issues and identify best practices. The information security program is periodically reviewed by
such personnel with the goal of addressing changing threats and conditions.
The Company employs an in-depth, layered, defensive strategy that embraces a “secure by design” philosophy when
designing new products, services, and technology. We leverage people, processes, and technology as part of our efforts to
manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We also employ a variety of preventative and detective tools designed to
monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on suspected advanced persistent threats.
We have established processes and systems designed to mitigate cyber risk, including regular and on-going education and
training for employees, preparedness simulations and tabletop exercises, and recovery and resilience tests. We engage in
regular assessments of our infrastructure, software systems, and network architecture, using internal cybersecurity experts
and third-party specialists. We also maintain a third-party risk management program designed to identify, assess, and manage
risks, including cybersecurity risks, associated with external service providers and our supply chain. We also actively monitor
our email gateways for malicious phishing email campaigns and monitor remote connections as a portion of our workforce
28
has the option to work remotely. We leverage internal auditors to periodically review our processes, systems, and controls,
including with respect to our information security program, to assess their design and operating effectiveness and make
recommendations to strengthen our risk management program.
We maintain an Incident Response Plan ("IRP") that provides a documented framework for responding to actual or
potential cybersecurity incidents, including timely notification of and escalation to the appropriate Board-approved
management committees, as discussed further below. The IRP is coordinated through the Chief Finance/Information Security
Officer, Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer and key members of management are embedded into the IRP by its design.
The IRP facilitates coordination across multiple parts of our organization and is evaluated at least annually.
Notwithstanding our defensive measures and processes, the threat posed by cyber-attacks is severe. Our internal
systems, processes, and controls are designed to mitigate loss from cyber-attacks and, while we have experienced
cybersecurity incidents in the past, to date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our company.
Governance
Our Chief Finance/Information Security Officer has oversight of information security across the organization, with the
Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer independently accountable for managing our enterprise information security
department and delivering our information security program. The responsibility of this role includes cybersecurity risk
assessment, defense operations, incident response, vulnerability assessment, threat intelligence, identity access governance,
third-party risk management, and business resilience. The foregoing responsibilities are covered on a day-to-day basis by a
first and second line of defense functions. The second line of defense function is separated from the first line of defense
function through organizational structure and ultimately reports directly to the Chief Information Officer. The department
consists of information security professionals with varying degrees of education and experience. Individuals within the
department are generally subject to professional education and certification requirements. Our Senior
Technology/Cybersecurity Officer has substantial relevant expertise and formal training in the areas of information security
and cybersecurity risk management.
Our board of directors has approved management committees including the ITAC, which focuses on technology
impact, and ERM, which focuses on business impact while the ITSC is an internal management committee providing
direction and priorities to information technology strategies. These committees provide oversight and governance of the
technology program and the information security program. The ITAC and ERM are chaired by certain members of the board
of directors with senior management participation including the Chief Finance/Information Security Officer, Chief
Information Officer, Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer as well as other key departmental managers from throughout
the organization. These committees meet periodically to provide oversight of the risk management strategy, standards,
policies, practices, controls, and mitigation and prevention efforts employed to manage security risks. More frequent
meetings occur from time to time in accordance with the IRP in order to facilitate timely informing and monitoring efforts.
The Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer reports summaries of key issues, including significant cybersecurity and/or
privacy incidents, discussed at committee meetings and the actions taken to the ITAC on a quarterly basis (or more frequently
as may be required by the IRP).
The ITAC is responsible for overseeing our information security and technology programs, including management’s
actions to identify, assess, mitigate, and remediate or prevent material cybersecurity issues and risks. Our Chief
Finance/Information Security Officer, Senior Technology/Cybersecurity Officer and our Chief Information Officer provide
quarterly reports to the ITAC and ERM regarding the information security program and the technology program, key
enterprise cybersecurity initiatives, and other matters relating to cybersecurity processes. The ITAC reviews and approves our
information security and technology budgets and strategies annually. Additionally, the ERM reviews our cyber security risk
profile on a quarterly basis. The ITAC and ERM provide a report of their activities to the board of directors regularly.
29
ITEM 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2023, the net book value of our land, building and equipment was $4.1 million. The following
table sets forth information regarding our offices as of December 31, 2023:
Location
Leased or Owned
Year Acquired or
Leased
Main Office and Annex:
633/629 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820
Branch Offices:
6 Eastern Avenue
Barrington, NH 03825
7A Mill Road
Durham, NH 03824
1650 Woodbury Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
17 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867
Owned
1890
Owned
Leased
Owned
Owned
1974
1979
1987
2009
$
$
$
$
$
Net Book Value of
Real Property
(In thousands)
1,202
917
34
833
1,086
We believe that current facilities are adequate to meet our present and foreseeable needs, subject to possible future
expansion.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
Periodically, we are involved in claims and lawsuits, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on
properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other
issues incident to our business. At December 31, 2023, we were not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe
would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
30
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
The Company's common stock has been listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FSEA” since January
20, 2023. As of March 22, 2024, we had 342 stockholders of record (excluding the number of persons or entities holding
stock in street name through various brokerage firms), and 5,077,164 shares of common stock outstanding.
The payment of dividends by the Company and amount of any dividend payments is subject to statutory and regulatory
limitations, and depends upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; our financial
condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders; tax considerations; and
general economic conditions.
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement providing that dividends should be paid only out of current
earnings and only if our prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with our capital needs, asset quality and overall
financial condition. Regulatory guidance also provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in
certain circumstances such as where the holding company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously
paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the holding company’s overall rate or earnings retention is
inconsistent with its capital needs and overall financial condition. In addition, First Seacoast Bank's ability to pay dividends
will be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit our
ability to pay dividends to stockholders. No assurances can be given that any dividends will be paid or that, if paid, will not
be reduced or eliminated in the future. Special cash dividends, stock dividends or returns of capital, to the extent permitted by
regulations and policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, may be paid in
addition to, or in lieu of, regular cash dividends.
On September 23, 2020, the board of directors of First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation), predecessor to the
Company, authorized the repurchase of up to 114,403 shares of common stock (adjusted for conversion of First Seacoast
Bancorp, Inc.) of First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation). As of December 31, 2022, First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal
corporation) had repurchased 114,403 shares of its common stock (adjusted for conversion of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.).
The repurchase program of First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) was terminated effective January 19, 2023, in
connection with the consummation of the conversion of First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC from mutual to stock form.
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 6. [Reserved]
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data and is
intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The information in this section
has been derived from the consolidated financial statements, which appear elsewhere in this annual report. Certain prior year
amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. You should read the information in this section in
conjunction with the other business and financial information provided in this annual report.
Overview
Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with
funds generated from operations and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, in one- to four-family residential real
estate loans, commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans, acquisition, development and land loans, commercial
and industrial loans, home equity loans and lines of credit and consumer loans. In recent years, we have increased our focus,
consistent with what we believe to be conservative underwriting standards, on originating higher yielding commercial real
estate and commercial and industrial loans.
We conduct our operations from four full-service banking offices in Strafford County, New Hampshire and one full-
service banking office in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. We consider our primary lending market area to be Strafford
and Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire and York County in southern Maine.
31
Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth selected historical financial and other data for the Company at the dates and for the
periods indicated. The following information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto of this annual report. The information at and for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022 is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The
information at and for the year ended December 31, 2021 is derived in part from audited consolidated financial statements
that are not included in this annual report.
2023
At or For the Year Ended December 31,
2022
(In thousands, except per share data)
2021
Selected Financial Condition Data:
Total assets
Total loans
Total deposits
Total borrowings
Total stockholders' equity
Book value per share(1)
Selected Operating Data:
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense
Net interest and dividend income
Provision for credit losses
Net interest and dividend income after provision for credit losses
Non-interest (loss) income
Non-interest expense
(Loss) income before income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net (loss) income
Share Data(1):
Average shares outstanding, basic
Average shares outstanding, diluted
Total shares outstanding
Basic (loss) earnings per share
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
(1)Adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
$
$
$
$
$
$
571,035
430,031
404,798
93,007
66,618
13.12
$
$
$
20,590
9,080
11,510
188
11,322
(2,007)
16,027
(6,712)
3,944
(10,656) $
537,424
402,505
382,363
99,397
49,337
9.73
$
$
$
16,610
1,747
14,863
—
14,863
888
16,767
(1,016)
(451)
(565) $
487,074
376,641
393,243
29,462
60,468
11.81
15,495
1,235
14,260
205
14,055
2,249
13,082
3,222
601
2,621
4,650,916
4,650,916
5,077,164
4,820,330
4,820,330
5,068,637
(2.29) $
(2.29) $
(0.12) $
(0.12) $
4,862,274
4,862,274
5,117,982
0.54
0.54
32
At or For the Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets (1)
Return on average equity (2)
Interest rate spread (3)
Net interest margin (4)
Non-interest expenses as a percent of average assets
Efficiency ratio (5)
Average interest-earning assets as a percent of average
interest-bearing liabilities
Average equity as a percent of average assets (6)
Capital Ratios (First Seacoast Bank Only):
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
Asset Quality Ratios:
Allowance for credit losses on loans as a percent of total loans
Allowance for credit losses on loans as a percent of
non-performing loans
Net recoveries as a percent of average
outstanding loans during the year
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans
Non-performing loans as a percent of total assets
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
Other Data:
Number of offices
Number of full-time equivalent employees
(1.93)%
(15.10)%
1.59%
2.16%
2.91%
168.65%
133.23%
12.81%
15.32%
14.27%
14.27%
9.19%
(0.11)%
(1.05)%
2.86%
2.99%
3.27%
106.45%
136.99%
10.47%
15.53%
14.45%
14.45%
9.20%
0.55%
4.38%
2.94%
3.04%
2.73%
79.24%
139.51%
12.48%
17.87%
16.63%
16.63%
9.92%
0.79%
0.89%
0.95%
2,404.26%
4,023.60%
428.91%
—
0.03%
0.02%
0.02%
5
76
—
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
5
80
0.01%
0.22%
0.17%
0.17%
5
81
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Represents net loss divided by average total assets.
Represents net loss divided by average equity.
Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of
average interest-bearing liabilities.
Represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
Represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income.
Represents average equity divided by average total assets.
Business Strategy
We believe we enjoy a strong, positive reputation among our customers and in our market area. We believe our name
change to “First Seacoast Bank” in 2019 enhanced our brand and market visibility and associates us by name with the market
area and communities we serve. As a community-oriented financial institution, we focus on serving the financial needs of
local individuals and businesses by executing a safe and sound, service-oriented business strategy that seeks to produce
earnings that increase over time and can be reinvested in our business and communities.
Our current business strategy consists of the following:
•
•
Grow our balance sheet, leverage existing infrastructure and improve profitability and operating efficiency.
Given our existing infrastructure and capabilities, we believe we are well-positioned to grow without a
proportional increase in overhead expense or operating risk. In recent years, we have assembled an experienced
management team and selectively hired lending, business development and support staff. Our operations benefit
from established marketing, information technology and audit and compliance departments. Additionally, we
have invested in Internet banking capabilities and a mobile banking application.
Grow our loan portfolio and increase commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending.
Historically, our principal business activity has been the origination of one- to four-family residential mortgage
loans. In recent years, we have sought to supplement these originations by focusing on originating higher
33
•
•
•
yielding commercial real estate loans (including owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate
and multi-family real estate loans), construction loans, commercial and industrial loans and home equity loans
and lines of credit. We intend to remain as a residential mortgage lender in our market area while continuing to
increase our focus on originating commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Our increased legal
lending limit has enabled us to originate larger loans for our portfolio to new and existing customers and reduced
our need to participate with other lenders to originate larger loans.
Maintain strong asset quality and manage credit risk. Strong asset quality is key to the long-term financial
success of any financial institution. We have been successful in maintaining strong asset quality in recent years.
Our ratio of non-performing assets as a percent of total assets was 0.02%, 0.02% and 0.17%, at December 31,
2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We attribute this historical credit quality to a conservative credit culture and
an effective credit risk management environment. We have an experienced team of credit professionals, well-
defined and implemented credit policies and procedures, what we believe to be conservative loan underwriting
criteria and active credit monitoring policies and procedures.
Increase core deposits and reduce reliance on higher cost borrowings. Deposits are our primary source of funds
for lending and investment. Core deposits (which we define as all deposits except for time deposits), particularly
non-interest-bearing demand deposits, represent a low-cost, stable source of funds. Core deposits were 77.5% of
our total deposits at December 31, 2023. We also rely on higher cost Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal
Reserve Bank borrowings as supplemental funding sources. At December 31, 2023, our ratio of net loans to
deposits was 105.4% and our borrowings from these supplemental funding sources totaled $93.0 million. We
continue to focus on expanding core deposits by leveraging our business development officers and commercial
lending and retail relationships.
Grow organically and through opportunistic acquisitions or de novo branching. Our primary intention is to
grow our balance sheet organically and use our capital to increase our lending and investment capacity. As a
local independent bank, we believe we will have opportunities to gain market share from customer fallout
resulting from the consolidation of competing financial institutions in our market area into larger, out-of-market
acquirers. In addition to organic growth, we may also consider expansion opportunities in our market area or in
contiguous markets that we believe would enhance both our franchise value and stockholder returns. These
opportunities include establishing loan production offices, establishing new, or de novo, branch offices and/or
acquiring branch offices. We have no current plans or intentions regarding any such expansion plans.
These strategies are unchanged from disclosed business strategies in previous annual reports. We intend to continue to
pursue these business strategies, subject to changes necessitated by future market conditions, regulatory restrictions and other
factors. While we are committed to the business strategies noted above, we recognize the challenges and uncertainties of the
current environment and plan to execute these strategies as market conditions allow.
Critical Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial
statements, which are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of
America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income
and expenses. We believe the calculation of the ACL and the measurement of the fair value of financial instruments are both
important to the presentation of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations and require subjective or
complex judgments and, therefore, we consider the accounting policies and estimates discussed below to be critical. The
estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions,
resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of
operations.
As noted above, effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the new accounting standard for credit losses. The
estimation of the ACL is in accordance with the CECL methodology utilizing the WARM modeling approach as performed
in a third-party software application. The adequacy of the ACL is evaluated on a quarterly basis by management. This
assessment includes procedures to estimate the ACL and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The
level of the ACL is based upon management's evaluation of historical default and loss experience, current and projected
economic conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the
borrowers' ability to repay a loan (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral,
composition of the loan portfolio, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors, including
regulatory recommendations. The level of the ACL maintained by management is believed adequate to absorb all expected
future losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The ACL is increased through provision for credit losses
on loans and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off.
34
The ACL is measured on a collective basis for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. Management has
identified the following pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses:
•Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans - Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans are
secured by commercial office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building
occupies the property. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business.
•Non-owner occupied commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans - These loans represent investment real
estate loans secured by office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and multi-family residential
housing. Repayment is primarily dependent on lease income generated from the underlying collateral.
•Consumer real estate mortgage loans - Consumer real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by one- to
four-family residential properties, including home equity loans and lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on the
personal cash flow of the borrower.
•Acquisition, Development and land loans – Acquisition, development and land loans include loans where the
repayment is dependent on the successful completion and eventual sale, refinance or operation of the related real estate
project. Acquisition, development and land loans include one- to four-family construction projects and commercial
construction or rehabilitation endeavors such as warehouses, apartments, office and retail space and land acquisition and
development.
•Commercial and industrial loans - Commercial and industrial loans include loans to business enterprises issued for
commercial, industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory, and
accounts receivable of the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows.
•Consumer and other loans - Consumer and other loans include all loans issued to individuals, primarily pre-existing
First Seacoast Bank customers, not included in the consumer real estate mortgage classification and purchased loans secured
by manufactured housing properties. Examples of consumer and other loans are automobile loans and other installment loans
extended directly to the borrower. Consumer loans may be unsecured. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal
cash flow of the borrower.
The WARM method uses an approach that begins with a quarterly loss rate and applies that rate to the loan pools of
financial assets with similar risk characteristics noted above on a periodic basis over time for the remaining life expectation
of each loan pool. Due to the Company’s limited loss experience, management has chosen to use peer group loss data in the
calculation of the quarterly loss rate. A peer group was selected within the third-party software application which includes all
banks between $300 million and $1 billion in asset size located in the northeastern United States. The historical loss
component segmented by loan pool serves as the core of the ACL adequacy methodology. The remaining life calculation for
each pool is calculated by the third-party software application using an attrition calculator that performs quarterly cohort-
based attrition measurements using the actual historical experience of each loan pool.
The estimated credit losses for all loan pools are adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in
the quantitative analyses. The qualitative categories and the measurements used to quantify the risks within each of these
categories are subjectively selected by management but measured by objective measurements period over period. The data
for each measurement may be obtained from internal or external sources. The current period measurements are evaluated and
assigned a factor commensurate with the current level of risk relative to past measurements over time. The resulting
qualitative adjustments are applied to the relevant collectively evaluated loan portfolios. These adjustments are based upon
quarterly trend assessments in portfolio concentrations, policy exceptions, associate retention, independent loan review
results, competition and peer group credit quality trends. The qualitative allowance allocation, as determined by the processes
noted above, is increased or decreased for each loan segment based on the assessment of these various qualitative factors.
Additional qualitative considerations are made for any identified risk which did not exist within our portfolio historically and
therefore may not be adequately addressed through evaluation of such risk factor based on historical portfolio trends as
previously discussed.
Our ACL as a percent of total loans decreased from 0.89% at December 31, 2022 to 0.79% at December 31, 2023,
which primarily reflects the impact of ASC 326 adoption, calculated loss rates based upon remaining life measurements and
our consideration of the current economic conditions that affect the qualitative adjustments used in the determination of the
ACL as they have evolved over the year from the impact of inflationary pressures and geopolitical concerns, among other
considerations. While we consider a number of variables in our evaluation of the adequacy of the ACL, one of the more
significant variables is the use of a reasonable and supportable forecast period in the calculation of a historical loss rate. As
noted above, the Company has chosen a forecast period of one year which will be similar to the historical loss period between
January 2014 and December 2016 and then reverting to the long-term average over the following two quarters using the
straight-line reversion method. This time period was one of relatively stagnant expansion in the U.S. with GDP growth rates
in the 1.6% - 2.6% range. Economic indicators during this period were mixed and appear similar to the current economy.
35
Additionally, because historical loss experience may not fully reflect our expectations about the future, management has
adjusted the historical loss rate through a qualitative adjustment to reflect current economic conditions not already reflected
in the historical loss information. If a pre-recessionary period such as the period between March 2007 and September 2009
was chosen as the reasonable and supportable forecast period with a similar qualitative adjustment consideration, the ACL
would increase by $289,000 to $3.7 million. Alternatively, if the qualitative adjustment to reflect current economic conditions
not already reflected in the historical loss information were removed from the chosen forecast period used in the calculation
of the ACL, the ACL would decrease by $941,000 to $2.4 million.
While policies and procedures used to estimate the ACL, as well as the resultant provision for credit losses charged to
(loss) income, are considered adequate by management and are reviewed periodically by regulators, model validators and
internal auditors, they are necessarily approximate and imprecise. There are factors beyond our control, such as changes in
projected economic conditions, real estate markets or particular industry conditions which may materially impact asset
quality and the adequacy of the ACL and thus the resulting provision for credit losses. Therefore, management considers the
calculation of the ACL a critical accounting estimate.
Prior to the adoption of the new accounting standard for credit losses, the ALL consisted of general, allocated and
unallocated components. The general component was based primarily on our average historical loss rates for the preceding
three years adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by our loan segments. The reported amount of this component may be
impacted by portfolio growth trends and concentrations, levels and trends of delinquencies and local and National economic
trends and conditions. The allocated component related to loans that are classified as impaired. Generally, our impaired loans
are collateral-dependent and impairment is measured through the collateral method. When the measurement of the impaired
loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the impairment is recorded through the ALL. At December 31, 2022, the
collateral values of collateral-dependent impaired loans was sufficient and no impairment charge was necessary. The
unallocated component was maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.
The unallocated component of the ALL reflected the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in
the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.
Our ALL as a percent of total loans decreased from 0.95% at December 31, 2021 to 0.89% at December 31, 2022,
which primarily reflected the impact of our consideration of the then current economic conditions that affect the qualitative
factors used in the determination of the ALL as they have evolved over these periods from the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic to inflationary pressures and geopolitical concerns, among other considerations.
The Company's measurement of the fair value of its financial instruments is subject to uncertainty primarily due to the
lack of quoted market prices for a portion of its various assets and liabilities. Fair values, where quoted market prices are not
available, are based on estimates using the present value of cash flows or other valuation techniques. These techniques are
significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly,
the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
Certain of the Company's financial assets are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. The
Company's primary financial asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis is its securities available-for-sale. For these
securities, we obtain fair value measurements from independent pricing services which consider observable data that may
include reported trades, dealer quotes, the instrument’s terms and conditions, as well as other market data. These fair value
measurements are significantly impacted by changes in market interest rates and current economic conditions as compared to
the coupon rates for the financial assets. We obtain a monthly market rate volatility report to confirm that the overall price
volatility of the portfolio is within prescribed policy limits.
Fair value of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights is also measured on a recurring basis based upon a valuation
model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. We rely on an independent valuation from a
third party which uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights. The valuation
model utilizes interest rate, prepayment speed and default rate assumptions that market participants would use in estimating
future income and that can be validated against available market data. These assumptions are inherently sensitive to change
as these unobservable inputs are not based upon quoted prices in active markets or otherwise observable. We periodically
review the assumptions underlying the valuation of our mortgage servicing rights. While we believe the values produced by
the discounted cash flow model are indicative of the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights portfolio, these values can
change significantly depending upon factors such as the then current interest rate environment, estimated prepayments speeds
of the underlying mortgage loans being serviced, and other economic conditions.
Fair value of the Company’s derivatives is measured on a recurring basis using the discounted cash flow method on the
expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to
maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. These fair value
measurements are significantly impacted by changes in market interest rates and current economic conditions as compared to
36
the coupon rates for the derivatives. We obtain a monthly interest rate volatility report to monitor the volatility of our
derivatives portfolio.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring
basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in
certain circumstances. This may include certain individually evaluated loans reported at the fair value of the underlying
collateral. The Company has no non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-
recurring basis.
ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” also requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial
liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. ASU 2016-01 requires public
business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes.
The exit price notion is a market-based measurement of fair value that is represented by the price to sell an asset or transfer a
liability in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) on the measurement date.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, fair values of loans are estimated on an exit price basis incorporating discounts for credit,
liquidity and marketability factors. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, these factors have not materially impacted the estimated
fair values of loans as compared to their carrying amounts.
Emerging Growth Company Status
Under the JOBS Act, a company with total annual gross revenues of less than $1.235 billion (adjusted for inflation)
during its most recently completed fiscal year qualifies as an “emerging growth company.” The Company qualifies as an
emerging growth company under the JOBS Act.
An “emerging growth company” may choose not to hold non-binding advisory stockholder votes on annual executive
compensation (more frequently referred to as “say-on-pay” votes) or on executive compensation payable in connection with a
merger (more frequently referred to as “say-on-golden parachute” votes). An emerging growth company is not subject to the
requirement that its auditors attest to the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting and can
provide scaled disclosure regarding executive compensation; however, the Company will also not be subject to the auditor
attestation requirement or additional executive compensation disclosure so long as it remains a “smaller reporting company”
under SEC regulations (generally less than $250 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates). Finally, an
emerging growth company may elect to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a
private company but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an
election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. The extended transition period is
generally one year, although it may vary for any particular accounting pronouncement. We have opted to take advantage of
the benefits of this extended transition period. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to
companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
A company loses emerging growth company status on the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year of the company
during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more (adjusted for inflation); (ii) the last day of the fiscal
year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (which will be December 31, 2024 for the
Company); (iii) the date on which such company has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in
non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which such company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations (generally, at least $700 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Total Assets. Total assets were $571.0 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $33.6 million, or 6.3%, when
compared to total assets of $537.4 million at December 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to increases in securities
available-for-sale and net loans.
Cash and Due From Banks. Cash and due from banks decreased $2.2 million, or 26.4%, to $6.1 million at
December 31, 2023 from $8.3 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease was due primarily to a $15.8 million increase in
securities available-for-sale, a $27.7 million increase in net loans and a $6.4 million decrease in borrowings, offset by $25.6
million of net proceeds from the stock offering in connection with the conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC
and a $22.4 million increase in total deposits during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Available-for-Sale Securities. Available-for-sale securities increased by $15.8 million, or 14.9%, to $121.9 million at
December 31, 2023 from $106.1 million at December 31, 2022. This increase was due to investment purchases totaling $55.4
million and a $6.2 million decrease in net unrealized losses within the portfolio, offset by proceeds from sales, maturities and
principal repayments totaling $40.9 million, realized losses of $4.2 million and $904,000 of net amortization of bond
premiums. As noted above, on November 28, 2023, we executed a balance sheet repositioning strategy related to our
available-for-sale investment securities portfolio where we sold $40.6 million in book value of lower-yielding investment
37
securities for an after-tax realized loss of $3.1 million and purchased $40.6 million of higher-yielding investment securities
which were classified as available-for-sale upon purchase.
Net Loans. Net loans increased $27.7 million, or 6.9%, to $426.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $398.9 million at
December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we originated $81.7 million of loans. During 2023, we also
purchased $2.0 million of participation interests in commercial and industrial loans, $780,000 of one- to four-family
residential mortgages and $1.5 million of consumer loans secured by manufactured housing properties. As of December 31,
2023 and 2022, the portfolios of purchased loans had outstanding principal balances of $33.3 million and $30.5, respectively,
and were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms. Net deferred loan costs increased $183,000, or 7.5%,
to $2.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $2.4 million at December 31, 2022 due primarily to the increase in deferred costs
on consumer loans. SBA fee and interest income, related to loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"),
recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $-0- and $233,000, respectively, and is included in
interest and fees on loans.
One- to four-family residential mortgage loans increased $16.1 million, or 6.4%, to $268.9 million at December 31,
2023 from $252.8 million at December 31, 2022. Commercial real estate mortgage loans increased $6.0 million, or 7.4%, to
$86.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $80.6 million at December 31, 2022. Acquisition, development and land loans
decreased $970,000, or 5.2%, to $17.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $18.5 million at December 31, 2022. Commercial
and industrial loans increased $1.5 million, or 6.0%, to $25.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $24.1 million at
December 31, 2022. Home equity loans and lines of credit increased $3.9 million, or 38.7%, to $14.1 million at
December 31, 2023 from $10.2 million at December 31, 2022. Multi-family real estate loans decreased $604,000, or 7.4%, to
$7.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $8.2 million at December 31, 2022. Consumer loans increased by $1.6 million, or
19.9%, to $9.8 million at December 31, 2023 from $8.2 million at December 31, 2022.
Our strategy to grow the balance sheet continues to be through originations of one- to four-family residential mortgage
loans, while also diversifying into higher yielding commercial and multi-family real estate loans and commercial and
industrial loans to improve net margins and manage interest rate risk. We also continue to consider selling selected,
conforming 15-year and 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans to the secondary market on a servicing retained basis as market
conditions allow, providing us a recurring source of revenue from loan servicing income and gains on the sale of such loans.
Our ACL on loans decreased $191,000 to $3.4 million at December 31, 2023 from $3.6 million at December 31, 2022,
due primarily to the adoption of ASU 2016-13 and its new credit impairment standard for financial assets measured at
amortized cost. The ASU requires financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, to be presented at the net
amount expected to be collected, through an ACL for losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of the asset,
rather than incurred losses. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for loans held at the reporting
date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accordingly, the ASU
requires the use of forward-looking information to form credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied
at prior reporting dates are still permitted, though the inputs to those techniques have changed to reflect the full amount of
expected credit losses. The Bank has selected the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Model (“WARM” or "CECL
model"), for the loss calculation of each of the Bank’s loan pools utilizing a third-party software application. The WARM
uses a quarterly loss rate and future expectations of loan balances to calculate an ACL. A loss rate is applied to pool balances
over time.
The effect of implementing this ASU was recorded as a cumulative-effect adjustment through retained earnings as of
the beginning of the reporting period in which the ASU is effective, which was January 1, 2023. The adoption of the new
standard resulted in a $295,000 decrease to the ACL on loans which was offset by a $290,000 increase in the allowance for
off-balance sheet commitments that are not unconditionally cancelable. The decrease in ACL on loans was due to a reduced
emphasis on qualitative factors under the CECL model as the underlying historical loss data of the selected peer group is
more robust with broader time horizons as compared to our actual historical loss data used under the incurred loss
methodology. Under the CECL model, subsequent changes in the ACL are recorded through a charge to the provision for
credit losses in the statement of loss as the amounts expected to be collected change.
Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from residents within our primary market area. We offer a selection of
deposit accounts, including non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market
accounts and time deposits, for both individuals and businesses.
Deposits increased $22.4 million, or 5.9%, to $404.8 million at December 31, 2023 from $382.4 million at December
31, 2022 primarily as a result of an increase in time deposits, offset by a decrease in core deposits. Core deposits (defined as
all deposits other than time deposits) decreased $7.1 million, or 2.2%, to $313.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $320.6
million at December 31, 2022. The decrease in core deposits was due to a $26.9 million, or 29.0%, decrease in non-interest
bearing accounts and a decrease in NOW accounts and demand deposits of $14.5 million, or 13.0%, offset by an increase in
money market deposits of $24.4 million, or 40.1%, and an increase in savings deposits of $9.9 million, or 18.0%. Time
38
deposits increased $29.6 million, or 47.9%, to $91.3 million at December 31, 2023 from $61.7 million at December 31, 2022.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $23.6 million and $18.1 million of brokered deposits included in time deposits,
respectively, and $20.9 million and $-0- of brokered deposits included in savings deposits, respectively. The purchase of
brokered deposits offered a lower cost alternative to advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of a similar duration.
Borrowings. Total borrowings decreased $6.4 million, or 6.4%, to $93.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $99.4
million at December 31, 2022 due to a decrease of $26.4 million in FHLB advances offset by $20.0 million of FRB advances.
Advances from FHLB decreased $26.4 million, or 26.6%, to $73.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $99.4 million at
December 31, 2022 due primarily to the net repayment of advances from the receipt of $25.6 million of net proceeds from the
stock offering in connection with the conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC. Advances from FRB increased
to $20.0 million at December 31, 2023 from $-0- at December 31, 2022 due to net advances from the Bank Term Funding
Program.
Total Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity increased $17.3 million, or 35.0%, to $66.6 million at
December 31, 2023 from $49.3 million at December 31, 2022. This increase was due primarily to $25.6 million of net
proceeds received from the conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC and $3.8 million of other comprehensive
income related primarily to net changes in unrealized holding losses in the available-for-sale securities portfolio adjusted for
realized securities losses offset by a net loss of $10.7 million and the purchase of $2.2 million of common stock by the ESOP
during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets include loans that are 90 or more days past due or on non-accrual
status and real estate and other loan collateral acquired through foreclosure and repossession. Management determines that a
loan is non-performing when it is probable at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original
terms due to a deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is
collateral dependent. When a loan is determined to be non-performing, the measurement of the loan in the ACL on loans is
based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for non-
performance based on the fair value of the collateral. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable and,
therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis.
We generally cease accruing interest on our loans when contractual payments of principal or interest have become 90
days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is
currently performing. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is applied against principal or applied to interest on a
cash basis. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance
with the contractual terms for at least six consecutive months and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal
and interest is no longer in doubt.
Non-performing loans were $141,000, or 0.03% of total loans, at December 31, 2023, compared to $89,000, or 0.02%
of total loans, at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, non-performing loans consist of a residential mortgage loan and
an associated home equity loan which had outstanding balances totaling $141,000. The property has an estimated market
value of approximately $216,000. At December 31, 2022, non-performing loans consisted primarily of a residential mortgage
loan to a deceased borrower which had an outstanding balance of $84,000. The property was sold in April 2023 and the
outstanding loan balance was paid in full. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had no foreclosed assets.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Net Loss. Net loss was $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $565,000 for the
year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $10.1 million. This increase was due to a $3.5 million, or 23.8%, decrease in
net interest and dividend income after provision for credit losses, a $2.9 million, or 326.0%, decrease in non-interest income
and a $4.4 million increase in income tax expense, offset by a $740,000, or 4.4%, decrease in non-interest expense during the
year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $4.0 million, or 24.0%, to $20.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 2023 from $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was due to a $2.8
million, or 19.9%, increase in interest and fees on loans and a $1.2 million, or 46.7%, increase in interest and dividend
income on investments. Interest and fees on loans for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included $-0- and
$233,000 of interest and fees earned on PPP loans, respectively.
Average interest-earning assets increased $35.8 million, or 7.2%, to $532.8 million for the year ended December 31,
2023 from $497.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets
increased 52 basis points to 3.86% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 3.34% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The weighted average yield for the loan portfolio increased 42 basis points to 4.08% for the year ended December 31, 2023
from 3.66% for the year ended December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in market interest rates. The weighted
39
average yield for all other interest-earning assets increased to 3.12% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2.25% for
the year ended December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in market interest rates.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $7.3 million, or 419.8%, to $9.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 from $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense on deposits increased $4.7
million, or 666.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The average
balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $22.2 million, or 7.5%, to $319.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2023 from $297.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily as a result of an increase in the average balance of
money market, savings and time deposits offset by a decrease in the average balances of NOW and demand deposits. The
weighted average rate of interest-bearing deposits increased to 1.67% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 0.23% for
the year ended December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in market interest rates and to respond to deposit pricing by
competitors.
Interest expense on borrowings consists of interest on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal
Reserve Bank. Interest expense on borrowings increased $2.7 million, or 254.6%, to $3.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 from $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in the average
balance of borrowings and an increase in market interest rates. The average balance of borrowings increased $14.9 million, or
23.3%, to $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $63.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The weighted average rate of borrowings increased to 4.70% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 1.64% for the year
ended December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in market interest rates.
Net Interest and Dividend Income. Net interest and dividend income decreased $3.4 million, or 22.6%, to $11.5
million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was
due to an increase of $37.1 million, or 10.2%, in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of an
increase in the average balance of borrowings and time deposits, during the year ended December 31, 2023 offset by a $35.8
million, or 7.2%, increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of increases in the average
balances of loans and non-taxable debt securities. Net interest margin decreased to 2.16% for the year ended December 31,
2023 from 2.99% for the year ended December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in the average rate of borrowings and
interest-bearing deposits offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets.
Provision for Credit Losses. Based upon management’s analysis of the ACL, a $188,000 provision for credit losses
expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $-0- for the year ended December 31, 2022. The
provision for credit losses expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of a $105,000 provision for credit losses
on loans and a $83,000 provision for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $2.9 million, or 326.0%, to $(2.0) million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 compared to $888,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in non-interest income
during the year ended December 31, 2023 was due primarily to a $3.4 million, or 458.6%, increase in losses realized on the
sale of securities, a decrease of $280,000, or 27.0%, in customer service fees and a decrease of $49,000, or 38.9%, in loan
servicing fee income offset by an $849,000 gain on termination of interest rate swaps.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $740,000, or 4.4%, to $16.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 from $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in non-interest expense was due
primarily to a $1.0 million, or 9.5%, decrease in salaries and employee benefits, a $68,000, or 11.4%, decrease in marketing,
and a $32,000, or 6.6%, decrease in equipment expense offset by a $196,000, or 14.0%, increase in data processing and a
$103,000, or 66.9%, increase in deposit insurance fees during the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in salaries
and benefits during the year ended December 31, 2023 was due primarily to a non-recurring $1.5 million charge incurred in
2022 to withdraw from the Pentegra DB Plan offset by the recognition of previously unearned compensation associated with
restricted stock awards granted in 2021 and compensation expense associated with incentive and non-statutory stock options
granted in May 2023. Included in marketing for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a one-time $150,000 donation to the
First Seacoast Community Foundation, Inc.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense (benefit) increased $4.4 million to a $3.9 million income tax expense for the year
ended December 31, 2023 compared to an income tax benefit of $451,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The
effective tax rate was 58.8% and (44.4)% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Loss before income
tax expense (benefit) was $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $1.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2023 as compared to 2022 was due primarily to the
establishment of a 100% valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets.
40
Average Balance Sheets
The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs and certain other information at the date
and for the years indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the effects would be immaterial. All
average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans are included in the computation of average balances only.
The yields set forth below include the effect of net deferred fee expense, discounts and premiums that are amortized or
accreted to interest income or interest expense. Average loan balances exclude loans held for sale, if applicable. The
following tables include no out-of-period items or adjustments.
Average
Outstanding
Balance
2023
Interest
For the Year Ended December 31,
Average
Yield/Rate
Average
Outstanding
Balance
2022
Interest
Average
Yield/Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (4)
Taxable debt securities
Non-taxable debt securities
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Total interest-earning assets
Non-interest-earning assets
Total assets
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW and demand deposits
Money market deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits
Total interest-bearing deposits
Borrowings
Other
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing deposits
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Net interest income
Net interest rate spread (1)
Net interest-earning assets (2)
Net interest margin (3)
Average interest-earning assets
as a percent of interest-bearing
liabilities
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
16,896
1,521
1,735
201
237
20,590
402
1,830
1,004
2,095
5,331
3,709
40
9,080
$
11,510
414,601
52,622
56,928
5,872
2,820
532,843
18,485
551,328
101,947
74,045
65,802
77,406
319,200
78,839
1,894
399,933
76,533
4,299
480,765
70,563
551,328
132,910
4.08% $
2.89%
3.05%
3.42%
8.40%
3.86%
$
0.39% $
2.47%
1.53%
2.71%
1.67%
4.70%
2.13%
2.27%
$
$
1.59%
2.16%
$
$
14,092
995
1,316
89
118
16,610
139
151
82
311
683
1,046
18
1,747
$
14,863
385,202
52,736
49,782
6,571
2,733
497,024
15,832
512,856
112,504
66,936
62,471
55,129
297,040
63,916
1,864
362,820
92,576
3,782
459,178
53,678
512,856
134,204
3.66%
1.89%
2.64%
1.35%
4.32%
3.34%
0.12%
0.23%
0.13%
0.56%
0.23%
1.64%
0.97%
0.48%
2.86%
2.99%
133.23%
136.99%
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate of
interest-bearing liabilities.
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
Net deferred fee expense included in loan interest totaled $374,000 and $194,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
41
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the years
indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The
volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The total
column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume,
which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to
volume.
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans
Taxable debt securities
Non-taxable debt securities
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Total interest-earning assets
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW and demand deposits
Money market deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits
Total interest-bearing deposits
Borrowings
Other
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Change in net interest income
Management of Market Risk
Year Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Rate
Volume
Total Increase
(Decrease)
$
$
$
1,125
(2)
203
(10)
4
1,320
(14)
18
5
172
181
295
—
476
844
$
$
1,679
528
216
122
115
2,660
277
1,661
917
1,612
4,467
2,368
22
6,857
(4,197) $
2,804
526
419
112
119
3,980
263
1,679
922
1,784
4,648
2,663
22
7,333
(3,353)
General. Most of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market
risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting
primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage our exposure to changes in market
interest rates. Accordingly, the board of directors established a management-level Asset/Liability Management Committee
(the “ALCO”), which takes responsibility for overseeing the asset/liability management process and related procedures. The
ALCO meets on at least a quarterly basis and reviews asset/liability strategies, liquidity positions, alternative funding
sources, interest rate risk measurement reports, capital levels and economic trends at both national and local levels. Our
interest rate risk position is also monitored quarterly by the board of directors.
We manage our interest rate risk in an effort to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in market
interest rates. We have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk: originating loans with
adjustable interest rates; promoting core deposit products; selling a portion of fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real
estate loans; maintaining investments as available-for-sale; diversifying our loan portfolio; and strengthening our capital
position. By following these strategies, we believe that we are better positioned to react to changes in market interest rates.
Net Portfolio Value Simulation. We analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through a net portfolio value of
equity (“NPV”) model. NPV represents the present value of the expected cash flows from our assets less the present value of
the expected cash flows arising from our liabilities adjusted for the value of off-balance sheet contracts. The NPV ratio
represents the dollar amount of our NPV divided by the present value of our total assets for a given interest rate scenario.
NPV attempts to quantify our economic value using a discounted cash flow methodology while the NPV ratio reflects that
value as a form of capital ratio. We estimate what our NPV would be at a specific date. We then calculate what the NPV
would be at the same date throughout a series of interest rate scenarios representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts
in the yield curve. We currently calculate NPV under the assumptions that interest rates increase 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis
points from current market rates and that interest rates decrease 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points from current market rates.
42
The following table presents the estimated changes in our net portfolio value that would result from changes in market
interest rates as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As of December 31, 2023:
Basis Point ("bp") Change in Interest Rates
400 bp
300 bp
200 bp
100 bp
0
(100) bp
(200) bp
(300) bp
(400) bp
As of December 31, 2022:
Basis Point ("bp") Change in Interest Rates
400 bp
300 bp
200 bp
100 bp
0
(100) bp
(200) bp
(300) bp
(400) bp
$
$
Percent
Change
Dollar
Amount
Net Portfolio Value ("NPV")
Dollar
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
$ (29,082)
(21,838)
(14,435)
(6,396)
—
4,898
7,585
7,226
221
38,063
45,307
52,710
60,749
67,145
72,043
74,730
74,371
67,366
(43.3)%
(32.5)
(21.5)
(9.5)
—
7.3
11.3
10.8
0.3
Percent
Change
Dollar
Amount
Net Portfolio Value ("NPV")
Dollar
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
$ (31,915)
(23,989)
(16,178)
(7,749)
—
5,963
9,883
10,202
3,091
64,978
72,904
80,715
89,144
96,893
102,856
106,776
107,095
99,984
(32.9)%
(24.8)
(16.7)
(8.0)
—
6.2
10.2
10.5
3.2
NPV as Percent of
Portfolio Value of
Assets
NPV
Ratio
Change
8.4% $
9.6
10.8
11.9
12.7
13.2
13.2
12.7
11.3
(434)
(310)
(194)
(78)
—
45
49
4
(141)
NPV as Percent of
Portfolio Value of
Assets
NPV
Ratio
Change
15.3% $
16.4
17.5
18.5
19.3
19.6
19.6
19.0
17.3
(401)
(284)
(180)
(78)
—
37
35
(29)
(199)
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling
changes require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond
to changes in market interest rates. The above table assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and
liabilities existing at the date indicated remains constant uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or
repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the table provides an indication of our interest rate risk
exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the
effect of changes in market interest rates on our NPV and will differ from actual results.
The percent changes to NPV in the +200, +300 and +400 bp changes in interest rates was -21.5%, -32.5% and -43.3%,
respectively, at December 31, 2023 versus policy limits of -20.0%, -30.0% and -40.0%, respectively. These percent changes
were due primarily to the migration of deposits during 2023 from less interest-sensitive products such as NOW and demand
deposits to products with greater interest rate sensitivity, i.e., money market and time deposits. We monitor our exposure to
movements in interest rates regularly and discuss the implementation of strategies we believe will mitigate the negative
impact of such movements. All categories of percent change to NPV were within board of directors - approved policy limits
at December 31, 2022.
Economic Value of Equity. Like most financial institutions, our profitability depends to a large extent upon our net
interest income, which is the difference between our interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities,
and our interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds, adjusted for the value of off-
balance sheet contracts. Accordingly, our results of operations depend largely on movements in market interest rates and our
ability to manage our interest-rate sensitive assets and liabilities in response to these movements. Factors such as inflation,
recession, and instability in financial markets, among other factors beyond our control, may affect interest rates.
43
In a rising interest rate environment, we would expect that the rates on our deposits and borrowings would reprice
upwards faster than the rates on our long-term loans and investments, which would be expected to compress our interest rate
spread and have a negative effect on our profitability. Furthermore, increases in interest rates may adversely affect the ability
of our borrowers to make loan repayments on adjustable-rate loans, as the interest owed on such loans would increase as
interest rates increase. Conversely, decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-
related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce their borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to
reinvestment risk as we may have to redeploy such loan or securities proceeds into lower-yielding assets, which might also
negatively impact our income. If interest rates rise, we expect that our economic value of equity will decrease. Economic
value of equity represents the present value of the expected cash flows from our assets less the present value of the expected
cash flows arising from our liabilities. The Bank’s economic value of equity analysis as of December 31, 2023 estimated that,
in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in interest rates, the Bank would experience a 21.5% decrease in
economic value of equity which was above the policy limit of 20%. At the same date, our analysis estimated that, in the event
of an instantaneous 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, the Bank would experience a 11.3% increase in the economic
value of equity.
Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Changes in the level of interest rates also may negatively affect our
ability to originate real estate loans, the value of our assets and our ability to realize gains from the sale of our assets, all of
which ultimately affect our earnings. Also, our interest rate risk modeling techniques and assumptions likely may not fully
predict or capture the impact of actual interest rate changes on our balance sheet or projected operating results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity describes our ability to meet the financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity
is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers and to fund current and
planned expenditures. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate amount of uninsured total deposit balances, which is
the portion exceeding the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit, had an estimated value not exceeding $102.5 million, or 25.3% of
total deposits, and $82.0 million, or 21.4% of total deposits, respectively. For customers requiring full FDIC insurance on
certificates of deposit in excess of $250,000, we began offering in late 2023 the CDARS® program, which allows the Bank
to place the certificates of deposit with other participating banks to maximize the customers’ FDIC insurance. We receive a
like amount of deposits from other participating financial institutions. In addition, we offer the ICS™ program, an insured
deposit “sweep” program for demand deposits which is a product offered by IntraFi Network, LLC, which is also the
provider of the CDARS® program. Similarly to the certificates of deposit’s discussed above, the Bank receives a like amount
of deposits from other financial institutions and all customer deposits are insured by the FDIC. These “reciprocal”
CDARS® and ICS deposits are classified as “brokered” deposits in regulatory reports. The Bank considers these deposits to
be “core” in nature. At December 31, 2023, our “reciprocal” CDARS® and ICS deposits were $-0- and $1.1 million,
respectively.
Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, proceeds from the
sale of loans and proceeds from sales and maturities of securities. We also rely on borrowings from the FHLB as
supplemental sources of funds. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $73.0 million and $99.4 million outstanding in
advances from the FHLB, respectively, and the ability to borrow an additional $71.8 million and $36.5 million, respectively.
Additionally, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had an overnight line of credit with the FHLB for up to $3.0 million and
unsecured Fed Funds borrowing lines of credit with two correspondent banks for up to $5.0 million. At December 31, 2023
and 2022, there were no outstanding balances under any of these additional credit facilities.
The Bank has established two secured credit facilities with the FRB – Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) and
Borrower-In-Custody of Collateral Program (“BIC”). At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $20.0 million and $-0-
outstanding in advances from the FRB, respectively, and the ability to borrow an additional $3.5 million under the BTFP and
is based upon eligible collateral, principally government-sponsored enterprise obligations, mortgage-backed securities and
collateralized mortgage obligations issued by various U.S. Government agencies, owned as of March 12, 2023 and December
31, 2023. Advances can be requested under the BTFP until March 11, 2024. The interest rate for term advances under the
BTFP will be the one-year overnight index swap rate plus 10 basis points and fixed for the term of the advance – up to one
year - on the day the advance is made. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s borrowing capacity is $50.6 million under the BIC
and is based upon eligible collateral -principally general obligation municipal bonds. The entire balance of this credit facility
was available at December 31, 2023.
While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and
loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our most liquid
assets are cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale investment securities. The levels of these assets are dependent on
our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period.
44
Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities; investing activities
and financing activities. Net cash (used) provided by operating activities was $(1.9) million and $973,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash used by investing activities, which consists primarily of disbursements
for loan originations and loan purchases and the purchase of securities available-for-sale, offset by principal collections on
loans, proceeds from sales, maturities and principal payments received on securities available-for-sale, was $39.5 million and
$58.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities,
consisting primarily of proceeds from the sale of common stock, activity in deposit accounts, FHLB and FRB advances, was
$39.2 million and $58.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position daily. We anticipate
that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. We have no material commitments for capital
expenditures as of December 31, 2023. Our current strategy is to increase core deposits and utilize FHLB and FRB advances,
as well as brokered deposits, to fund loan growth.
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. is a separate legal entity from First Seacoast Bank and must provide for its own liquidity to
pay its operating expenses and other financial obligations and to fund repurchases of shares of common stock. The
Company’s primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may
declare and pay to the Company is governed by applicable bank regulations. At December 31, 2023, the Company (on an
unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $20.4 million.
At December 31, 2023, First Seacoast Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements. See Note 17 of the
notes to our consolidated financial statements of this annual report. Management is not aware of any conditions or events that
would change First Seacoast Bank’s categorization as well-capitalized.
Recent Accounting Developments
For a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 of the notes to our consolidated
financial statements of this annual report.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial
position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of
money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs.
Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As
a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does inflation.
Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information regarding this Item is contained in Item 7 under the heading “Management of Market Risk.”
45
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
Interest bearing time deposits with other banks
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Total loans
Less allowance for credit losses on loans
Net loans
Land, building and equipment, net
Bank-owned life insurance
Accrued interest receivable
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing deposits
Interest bearing deposits
Total deposits
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
Advances from Federal Reserve Bank
Mortgagors’ tax escrow
Deferred compensation liability
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized; 5,192,612 issued and 5,077,164
outstanding at December 31, 2023; and 5,183,536 issued and 5,068,637 outstanding at
December 31, 2022(1)
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock, at cost: 115,448 and 114,899 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and
2022(1), respectively
Unearned stock compensation
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
(1) Adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
2023
2022
$
6,069
—
121,854
2,986
430,031
(3,390)
426,641
4,072
4,663
2,294
2,456
$ 571,035
$
8,250
747
106,100
3,502
402,505
(3,581)
398,924
4,181
4,561
1,988
9,171
$ 537,424
$ 65,845
338,953
404,798
73,007
20,000
640
2,071
3,901
504,417
$ 92,757
289,606
382,363
99,397
—
938
1,830
3,559
488,087
—
—
52
52,642
25,597
(5,944)
62
26,768
36,248
(9,727)
(1,381)
(4,348)
66,618
$ 571,035
(1,377)
(2,637)
49,337
$ 537,424
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
46
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans
Interest on debt securities:
Taxable
Non-taxable
Total interest on debt securities
Dividends
Total interest and dividend income
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits
Interest on borrowings
Total interest expense
Net interest and dividend income
Provision for credit losses
Net interest and dividend income after provision for credit losses
Non-interest income:
Customer service fees
Gain on sale of loans
Securities losses, net
Gain on termination of interest rate swaps
Income from bank-owned life insurance
Loan servicing fee income
Investment services fees
Other income
Total non-interest (loss) income
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits
Director compensation
Occupancy expense
Equipment expense
Marketing
Data processing
Deposit insurance fees
Professional fees and assessments
Debit card fees
Employee travel and education expenses
Other expense
Total non-interest expense
Loss before income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net loss
Loss per share:
Basic (1)
Diluted (1)
Weighted average shares:
Basic (1)
Diluted (1), (2)
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
$
16,896
$
1,722
1,735
3,457
237
20,590
5,371
3,709
9,080
11,510
188
11,322
759
2
(4,173)
849
102
77
332
45
(2,007)
9,659
343
758
456
530
1,596
257
1,014
191
208
1,015
16,027
(6,712)
3,944
(10,656) $
(2.29) $
(2.29) $
$
$
$
14,092
1,084
1,316
2,400
118
16,610
701
1,046
1,747
14,863
—
14,863
1,039
2
(747)
—
100
126
328
40
888
10,673
324
732
488
598
1,400
154
983
184
198
1,033
16,767
(1,016)
(451)
(565)
(0.12)
(0.12)
4,650,916
4,650,916
4,820,330
4,820,330
(1) Adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
(2) Not adjusted for potentially dilutive shares for years where a net loss is recognized. The years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 exclude 64,786 and
32,393, respectively, of stock-based awards that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of
diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive for the years presented.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
47
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Dollars in thousands)
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes(1):
Securities available-for-sale:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
arising during the year, net of income taxes of $315 and $(4,562)
in 2023 and 2022, respectively
Reclassification adjustment for securities losses, net and net amortization
of bond premiums included in net loss, net of income taxes of
$1,367 and $476 in 2023 and 2022, respectively
Total unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
Derivatives:
Change in interest rate swaps, net of income taxes of $(30) and
$237 in 2023 and 2022, respectively
Reclassification adjustment for gains and net interest expense on swaps included in
net loss, net of income taxes of $(230) and $31 in 2023 and 2022,
respectively
Total change in interest rate swaps
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive loss
(1)Includes a deferred tax valuation allowance equal to the net tax benefit.
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
$ (10,656) $
(565)
773
(12,283)
3,711
4,484
1,280
(11,003)
(82)
639
(619)
(84)
(701)
555
(10,448)
3,783
(6,873) $ (11,013)
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
48
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shares of
Common
Stock
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Unearned
Stock
Compensation
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance December 31, 2021(1)
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock activity(1)
Issuance of stock compensation
Amortization of unearned stock
compensation
ESOP shares earned - 9,967 shares(1)
Balance December 31, 2022(1)
5,117,982 $
—
—
(49,345)
—
—
—
5,068,637 $
62 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
62 $
26,783 $ 36,813 $
—
—
—
—
(20)
5
(565)
—
—
—
—
—
5,068,637 $
—
—
(549)
62 $
—
—
—
Balance December 31, 2022(1)
Net loss
Other comprehensive income
Treasury stock activity
Cumulative adjustment for change in
accounting principle
(ASU 2016-13)
Reorganization: Conversion of First
Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.
(net of costs of $2.4 million)
Purchase of 224,400 shares of common stock
by the ESOP
Issuance of stock compensation
Amortization of unearned stock
compensation
Stock-based compensation expense
ESOP shares earned - 15,354 shares
Balance December 31, 2023
(1) Shares adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
—
—
—
52 $
5,077,164 $
—
2,478
—
—
—
6,598
—
—
(10)
—
—
721 $
—
(10,448)
—
—
(748) $
—
—
(629)
—
(3,163) $
—
—
—
387
60,468
(565)
(10,448)
(629)
387
—
—
—
—
26,768 $ 36,248 $
(9,727) $ (1,377) $
26,768 $ 36,248 $
— (10,656)
—
—
—
—
—
25,732
—
20
—
150
(28)
5
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9,727) $ (1,377) $
—
3,783
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
52,642 $ 25,597 $
(5,944) $ (1,381) $
20
119
(2,637) $
—
124
49,337
(2,637) $
—
—
—
49,337
(10,656)
3,783
(4)
—
—
(2,244)
(20)
5
25,722
(2,244)
—
399
—
154
(4,348) $
399
150
126
66,618
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
49
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
$
(10,656)
$
Cumulative change in accounting principle (ASU 2016-13)
ESOP expense
Stock based compensation
Loss on disposition of property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization
Net amortization of bond premium
Provision for credit losses
Gain on sale of loans
Securities losses, net
Gain on termination of interest rate swaps
Proceeds from loans sold
Origination of loans sold
Increase in bank-owned life insurance
Increase in deferred costs on loans
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Increase in deferred compensation liability
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales, maturities and principal payments received on securities available-for-sale
Purchase of securities available-for-sale
Purchase of property and equipment
Loan purchases
Loan originations and principal collections, net
Net redemption (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Proceeds from sales and maturities of interest bearing time deposits with other banks
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps
Net cash used by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net decrease in NOW, demand deposits, money market and savings accounts
Net increase in time deposits
(Decrease) increase in mortgagors’ escrow accounts
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net
Common stock purchased by ESOP
Return of capital from conversion of former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC
Treasury stock activity
Net (payments) proceeds from short-term FHLB advances
Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances
Payments on long-term FHLB advances
Proceeds from advances from Federal Reserve Bank
Payments on advances from Federal Reserve Bank
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash activities:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes
Noncash activities:
Effect of change in fair value of securities available-for-sale:
Securities available-for-sale
Deferred taxes
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Effect of change in fair value of interest rate swaps:
Interest rate swaps
Deferred taxes
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Cumulative fair value hedging adjustment - loans
Cumulative fair value hedging adjustment - securities available-for-sale
Effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-13:
Allowance for credit losses on loans
Other liabilities
Effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-02:
Other assets
Other liabilities
5
126
549
2
486
904
188
(2)
4,173
(849)
419
(417)
(102)
(183)
3,861
(306)
440
241
(794)
(1,915)
40,863
(55,401)
(349)
(4,327)
(22,385)
516
747
849
(39,487)
(7,121)
29,556
(298)
25,622
(2,244)
100
(4)
(61,390)
50,000
(15,000)
45,000
(25,000)
39,221
(2,181)
8,250
6,069
8,794
56
6,167
(1,683)
4,484
(961)
260
(701)
(632)
(126)
(295)
290
—
—
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
50
(565)
—
124
387
—
522
1,009
—
(2)
747
—
639
(637)
(100)
(799)
(296)
(489)
(1,483)
101
1,815
973
9,872
(41,452)
(103)
(3,673)
(21,401)
(1,814)
498
—
(58,073)
(14,293)
3,413
286
—
—
—
(629)
71,729
468
(2,262)
—
—
58,712
1,612
6,638
8,250
1,685
47
(15,089)
4,086
(11,003)
761
(206)
555
—
—
NA
NA
224
224
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
The Company
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. (the
“Company”), its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Seacoast Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FSB
Service Corporation, Inc. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Corporate Structure
On January 19, 2023, the conversion of First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC from mutual to stock form and the related stock
offering by First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., the new holding company for First Seacoast Bank, was completed. As a result, both
First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC and First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) ceased to exist. First Seacoast Bancorp,
Inc.’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the trading symbol “FSEA” on January 20, 2023. As
a result of the subscription offering, the community offering and the syndicated community offering, First Seacoast Bancorp,
Inc. sold a total of 2,805,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $10.00 per share, which includes 224,400 shares sold to
First Seacoast Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. As part of the conversion transaction, each outstanding share of First
Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) common stock owned by the public stockholders of First Seacoast Bancorp (a
federal corporation) (stockholders other than First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC) as of the closing date was converted into shares
of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. common stock based on an exchange ratio of 0.8358 shares of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.
common stock for each share of First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) common stock.
The Bank offers a full range of banking and wealth management services to its customers. The Bank focuses on
four core services that center around customer needs. The core services include residential lending, commercial banking,
personal banking and wealth management. The Bank offers a full range of commercial and consumer banking services
through its network of five full-service branch locations.
Investment management services are offered through FSB Wealth Management. FSB Wealth Management is a division
of First Seacoast Bank. The division currently consists of two financial advisors who are located in Dover, New Hampshire.
FSB Wealth Management provides access to non-FDIC insured products that include retirement planning, portfolio
management, investment and insurance strategies, business retirement plans and college planning to individuals throughout
our primary market area. These investments and services are offered through a third-party registered broker-dealer and
investment advisor. FSB Wealth Management receives fees from advisory services and commissions on individual
investment and insurance products purchased by clients. The assets held for wealth management customers are not assets of
the Company and, accordingly, are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Bank is engaged principally in the business of attracting deposits from the public and investing those funds in
various types of loans, including residential and commercial real estate loans, and a variety of commercial and consumer
loans. The Bank also invests its deposits and borrowed funds in investment securities. Deposits at the Bank are insured by the
Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for the maximum amount permitted by law.
The Company has one reportable segment, “Banking Services.” All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and
each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Company supports the others. For example,
lending is dependent upon the ability of the Company to fund itself with deposits and other borrowings and manage interest
rate and credit risk. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment
or unit.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”).
51
Use of Estimates
In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit
losses and the valuation of deferred tax assets.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash and due from banks with original maturities of 90 days or
less.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior year’s financial statements may have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s
presentation.
Securities Available-for-Sale
The Company classifies the available-for-sale securities portfolio into the following major security types: U.S.
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations, U.S. Government agency small business administration pools guaranteed by
SBA, collateralized mortgage obligations issued by the FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA, residential mortgage-backed securities,
municipal bonds, corporate debt and corporate subordinated debt. Nearly all of the mortgage-backed securities held by the
Company are issued by the U.S. government and its entities and agencies. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly
guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a history of no credit losses. The
remainder of the residential mortgage-backed securities are non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations which currently
carry investment-grade bond ratings. At December 31, 2023, municipal bonds are highly-rated and are issued by state and
local governments with minimal credit risk. Available-for-sale securities consist of debt securities that the Company intends
to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. These assets are carried at fair value. Unrealized
holding gains and losses for these assets, net of related deferred income taxes adjusted for valuation allowances, are recorded
in and reported as accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. For debt securities in an unrealized loss
position, the Company considers the extent of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the
issuer. The Company also determines whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or whether it is more likely than not it
will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either condition is met, the
Company will write-down to fair value through a charge to earnings. For all other debt securities, the Company evaluates
whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company
considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating
agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to this security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a
credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost
basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit
loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount the fair value is less than
the amortized cost basis. Losses related to non-credit- related factors will be recorded in other comprehensive loss.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are
charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or
when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Debt securities are placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days
delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income.
Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific identification method.
Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method. Discounts are recognized over the
period to maturity. Premiums are recognized over the period to call, if applicable. Otherwise, premiums are recognized over
the period to maturity.
Interest Bearing Time Deposits With Other Banks
The Company maintained time deposits with other banks and credit unions, which were fully insured by the FDIC or
National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”). Balances were carried at cost and the time deposits carried terms of up to
four years.
52
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is carried at cost and can only be sold to the FHLB based on its current
redemption policies. The Company reviews its investment in capital stock of the FHLB for impairment based on the ultimate
recoverability of the cost basis in the FHLB stock. Based on the most recent analysis of the FHLB, as of December 31, 2023,
management deems its investment in FHLB stock to not be impaired.
Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off
generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses,
net deferred loan origination fees/costs on originated loans or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.
Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance on a simple interest basis.
The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due or determined to be non-
performing, if earlier. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual if
collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for such loans is reversed
against interest income. For payments received on such loans, the interest is accounted for on the cash-basis or recorded as a
reduction to loan principal if recovery is not assured, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual
status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably
assured.
Cash receipts of interest income on non-performing loans are credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate
doubt as to the collectability of the net carrying amount of the loan. Some or all of the cash receipts of interest income on
non-performing loans is recognized as interest income if the remaining net carrying amount of the loan is deemed to be fully
collectible. When recognition of interest income on a non-performing loan on a cash basis is appropriate, the amount of
income that is recognized is limited to that which would have been accrued on the net carrying amount of the loan at the
contractual interest rate. Any cash interest payments received in excess of the limit and not applied to reduce the net carrying
amount of the loan are recorded as recoveries of charge-offs until the charge-offs are fully recovered.
Loan Origination Fees and Costs
Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income as an
adjustment to the loan yield over the life of the related loans. The unamortized net deferred fees and costs are included on the
consolidated balance sheets with the related loan balances. The amount charged or credited to income is included with the
related interest income.
Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL")
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the new accounting standard for credit losses, ASU No. 2016-13,
"Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended
("ASU 2016-13" or “ASC 326”)." This new accounting standard, commonly referred to as "CECL," significantly changed the
methodology for accounting for reserves on loans and unfunded off-balance sheet credit exposures, including certain
unfunded loan commitments and standby guarantees. ASU 2016-13 replaced the "incurred loss" methodology used to
establish an allowance on loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures, with an "expected loss" approach. Under CECL, the
ACL at each reporting period serves as a best estimate of projected credit losses over the contractual life of certain assets,
adjusted for expected prepayments, given an expectation of economic conditions and forecasts as of the valuation date. Upon
adoption of CECL, the Company made the following elections regarding accrued interest receivable: (i) present accrued
interest receivable balances separately on the balance sheet on the consolidated statements of condition; (ii) exclude accrued
interest from the measurement of the ACL, including investments and loans; and (iii) continue to write-off accrued interest
receivable by reversing interest income. The Company has a policy in place to write-off accrued interest when a loan is
placed on non-accrual. Accrued interest is written-off by reversing previously recorded interest income. For loans, write-off
typically occurs when a loan has been in default for 90 days or more. An immaterial amount of accrued interest on non-
accrual loans was written off during the year ended December 31, 2023, by reversing interest income. Historically, the
Company has not experienced uncollectible accrued interest receivable on its securities available-for-sale.
The ACL is the sum of various components including the following: (a) historical loss experience, (b) a reasonable and
supportable forecast, (c) loans evaluated individually, and (d) changes in relevant environmental factors. The historical loss
component is segmented by loan type and serves as the core of the ACL adequacy methodology. The Company has selected
the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Model (“WARM”), for the loss calculation of each of the Bank’s loan pools
utilizing a third-party software application. The WARM uses a quarterly loss rate and future expectations of loan balances to
calculate an ACL. A loss rate is applied to pool balances over time.
53
CECL may create more volatility in the ACL, specifically the ACL on loans and ACL on off-balance sheet credit
exposures. Under CECL, the ACL may increase or decrease period to period based on many factors, including, but not
limited to: (i) macroeconomic forecasts and conditions; (ii) forecast period and reversion speed; (iii) prepayment speed
assumption; (iv) loan portfolio volumes and changes in mix; (v) credit quality; and (vi) various qualitative factors outlined in
ASU 2016-13.
The significant key assumptions used with the ACL calculation at December 31, 2023 using the CECL methodology,
included:
•Macroeconomic factors (loss drivers): Monitoring and assessing local and national unemployment, changes in
national GDP and other macroeconomic factors which may be the most predictive indicator of losses within the loan
portfolio. The macroeconomic factors considered in determining the ACL may change from time to time.
•Forecast Period and Reversion speed: ASU 2016-13 requires a company to use a reasonable and supportable forecast
period in developing the ACL, which represents the time period that management believes it can reasonably forecast the
identified loss drivers. Generally, the forecast period the Company believes to be reasonable and supportable will be set
annually and validated through an assessment of economic leading indicators. In periods of greater volatility and uncertainty,
such as the current interest rate environment, the Company will likely use a shorter forecast period, whereas when markets,
economies, interest rate environment, political matters, and other factors are considered to be more stable and certain, a
longer forecast period may be used. Also, in times of greater uncertainty, the Company may consider a range of possible
forecasts and evaluate the probability of each scenario. Generally, the forecasted period is expected to range from one to three
years. Once the reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined, ASU 2016-13 requires a company to revert its loss
expectations to the long-run historical mean for the remainder of the contract life of the asset, adjusted for prepayments. In
determining the length of time over which the reversion will take place (i.e., "reversion speed"), factors such as, historical
credit loss experience over previous economic cycles, as well as where the Company believes it is within the current
economic cycle, will be considered. At December 31, 2023, the Company has chosen a forecast period of four quarters which
will be similar to the historical loss period between January 2014 and December 2016 and then reverting to the long-term
average over the following two quarters using the straight-line reversion method. The Company believes this historical
forecast period to be representative of potential economic conditions over the next eighteen months.
•Prepayment speeds: Prepayment speeds are determined for each loan segment utilizing the Company's historical loan
data, as well as consideration of current environmental factors. The prepayment speed assumption is utilized with the WARM
method to forecast expected cash flows over the contractual life of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments. A higher
prepayment speed assumption will drive a lower ACL, and vice versa.
•Qualitative factors: As within previous accounting guidance used for the "incurred loss" model, ASU 2016-13
requires companies to consider various qualitative factors that may impact expected credit losses. The Company continues to
consider qualitative factors in determining and arriving at an ACL at each reporting period such as: (i) actual or expected
changes in economic trends and conditions, (ii) changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans, (iii) changes to
lending policies, underwriting standards and/or management personnel performing such functions, (iv) delinquency and other
credit quality trends, (v) credit risk concentrations, if any, (vi) changes to the nature of the Company's business impacting the
loan portfolio, (vii) and other external factors, that may include, but are not limited to, results of internal loan reviews and
examinations by bank regulatory agencies.
Certain loans which may not share similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio may be tested
individually for estimated credit losses, including (i) loans classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful and are on
non-accrual, (ii) a loan modified for a borrower experiencing financial difficulty or (iii) loans that have other unique
characteristics. Factors considered in measuring the extent of the expected credit loss for these loans may include payment
status, collateral value, borrower's financial condition, guarantor support and the probability of collecting scheduled principal
and interest payments when due.
The ACL is measured on a collective basis for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company has
identified the following pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses:
•Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans - Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans
are secured by commercial office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the
building occupies the property. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business.
•Non-owner occupied commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans - These loans represent investment
real estate loans secured by office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and multi-family residential
housing. Repayment is primarily dependent on lease income generated from the underlying collateral.
54
•Consumer real estate mortgage loans - Consumer real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by one-
to four-family residential properties, including home equity loans and lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on
the personal cash flow of the borrower.
•Acquisition, development and land loans - Acquisition, development and land loans include loans where the
repayment is dependent on the successful completion and eventual sale, refinance or operation of the related real estate
project. Acquisition, development and land loans include one- to four-family construction projects and commercial
construction or rehabilitation endeavors such as warehouses, apartments, office and retail space and land acquisition and
development.
•Commercial and industrial loans - Commercial and industrial loans include loans to business enterprises issued for
commercial, industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory, and
accounts receivable of the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows.
•Consumer and other loans - Consumer and other loans include all loans issued to individuals, primarily pre-
existing Bank customers, not included in the consumer real estate mortgage classification and purchased loans secured by
manufactured housing properties. Examples of consumer and other loans are automobile loans and other installment loans
extended directly to the borrower. Consumer loans may be unsecured. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal
cash flow of the borrower.
The WARM method uses an approach that begins with a quarterly loss rate and applies that rate to the loan pools of
financial assets with similar risk characteristics noted above on a periodic basis over time for the remaining life expectation
of each loan pool. Due to the Company’s limited loss experience, the Company has chosen to use peer group loss data in the
calculation of the quarterly loss rate. A peer group was selected within the third-party software application which includes all
banks between $300 million and $1 billion in asset size located in the northeastern United States. The historical loss
component segmented by loan pool serves as the core of the ACL adequacy methodology. The remaining life calculation for
each pool is calculated by the third-party software application using an attrition calculator that performs quarterly cohort-
based attrition measurements using the actual historical experience of each loan pool.
The estimated credit losses for all loan pools are adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered
in the quantitative analyses. The qualitative categories and the measurements used to quantify the risks within each of these
categories are subjectively selected by the Company but measured by objective measurements period over period. The data
for each measurement may be obtained from internal or external sources. The current period measurements are evaluated and
assigned a factor commensurate with the current level of risk relative to past measurements over time. The resulting
qualitative adjustments are applied to the relevant collectively evaluated loan portfolios. These adjustments are based upon
quarterly trend assessments in portfolio concentrations, policy exceptions, associate retention, independent loan review
results, competition and peer group credit quality trends. The qualitative allowance allocation, as determined by the processes
noted above, is increased or decreased for each loan segment based on the assessment of these various qualitative factors.
Additional qualitative considerations are made for any identified risk which did not exist within the portfolio historically and
therefore may not be adequately addressed through evaluation of such risk factor based on historical portfolio trends as
previously discussed.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when
appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following
applies: the Company has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a modification will be executed with an
individual borrower, or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date
and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, "Financial Instruments—Credit
Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures," which eliminated the accounting guidance for
troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and
restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Modifications to borrowers experiencing
financial difficulty may include interest rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, forbearances, term extensions, and
other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral.
The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments represents the expected credit losses on off-
balance sheet commitments such as unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. However, a liability
is not recognized for commitments unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on off-
balance sheet commitments is recognized as a liability (other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet), with adjustments
to the allowance recognized in the provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of loss. The allowance for credit
losses on off-balance sheet commitments is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss
rates on those draws. Future draws are based on historical averages of utilization rates (i.e., the likelihood of draws taken). To
estimate future draws on unfunded balances, current utilization rates are compared to historical utilization rates. If current
55
utilization rates are below historical utilization rates, the rate difference is applied to the committed balance to estimate the
future draw. Loss rates are estimated by utilizing the same loss rates calculated for the allowance for credit losses general
reserves.
While policies and procedures used to estimate the ACL, as well as the resultant provision for credit losses charged
to loss, are considered adequate by the Company, they are necessarily approximate and imprecise. There are factors beyond
the Company's control, such as changes in projected economic conditions, real estate markets or particular industry
conditions which may materially impact asset quality and the adequacy of the ACL and thus the resulting provision for credit
losses.
Prior to the adoption of the new accounting standard for credit losses, the allowance for loan losses ("ALL")
consisted of general, allocated and unallocated components. The general component of the ALL was based on historical loss
experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: commercial real estate; multifamily;
commercial and industrial; acquisition, development and land; one to four family residential; home equity loans and lines of
credit and consumer. The Company used a rolling average of historical losses based on a timeframe appropriate to capture
relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor was adjusted for the following qualitative factors:
levels/trends in delinquencies; credit quality trends; portfolio growth trends and concentrations; effects of changes in risk
selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth
of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. Under previous accounting
guidance, the allocated component related to loans which were classified as impaired. The Company assessed non-accrual
loans and certain loans rated substandard or worse for impairment. Generally, impaired loans were collateral-dependent and
impairment was measured through the collateral method. When the measurement of the impaired loan was less than the
recorded investment in the loan, the impairment was recorded through the ALL. At December 31, 2022, the collateral values
of collateral-dependent impaired loans was sufficient and no impairment charge was necessary. The unallocated component
was maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect the Company's estimate of probable losses. The unallocated
component of the ALL reflected the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies
for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.
Prior to January 1, 2023, when a loan was modified and a concession was made to a borrower experiencing financial
difficulty, the modification was considered a TDR. An allowance for loan losses for loans that have been modified in a TDR
is measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the
loan’s observable market price, or the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan is collateral
dependent. Management exercised significant judgment in developing these estimates.
Land, Building and Equipment
Land is stated at cost. Building and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is
computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term for leasehold
improvements unless renewal is reasonably assured. Maintenance and repair costs are included in operating expenses while
major expenditures for improvements are capitalized and depreciated. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
assets sold, or otherwise disposed of, are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in earnings.
Bank-owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in
the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on
the consolidated statements of loss and are generally not subject to income taxes. The Company reviews the financial
strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of life insurance policies and no less than annually thereafter. A life
insurance policy with any individual carrier is limited to 15% of Tier one capital, and the total cash surrender value of life
insurance policies is limited to 25% of Tier one capital at the time of purchase.
Treasury Stock
The Company records common stock purchased for treasury at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury
stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the first-in, first-out basis.
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
Transfers of an entire financial asset, a group of entire financial assets or a participating interest in an entire financial
asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed
to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or
exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets.
56
During the normal course of business, the Company may transfer whole loans or a portion of a financial asset, such as a
participation loan or the government guaranteed portion of a loan. In order to be eligible for sales treatment, the transfer of
the portion of the loan must meet the criteria of a participating interest. If it does not meet the criteria of a participating
interest, the transfer will be accounted for as a secured borrowing. In order to meet the criteria for a participating interest, all
cash flows from the loan must be divided proportionately, the rights of each loan holder must have the same priority, the loan
holders must have no recourse to the transferor other than standard representations and warranties and no loan holder has the
right to pledge or exchange the entire loan.
The Company services mortgage loans for others. Loan servicing fee income is reported in the consolidated statements
of loss as loan servicing fee income. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and are
recorded as income when earned. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) are initially recorded as an asset and measured at fair value when loans are sold to
third parties with servicing rights retained. MSR are initially recorded at fair value by using a discounted cash flow model to
calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The Company’s MSR accounted for under the fair value
method are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in loan servicing fee income in the
period in which the change occurs. Changes in the fair value of MSR are primarily due to changes in valuation inputs,
assumptions and the collection and realization of expected cash flows.
Customer List Intangible
On August 17, 2021, the Bank entered into a definitive agreement with an investment advisory and wealth management
firm (the “seller”) to purchase certain of its client accounts and client relationships for a final adjusted purchase price of
$324,000 (included in other assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022), of which $172,000 was paid at closing. Each client
account was assigned a value, and as each client transferred to the Bank, 85% of this value was paid to the seller. Once it was
determined that the transition of client accounts was completed, the final purchase price was adjusted and a final payment
made to the seller. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $25.7 million and $23.0 million of purchased client
accounts are included in total assets under management, respectively. The client accounts purchased are recorded as a
customer list intangible asset. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization will be reviewed for impairment,
at least annually, based on their fair value. Any impairment will be recognized as a charge to earnings and the adjusted
carrying amount of the intangible asset will become its new accounting basis. The remaining useful life of the intangible asset
will also be evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the
remaining period of amortization. The Company is amortizing the customer list intangible on a straight-line basis over a ten-
year period. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $30,000 and $34,000 of amortization expense was
recorded in other expense, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) section 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”),
establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows
arising from the entity’s contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to
recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it
expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied.
The majority of our revenue-generating transactions are not subject to ASC 606, including revenue generated from
financial instruments, such as our loans, letters of credit and investments securities, as well as revenue related to our
mortgage servicing activities and bank owned life insurance, as these activities are subject to other GAAP discussed
elsewhere within our disclosures. Descriptions of our revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of ASC 606 and
which are presented in our income statements as components of non-interest income are as follows:
•
•
Customer service fees—these represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity- or
transaction- based fees and consist of transaction-based revenue, time-based revenue (service period), item-based
revenue or some other individual attribute-based revenue. Revenue is recognized when our performance
obligation is completed, which is generally monthly for account maintenance services or when a transaction has
been completed (such as a wire transfer, debit card transaction or ATM withdrawal). Payment for such
performance obligations are generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied.
Investment service fees—these represent fees for investment advisory services, which are generally based on the
market values of assets under management, and commissions earned on individual investment and insurance
products purchased by clients of FSB Wealth Management. Revenue is recognized when a performance
obligation is completed, which is generally monthly for investment advisory services or when an investment
57
product is purchased. Payment for such performance obligations is generally received in the month following the
time the performance obligations are satisfied.
Advertising Expense
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and recorded within marketing expense.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The Company maintains the First Seacoast Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) to provide eligible
employees of the company the opportunity to own company common stock. The ESOP is a tax-qualified retirement plan for
the benefit of company employees.
Defined Contribution Plan
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company sponsored a 401(k) defined contribution plan for
substantially all employees pursuant to which employees of the Company could elect to make contributions to the plan
subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. The Company also made matching and profit-sharing contributions to eligible
participants in accordance with plan provisions.
Stock Based Compensation
Effective May 27, 2021, the Company adopted the First Seacoast Bancorp 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021
Plan”). The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of incentive and non-statutory stock options to purchase shares of common
stock or the granting of shares of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. The 2021 Plan authorizes the issuance or
delivery to participants of up to 348,801 converted shares of common stock (adjusted for the second step conversion
transaction). Of this number, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of
stock options is 249,144 shares (adjusted for the second step conversion transaction), and the maximum number of shares of
common stock that may be issued as restricted stock awards or restricted stock units is 99,657 shares (adjusted for the second
step conversion transaction).
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the award adjusted for actual
forfeitures. The Company will value share-based stock option awards as granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for its awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service
period for the entire award (straight-line attribution method), ensuring that the amount of compensation cost recognized at
any date at least equals the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that time.
Defined Benefit Plan
The Company participated in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (The Pentegra DB Plan), a
tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes
and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code.
There were no collective bargaining agreements in place that required contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. On May 26,
2022, the board of directors approved a resolution authorizing the Company to give notice of its intent to withdraw from the
Pentegra DB Plan as of September 30, 2022. On September 30, 2022, the Company proceeded with its notification to
withdraw from the Pentegra DB Plan as of September 30, 2022 (see Note 12 Employee Benefits for more information).
The Company’s funding policy was to make an annual contribution determined by the Pentegra DB Plan actuaries that
will not be less than the minimum required contribution nor greater than the maximum federal income tax deductible limit.
Contributions were based on the individual employer’s experience.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
The Company maintains nonqualified supplemental executive benefit agreements with certain directors and its current
and former Presidents and certain officers. The agreements provide supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments
over a period of years upon retirement or death and for the crediting to a liability account a fixed amount of compensation,
which earns interest at a rate determined in the agreement. The Company recognizes the cost of providing these benefits over
the time period the individuals render service through the retirement date. At each measurement date, the aggregate amount
accrued equals the then present value of the benefits expected to be provided to the individual in exchange for the
individual’s service to that date.
Leases
All leases with an initial term greater than 12 months recognize: (1) a Right of Use ("ROU" 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; and (2) a lease liability,
which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, each measured on a discounted basis. The
Company elected to not separate lease and non-lease components.
58
As a lessee, the majority of the operating lease portfolio consists of a real estate lease for one branch location and
leases for certain equipment. The operating leases have remaining lease terms of one year to eight years, and in some
instances include options to renew for periods up to four years. ROU assets and lease liabilities are not recognized for leases
with an initial term of 12 months or less. Operating lease expense represents fixed lease payments for operating leases
recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term (see Note 14, Leases, for more information).
Income Taxes
Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes currently payable or refundable and deferred income taxes on temporary
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date. Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be
taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, based upon the
technical merits of the position. Estimated interest and penalties, if applicable, related to uncertain tax positions are included
as a component of provision for income taxes. The Company has evaluated the positions taken on its tax returns filed and the
potential impact on its tax status as of December 31, 2023. The Company has concluded that no uncertain tax positions exist
at December 31, 2023.
Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any
necessary valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The process involves summarizing temporary
differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in
deferred tax assets and liabilities which are included within the consolidated balance sheets. The Company assesses the
likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes
recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. To the extent that the Company establishes or adjusts a valuation
allowance in a period, an expense or benefit is recorded within the tax provision in the consolidated statements of loss.
Comprehensive Loss
Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net loss.
Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, are
reported as a separate component of the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along
with net loss, are components of comprehensive loss. The Company also records changes in the fair value of interest rate
derivatives used in its cash flow hedging activities, net of deferred income tax, in comprehensive loss.
Loss Per Share
Basic loss per share represents loss allocable to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed in a manner similar to that of basic loss per
share since the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is not adjusted to include the number of incremental
common shares (computed using the treasury method) that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common
stock equivalents were issued during the period in periods where a net loss was recognized. Unallocated ESOP shares are not
deemed outstanding for loss per share calculations. Securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per common share
in the future (i.e., unvested restricted stock) were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share
because to do so would have been antidilutive for 2023 and 2022. All unvested stock based compensation awards exclude the
right to receive non-forfeitable dividends and are considered nonparticipating securities and exclude the right to participate
with common stock in undistributed earnings for purposes of computing loss per share.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. The
accounting for changes in the fair value of such derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting
designation. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other
comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects
earnings. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the
offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in interest income. Changes in the fair
value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.
The Company formally assesses the effectiveness of each hedging transaction at inception, and on an on- going basis.
When it is determined that the contract is no longer highly effective, the Company discontinues hedge accounting
prospectively. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the
balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.
59
When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest
income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value
and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow
hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that
were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged
transactions will affect earnings.
The Company is exposed to losses if a counterparty fails to make its payments under a contract in which the Company
is in the net receiving position. The Company anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations
under the agreements. All the contracts to which the Company is a party settle monthly or quarterly.
Risks and Uncertainties
Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within the New Hampshire and southern Maine
Seacoast region. The Company's commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of properties in its primary market
area, including retail spaces, distribution centers, office buildings, manufacturing and warehouse properties, convenience
stores and other local businesses, without any material concentrations in property type. The Company has limited exposure to
non-owner occupied office space. Multi-family real estate loans are secured by properties consisting of five or more rental
units in the Company's market area, including apartment buildings and student housing. Also, the Company’s exposure to the
transportation and hospitality/restaurant industries amounted to less than 5% of the gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2023
and 2022.
3.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
As an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Title 1 of Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, the Company
has elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or reissued accounting pronouncements applicable
to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. As a result, the Company’s
consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with
such new or revised accounting standards without an extended transition period. As of December 31, 2023, there was no
significant difference in the comparability of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a result of this extended
transition period. The Company’s status as an “emerging growth company” will end on the earlier of: (i) the last day of the
fiscal year of the Company during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion (as adjusted for inflation) or
more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year of the Company following the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the Company’s
initial public offering (which will be December 31, 2024 for the Company); (iii) the date on which the Company has, during
the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which the Company
is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally, at least $700
million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-2,“Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt
Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,” which eliminates the troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) accounting model for
creditors that have adopted Topic 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” All other creditors must continue to apply
the TDR accounting model until they adopt ASU 2016-13,“Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement
of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Due to the removal of the TDR accounting model, all loan modifications now
will be accounted for under the general loan modification guidance in Subtopic 310-20. In addition, on a prospective basis,
entities will be subject to new disclosure requirements covering modifications of receivables to borrowers experiencing
financial difficulty. Public business entities within the scope of the Topic 326 vintage disclosure requirements also will be
required to prospectively disclose current-period gross write-off information by vintage (that is, year of origination). This
ASU becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The
adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
60
In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments –
Credit Losses,” to increase stakeholder awareness of the improvements made to the various amendments to Topic 326 and to
clarify certain areas of guidance as companies transition to the new standard. Also during November 2019, the FASB issued
ASU 2019-10, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic
842): Effective Dates,” finalizing various effective date deferrals for private companies, not-for-profit organizations and
certain smaller reporting companies applying the credit losses (CECL), leases and hedging standards. The effective date for
ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments,” is deferred to years beginning after December 15, 2022. The effective dates for ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic
842)” was deferred to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04,“Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—
Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” to increase stakeholders’
awareness of the amendments and to expedite improvements to the Codification. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-
05,“Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 326.” This ASU addresses certain stakeholders’ concerns by providing an
option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost basis. For
those entities, the targeted transition relief will increase comparability of financial statement information by providing an
option to align measurement methodologies for similar financial assets. Furthermore, the targeted transition relief also may
reduce the costs for some entities to comply with the amendments in Update 2016-13 while still providing financial statement
users with decision-useful information. On October 16, 2019, the FASB approved a proposal to delay the implementation of
this standard for smaller reporting companies to years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. See
the next paragraph for further discussion regarding the implementation of this standard.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,“Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which creates a new credit impairment standard for financial assets measured at
amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. The ASU requires financial assets measured at amortized cost
(including loans and held-to-maturity debt securities) to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an
allowance for credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of the asset, rather than incurred losses. The
ASU requires that credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be presented as an allowance rather than as a direct write-
down. The measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets (other than certain purchased assets) and
subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded in the statement of loss as the amounts expected to be
collected change. The ASU was originally to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim
periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-
19,“Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” extending the implementation date by
one year for smaller reporting companies and clarifying that operating lease receivables are outside the scope of Accounting.
In November, 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which delayed the effective date for ASU 2016-13 for smaller reporting
companies, resulting in ASU 2016-13 becoming effective in the first quarter of 2023 for the Company. The ASU requires the
measurement of all expected credit losses for loans held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current
conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Accordingly, the ASU requires the use of forward-looking information
to form credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today are still permitted, though the inputs to
those techniques have changed to reflect the full lifetime amount of expected credit losses. The Company has selected a loss
estimation methodology which utilizes a third-party software application. The Company has recorded the effect of
implementing this ASU using a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment through retained
earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the ASU was effective, which was January 1, 2023. The
adoption of the new standard resulted in a decrease to its allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL”). This decrease,
though, was offset by an increase in the allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet ("OBS") commitments that are not
unconditionally cancelable. The decrease in ACL was due to a reduced emphasis on qualitative factors under the CECL
model as the underlying historical loss data of the selected peer group is much more robust with broader time horizons as
compared to the Company's actual historical loss data used under an incurred loss methodology. The adoption of this ASU
did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements (see below and Note 6, Loans, for more
information).
January 1, 2023 CECL Transition (Day 1) Impact
The CECL methodology reflects the Company's view of the state of the economy and forecasted macroeconomic
conditions and their impact on the Company's loan portfolio as of the adoption date.
61
The following table illustrates the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13:
As reported under ASC
326
January 1, 2023
Pre-ASC 326
Adoption
(Dollars in thousands)
Impact of ASC 326
Adoption
ASSETS
Allowance for credit losses on loans:
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Multifamily (MF)
Commercial and industrial (C+I)
Acquisition, development, and land (ADL)
1-4 family residential (RES)
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Consumer (CON)
Unallocated
Allowance for credit losses on loans
LIABILITIES
Allowance for credit losses on OBS credit exposures
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Retained earnings
$
$
$
$
788 $
55
273
120
1,847
88
114
1
3,286 $
308 $
942 $
54
184
138
2,048
81
100
34
3,581
18 $
36,253 $
36,248 $
(154)
1
89
(18)
(201)
7
14
(33)
(295)
290
5
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Yet To Be Adopted
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined
to be either not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to
Reportable Segment Disclosures," which provides updated guidance for segment reporting. The updated guidance requires
enhanced disclosures for significant expenses by reportable operating segment. Significant expense categories and amounts
are those regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and included in the measure of a segment’s
profit or loss. The updated guidance will also require the Company to disclose the title and position of its CODM, including
an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance
and deciding how to allocate resources. The Company plans to adopt this ASU for the annual reporting period beginning
January 1, 2024, and for interim periods beginning January 1, 2025. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax
Disclosures,” effective January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted, updating accounting guidance. The updated guidance
requires additional disclosure and disaggregated information in the income tax rate reconciliation using both percentages and
reporting currency amounts, with additional qualitative explanations of individually significant reconciling items. The
updated guidance also requires disclosure of the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by
jurisdictional categories (federal (national), state and foreign). The adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-1, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (Scope),” which clarifies certain
optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting applied to derivatives that
are affected by the discounting transition. This ASU was to become effective immediately for all entities on a full
retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 or
on a prospective basis to new modifications from any date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to the date
of the issuance of a final Update, up to the date that financial statements are available to be issued. The effective date was
extended by the issuance of ASU No. 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which defers the sunset date of Topic
848 from December 2022 to December 2024. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
62
4.
Interest Bearing Time Deposits with Other Banks
The Company’s $747,000 of time deposits outstanding at December 31, 2022 matured during 2023.
5.
Securities Available-for-Sale
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized
gains and losses, are as follows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
obligations
U.S. Government agency small business
administration
pools guaranteed by SBA
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by the
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated debt
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
obligations
U.S. Government agency small business
administration
pools guaranteed by SBA
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by the
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated debt
Amortized
Cost
December 31, 2023
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
$
1,668
$
— $
(270) $
1,398
16,410
2,958
41,186
57,192
500
10,074
129,988
$
$
36
—
653
1,087
—
3
1,779
$
(863)
15,583
(484)
(3,618)
(3,587)
(8)
(1,083)
(9,913) $
2,474
38,221
54,692
492
8,994
121,854
Amortized
Cost
December 31, 2022
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
$
2,191
$
— $
(365) $
1,826
9,475
6,922
26,390
69,373
500
5,550
120,401
$
$
—
8
—
172
—
—
180
$
(1,116)
8,359
(708)
(4,567)
(7,129)
(3)
(593)
(14,481) $
6,222
21,823
62,416
497
4,957
106,100
63
The amortized cost and fair values of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2023 by contractual maturity are
shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Total U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises obligations,
municipal bonds, corporate debt and corporate subordinated debt
U.S. Government agency small business pools guaranteed
by SBA(1)
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by the FHLMC,
FNMA, and GNMA(1)
Residential mortgage-backed securities(1)
Total
December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
$
1,767
500
10,917
56,250
69,434
16,410
1,764
492
9,530
53,790
65,576
15,583
2,958
41,186
129,988
$
2,474
38,221
121,854
$
$
(1) Actual maturities for these debt securities are dependent upon the interest rate environment and prepayments on the underlying loans.
Proceeds from sales, maturities, principal payments received and gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale
securities were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Proceeds from sales, maturities and principal payments
received on securities available-for-sale
Gross realized gains
Gross realized losses
Net realized losses
December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
$
$
40,863
—
(4,173)
(4,173) $
9,872
52
(799)
(747)
64
The following is a summary of gross unrealized losses and fair value for those investments with unrealized losses,
aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss
position, at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Number of
Securities
Less than 12 Months
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Number of
Securities
More than 12 Months
Fair
Value
(Dollars in thousands)
Unrealized
Losses
Total
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
December 31, 2023
U.S. Government
sponsored
enterprises obligations
— $
— $
—
3
$
1,398
$
(270) $
1,398
$
(270)
U.S. Government
agency small
business
administration pools
guaranteed by SBA
Collateralized mortgage
obligations issued by
the FHLMC, FNMA
and GNMA
Residential mortgage
backed securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated
debt
December 31, 2022
U.S. Government
sponsored
8
8,432
(75)
—
5
1
—
4
18
—
4,806
1,941
—
—
(53)
(10)
—
4,080
19,259
$
$
(82)
(220)
5
4
23
49
1
4
89
3,899
(788)
12,331
(863)
2,474
(484)
2,474
(484)
15,347
30,729
492
(3,565)
(3,577)
(8)
20,153
32,670
492
(3,618)
(3,587)
(8)
4,029
58,368
$
(1,001)
(9,693) $
8,109
77,627
$
(1,083)
(9,913)
$
enterprises obligations
1
$
453
$
(43)
3
$
1,373
$
(322) $
1,826
$
(365)
U.S. Government
agency small
business
administration pools
guaranteed by SBA
Collateralized mortgage
obligations issued by
the FHLMC, FNMA
and GNMA
Residential mortgage
backed securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated
debt
8
5
8
86
1
5,947
(602)
3,212
(209)
4,239
49,228
497
(503)
(5,900)
(3)
4
113
$
4,457
68,033
(593)
(7,853)
$
3
4
23
8
—
—
41
2,412
(514)
8,359
(1,116)
2,016
(499)
5,228
(708)
16,649
5,769
—
(4,064)
(1,229)
—
20,888
54,997
497
(4,567)
(7,129)
(3)
—
28,219
$
—
(6,628) $
4,457
96,252
(593)
(14,481)
$
$
Management evaluates securities available-for-sale in unrealized loss positions to determine whether the impairment is
due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Consideration is given to (1) the extent to which the fair value is less
than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to
retain its investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. At
December 31, 2023, the Company had 107 securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position without an allowance
for credit losses. Management does not have the intent to sell any of these securities and believes that it is more likely than
not that the Company will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The fair value is expected to recover
as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Accordingly,
as of December 31, 2023, management believes that the unrealized losses detailed in the previous table are due to noncredit-
related factors, including changes in market interest rates and other market conditions, and therefore the Company carried no
allowance for credit losses on securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2023. There was no accrued interest reversed
against interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale
securities totaled $1.1 million at December 31, 2023, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
65
At December 31, 2023, $74.1 million of securities available-for-sale were pledged as collateral for the Company's
Bank Term Funding Program and Borrower-In-Custody secured credit facilities (see Note 10 Borrowings for more
information). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no holdings of securities of any issuer, other than the SBA,
FHLMC, GNMA and FNMA, whose aggregate carrying value exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity.
6.
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The Company’s lending activities are primarily conducted in and around Dover, New Hampshire and in the areas
surrounding its branches. The Company originates commercial real estate loans, multifamily 5+ dwelling unit loans,
commercial and industrial loans, acquisition, development and land loans, one- to four-family residential loans, home equity
loans and lines of credit and consumer loans. Most loans originated by the Company are collateralized by real estate. The
ability and willingness of real estate, commercial and construction loan borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is
generally dependent on the health of the real estate sector in the borrowers’ geographic area and the general economy.
Loans consisted of the following at December 31:
2023
2022
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Multifamily (MF)
Commercial and industrial (C+I)
Acquisition, development, and land (ADL)
1-4 family residential (RES)
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Consumer (CON)
Total loans
Allowance for credit losses on loans
Total loans, net
$
$
$
(Dollars in thousands)
86,566
7,582
25,511
17,520
268,943
14,093
9,816
430,031
(3,390)
426,641
$
80,616
8,186
24,059
18,490
252,806
10,161
8,187
402,505
(3,581)
398,924
The Company elected to include deferred loan originations costs, net from and exclude accrued interest receivable from
the amortized cost basis of loans disclosed throughout this footnote. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, accrued interest
receivable for loans totaled $1.2 million and $989,000, respectively, and is included in the “accrued interest receivable” line
item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Changes in the ACL for the year ended December 31, 2023, under the CECL model, by portfolio segment, are
summarized as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2022, Prior to
Adoption of ASC 326
Impact of adopting ASC 326
Provision for credit losses on loans
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance, December 31, 2023
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
Unallocated
Total
$
$
942
(154)
42
—
—
830
$
$
54
1
21
—
—
76
$
$
184
89
(37)
—
—
236
$
$
138
(18)
(15)
—
—
105
$
$
2,048
(202)
(245)
—
—
1,601
$
$
81
7
68
—
—
156
$
$
100
14
244
(4)
3
357
$
$
34
(32)
27
—
—
29
$
$
3,581
(295)
105
(4)
3
3,390
Changes in the ALL for the year ended December 31, 2022, under the incurred loss model, by portfolio segment, are
summarized as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2021
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance at December 31, 2022
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
$
$
833
109
—
—
942
$
$
80
(26)
—
—
54
$
$
194
(14)
—
4
184
$
$
178
(40)
—
—
138
$
$
2,139
(91)
—
—
2,048
HELOC
63
$
18
—
—
81
$
$
$
CON
75
38
(14)
1
100
Unallocated
28
$
6
—
—
34
$
Total
3,590
—
(14)
5
3,581
$
$
As of December 31, 2022, information about loans and the ALL, by portfolio segment, are summarized below:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2022 Loan Balances
Individually evaluated for impairment
Collectively evaluated for impairment
Total
ALL related to the loans
Individually evaluated for impairment
Collectively evaluated for impairment
Total
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
Unallocated
Total
$ — $ — $ — $ — $
80,616
$ 80,616
8,186
$ 8,186
24,059
$ 24,059
18,490
$ 18,490
273
252,533
$ 252,806
$ — $
10,161
$ 10,161
5
8,182
$ 8,187
$
$
$ — $ — $ — $ — $
— $ — $ — $
942
942
$
$
54
54
$
184
184
$
66
138
138
$
2,048
2,048
$
81
81
$
100
100
$
— $
278
402,227
—
— $ 402,505
— $
34
34
$
—
3,581
3,581
The following is an aged analysis of past due loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2023:
(Dollars in thousands)
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
30-59 Days
$
60-89 Days
90 + Days
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Non-Accrual
Loans
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
—
131
—
—
131
$
— $
—
—
—
—
14
—
14
$
— $ 86,566
—
7,582
25,511
—
17,520
—
268,812
131
14,079
14
—
9,816
$ 429,886
145
$
$
86,566
7,582
25,511
17,520
268,943
14,093
9,816
430,031
$
$
—
—
—
—
127
14
—
141
The Company's collateral-dependent non-accrual RES and HELOC loans with one borrower had an amortized cost
basis of $141,000 at December 31, 2023 and was secured by real estate with an appraised value of $216,000. There was no
significant change in the extent to which the collateral secures the loan. Interest income recognized on non-accrual loans
during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $-0-. There were no loans past due over 90 days still accruing interest at
December 31, 2023. There were no loans collateralized by residential real estate property in the process of foreclosure at
December 31, 2023 and 2022.
There were no loans modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the year ended December 31,
2023. An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification, if
applicable. The ACL incorporates an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is recorded on each asset upon
origination. Because the effect of most modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty would already be
included in the ACL as a result of the measurement methodologies used to estimate the allowance, a change in the ACL is
generally not recorded upon modification. There were no loans modified and determined to be a troubled debt restructuring
during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The following is an aged analysis of past due loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
30-59 Days
$
60-89 Days
90 + Days
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Non-Accrual
Loans
— $
—
—
—
—
5
7
12
$
— $
—
—
—
84
—
—
84
$
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $ 80,616
—
8,186
24,059
—
18,490
—
252,722
84
10,156
5
7
8,180
$ 402,409
96
$
$
80,616
8,186
24,059
18,490
252,806
10,161
8,187
402,505
$
$
—
—
—
—
84
—
5
89
$
$
The following table provides information on impaired loans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded:
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
Total impaired loans
As of December 31, 2022
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Carrying
Value
Related
Allowance
At December 31, 2022
Interest
Average
Income
Recorded
Recognized
Investment
$
$
— $
—
—
—
273
—
5
278
$
— $
—
—
—
273
—
5
278
$
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
—
446
57
2
505
$
—
—
—
—
32
3
—
35
67
Credit Quality Information
The Company utilizes a ten-grade internal loan rating system for its commercial real estate, multifamily, commercial
and industrial and acquisition, development and land loans. Residential real estate, home equity loans and line of credit and
consumer loans are considered “pass” rated loans until they become delinquent. Once delinquent, loans can be rated an 8, 9
or 10 as applicable.
Loans rated 1 through 6: Loans in these categories are considered “pass” rated loans with low to average risk.
Loans rated 7: Loans in this category are considered “special mention.” These loans are starting to show signs of
potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.
Loans rated 8: Loans in this category are considered “substandard.” Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is
inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors and/or the collateral pledged. There is a
distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.
Loans rated 9: Loans in this category are considered “doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses
inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in
full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.
68
Loans rated 10: Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“loss”) and of such little value that their
continuance as loans is not warranted and should be charged off.
On an annual basis, or more often if needed, the Company formally reviews the ratings on all commercial and
industrial, commercial real estate, acquisition, development and land loans and multifamily loans. On a periodic basis, the
Company engages an independent third party to review a significant portion of loans within these segments and to assess the
credit risk management practices of its commercial lending department. Management uses the results of these reviews as part
of its annual review process and overall credit risk administration.
On a quarterly basis, the Company formally reviews the ratings on all residential real estate and home equity loans if
they have become delinquent. Criteria used to determine ratings consist of loan-to-value ratios and days delinquent.
Based upon the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by portfolio segment by vintage, reported
under the CECL methodology, was as follows as of December 31, 2023:
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Revolving
Loans
Amortized
Cost Basis
Revolving
Loans
Converted
to Term
Total
$
7,552
—
—
7,552
$ 10,849
—
—
10,849
$ 11,977
—
—
11,977
$
$
$
2,724
—
—
2,724
$ 18,713
239
—
18,952
$
32,244
—
—
32,244
— $ 86,327
239
—
—
—
86,566
—
2,268
—
—
2,268
1,081
—
—
1,081
2,875
—
—
2,875
—
—
—
—
145
—
—
145
6,580
—
—
6,580
4,048
—
—
4,048
5,157
—
—
5,157
4,151
2
—
4,153
1,507
—
—
1,507
—
—
—
—
1,537
—
—
1,537
1,454
—
—
1,454
852
—
—
852
1,917
—
—
1,917
—
—
—
—
43,517
—
—
43,517
64,226
—
—
64,226
50,675
—
—
50,675
20,021
—
—
20,021
70,844
—
127
70,971
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,745
—
—
5,745
10,511
—
—
10,511
19,533
—
—
19,533
—
—
—
—
2,902
—
—
2,902
$ 46,243
3,145
—
—
3,145
$ 68,284
1,966
—
—
1,966
$ 88,986
1,512
—
—
1,512
$ 58,411
215
—
—
215
$ 25,951
76
—
—
76
$ 92,768
$
69
347
—
—
347
2,704
—
—
2,704
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14,079
—
14
14,093
—
—
—
—
49,388
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,582
—
—
7,582
25,509
2
—
25,511
17,520
—
—
17,520
— 268,816
—
—
—
127
— 268,943
—
—
—
—
14,079
—
14
14,093
9,816
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,816
— $ 430,031
(Dollars in thousands)
CRE:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total CRE
MF:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total MF
C+I:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total C+I
ADL:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total ADL
RES:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total RES
HELOC:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total HELOC
CON:
Risk rating:
Pass
Special mention
Substandard
Total CON
Total
The following presents the internal risk rating of loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
CRE
MF
C+I
ADL
RES
HELOC
CON
Total
$
$
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard
Total
77,930
8,186
24,059
18,490
252,722
10,161
8,182
399,730
$
$
2,686
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,686
$
$
— $
—
—
—
84
—
5
89
$
80,616
8,186
24,059
18,490
252,806
10,161
8,187
402,505
Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and entities in which they have significant ownership interests
were customers of the Bank during 2023 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, activity in these loans
was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans outstanding – beginning of year
Principal payments
Advances
Loans outstanding – end of year
7.
Loan Servicing
December 31,
2023
2022
4,443
(552)
1,271
5,162
$
$
4,849
(576)
170
4,443
$
$
Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal
balances of such loans were $33.9 million and $36.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Substantially all
of these loans were originated by the Bank and sold to third parties on a non-recourse basis with servicing rights retained.
These retained servicing rights are recorded as a servicing asset and are initially recorded at fair value (see Note 20 Fair
Value of Assets and Liabilities for more information). Changes to the balance of mortgage servicing rights are recorded in
loan servicing fee income in the Company’s consolidated statements of loss.
The Company’s mortgage servicing activities include: collecting principal, interest and escrow payments from
borrowers; making tax and insurance payments on behalf of borrowers; monitoring delinquencies and executing foreclosure
proceedings; and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to investors. Loan servicing fee income,
including late and ancillary fees, was $77,000 and $126,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Servicing fee income is recorded in loan servicing fee income in the Company’s consolidated statements of loss. The
Company’s residential mortgage investor loan servicing portfolio is primarily comprised of fixed rate loans concentrated in
the Company’s market areas.
The following summarizes activity in mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year
Additions
Payoffs
Change in fair value due to change in assumptions
Balance, end of year
2023
2022
357
4
(7)
(15)
339
$
$
322
6
(28)
57
357
$
$
70
8.
Land, Buildings and Equipment
Land, buildings and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
Land
Buildings
Building … leasehold improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
9.
Deposits
Deposits consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
NOW and demand deposits
Money market deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits of $250,000 and greater
Time deposits less than $250,000
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
995
3,167
3,831
4,360
12,353
(8,281)
4,072
2023
163,316
85,364
64,823
17,107
74,188
404,798
$
$
$
$
995
3,167
3,831
4,529
12,522
(8,341)
4,181
2022
204,739
60,931
54,954
7,796
53,943
382,363
There were $23.6 million and $18.1 million of brokered time deposits which were bifurcated into amounts below the
FDIC insurance limit at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, there were $20.9 million and $-0- of
brokered deposits included in savings deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Reciprocal deposits were $1.1
million and $-0- at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Deposits from related parties totaled approximately $10.7 million and $7.1 million at of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively.
At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
10. Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)
$
$
Total
73,022
14,399
3,077
569
228
91,295
All borrowings from the FHLB are secured by a blanket security agreement on qualified collateral, principally
residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans, discounted by a certain percentage, in an aggregate amount
greater than or equal to outstanding advances. The Bank’s unused remaining available borrowing capacity at the FHLB was
$71.8 million and $36.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank
had sufficient collateral at the FHLB to support its obligations and was in compliance with the FHLB’s collateral pledging
program.
71
A summary of borrowings from the FHLB are as follows:
Principal Amounts
Principal Amounts
21,139
520
50,000
718
200
430
73,007
96,729
800
520
718
200
430
99,397
$
$
$
$
December 31, 2023
Maturity Dates
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2025
2026
2028
2030
2031
December 31, 2022
Maturity Dates
(Dollars in thousands)
2023
2024
2025
2028
2030
2031
Interest Rates
0.00% to 5.53% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
4.38% to 4.48% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
Interest Rates
0.44% to 4.38% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
0.00% – fixed
Included in the above borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2023 is a $25.0 million long-term advance, with an
interest rate of 4.48%, which is callable by the FHLB on May 2, 2024 and quarterly thereafter, and a $25.0 million long-term
advance, with an interest rate of 4.38%, which is callable by the FHLB on December 8, 2025 and quarterly thereafter. As of
December 31, 2023 and 2022 borrowings from the FHLB also include $2.7 million of advances through the FHLB’s Jobs for
New England program where certain qualifying small business loans that create or preserve jobs, expand woman-, minority-
or veteran-owned businesses, or otherwise stimulate the economy in New England communities are offered at an interest rate
of 0%.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank had an overnight line of credit with the FHLB that may be drawn up to $3.0
million. Additionally, the Bank had a total of $5.0 million of unsecured Fed Funds borrowing lines of credit with two
correspondent banks. The entire balance of all these credit facilities was available at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (“FRB”)
The Bank has established two secured credit facilities with the FRB – Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) and
Borrower-In-Custody of Collateral Program (“BIC”). As of December 31, 2023, a $20.0 million BTFP advance is
outstanding and collateralized by eligible collateral consisting primarily of government-sponsored enterprise obligations,
mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by various U.S. Government agencies, owned as
of March 12, 2023. The advance matures on December 13, 2024 at a fixed annual rate of 4.89%. The interest rate for term
advances under the BTFP are based upon the one-year overnight index swap rate plus 10 basis points and fixed for the term
of the advance – up to one year - on the day the advance is made. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s remaining borrowing
capacity is $3.5 million under the BTFP. Advances under the BIC would be collateralized by eligible collateral - principally
general obligation municipal bonds. The entire $50.6 million borrowing capacity of the BIC was available at December 31,
2023.
11.
Income Taxes
The current and deferred components of income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Current
Deferred
Federal
December 31, 2023
State
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Federal
December 31, 2022
State
Total
$
$
— $
3,382
3,382
$
83
479
562
$
$
83
3,861
3,944
$
$
(59) $
(369)
(428) $
$
109
(132)
(23) $
50
(501)
(451)
72
Total income tax expense (benefit) is different from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax
rates in effect to loss before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022:
Computed “expected” tax benefit
State tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax expense
(benefit)
BOLI income
Valuation allowance
Income on tax exempt securities
Other
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Amount
% of
Pretax
Loss
Amount
% of
Pretax
Loss
$
(1,410)
(21.0)% $
(Dollars in thousands)
(471)
(21)
6,050
(242)
38
3,944
$
(7.0)
(0.3)
90.1
(3.6)
0.6
58.8% $
(213)
(18)
(21)
62
(252)
(8)
(451)
(21.0)%
(1.8)
(2.1)
6.1
(24.8)
(0.8)
(44.4)%
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
$
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for credit losses
Deferred compensation liabilities
Contribution carryforward
State tax credit carryforward
Depreciation
Securities available-for-sale
Net operating loss carryforward
Other
Subtotal
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Interest rate swaps
Prepaid expenses
Net deferred loan costs
Mortgage servicing rights
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets, included in other (liabilities) assets
$
December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
1,021
558
176
223
50
2,190
2,566
112
6,896
(6,226)
670
—
(37)
(709)
(91)
(837)
(167) $
977
494
171
62
16
3,873
707
48
6,348
(171)
6,177
(260)
(43)
(661)
(96)
(1,060)
5,117
The calculation of the Company’s charitable contribution carryforward deferred tax asset is based upon a carryforward
of approximately $654,000 and $633,000 of charitable contributions at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of
December 31, 2023 and 2022, it has been determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit from this charitable
contribution carryforward will not be realized prior to expiration. As a result, a valuation allowance of $176,000 and
$171,000 has been provided on this deferred tax asset for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The
ultimate realization of this deferred tax asset is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. The Internal
Revenue Federal Tax Code (the “Code”) limits the charitable contribution deduction in any one year to 10% of taxable
income, computed without regard to charitable contributions, certain special deductions, net operating loss carry backs and
capital loss carry backs. However, the Code allows a corporation to carry forward the excess charitable contributions to each
of the five immediately succeeding years, subject to a 10% limitation in each of those years. Thus, the Company would have
six years in which to utilize the December 31, 2019 charitable contribution carryforward. The valuation allowance for this net
deferred tax asset may be adjusted in the future if estimates of taxable income during the carryforward period are increased.
73
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a Federal and New Hampshire net operating loss carryforward of $9.8
million and $8.4 million, respectively. The Federal net operating loss carryforward can be carried forward indefinitely but is
limited to 80% of each subsequent year’s taxable income. The New Hampshire net operating loss carryforward expires in
2032 and 2033 and is also limited to 80% of each subsequent year’s taxable income. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023,
the Company has a New Hampshire Business Enterprise Tax credit carry forward of $223,000 that expires in 2029 through
2033. As of December 31, 2023, it has been determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit from these net operating
loss and state tax credit carryforwards will not be realized. As a result, a valuation allowance of $2.1 million for the Federal
net operating loss carryforward, $501,000 for the New Hampshire net operating loss carryforward and $223,000 for the New
Hampshire Business Enterprise Tax credit carry forward has been provided on these deferred tax assets for the year ended
December 31, 2023. All other deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 have also been reduced by a valuation allowance
of $3.3 million because management believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit of these deferred tax assets will
not be realized. The ultimate realization of these deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable
income. The valuation allowance for these net deferred tax assets may be adjusted in the future if estimates of taxable income
during the carryforward period are increased.
The tax reserve for credit losses at the Company’s base year amounted to approximately $2.3 million. If any portion of
the reserve is used for purposes other than to absorb credit losses, approximately 150% of the amount actually used (limited
to the amount of the reserve) would be subject to taxation in the year in which used. As the Company intends to use the
reserve to only absorb credit losses, a deferred tax liability of approximately $620,000 has not been provided.
The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023 or 2022 which require accrual or
disclosure. The Company records interest and penalties as part of income tax expense. No interest or penalties were recorded
for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Company’s income tax returns are subject to review and examination by federal and state taxing authorities. The
Company is currently open to audit under the applicable statutes of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years
ended December 31, 2020 through 2023. The years open to examination by state taxing authorities vary by jurisdiction; no
years prior to 2020 are open.
12. Employee Benefits
401(k) Plan
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company sponsored a 401(k) defined contribution plan for
substantially all employees pursuant to which employees of the Company could elect to make contributions to the plan
subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. The Company also makes matching and profit-sharing contributions to eligible
participants in accordance with plan provisions. The Company’s contributions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022 was $209,000 and $202,000, respectively.
Pension Plan
The Company participated in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (The Pentegra DB Plan), a
tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes
and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code.
There were no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. The Pentegra DB
Plan is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413 (c) and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the
liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra DB Plan, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide
benefits to participants of other participating employers.
The Company enacted a “hard freeze” for the Pentegra DB Plan as of December 31, 2018, eliminating all future
service-related accruals for participants. Prior to this enactment the Company maintained a “soft freeze” status that continued
service-related accruals for its active participants with no new participants permitted into the Pentegra DB Plan. On May 26,
2022, the board of directors approved a resolution authorizing the Company to give notice of its intent to withdraw from the
Pentegra DB Plan as of September 30, 2022. On September 30, 2022, the Company proceeded with its notification to
withdraw from the Pentegra DB Plan as of September 30, 2022. As a result, a contribution amount that achieved a funded
status of 100% - market value of plan assets equal to the final withdrawal liability - was due. The final withdrawal liability
amounted to $1.5 million of which $200,000 was paid prior to December 31, 2022 and $1.3 million of pension expense was
accrued at December 31, 2022 and subsequently paid in January 2023. A final settlement credit was received in June 2023.
Total pension plan (credit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $(14,000) and $1.5 million,
respectively, and is included in salaries and employee benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of loss.
74
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
Salary Continuation Plan
The Company maintains a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan for its current President and former President.
The plan provides supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over a period of years upon retirement or death.
The recorded liability at December 31, 2023 and 2022 relating to this supplemental retirement plan was $735,000 and
$660,000, respectively. The discount rate used to determine the Company’s obligation was 5.00% during the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022. The projected rate of salary increase for its current President was 3% for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the expense of this salary retirement plan
was $131,000 and $82,000, respectively.
Directors’ Deferred Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Company has a supplemental retirement plan for eligible directors that provides for monthly benefits based upon
years of service to the Company, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the agreements. The present value of these future
payments is being accrued over the estimated period of service. The estimated liability at December 31, 2023 and 2022
relating to this plan was $581,000 and $537,000, respectively. The discount rate used to determine the Company’s obligation
was 6.25% during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the
expense of the supplemental retirement plan was $75,000.
The Company enacted a “hard freeze” for this supplemental retirement plan as of January 1, 2022. On February 10,
2022, the Bank and the non-employee members of the board of directors of the Bank entered into amendments to the
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreements (the “Agreements”) previously entered into by the Bank and the directors.
The amendments eliminate the formula for determining the normal annual retirement benefit (previously “70% of Final Base
Fee”) and replaces it with a fixed annual benefit of $20,000. The amendments also eliminate the formula for determining the
benefit payable on a change in control (previously tied to the normal annual retirement formula with certain imputed
increases in the Base Fee) and replacing it with a fixed amount equal to the present value of $200,000. The effect of the
amendments is to eliminate the variable and increasing costs associated with the Agreements. Instead, since the normal
annual retirement benefit will be a fixed amount, the future costs associated with the Agreements is now more predictable. It
is the intention of the Company that no new directors of the Company would enter into similar agreements.
Additionally, the Company has a deferred directors’ fee plan which allows members of the board of directors to defer
the receipt of fees that otherwise would be paid to them in cash. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total deferred directors’
fees amounted to $718,000 and $553,000, respectively.
13.
Stock Based Compensation
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The Company maintains the First Seacoast Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) to provide eligible
employees of the Company the opportunity to own Company stock. The ESOP is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the
benefit of Company employees. Contributions are allocated to eligible participants on the basis of compensation, subject to
federal limits. The Company uses the principal and interest method to determine the release of shares amount. The number of
shares committed to be released per year through 2047 is 15,354.
The ESOP funded its purchase of 423,715 shares through a loan from the Company equal to 100% of the aggregate
purchase price of the common stock. The ESOP trustee is repaying the loan principally through the Bank’s contributions to
the ESOP over the remaining loan term that matures on December 31, 2047. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the remaining
principal balance on the ESOP debt was $4.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
Under applicable accounting requirements, the Company records compensation expense for the ESOP equal to fair
market value of shares when they are committed to be released from the suspense account to participants’ accounts under the
plan. Total compensation expense recognized in connection with the ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,
was $126,000 and $124,000, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, total unearned compensation for the ESOP was
$4.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
75
Shares held by the ESOP include the following:
Allocated
Committed to be allocated
Unallocated
Total
(1) Adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
December 31,
2023
2022 (1)
39,864
15,354
368,497
423,715
29,898
9,966
159,451
199,315
The fair value of unallocated shares was approximately $2.8 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively.
Equity Incentive Plan
Effective May 27, 2021, the Company adopted the First Seacoast Bancorp 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021
Plan”). The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of incentive and non-statutory stock options to purchase shares of common
stock and the granting of shares of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units.
The 2021 Plan authorizes the issuance or delivery to participants of up to 348,801 shares of common stock (adjusted
for the second step conversion transaction). Of this number, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be
issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options is 249,144 shares (adjusted for the second step conversion transaction), and
the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued as restricted stock awards or restricted stock units is
99,657 shares (adjusted for the second step conversion transaction). The exercise price of stock options may not be less than
the fair market value on the date the stock option is granted. Further, stock options may not be granted with a term that is
longer than 10 years.
On May 25, 2023, 249,144 incentive and non-statutory stock options to purchase shares of common stock were granted
to directors for their services on the board of directors and certain members of management. As of December 31, 2022, no
stock options had been granted. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of each option using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires management to make assumptions with
respect to the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the common stock consistent with the expected life of the
option, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the common stock. Since it was determined that the Company
lacked sufficient historical closing stock prices, the expected volatility assumption was based upon a combination of actual
historical volatility combined with the historical volatility developed for comparable companies. Also, since the Company
lacked the appropriate historical data, the expected term of the option was calculated using the simplified method. Forfeitures
are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ
from those estimates. The estimated grant date fair value of each option is expensed as employee benefits expense ratably
over the vesting period. The expense recognized for this equity incentive plan was $150,000 and $-0-, for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which provided a tax benefit of $40,000 and $-0-, respectively. At December 31,
2023, total unrecognized compensation expense for this equity incentive plan was $598,000 with a 2.4 year weighted average
future recognition period.
A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and changes during the year ended December 31,
2023 is presented below:
Stock options:
Balance at beginning of year
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance at end of year
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
— $
249,144
—
—
249,144
$
—
8.06
—
—
8.06
76
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In Thousands)
—
—
—
—
—
— $
9.4
—
—
9.4
$
Date of grant
Options granted
Exercise price
Vesting period(1)
Expiration date
Expected volatility
Expected term
Expected dividend yield
Expected forfeiture rate
Risk free interest rate
Fair value per option
(1) Vesting is ratably and the period begins on the date of the grant.
5/25/2023
249,144
8.06
3 years
5/25/2033
27.8%
6.5 years
0%
0%
3.9%
3.00
$
$
On June 1, 2023, 2,478 restricted stock awards were granted to a certain member of management at $7.99 per share.
The total fair value related to the June 1, 2023 grant was $20,000. These restricted stock awards time-vest 50% as of
November 18, 2023 and 50% as of November 18, 2024 and have been fair valued as of the date of grant. On November 18,
2021, 98,850 restricted stock awards (adjusted for the second step conversion transaction) were granted to directors for their
services on the board of directors and certain members of management at $11.95 per share (adjusted for the second step
conversion transaction). The total fair value related to the grant was $1.2 million. These restricted stock awards time-vest
over a three year period and have been fair valued as of the date of grant. The holders of restricted stock awards participate
fully in the rewards of stock ownership of the Company, including voting rights when granted and dividend rights when
vested.
A summary of non-vested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and changes during the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented below:
Restricted stock:
Non-vested at beginning of year(1)
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Non-vested at end of year
Restricted stock:
Non-vested at beginning of year
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Non-vested at end of year
(1) Adjusted for conversion of the former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC.
December 31, 2023
Number of Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Value
64,785
2,478
(33,634)
—
33,629
$
$
11.95
7.99
11.80
—
11.80
December 31, 2022(1)
Number of Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Value
98,850
—
(32,393)
(1,672)
64,785
$
$
11.95
—
11.95
11.95
11.95
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the expense recognized for this equity incentive plan was $399,000
and $387,000, respectively, which provided a tax benefit of $108,000 and $105,000, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and
2022, total unrecognized compensation expense for this equity incentive plan was $350,000 and $729,000, respectively, with
a 0.9 year and 1.9 year weighted average future recognition period, respectively.
77
14. Leases
The Company is obligated under various lease agreements for one of its branch offices and certain equipment. These
agreements are accounted for as operating leases and their terms expire between 2024 and 2031 and, in some instances,
contain options to renew for periods up to four years. The Company has no financing leases.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 –Leases (Topic 842)– effective January 1, 2022 and began recognizing its
operating leases on its consolidated balance sheet by recording a net lease liability, representing the Company’s legal
obligation to make these lease payments, and a ROU asset, representing the Company’s legal right to use the leased assets.
The Company, by policy, does not include renewal options for leases as part of its ROU asset and lease liabilities unless they
are deemed reasonably certain to exercise. The Company does not have any sub-lease agreements.
The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s right-of-use asset and net lease liability:
Right-of-use asset
Net lease liability
Right-of-use asset
Net lease liability
Operating Leases
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet Location
$
$
Operating Leases
587
587
202
202
Other Assets
Other Liabilities
December 31, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance Sheet Location
Other Assets
Other Liabilities
The Company determines whether a contract contains a lease based on whether a contract, or a part of a contract,
conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The discount rate
is either implicit in the lease or, when such a rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is
used. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized
basis over a similar term.
During 2023, the Company completed a conversion of all of its branch ATMs from owned equipment to leased
equipment and recognized a $2,000 loss on the disposition of all ATM-related equipment. The Company's obligation under
the operating lease related to these ATMs expires in August 2030 and has future lease payments of $509,000 as of December
31, 2023. Total lease expense was $26,000 and $-0- for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company's obligation under the operating lease related to one of its branches expires in August 2027 and has
future lease payments of $151,000 as of December 31, 2023. Total lease expense was $37,000 and $33,000 for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This lease agreement contains clauses calling for escalation of minimum
lease payments contingent on increases in LIBOR, or a similar replacement index, and the consumer price index.
The components of operating lease cost and other related information are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Variable lease cost (cost excluded from lease payments)
Sublease income
Total operating lease cost
Other Information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities -
operating cash flows from operating leases
Operating lease - operating cash flows (liability reduction)
Weighted average lease term remaining (in years)
Weighted average discount rate
$
$
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
$
63
—
—
—
63
63
— $
5.85
4.79%
54
—
—
—
54
54
—
4.37
3.29%
78
The total minimum lease payments due in future periods for lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2023 were as
follows:
As of December 31, 2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Total minimum lease payments
Less: interest
Total lease liability
Future Minimum Lease Payments
(Dollars in thousands)
126
122
120
307
675
(88)
587
$
15. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company reports certain items as “other comprehensive income (loss)" and reflects total accumulated other
comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) in the consolidated financial statements for all years containing elements of other
comprehensive income or loss. The following table presents a reconciliation of the changes in the components of other
comprehensive income or loss for the dates indicated, including the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to
each component of other comprehensive income or loss:
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
Reclassification Adjustment
Losses on sale of securities available-for-sale $
Tax effect
Net amortization of bond premiums
Tax effect
Gain on termination of interest rate swaps
Tax effect
Net interest expense on swaps
Tax effect
Total reclassification adjustments
$
4,173
(1,123)
3,050
904
(243)
661
(849)
230
(619)
—
—
—
3,092
Affected Line Item
in Statements of Loss
747 Securities losses, net
(202)
545 Net loss
Income tax expense (benefit)
Interest on debt securities
Income tax expense (benefit)
1,009
(274)
735 Net loss
Gain on termination of interest rate
swaps
—
— Income tax expense (benefit)
— Net loss
Interest expense on borrowings
Income tax expense (benefit)
(115)
31
(84) Net loss
$
1,196
The following tables present the changes in each component of AOCI for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2021
Other comprehensive (loss) income before
reclassification
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Other comprehensive (loss) income(1)
Balance at December 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2022
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassification
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Other comprehensive income (loss)(1)
Balance at December 31, 2023
Net Unrealized (Losses)
Gains on AFS
Securities(1)
Net Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on Cash Flow
Hedges(1)
AOCI(1)
$
$
$
$
575
$
146
$
721
(12,283)
1,280
(11,003)
(10,428) $
(10,428) $
773
3,711
4,484
(5,944) $
$
$
639
(84)
555
701
701
(82)
(619)
(701)
— $
(11,644)
1,196
(10,448)
(9,727)
(9,727)
691
3,092
3,783
(5,944)
(1) All amounts are net of income tax including a deferred tax valuation allowance equal to the net tax benefit.
79
16. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures
The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the
financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to originate loans, unadvanced funds on
loans and standby letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the
amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of
involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument
for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The
Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet
instruments.
Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition
established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require
payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a
case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on
management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but generally includes secured interests in mortgages.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee performance by a customer to a
third-party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan
facilities to customers.
Notional amounts of financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk are approximately as follows as of
December 31:
Unadvanced portions of loans
Commitments to originate loans
Standby letters of credit
$
2023
2022
$
46,175
34,074
125
44,929
16,134
302
The Company records an ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures that are not unconditionally cancelable through a
charge to the provision for credit losses on the Company’s consolidated statements of loss. At December 31, 2023 and 2022,
the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures totaled $391,000 and $18,000, respectively, and was included in other
liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet credit
exposures for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $83,000 and $-0-, respectively.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to various legal proceedings. Management, after
consultation with legal counsel, believes that the liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings will not be material to the
consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statements of loss.
80
17. Regulatory Matters
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts
and ratios (set forth in the table below). As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notification from the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency categorized the Bank, as well capitalized under the regulatory framework, for prompt corrective
action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum capital amounts and ratios as set forth in the
following tables. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s
category. Management believes that, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to
which it was subject, including the capital conservation buffer, at those dates.
The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 for the Bank under
the Basel Committee on Banking Supervisions capital guidelines for U.S. banks (“Basel III Capital Rules”) as fully phased-in
on January 1, 2019. 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
Capital
Requirement
Minimum
Capital Required to
be Well
Capitalized
Actual
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Minimum Capital
Required For
Capital
Adequacy Plus
Capital
Conservation Buffer
Fully Phased-In
Ratio
Amount
$ 55,701
51,878
51,878
51,878
$ 52,475
48,821
48,821
48,821
15.32% $ 29,090
21,818
14.27
22,592
9.19
16,363
14.27
15.53% $ 27,028
20,271
14.45
21,224
9.20
15,203
14.45
8.00% $ 36,363
29,090
6.00
28,240
4.00
23,636
4.50
8.00% $ 33,785
27,028
6.00
26,530
4.00
21,960
4.50
10.00% $ 38,181
30,908
8.00
22,592
5.00
25,454
6.50
10.00% $ 35,474
28,717
8.00
21,224
5.00
23,649
6.50
10.50%
8.50
4.00
7.00
10.50%
8.50
4.00
7.00
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31, 2023
Total Capital (to risk- weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to risk- weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
As of December 31, 2022
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
18. Treasury Stock
Common Stock Repurchases
On September 23, 2020, the board of directors of First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation) authorized the
repurchase of up to 114,403 shares of First Seacoast Bancorp's (a federal corporation) outstanding common stock (adjusted
for the second step conversion transaction), which equals approximately 2.2% of all shares then outstanding and
approximately 5.0% of the then outstanding shares owned by stockholders other than First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC. The
Company holds repurchased shares in its treasury. As of December 31, 2022, First Seacoast Bancorp (a federal corporation)
had repurchased all 114,403 shares authorized (adjusted for the second step conversion transaction).
Equity Incentive Plan
A certain member of management elected to surrender 549 and 496 (adjusted for the second step conversion
transaction) shares of a vested restricted stock award on November 18, 2023 and 2022, respectively, in lieu of a cash payment
for the tax liabilities associated with the time-vesting of their award. The Company holds these shares in its treasury. As of
December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company held a total of 115,448 and 114,899 (adjusted for the second step conversion
transaction) shares in its treasury, respectively.
19. Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The
Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its
core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by
managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.
Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities
that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by
interest rates. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value in other assets or other liabilities and are not
reported on a net basis.
81
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to
manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company primarily uses interest rate
swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the
receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed rate payments or the receipt of
fixed rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable rate payments over the life of the
agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
The Company entered into two $5 million notional interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges on 90-
day advances from FHLB. The purpose of these cash flow hedges was to reduce potential interest rate risk by swapping a
variable rate borrowing to a fixed rate. Management deemed it prudent to limit the variability of these interest payments by
entering into these interest rate swap agreements. These agreements provided for the Company to receive payments at a
variable rate determined by a specific index (three-month LIBOR) in exchange for making payments at a fixed rate.
Publication of LIBOR is expected to cease in December of 2024. The swap agreements allowed for substitution of an
alternative reference rate such as the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) at that time.
On January 17, 2023, the Company terminated both of its interest rate swap derivative instruments at a gain of
$849,000. The Company recognized the change in fair value of these hedging instruments, previously accumulated in AOCI,
as a gain on termination of interest rate swaps in its consolidated statement of loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 as it
was determined that it was probable that the hedged forecasted transaction - the variability in cash flows related to 90-day
advances from the FHLB - would not occur by the end of the original maturity dates of the hedging instruments. The use of
derivatives for debt hedging as part of the Company's overall interest rate risk management strategy has been infrequent as
the Company has utilized other interest rate risk management activities to achieve similar business purposes. Also, $536,000
of cash posted to the counterparty as collateral on these interest rate swaps contracts was returned to the Company. The
changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps were reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and were subsequently
reclassified into interest expense or income in the period that the hedged transactions affected earnings. The change in fair
value for these derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, was $(112,000) and $761,000 for the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of interest rate swap
derivatives resulted in an asset of $961,000 and is recorded in other assets.
The following table summarizes the Company's cash flow hedges associated with its interest rate risk management
activities:
(Dollars in thousands)
Debt Hedging
Hedging Instruments:
Interest Rate Swap 2020
Interest Rate Swap 2021
Total Hedging Instruments
Hedged Items:
Variability in cash flows
related to 90-day FHLB
advances
Start Date
Maturity
Date
Rate
December 31, 2022
Other
Assets
Other
Liabilities
Notional
4/13/2020 4/13/2025
4/13/2021 4/13/2026
0.68% $ 5,000 $
0.74% $ 5,000 $
$10,000 $
431 $ —
530 $ —
961 $ —
N/A
$ — $ 10,000
The following table summarizes the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the consolidated statements of loss for the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(Dollars in thousands)
The effect of cash flow hedge accounting:
Location and Amount of Loss Recognized in
Consolidated Statements of Loss
2023
2022
Interest
Income
(Expense)
Other
Income
(Expense)
Interest
Income
(Expense)
Other
Income
(Expense)
Amount reclassified from AOCI into expense
$
— $
— $
115
$
—
82
Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
During 2023, the Company entered into interest rate contracts that were designated as fair value hedges utilizing a pay
fixed interest rate swap to hedge portions of the residential mortgage loan portfolio's change in fair value attributable to the
movement in the one-month SOFR. Additionally, the Company entered into an interest rate contract that was designated as
fair value hedge utilizing a pay fixed interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the securities available-for-sale municipal bond
portfolio's change in fair value attributable to the movement in the one-month SOFR. The Company is exposed to changes in
the fair value of certain pools of fixed-rate assets due to changes in benchmark interest rates. The Company uses interest rate
swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in the designated
benchmark interest rate. The Company's interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the payment of fixed-rate
amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Company receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the agreement
without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. The hedging strategy effectively converts these fixed-rate assets to
SOFR floating rate assets for the term of the swap starting on the effective date.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the
offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in interest income.
As of December 31, 2023, the following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet related to cumulative basis
adjustment for fair value hedges:
Location in Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Total loans
Total
Carrying Amount of Hedged
Assets/(Liabilities)
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value
Hedging Adjustment Included in the
Carrying Amount of the Hedged
Assets/(Liabilities)
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
$
10,126
50,632
60,758
$
$
— $
—
— $
126
632
758
$
$
—
—
—
The carrying amount of the hedged asset located in “total loans” includes the amortized cost basis of closed portfolios
of fixed-rate residential loans used to designate hedging relationships in which the hedged items are the stated amount of
assets anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedged period. At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of the
closed portfolios of fixed-rate residential loans used in the hedging relationship was approximately $62.2 million; the
cumulative basis adjustments associated with this hedging relationship was $632,000; and the notional amount of the
designated hedged item was $50.0 million. Under the "portfolio layer" approach, the Company designated a $50.0 million
notional amount of portfolio assets that are not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults and other factors affecting
the timing and amount of cash flows of the designated hedged layer.
The carrying amount of the hedged asset located in “securities available-for-sale, at fair value” includes the principal
amount of municipal bonds used to designate hedging relationships in which the hedged items are the stated amount of assets
anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedged period. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the principal amount
of municipal bonds used in this hedging relationship was approximately $19.3 million; the cumulative basis adjustments
associated with these hedging relationships was $126,000; and the notional amount of the designated hedged items were
$10.0 million. Under the "portfolio layer" approach, the Company designated a $10.0 million notional amount of portfolio
assets that are not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults and other factors affecting the timing and amount of cash
flows of the designated hedged layer.
The notional amounts of these agreements do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a
measure of potential loss exposure. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s fair value hedges had a remaining maturity of
2.73 years, an average pay fixed rate of 4.29% and an average received rate of 5.32%. The Company had no fair value hedges
at December 31, 2022.
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Customer Loan Swaps
Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain
commercial banking customers. On May 19, 2023, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a commercial loan
borrower. The Company executes interest rate swaps with customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.
The interest rate swap contract with the commercial loan borrower allows them to convert floating-rate loan payments based
on SOFR to fixed-rate loan payments. This interest rate swap is simultaneously hedged by an offsetting derivative that the
Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such
transactions. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet hedge accounting requirements,
changes in the fair value of both the customer derivative and the offsetting derivative are recognized directly in earnings.
83
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their
classification on the consolidated balance sheet:
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
Notional
Amount
Location
Fair Value
Notional
Amount
Location
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts - fair value hedge
Total derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:
Customer loan swaps
Total derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments
December 31, 2022
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts - cash flow hedge
Total derivatives designated as
hedging instruments
$
60,000 Other assets $
— $
—
$
—
$
4,766 Other assets $
90
$
4,766
$
90
$
10,000 Other assets $
961
$
—
$
961
Other
liabilities
Other
liabilities
Other
liabilities
$
$
$
$
$
$
758
758
90
90
—
—
The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments that are not designated as
hedging instruments on the consolidated statements of loss for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Amount of Gain Recognized in Income
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Customer loan swaps
Location of Gain
Interest and fees on loans
$
83
$
—
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
By entering into derivative transactions, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent that counterparties to the
derivative contracts do not perform as required. Should a counterparty fail to perform under the terms of a derivative contract,
the Company’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the net positive fair value and accrued interest of all swaps
with each counterparty. The Company seeks to minimize counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, and other
monitoring procedures. Institutional counterparties must have an investment grade credit rating and be approved by the
Company’s board of directors. As such, management believes the risk of incurring credit losses on derivative contracts with
institutional counterparties is remote. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company posted $1.6 million and $535,000,
respectively, of cash to the counterparties as collateral on its interest rate swap contracts and customer loan swaps, which was
presented within cash and due from banks on the consolidated balance sheets.
Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master
netting arrangements or similar agreements. The Company’s derivative transactions with institutional counterparties are
generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements which include “right
of set-off” provisions. In such cases there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and there may
be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. Generally, the Company does not offset such financial instruments for
financial reporting purposes.
84
The following tables present the information about derivative positions that are eligible for offset in the consolidated
balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
—
—
—
—
90
90
426
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
Gross
Amounts
Offset
Net Amounts
Recognized
Gross Amounts Not Offset
Financial
Instruments
Pledged
(Received)
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
(Received) (1)
Net Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Derivative Assets:
Interest rate contracts(2)
Customer loan swaps - dealer
bank(3)
Total
Derivative Liabilities:
Interest rate contracts(2)
Customer loan swaps - commercial
customer(3)
Total
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
90
90
$
—
— $
90
90
$
—
— $
90
90
$
758
$
— $
758
$
— $
758
$
90
848
$
—
— $
90
848
$
—
— $
—
758
$
December 31, 2022
Derivative Assets:
535
$
Interest rate contracts(2)
(1) The amount presented was the lesser of the amount pledged (received) or the net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
settles collateral on a net basis for all contracts.
(3) The Company manages its net exposure on its commercial customer loan swaps by obtaining collateral as part of the normal loan policy and
underwriting practices. The Company does not post collateral to its commercial customers as part of its contract.
Interest rate swap contracts were completed with the same dealer bank. The Company maintains a master netting arrangement with the counterparty and
— $
— $
961
961
$
$
$
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements.
20. Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
Determination of Fair Value
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses prices and inputs that are
current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the
observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be
reclassified from one level to another. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many
instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various assets and liabilities. In cases where quoted market
prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value of cash flows or other valuation techniques.
Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash
flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
The Company groups its assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the
assets and liabilities are traded, and the observability and reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.
Level 1 – Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the
reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 – Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 – Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
For assets and liabilities, fair value is based upon the lowest level of observable input that is significant to the fair value
measurement.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not
available, fair value is based upon models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. The Company’s
valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective
of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent
85
with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain
financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair
value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and, therefore, estimates of fair value
after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented therein. A more detailed description of the
valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value is set forth below. A description of the valuation
methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant
to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company’s financial
assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring
basis include the following:
Securities Available-for-Sale: The Company’s investment in U.S. Government-sponsored entities bonds, U.S
Government agency small business administration pools guaranteed by the SBA, collateralized mortgage obligations issued
by the FHLMC, FNMA, and GNMA residential mortgage-backed securities, other municipal bonds, corporate debt and
corporate subordinated debt is generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For these securities, the
Company obtains fair value measurements from independent pricing services or uses fair value measurements considering
observable market data. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include reported trades, dealer
quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. treasury yield curve, trading levels, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit
information and the instrument’s terms and conditions.
Mortgage Servicing Rights: Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated
future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes interest rate, prepayment speed and default rate assumptions that
market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and that can be validated against available market
data (see Note 7 Loan Servicing, for more information). These assumptions are inherently sensitive to change as these
unobservable inputs are not based on quoted prices in active markets or otherwise observable.
Derivative Instruments and Hedges: The valuation of these instruments is determined using the discounted cash flow
method on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives,
including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied
volatilities.
The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of
December 31, 2023 and 2022, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to
measure fair value:
December 31, 2023
Securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises obligations
U.S Government agency small business administration
pools guaranteed by the SBA
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by
the FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA
Residential mortgage-backed-securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated debt
Other assets:
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives
Other liabilities:
Derivatives
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(Dollars in thousands)
$
1,398
$
— $
1,398
$
15,583
2,474
38,221
54,692
492
8,994
339
90
848
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,583
2,474
38,221
54,692
492
8,994
—
90
848
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
339
—
—
86
December 31, 2022
Securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises obligations
U.S Government agency small business administration
pools guaranteed by the SBA
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by
the FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA
Residential mortgage-backed-securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate debt
Corporate subordinated debt
Other assets:
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(Dollars in thousands)
$
1,826
$
— $
1,826
$
8,359
6,222
21,823
62,416
497
4,957
357
961
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,359
6,222
21,823
62,416
497
4,957
—
961
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
357
—
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value
on a recurring basis were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of January 1, 2023
Included in net loss
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Total unrealized net gains (losses)
included in net income related to
assets still held as of December 31, 2023
Balance as of January 1, 2022
Included in net loss
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Total unrealized net gains (losses)
included in net income related to
assets still held as of December 31, 2022
Mortgage Servicing Rights (1)
357
(18)
339
—
322
35
357
—
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1) Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to mortgage servicing rights are reported as a component of loan servicing
fee income in the Company’s consolidated statements of loss.
For Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the significant
unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Valuation Technique
Discounted Cash Flow
(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Valuation Technique
Discounted Cash Flow
Description
Prepayment Rate
Discount Rate
Delinquency Rate
Default Rate
Description
Prepayment Rate
Discount Rate
Delinquency Rate
Default Rate
December 31, 2023
Range
5.35% - 20.53%
9.375% - 9.375%
2.08% - 2.60%
0.12% - 0.14%
December 31, 2022
Range
6.48% - 23.49%
9.50% - 9.50%
2.13% - 2.79%
0.14% - 0.20%
Fair Value
339
$
Fair Value
357
$
Weighted
Average (1)
6.85%
9.38%
2.17%
0.14%
Weighted
Average (1)
7.78%
9.50%
2.24%
0.15%
(1) Unobservable inputs for mortgage servicing rights were weighted by loan amount.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights are
the weighted-average prepayment rate, weighted-average discount rate, weighted average delinquency rate and weighted-
average default rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower
(higher) fair value measurement. Although the prepayment rate and the discount rate are not directly interrelated, they
generally move in opposite directions of each other.
87
The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by using a discounted cash flow model to calculate
the present value of estimated future net servicing income. Observable and unobservable inputs are entered into this model as
prescribed by an independent third party to arrive at an estimated fair value.
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the
instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain
circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-
recurring basis during the reported periods may include certain individually evaluated loans reported at the fair value of the
underlying collateral. Fair value is measured using appraised values of collateral and adjusted as necessary by management
based on unobservable inputs for specific properties. However, the choice of observable data is subject to significant
judgment, and there are often adjustments based on judgment in order to make observable data comparable and to consider
the impact of time, the condition of properties, interest rates and other market factors on current values. Additionally,
commercial real estate appraisals frequently involve discounting of projected cash flows, which relies inherently on
unobservable data. Therefore, real estate collateral related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally
been classified as Level 3.
Estimates of fair value used for other collateral supporting commercial loans generally are based on assumptions not
observable in the marketplace, and therefore, such valuations have been classified as Level 3. Financial assets measured at
fair value on a non-recurring basis during the reported periods also include loans held for sale. Residential mortgage loans
held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value and are therefore measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
The fair values for loans held for sale are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being
offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality and are included in Level 3. At December 31, 2023
and 2022, there were no assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities: The Company has no non-financial assets or non-financial
liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
generally include certain foreclosed assets which, upon initial recognition, were remeasured and reported at fair value
through a charge-off to the allowance for credit losses and certain foreclosed assets which, subsequent to their initial
recognition, are remeasured at fair value through a write-down included in other non-interest expense. There were no
foreclosed assets at December 31, 2023 or 2022.
ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial
liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a
recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial
liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are discussed above. ASU 2016-01 requires
public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure
purposes. The exit price notion is a market-based measurement of fair value that is represented by the price to sell an asset or
transfer a liability in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) on the
measurement date. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, fair values of loans are estimated on an exit price basis incorporating
discounts for credit, liquidity and marketability factors.
88
Summary of Fair Values of Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
The estimated fair values, and related carrying or notional amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments not carried
at fair value at December 31 are as follows:
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Bank-owned life insurance
Loans, net
Accrued interest receivable
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
Advances from Federal Reserve Bank
Mortgagors’ tax escrow
Accrued interest payable
December 31, 2022
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
Bank-owned life insurance
Loans, net
Accrued interest receivable
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
Mortgagors’ tax escrow
Accrued interest payable
$
— $
$
6,069
2,986
4,663
426,641
2,294
$ 404,798
73,007
20,000
640
380
$
6,069
2,986
4,663
376,772
2,294
$ 403,489
73,162
20,020
640
380
$
6,069
—
—
—
2,294
$
$ 313,503
—
—
—
380
2,986
4,663
—
—
89,986
73,162
20,020
640
—
$
$
$
8,250
747
3,502
4,561
398,924
1,988
$
8,250
747
3,502
4,561
361,402
1,988
8,250
—
—
—
—
1,988
$
— $
747
3,502
4,561
—
—
59,090
97,675
938
—
$ 382,363
99,397
938
95
$ 379,714
97,675
938
95
$ 320,624
—
—
95
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
376,772
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
361,402
—
21. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company
Financial information pertaining to First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. only is as follows:
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
Cash held at First Seacoast Bank
Investment in First Seacoast Bank
Loan to First Seacoast Bank ESOP
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
89
December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
20,396
41,984
4,196
41
66,618
—
—
9,346
37,925
2,025
41
49,337
—
—
66,618
66,618
$
49,337
49,337
$
$
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
Income:
Interest on ESOP loan
Expense:
Miscellaneous expense
Income before income tax expense and equity in
undistributed net loss of First Seacoast Bank
Income tax expense
Net income before equity in undistributed net
loss of First Seacoast Bank
Equity in undistributed net loss of
First Seacoast Bank
Net loss
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
309
$
—
309
—
309
(10,965)
(10,656) $
110
4
106
62
44
(609)
(565)
$
$
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Undistributed net loss of First Seacoast Bank
Deferred tax expense
Decrease in other assets
Decrease in other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital contribution to First Seacoast Bank
ESOP loan
Principal payments received on ESOP loan
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale of common stock, net
Return of capital from conversion of former First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC
Treasury stock purchases
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
Net change in cash
Cash at beginning of year
Cash at end of year
22.
Subsequent Events
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
(Dollars in thousands)
$
(10,656) $
(565)
10,965
—
—
—
309
(12,811)
(2,244)
78
(14,977)
25,622
100
(4)
25,718
11,050
9,346
20,396
$
$
609
60
2
(2)
104
—
—
80
80
—
—
(623)
(623)
(439)
9,785
9,346
On March 22, 2024, the Bank signed a letter of intent for the sale and leaseback of its five properties owned and
operated by the Bank, which consists of its main office and branch, a building annex used primarily by its FSB Wealth
Management division and three standalone branches. Each of the sold branches include an adjacent drive thru. All of the sold
properties include an adjacent parking lot. Subject to the results of its due diligence, the Bank intends to enter into a purchase
and sale agreement for these properties for an aggregate cash purchase price of $7.9 million. The Bank will concurrently
enter into absolute net lease agreements with the purchaser under which the Bank will lease each of the properties under an
initial term of 15 years. We will not close any branches or exit any markets as a result of the sale-leaseback transaction.
90
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Seacoast Bancorp and Subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of loss, comprehensive loss,
changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated
financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform,
an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
/s/ Baker Newman … Noyes LLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
Portland, Maine
March 29, 2024
91
ITEM 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
The information contained under the section "Business Items to be Voted on by Stockholders - Item 3 - Ratification of
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm; Disagreement with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Accounting and Financial Disclosure" in the
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including
the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a 15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the
Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures
were effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13(a) – 15(f). The Company’s internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
The Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in “Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013).” Based on such assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting is effective, based on those criteria.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm
regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that permits the Company to
provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of the Company’s directors or executive
officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities
that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of SEC Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading
arrangement “ (as such term is defined in Item 408 of SEC Regulation S-K).
92
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
93
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal
financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of
Ethics is available on the investor relations section of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc’s website at www.firstseacoastbank.com
under “Governance – Governance Documents.”
The information contained under the sections captioned “Business Items to be Voted on by Stockholders – Item 1
Election of Directors,” “Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers” and “Corporate Governance” in
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc.’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy
Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information contained under the section captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Directors Compensation” in
the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
(a)
Securities Authorized for issuance under Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The following information is presented for the First Seacoast Bancorp 2021 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31,
2023:
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by
stockholders
Equity compensation plans not approved by
stockholders
Total
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights (column a)
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (column
b)
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected
in column (a))
249,144
N/A
249,144
$
$
8.06
N/A
8.06
—
112,200
112,200
(b)
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership”
in the Proxy Statement.
(c)
Security Ownership of Management
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership”
in the Proxy Statement.
(d) Changes in Control
Management of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of
securities of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., the operation of which may at a later date result in a change in control of the
registrant.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Other
Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Transactions with Certain Related Persons” and “Corporate
Governance” of the Proxy Statement.
94
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Business Items to
be Voted on by Stockholders – Item 2 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of
the Proxy Statement.
95
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
Articles of Incorporation of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., initially filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on September 13, 2022)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
Current Report on Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on February 23, 2023)
Form of Common Stock Certificate of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., initially filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on September 13, 2022)
Description of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc’s Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023)
Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and James R. Brannen (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019, as amended) †
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and James R. Brannen (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., initially
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2022) †
Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Richard M. Donovan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019, as amended)†
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Richard M. Donovan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp,
Inc., initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2022) †
Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Timothy F. Dargan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2022) †
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Timothy F. Dargan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc., initially
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2022) †
Salary Continuation Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and James R. Brannen (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019, as amended) †
Directors Deferred Fee Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019, as
amended) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Mark P. Boulanger (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Michael J. Bolduc (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and James Jalbert (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
96
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
21
23
31.1
31.2
32.1
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Thomas J. Jean (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Erica A. Johnson (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Paula J. Reid (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Janet Sylvester (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp, initially filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Amended and Restated Director Fee Continuation Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Dana C. Lynch
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of First Seacoast Bancorp,
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2019) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Mark P.
Boulanger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Michael J.
Bolduc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and James Jalbert
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Thomas J. Jean
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Erica A. Johnson
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Second Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Dana C.
Lynch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Paula J. Reid
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Amendment to Supplemental Director Retirement Agreement between Federal Savings Bank and Janet Sylvester
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form 8-K of First Seacoast Bancorp, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2022) †
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Consent of Baker Newman … Noyes LLC
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97
32.2
97
101
Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. Clawback Policy
The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2023, formatted in Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents: (i)
Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Loss, (iii) Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data Files (embedded within Inline XBRL document)
† Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.
98
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: March 29, 2024
FIRST SEACOAST BANCORP, INC.
By:
/s/ James R. Brannen
James R. Brannen
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
Title
/s/ James R. Brannen
James R. Brannen
/s/ Richard M. Donovan
Richard M. Donovan
/s/ Janet Sylvester
Janet Sylvester
/s/ James Jalbert
James Jalbert
/s/ Dana C. Lynch
Dana C. Lynch
/s/ Michael J. Bolduc
Michael J. Bolduc
/s/ Mark P. Boulanger
Mark P. Boulanger
/s/ Thomas J. Jean
Thomas J. Jean
/s/ Erica A. Johnson
Erica A. Johnson
/s/ Paula J. Williamson-Reid
Paula J. Williamson-Reid
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Chair of the Board
Vice Chair of the Board
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Date
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024
99
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OFFICERS
James R. Brannen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Richard M. Donovan
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Timothy F. Dargan
Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer
Paul C. Nee
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer
John E. Swenson
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer
Jean Tremblay
Senior Vice President, Senior Retail Loan Officer
Sharon A. Zacharias
Senior Vice President, Human Resources Director
James C. McKenna
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Director
Katie Buote
Vice President,
Digital Banking & Process Improvement Manager
Coralie O’Brien
Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Cindy Ward
Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Cheryl Thompson
Vice President, Business Development Officer
G. Matthew Sweet
Vice President,
Senior Technology & Cybersecurity Officer
Janet Wyman
Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager
Sharla Rollins
Vice President, Branch Administrator
& Rochester Branch Manager
Barbara Graziano
Vice President, Internal Audit, Compliance & BSA Officer
Scott Locke
Assistant Vice President, IT Operations Manager
Tiffany Stackpole
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations Director
Kathleen Donovan
Vice President, Finance Officer
Leah R. Cox
Vice President, Risk & Credit Administration Officer
Stephanie Morneau
Vice President, Retail Loan Production Officer
Jennifer Fieldsend
Vice President, Loan Operations Manager
William Sawyer
Vice President, Special Assets Manager
Paul A. Bergeron
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
John Crisp
Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Lending Officer
Bonnie Roberts
Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Lending Officer
Andrew Mihachik
Assistant Vice President,
Senior Commercial Credit Analyst
Addison Vigars
Assistant Vice President, Financial Advisor
Amanda Gagne
Assistant Vice President, Dover Branch Manager
Gina DeNuzzio
Assistant Vice President, Barrington Branch Manager
Sharlee Daye
Assistant Vice President, Portsmouth Branch Manager
Cathi Temple
Assistant Vice President, Durham Branch Manager
Amy K. Hanna
Executive Assistant & Assistant Corporate Clerk
Janet Sylvester, Chair
James Jalbert, Vice Chair
Michael J. Bolduc
Mark Boulanger
James R. Brannen
Erica Johnson
Dana C. Lynch
Thomas J. Jean
Paula Williamson-Reid
Foster the relationships
we have built since
1890 while embracing
innovation to become
the leading community
financial institution in
the Seacoast region.
Dover 633 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820 603-742-4680
Durham 7A Mill Road, Durham, NH 03824 603-868-1111
Barrington 6 Eastern Avenue, Barrington, NH 03825 603-664-9327
Portsmouth 1650 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-431-2212
Rochester 17 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867 603-332-3740
firstseacoastbank.com